The final preparations for the 2024 NFL season are underway as teams across the league finalize their rosters, making critical decisions in the week leading up to the kickoff. Teams have the challenging task of trimming their rosters from a pool of up to 90 players down to the mandated 53, leading to significant trades, waivers, and player releases.
Significant Trades and Acquisitions
Tuesday was a particularly busy day for NFL front offices. The Dallas Cowboys traded tight end Peyton Hendershot to the Kansas City Chiefs, acquiring a conditional late-round draft pick in return. Hendershot is expected to compete for a backup spot behind the Chiefs' star tight end, Travis Kelce.
In another move for the Chiefs, they secured linebacker Cameron Thomas from the Arizona Cardinals. Thomas, a third-round pick from the 2022 draft, was exchanged for a seventh-round pick. This acquisition bolsters the Chiefs' linebacker depth as they look to solidify their defense for the upcoming season.
The Arizona Cardinals were also involved in another trade, sending linebacker Ernest Jones to the Tennessee Titans. This deal saw the teams swap upcoming late-round picks, with the Rams sending a 2026 sixth-rounder in return for the Titans' 2025 fifth-round pick. Jones, recognized for his role as a starting inside linebacker and his leadership as a team captain, brings valuable experience to Tennessee's defense.
Quarterback Moves
Changes in the quarterback lineup were notable this week as well. The Tennessee Titans traded Malik Willis to the Green Bay Packers in a deal that included a seventh-round pick. Willis is poised to serve as the backup to Jordan Love. Subsequently, the Packers released 2022 draft pick Sean Clifford, further indicating their confidence in their current quarterback depth chart.
Defensive Adjustments
The trading frenzy continued with the Jacksonville Jaguars sending defensive lineman Trevis Gipson to the Seattle Seahawks. In exchange, the Jaguars received a 2025 sixth-round pick. The Seahawks, dealing with the absence of edge rusher Uchenna Nwosu due to a sprained MCL, hope Gipson can fill the gap and make an impact on their defensive line.
The Cleveland Browns and Chicago Bears engaged in a trade involving defensive lineman Chris Williams. The Browns sent Williams and a seventh-round pick to Chicago for a sixth-round pick. Williams had spent the previous season on the Browns' practice squad, and now he gets a new opportunity to prove his worth in Chicago.
In efforts to strengthen their defense, the Seattle Seahawks traded Darrell Taylor to the Chicago Bears for a 2025 sixth-round pick. The Seahawks continue to tweak their roster, looking for the right mix to enhance their competitive edge for the season.
Special Teams Adjustments
The New York Jets contributed to the flurry of transactions by trading defensive back and return specialist Brandon Codrington to the Buffalo Bills. In return, the Jets received a swap of late-round picks in 2026. Codrington’s special teams skills are expected to add depth and versatility to the Bills’ lineup.
These moves reflect the relentless and strategic nature of NFL front offices as they strive to build the most competitive rosters possible. As teams complete these final roster adjustments, all eyes now turn to the 2024 season kickoff, where these trades will be put to the test on the field.