The final week before the highly anticipated 2024 NFL season finds teams around the league making crucial roster adjustments. As organizations trim their rosters from as many as 90 players to the mandated 53, notable trades, waivers, and releases have taken the spotlight.
Key Trades and Acquisitions
The Dallas Cowboys made headlines on Tuesday by sending tight end Peyton Hendershot to the Kansas City Chiefs. In return, the Cowboys received a conditional late-round draft pick. Hendershot is expected to vie for a backup role behind the Chiefs' star tight end, Travis Kelce. This move could bolster Kansas City's depth at the position and offer a versatile option in their offensive schemes.
Another significant trade saw the Arizona Cardinals sending linebacker Cameron Thomas to the Chiefs for a seventh-round pick. Thomas, who was a third-round selection in the 2022 draft, is poised to add strength to Kansas City's defensive lineup, potentially increasing their effectiveness in stopping runs and pressuring quarterbacks.
In a move involving both current and future picks, the Cardinals also traded linebacker Ernest Jones to the Tennessee Titans. The Cardinals included a 2026 sixth-round pick in exchange for a 2025 fifth-round pick. Jones, a central figure as a starting inside linebacker and team captain for Arizona, will now bring his leadership and skills to Tennessee's defense.
Shuffling Quarterbacks and Defensive Linemen
The Tennessee Titans were active in the quarterback market, trading Malik Willis to the Green Bay Packers. The deal, which also included a seventh-round pick, positions Willis as the backup to Jordan Love. This trade prompted the Packers to release fellow 2022 draft pick Sean Clifford, highlighting their confidence in Willis as a solid second-string quarterback.
The Jacksonville Jaguars found a trading partner in the Seattle Seahawks, sending defensive lineman Trevis Gipson their way for a 2025 sixth-round pick. This trade comes at a crucial time for the Seahawks, who are dealing with the absence of edge rusher Uchenna Nwosu due to a sprained MCL. Gipson's addition will be pivotal for maintaining defensive pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
Meanwhile, the Cleveland Browns and Chicago Bears struck a deal involving defensive lineman Chris Williams. Williams was sent to the Bears along with a seventh-round pick in exchange for a sixth-round pick. After spending last season on the practice squad, Williams now has the opportunity to prove himself on Chicago’s defensive line.
Further Defensive Adjustments
In another move to bolster their roster, the Seattle Seahawks traded Darrell Taylor to the Chicago Bears for a 2025 sixth-round pick. Taylor, known for his versatility and agility on the field, will be a valuable asset to the Bears' defensive front.
The New York Jets made a strategic move as well, trading defensive back and return specialist Brandon Codrington to the Buffalo Bills. In exchange, the Jets received a swap of late-round picks in 2026. Codrington's special teams prowess and defensive skills will be a welcome addition to Buffalo’s squad.
As teams continue to finalize their rosters, the flurry of trades and player movements underscores the dynamic nature of the NFL. Each decision, whether it involves acquiring new talent or letting go of familiar faces, reflects strategic considerations aimed at building the most competitive teams possible for the upcoming season. With the final rosters taking shape, fans eagerly await the kickoff, confident that their favorite teams are making all the right moves.