As the NFL gears up for the new season, every team has undergone the critical process of trimming their offseason rosters from 90 players down to the mandatory 53. This annual reduction is a key component in shaping teams for Week 1 and inevitably leads to disappointment for many players who fail to make the cut.
The Arizona Cardinals made waves by acquiring quarterback Ridder in a player-for-player trade with wide receiver Rondale Moore. Ridder competed fiercely for the backup quarterback position behind Kyler Murray but ultimately lost out to Clayton Tune. Ridder, who had a notable previous season with the Atlanta Falcons, started 13 games and achieved a 6-7 record.
Los Angeles Rams: Quarterback Situation
The Los Angeles Rams have solidified their quarterback lineup with Matthew Stafford secured as their starter. In a significant offseason move, the Rams signed Jimmy Garoppolo to cover the backup role. However, Garoppolo will miss the first two games of the season due to suspension, leaving Stetson Bennett to handle backup duties during his absence.
New England Patriots and Kansas City Chiefs
Bailey Zappe, a fourth-round draft pick by the New England Patriots in 2022, left a mark last season by starting eight games, including the final six of the 2023 campaign. Zappe ended the season with a balanced 4-4 record. On the other hand, Easton Stick struggled last season, finishing with an 85.6 passer rating and an 0-4 record in his four starts.
Kansas City Chiefs' wide receiver Toney, who was traded to the team in October 2022, now boasts two Super Bowl rings, underscoring his value to the team.
Notable Offseason Moves
The Washington Commanders' Jahan Dotson made a notable transition to the Philadelphia Eagles. Similarly, Brown demonstrated consistent performance with back-to-back seasons exceeding 550 receiving yards. His standout moments in 2023 included a Week 9 game where he caught all six targets for 153 yards and a touchdown, and the following week with a seven-catch, 172-yard performance.
Elsewhere, Perine pulled in 50 of his 56 targets, amassing 455 yards last season—an impressive feat that showcases his reliability as a receiver.
Overcoming Adversity
Caleb Farley faced significant challenges, including two ACL tears during his collegiate career and missing the entire 2023 season due to a back injury. Despite these setbacks, his return to the field is highly anticipated. The Tennessee Titans bolstered their defense by adding L'Jarius Sneed and Chidobe Awuzie during the offseason.
Lewis Cine, the Minnesota Vikings' first-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, also faced adversity with a compound fracture in his left leg cutting short his rookie season to just seven games.
Terrace Marshall, a second-round selection by the Carolina Panthers in the 2021 draft, had a respectable 2022 season with 28 receptions for 490 yards and a touchdown. In comparison, Spiller, a fourth-round draft pick by the Chargers in 2022, displayed versatility by rushing 55 times for 137 yards and catching all nine of his targets for 47 yards across 15 games.
Las Vegas Raiders
Tom Telesco, the general manager for the Las Vegas Raiders, continues to focus on assembling a competitive roster. Patrick's productive seasons in 2020 and 2021, where he recorded at least 50 catches for 700 yards and five touchdowns each season, highlight the kind of talent Telesco seeks to bring to the team.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Meanwhile, George Pickens has emerged as a leading figure among the Pittsburgh Steelers' receiving corps, showcasing his skills and potential to be a top performer in the league.
As the NFL transitions from the offseason to the highly anticipated Week 1, these roster changes and player movements set the stage for another exciting football season. Each franchise has made strategic decisions aimed at strengthening their squads, and the outcomes of these moves will soon unfold on the field.