As the excitement for the 2024 NFL season reaches its peak, the final week before kickoff has been a whirlwind of roster changes and strategic moves. Teams have been busy trimming their squads from as many as 90 players down to the mandated 53, resulting in prominent trades, waivers, and releases that have reshaped rosters across the league.
Key Trades Shake Up NFL Rosters
One of the more noteworthy moves saw the Dallas Cowboys send tight end Peyton Hendershot to the Kansas City Chiefs in exchange for a conditional late-round draft pick. Hendershot, who has shown flashes of potential, is expected to compete for a backup role behind the ever-reliable Travis Kelce. This trade could bolster the Chiefs' depth at the tight end position, a crucial component in their offensive strategy.
Meanwhile, the Arizona Cardinals were also active in the trade market, dealing linebacker Cameron Thomas to the Kansas City Chiefs for a seventh-round pick. Thomas, a third-round pick from the 2022 draft, will look to carve out a role in Kansas City's defensive rotation.
The Cardinals didn't stop there; they also traded linebacker Ernest Jones to the Tennessee Titans. In this deal, the Rams included a 2026 sixth-round pick and received a 2025 fifth-round pick in return. Jones, who has been a key player as a starting inside linebacker and team captain, will now bring his leadership and defensive prowess to Tennessee.
Titans Restructure Quarterback Depth
In a move that highlights the fluid nature of team rosters during this period, the Tennessee Titans traded quarterback Malik Willis to the Green Bay Packers. The deal, which involved a seventh-round pick, positions Willis as the backup to Jordan Love. The Packers, in turn, released fellow 2022 draft pick Sean Clifford, signaling a shift in their quarterback strategy heading into the new season.
Jaguars and Seahawks Deal Strengthens Defense
The Jacksonville Jaguars and Seattle Seahawks were also active participants in this trade frenzy. The Jaguars traded defensive lineman Trevis Gipson to the Seahawks for a 2025 sixth-round pick. Gipson's addition to Seattle's roster comes at a critical time, with edge rusher Uchenna Nwosu currently sidelined due to a sprained MCL. Gipson's presence could provide a timely boost to the Seahawks' pass rush.
Intriguing Moves by the Browns and Bears
The Cleveland Browns traded defensive lineman Chris Williams to the Chicago Bears. Williams, who spent last season on the practice squad, was sent along with a seventh-round pick in exchange for a sixth-round pick. This trade offers Williams a chance to prove himself on a new stage with the Bears.
Adding to the Bears' roster changes, the Seattle Seahawks traded Darrell Taylor to Chicago for a 2025 sixth-round pick. Taylor's versatility as a defender will be a valuable asset for the Bears as they look to strengthen their defensive unit.
Special Teams Enhancement for the Bills
The New York Jets and Buffalo Bills engaged in a trade that saw defensive back and return specialist Brandon Codrington move to Buffalo. In exchange, the Jets received a swap of late-round picks in 2026. Codrington's prowess as a return specialist could be a game-changer for the Bills’ special teams, adding a dynamic element to their roster.
As teams finalize their lineups ahead of the season opener, these strategic trades highlight the ever-evolving landscape of the NFL. Each move is a calculated effort to improve overall team performance, add depth in critical positions, and ultimately, enhance the chances of success in the highly competitive league. With these roster adjustments now in place, fans eagerly await the kickoff of what promises to be another thrilling NFL season.