Final Countdown to the 2024 NFL Season: Key Roster Moves and Trades
As the clock ticks down to the start of the 2024 NFL season, the final week before kickoff has seen teams making pivotal adjustments to their rosters. With the league-mandated requirement of trimming down from up to 90 players to just 53, significant trades, waivers, and releases have been executed in anticipation of the new season.
Cowboys and Chiefs Shake Up Tight End Roster
Among the notable transactions, the Dallas Cowboys have traded tight end Peyton Hendershot to the Kansas City Chiefs. In exchange, the Cowboys will receive a conditional late-round draft pick. Hendershot, who will be vying for a backup role behind superstar Travis Kelce, represents a strategic acquisition aimed at bolstering the Chiefs' depth at tight end.
Cardinals and Chiefs Swap Linebackers
Further bolstering their roster, the Kansas City Chiefs also acquired linebacker Cameron Thomas from the Arizona Cardinals in exchange for a seventh-round pick. Thomas, originally a third-round pick in the 2022 draft, brings potential and youthful energy to the Chiefs' defensive unit.
Cardinals and Titans Trade High-Impact Players
The Arizona Cardinals continued to be active in the trade market by dealing linebacker Ernest Jones to the Tennessee Titans. This trade included the Cardinals sending a 2026 sixth-round pick in exchange for a 2025 fifth-round pick. Jones, a cornerstone for the Cardinals' defense as a starting inside linebacker and team captain, is expected to make an immediate impact in Tennessee.
Titans Send Malik Willis to Packers
The Tennessee Titans made headlines by trading quarterback Malik Willis to the Green Bay Packers. The transaction, which also involved a seventh-round pick, positions Willis as the backup to Jordan Love. This move coincided with the Packers’ decision to release fellow 2022 draft pick Sean Clifford, signaling a shift in their quarterback lineup.
Jaguars and Seahawks Strengthen Defensive Lines
The Jacksonville Jaguars have made a strategic decision by sending defensive lineman Trevis Gipson to the Seattle Seahawks in return for a 2025 sixth-round pick. This trade comes at a critical time for the Seahawks, who are dealing with the temporary loss of edge rusher Uchenna Nwosu due to a sprained MCL. Gipson is expected to help fill the void left by Nwosu's absence.
Browns and Bears Exchange Defensive Talent
In another noteworthy trade, the Cleveland Browns sent defensive lineman Chris Williams to the Chicago Bears. This deal saw Williams and a seventh-round pick go to the Bears in exchange for a sixth-round pick. Williams, who spent the previous season on the practice squad, will look to transition his role into more active participation on the Bears' defensive front.
Seahawks Trade Darrell Taylor to Bears
The Seattle Seahawks also engaged in negotiations with the Chicago Bears, trading linebacker Darrell Taylor in exchange for a 2025 sixth-round pick. This move indicates the Bears' intention to fortify their defense with Taylor's addition.
Jets and Bills Trade Return Specialist
Lastly, the New York Jets traded defensive back and return specialist Brandon Codrington to the Buffalo Bills. In return, the Jets received a swap of late-round picks in 2026. Codrington's expertise as a return specialist is expected to be a valuable asset for the Bills’ special teams.
With these major trades and roster adjustments finalized, teams are now poised for the commencement of the highly anticipated 2024 NFL season. Each of these moves reflects a strategic effort to enhance team strengths and address weaknesses, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting and competitive year in professional football.