As the countdown to the highly anticipated 2024 NFL season nears its end, teams across the league are making decisive moves to finalize their rosters. With the mandate to trim down from 90 players to a lean 53, the last week before the kickoff is a whirlwind of trades, waivers, and releases. This week has already seen a series of significant transactions that could shape the dynamics of the upcoming season.
Notable Trades and Waivers
The Dallas Cowboys made headlines by trading tight end Peyton Hendershot to the Kansas City Chiefs. In exchange, the Cowboys receive a conditional late-round draft pick. Hendershot is expected to compete for a backup role behind the Chiefs' star tight end Travis Kelce, adding depth to Kansas City's formidable offensive setup.
Meanwhile, the Arizona Cardinals were active, trading linebacker Cameron Thomas to the Chiefs for a seventh-round pick. Thomas, a third-round pick from the 2022 draft, will be looking to make his mark in Kansas City. In another move, the Cardinals traded linebacker Ernest Jones to the Tennessee Titans. As part of this transaction, the Rams included a 2026 sixth-round pick in return for a 2025 fifth-round pick. Jones, known for his role as a starting inside linebacker and team captain, brings both experience and leadership to the Titans.
Quarterback Moves
The quarterback carousel continues with the Tennessee Titans trading Malik Willis to the Green Bay Packers. This deal also included a seventh-round pick. Willis is set to serve as the backup to Jordan Love, positioning himself as a key figure in the Packers' backup quarterback scenario. Concurrently, the Packers released fellow 2022 draft pick Sean Clifford, signaling a clear shift in their roster strategy.
Defensive Adjustments
The Jacksonville Jaguars traded defensive lineman Trevis Gipson to the Seattle Seahawks for a 2025 sixth-round pick. This move comes as edge rusher Uchenna Nwosu is currently sidelined with a sprained MCL, creating a need for depth in Seattle's defensive line. Similarly, the Cleveland Browns traded defensive lineman Chris Williams to the Chicago Bears. As part of this deal, the Browns sent Williams and a seventh-round pick to Chicago in exchange for a sixth-round pick. Williams spent the last season on the practice squad, and trading him marks a strategic move by Cleveland as they fine-tune their lineup.
In another transaction, the Seattle Seahawks traded Darrell Taylor to the Chicago Bears for a 2025 sixth-round pick. This exchange forms part of a broader series of moves aimed at strengthening the Bears' defensive front.
Special Teams Adjustments
The New York Jets traded 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 skills as a return specialist could prove invaluable for the Bills, providing them with added versatility and depth in special teams.
As teams make these final adjustments, the shape of the 2024 NFL season is coming into clearer focus. The flurry of trades, waivers, and releases not only reflects the strategic considerations of each franchise but also underscores the high stakes and intense preparations characteristic of the NFL. Fans and analysts alike will be keenly watching how these moves translate into on-field performance come kickoff.