As NFL teams race to meet the 4 p.m. ET deadline for roster cuts, nearly 1,200 players will find themselves out of a job by the end of today. With rosters shrinking from 90 players to 53, teams are making tough decisions, and several notable names have already been released.
Notable Releases and Trades
Among the biggest surprises, the Packers have let go of their kicker Anders Carlson, and the Patriots have released quarterback Bailey Zappe. Other notable releasees 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).
The cut list isn't the only interesting movement today. The Packers have traded quarterback Malik Willis to the Titans in exchange for a 2025 seventh-round pick. Meanwhile, the Chiefs have sent linebacker Cam Thomas to the Cardinals for a similar compensation.
Future Speculations and Trade Targets
Rumors are swirling around other potential moves. Broncos WR Tim Patrick and RB Samaje Perine are being scrutinized as candidates for either a trade or release. The Texans' RB Dameon Pierce has been suggested as a potential target for the Browns. Additionally, Chiefs WR Skyy Moore might soon find a new home with the Commanders, while Patriots DB Jonathan Jones has caught the eye of the Cowboys.
Significant Contract Extensions
In a significant move, the Dallas Cowboys have extended WR CeeDee Lamb's contract with a four-year, $136 million extension, including a $38 million signing bonus. This hefty investment confirms Lamb's essential role in the Cowboys' offensive strategy. The Cowboys now shift their focus towards securing new contracts for key players like Dak Prescott and Micah Parsons.
The Cowboys' timing on Lamb's deal is worth noting. They could have saved nearly $10 million if the extension had been finalized earlier in the offseason, a decision that underscores the complexities and timing intricacies in NFL contract negotiations.
Coaches Under Scrutiny
As the new season looms, several coaches find themselves under immense pressure. Jets coach Robert Saleh's record stands at 18-33 over three seasons. According to Jordan Dajani, "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."
Similarly, Bills coach Sean McDermott faces significant expectations. His team has only reached the AFC Championship once. Dajani opines, "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."
Injury Reports
Injury updates continue to impact team strategies. The Minnesota Vikings will be without T.J. Hockenson for at least the first four games due to his placement on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. Uchenna Nwosu will miss two to six weeks as he recovers from a knee injury.
Business and Team Developments
On the business front, the Kelce brothers have struck a deal valued at over $100 million for the full rights to their "New Heights" podcast. This venture highlights the expanding opportunities for NFL stars beyond the playing field.
In a significant infrastructure update, the Washington Commanders' stadium has been renamed to Northwest Stadium, reflecting possibly new sponsorship or branding strategies.
Furthermore, the NFL owners are anticipated to vote in Minneapolis on whether to allow private equity in team ownership, a decision that could have long-lasting implications for the league's financial landscape.
As deadlines hit and decisions are made, the NFL landscape is poised for another season filled with excitement, high stakes, and potential surprises.