As the NFL gears up for the start of a new season, teams have undergone the rigorous process of trimming their rosters from 90 players to the mandated 53. This annual exercise in roster management is crucial as franchises aim to field their most competitive lineups for Week 1. Though it’s a time filled with hope for some, it also brings disappointment to many players who find themselves without a spot on the team.
The Arizona Cardinals made headlines by acquiring quarterback Desmond Ridder in a player-for-player swap with wide receiver Rondale Moore. Ridder, who previously started 13 games for the Atlanta Falcons, finished last season with a 6-7 record. He was in the running for the backup quarterback position behind Kyler Murray, only to lose out to Clayton Tune.
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Rams have also bolstered their quarterback depth. Matthew Stafford retains his starting role, and the team signed Jimmy Garoppolo during the offseason as his backup. However, Garoppolo is set to miss the first two games due to a suspension, and in his absence, Stetson Bennett will step in to cover backup duties.
The New England Patriots have seen encouraging development from their fourth-round draft pick, Bailey Zappe. After starting eight games, including the final six of the last campaign, Zappe concluded with an even 4-4 record in 2023. In contrast, Easton Stick, who started four games last season, finished winless. Despite the 0-4 record, Stick posted a respectable 85.6 passer rating.
The Kansas City Chiefs have a gem in wide receiver Kadarius Toney, who was traded to the team in October 2022. Toney already boasts two Super Bowl rings, adding significant value to the Chiefs' offense. In another notable wide receiver move, Jahan Dotson transitioned from the Washington Commanders to the Philadelphia Eagles. Dotson's presence is expected to add depth and skill to the Eagles' receiving corps.
Marquise Brown has been a consistent performer, achieving back-to-back seasons with at least 550 receiving yards. His 2023 season featured standout games, including a Week 9 performance where he caught all six targets for 153 yards and a touchdown, followed by another impressive game where he recorded seven catches for 172 yards.
Another notable receiver, Samaje Perine, demonstrated reliable hands last season by catching 50 out of his 56 targets, amassing 455 yards. The Tennessee Titans have been busy in the offseason, acquiring cornerbacks L'Jarius Sneed and Chidobe Awuzie to bolster their defense. Caleb Farley, though, has had a challenging career, missing the entire 2023 season due to a back injury after enduring two ACL tears during his collegiate days.
For the Minnesota Vikings, the development of Lewis Cine remains a focal point. The first-round pick from the 2022 NFL Draft had his rookie season cut short by a compound fracture in his left leg, limiting him to just seven games. The Vikings are hopeful that Cine can return to form and contribute significantly to their defense.
The Carolina Panthers’ Terrance Marshall, a second-round pick in 2021, had a solid 2022 season with 28 receptions for 490 yards and a touchdown. Similarly, Isaiah Spiller, drafted by the Chargers in the fourth round of the 2022 draft, showed flashes of potential by playing in 15 games. Spiller recorded 55 rushes for 137 yards and caught all nine targets thrown his way for 47 yards.
Tom Telesco, the general manager of the Las Vegas Raiders, has his work cut out for him as he seeks to navigate a highly competitive AFC West. On the flip side, the Pittsburgh Steelers have found a leader for their receiving corps in George Pickens, who is expected to make significant contributions this season.
Tim Patrick of the Denver Broncos remains another player to watch, having had productive seasons in 2020 and 2021 where he recorded at least 50 catches for 700 yards and five touchdowns each season.
As the NFL season approaches, these player movements and strategic roster decisions will undoubtedly shape the narratives of the coming weeks. Each team’s calculated risks and key acquisitions will be put to the test on the field, where the true impact of these moves will be revealed.