As the 2024 NFL season approaches, all 32 teams are making pivotal decisions to mold their final rosters. In these decisive moments, many quarterbacks, including those with promising college careers and brief professional stints, are finding themselves among the list of cutdown casualties. The roster dynamics are ever-changing, even after the initial reduction to 53 players, making this period particularly turbulent for some notable quarterbacks.
Detroit Lions' Major Roster Moves
The Detroit Lions made headlines with the release of a quarterback who is a former Indiana product, standing tall at 6-6 and weighing 230 pounds. This player had significant learning experiences under the tutelage of coaches Doug Pederson and Kyle Shanahan during his time with the Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers. Despite these opportunities, he had a meager total of 14 passes thrown over the past six seasons. The Lions opted to secure Hendon Hooker as the backup to starting quarterback Jared Goff, leading to the end of this quarterback's journey with the team.
Chicago Bears' Difficult Decisions
Similarly, the Chicago Bears released Brett Rypien, a quarterback who had a solid preseason debut, showcasing remarkable downfield chemistry with wide receiver Collin Johnson. However, Tyson Bagent's performance outshined Rypien, earning him the backup spot behind Caleb Williams. Rypien started his NFL career with the Denver Broncos, compiling a commendable 2-1 record as a starter during his tenure there. Despite his potential, the Bears decided to make a tough roster call, ending his stint with the team.
Arizona Cardinals' Quarterback Shuffle
The Arizona Cardinals also made significant changes, releasing Desmond Ridder. Acquired in a player-for-player trade earlier in the offseason, Ridder was originally a third-round pick of the Atlanta Falcons in 2022. Despite this investment, Ridder couldn't secure the backup job, which instead went to Clayton Tune behind the team's star quarterback, Kyler Murray. The release of Ridder marks another significant shift in the Cardinals' roster planning as they prepare for the upcoming season.
New England Patriots' Roster Adjustments
The New England Patriots waived Bailey Zappe, a quarterback drafted in the fourth round in 2022. Over his first two years, Zappe recorded an even 4-4 record as a replacement starter, tallying 11 touchdowns against 12 interceptions. The Patriots, with quarterbacks Jacoby Brissett, Drake Maye, and Joe Milton III already on their roster, decided to part ways with Zappe, ensuring their quarterback lineup remains competitive yet balanced.
CJ Beathard's Journey with the Jaguars
In Jacksonville, CJ Beathard's tenure with the Jaguars concluded with an injury settlement. Originally a third-round pick by the San Francisco 49ers back in 2017, Beathard had a brief but notable stint with six touchdowns and no interceptions during the 2022 season. With only one start in his three years with the Jaguars, the team chose to move forward without him after acquiring Mac Jones via trade. This change reflects the Jaguars' ongoing effort to stabilize and improve their quarterback position through strategic acquisitions.
As teams continue to refine their rosters in the lead-up to the 2024 NFL season, these quarterback changes underscore the competitive and unpredictable nature of professional football. Each decision, whether a release or a backup spot award, plays a part in shaping the future dynamics of the team. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how these roster moves impact the teams' performances on the field.