As the anticipation for the 2024 NFL season builds, the final week before kickoff sees teams making significant roster adjustments. These changes are crucial as teams trim their rosters from as many as 90 players to the mandated 53, setting the stage for the season ahead.
Dallas Cowboys and Kansas City Chiefs Swap
One of the most notable trades on Tuesday involved the Dallas Cowboys sending tight end Peyton Hendershot to the Kansas City Chiefs in exchange for a conditional late-round draft pick. Hendershot, who showcased flashes of potential, is expected to compete for a backup role behind the Chiefs' star tight end, Travis Kelce. This move potentially strengthens Kansas City's depth at the position, providing them with an additional option in their offensive arsenal.
Cardinals' Busy Trade Day
The Arizona Cardinals were particularly active, making several key trades. First, they traded linebacker Cameron Thomas to the Kansas City Chiefs for a seventh-round pick. Thomas, a third-round pick from the 2022 draft, will now look to make an impact on a new roster.
In a separate move, the Cardinals traded linebacker Ernest Jones to the Tennessee Titans. The deal saw the Rams include a 2026 sixth-round pick in exchange for a 2025 fifth-round pick. Jones has been a pivotal figure for the Cardinals, serving as a starting inside linebacker and team captain. His leadership and defensive skills will be a welcome addition to the Titans' roster.
Tennessee Titans Shake Up
The Tennessee Titans made headlines by trading quarterback Malik Willis to the Green Bay Packers. The deal included a seventh-round pick, and Willis is now set to serve as the backup to Jordan Love. This move reflects Tennessee's commitment to restructuring their quarterback lineup while providing the Packers with a promising backup. In a corresponding move, Green Bay released fellow 2022 draft pick Sean Clifford.
Jaguars and Seahawks Transaction
The Jacksonville Jaguars opted to trade defensive lineman Trevis Gipson to the Seattle Seahawks for a 2025 sixth-round pick. Given that edge rusher Uchenna Nwosu is currently sidelined with a sprained MCL, Gipson’s addition could be a strategic move for the Seahawks to maintain depth in their defensive line.
Browns and Bears Deal
The Cleveland Browns were also active in the trade market, sending defensive lineman Chris Williams to the Chicago Bears. Williams, who spent last season on the practice squad, was sent to Chicago along with a seventh-round pick in exchange for a sixth-round pick. This trade aims to provide the Bears with potential depth on their defensive line.
Seahawks Add Another Player
In another move, the Seattle Seahawks traded Darrell Taylor to the Chicago Bears for a 2025 sixth-round pick. Taylor's journey to Chicago signifies the team’s efforts to bolster their defensive lineup.
Jets and Bills Swap
Finally, 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 versatility as a return specialist is likely to benefit the Bills, adding a dynamic component to their special teams unit.
As the clock ticks down to the 2024 NFL season, teams continue to make decisive moves, balancing immediate needs and future potential. These trades and roster adjustments are not just numbers on paper but strategic decisions aimed at setting the stage for a competitive and thrilling season. Each team's calculus varies, but the objective remains the same: securing talent that can propel them to new heights as the season unfolds.