As the anticipation for the 2024 NFL season builds, the final week before kickoff is a frenzied period of critical roster adjustments. Teams are tasked with trimming their rosters from as many as 90 players down to the mandated 53, executing strategic trades, waivers, and releases to fine-tune their squads.
Dallas Cowboys Make Key Trade
In a notable move, the Dallas Cowboys sent tight end Peyton Hendershot to the Kansas City Chiefs in exchange for a conditional late-round draft pick. Hendershot is expected to compete for a backup role behind the star tight end Travis Kelce, adding depth to an already formidable Chiefs offense.
Cardinals Shake Up Roster
The Arizona Cardinals were equally active, trading linebacker Cameron Thomas to the Kansas City Chiefs for a seventh-round pick. Thomas, who was a third-round pick in the 2022 draft, will look to make an impact on the Chiefs defensive lineup. Meanwhile, the Cardinals also parted ways with linebacker Ernest Jones, sending him to the Tennessee Titans. The deal included a 2026 sixth-round pick in exchange for a 2025 fifth-round pick. Jones has been a key figure as a starting inside linebacker and team captain, and his leadership will be a valued addition to the Titans.
Titans' Quarterback Adjustment
The Tennessee Titans themselves made headlines by trading quarterback Malik Willis to the Green Bay Packers. The deal also involved a seventh-round pick. Willis is expected to serve as the backup to Jordan Love. In a corresponding move, the Packers released fellow 2022 draft pick Sean Clifford, indicating their commitment to Willis as the prime backup quarterback.
Seahawks Strengthen Defensive Line
The Jacksonville Jaguars contributed to the roster shuffle by trading defensive lineman Trevis Gipson to the Seattle Seahawks for a 2025 sixth-round pick. This move is particularly significant given the absence of edge rusher Uchenna Nwosu due to a sprained MCL. Gipson’s addition will aim to fill that critical gap on the Seahawks' defensive front.
Cleveland Browns Make Strategic Move
In a trade involving the Cleveland Browns, defensive lineman Chris Williams was sent to the Chicago Bears. Williams, along with a seventh-round pick, went to the Bears in exchange for a sixth-round pick. Williams spent last season on the practice squad, and this move could represent an opportunity for him to break into a more prominent role.
Final Trades Roundup
Lastly, the Seattle Seahawks traded Darrell Taylor to the Chicago Bears for a 2025 sixth-round pick. The New York Jets also made a significant move, 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, indicating a long-term strategic thinking in their roster management.
These final-week roster changes underscore the high stakes and calculated decisions that teams must navigate as they prepare for the upcoming season. Each trade, waiver, and release reflects a broader strategy aimed at achieving the ultimate goal: a successful, competitive 2024 NFL season.