Quarterback Carousel: Notable Cuts as NFL Teams Finalize Rosters
As the 2024 NFL season approaches, all 32 teams are in the process of finalizing their rosters, which involves making difficult decisions on last-minute cuts and trades. Among those released, several quarterbacks have emerged as notable casualties, including some early-round draft picks and seasoned players.
Detroit Lions Make Tough Cuts
The Detroit Lions made headlines by releasing a former Indiana product, a towering 6-6 and 230 pounds, who studied under renowned coaches Doug Pederson and Kyle Shanahan during his stints with the Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers. Despite his impressive size and pedigree, his impact on the field was minimal, with only 14 passes thrown over the past six seasons. The Lions decided to secure Hendon Hooker as the backup to Jared Goff, marking the end of this quarterback’s journey with the team.
Chicago Bears Part Ways with Brett Rypien
The Chicago Bears also made significant moves, releasing Brett Rypien. Rypien had a solid preseason debut, showcasing strong downfield chemistry with wideout Collin Johnson. However, it wasn’t enough to secure the backup spot, as Tyson Bagent outshined Rypien in the competition to stand behind starting quarterback Caleb Williams. Rypien, who began his NFL journey with the Denver Broncos and compiled a 2-1 record as a starter, now finds himself searching for a new team.
Desmond Ridder Released by the Cardinals
Another notable release came from the Arizona Cardinals, who parted ways with Desmond Ridder. Acquired in a player-for-player trade earlier this offseason, Ridder's time with the Cardinals was brief. Originally a third-round pick of the Atlanta Falcons in 2022, Ridder lost the backup job to Clayton Tune, who will now serve as the understudy to Kyler Murray.
Bailey Zappe Waived by Patriots
Over in New England, the Patriots waived Bailey Zappe, a fourth-round draft pick in 2022. Zappe had an even 4-4 record as a replacement starter, registering 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions over his first two years. With the Patriots now having quarterbacks Jacoby Brissett, Drake Maye, and Joe Milton III on their roster, Zappe’s release signals a shift towards a new quarterbacking strategy for the team.
Injury Settlement for CJ Beathard
The Jacksonville Jaguars also made significant changes, with CJ Beathard’s tenure ending through an injury settlement. Beathard, who was initially a third-round pick by the San Francisco 49ers in 2017, filled in admirably during the 2022 season, throwing six touchdowns and zero interceptions. Despite this, he only made one start during his three years in Jacksonville. The Jaguars’ decision to acquire Mac Jones via trade marked the end of Beathard's stint with the team.
These roster moves reflect the perpetual state of flux in the NFL, particularly as teams rush to finalize their line-ups for the impending 2024 season. High-stakes decisions on which quarterbacks to retain or release underscore the relentless competitiveness and ever-evolving strategies within professional football.
As teams strive to strike a balance between seasoned veterans and promising newcomers, the ultimate goal remains the same: building a roster capable of contending for the championship. The journey for some quarterbacks may have ended with these cuts, but the ever-turning carousel of the NFL ensures new opportunities are just around the corner.