As the NFL deadline for roster cuts looms at 4 p.m. ET, nearly 1,200 players face the harsh reality of job insecurity. Teams are required to trim their rosters from 90 down to 53, leading to a flurry of activity and several high-profile releases and trades.
Notable Releases and Trades
Among the notable players released are Packers kicker Anders Carlson and Patriots quarterback Bailey Zappe. Other significant releases include quarterbacks Will Grier (Eagles) and Ben DiNucci (Bills), running backs Matt Breida (49ers), Phillip Dorsett (Broncos), and Myles Gaskin (Vikings), wide receiver Allen Robinson (Giants), cornerbacks C.J. Henderson (Texans) and Tre Flowers (Jaguars), safeties Terrell Edmunds (Jaguars) and Kareem Jackson (Bills), and kicker Matthew Wright (Steelers).
In terms of trades, the Packers have sent quarterback Malik Willis to the Titans in exchange for a 2025 seventh-round pick. Similarly, the Chiefs traded linebacker Cam Thomas to the Cardinals for a 2025 seventh-round pick. Speculation continues around the futures of Broncos wide receiver Tim Patrick and running back Samaje Perine, either of whom could be traded or released.
Teams' Prospective Moves
Several potential player moves are being discussed within league circles. Texans running back Dameon Pierce has been suggested as a target for the Browns, while Chiefs wide receiver Skyy Moore is rumored to be on the radar of the Commanders. Patriots defensive back Jonathan Jones is reportedly intriguing to the Cowboys.
Contract Extensions and Financial Implications
In a significant move, the Dallas Cowboys have extended wide receiver CeeDee Lamb’s contract, securing him with a four-year, $136 million extension that includes a $38 million signing bonus. This substantial commitment shifts the Cowboys' focus towards locking in new contracts for quarterback Dak Prescott and defensive end Micah Parsons. Financial analysts within the league noted that the Cowboys could have saved nearly $10 million if Lamb's deal was completed earlier in the offseason.
Coaches Under Pressure
Jets coach Robert Saleh, now in his third season, holds an 18-33 record. The Jets recently made a significant investment in Aaron Rodgers, hoping to turn around their fortunes. However, Jordan Dajani raises a pertinent question: "Imagine if this Aaron Rodgers investment does not work out. Saleh is 18-33 as head coach of the New York Jets in his three seasons, and while he's built one of the best defenses in the entire NFL, he's handled the offensive side of things poorly." The weight of expectations on Saleh’s shoulders has never been heavier.
In Buffalo, the pressure mounts for Bills coach Sean McDermott. “We view McDermott's Buffalo Bills as perennial contenders due to the talented Josh Allen, but they've made the AFC Championship just once, and have now ditched a ton of their talent from last year. What if the Bills disappoint this year in what could be a very, very competitive AFC East? It feels like they could take a step backwards. McDermott is under pressure in 2024,” Dajani notes. A less-than-stellar performance this season could significantly impact McDermott’s tenure.
Player Injuries
Not all moves are strategy-driven; some are necessitated by injuries. Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson is on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list and will miss at least the first four games of the season. Meanwhile, Seahawks linebacker Uchenna Nwosu will be sidelined for two to six weeks due to a knee injury.
Off-field Ventures and Business Decisions
Off the field, the Kelce brothers have successfully negotiated a deal worth at least $100 million for the full rights to their New Heights podcast. This venture highlights the diversifying income streams of modern NFL players.
League Developments
Looking at the league’s broader business landscape, there’s an anticipated vote by NFL owners in Minneapolis on the potential of allowing private equity in team ownership. Such a move could have far-reaching implications for the league’s financial structure.
In another significant change, the Commanders' stadium has been renamed to Northwest Stadium. While it seems like a minor detail, stadium naming rights often come with substantial financial impacts for the teams involved.
As the NFL continues to evolve both on and off the field, the decisions made today will echo throughout the season and potentially reshape franchises for years to come.