As the 2024 NFL season draws near, all 32 teams are painstakingly finalizing their rosters, making critical decisions on last-minute cuts and trades. Among the most notable casualties of this tumultuous period are the quarterbacks who have seen their NFL dreams put on hold, at least for now.
High-Profile Releases
A number of early-round draft quarterbacks found themselves among the recent cuts, reflecting the harsh realities of professional football. The Detroit Lions released a former Indiana product, a physically imposing figure standing at 6-6 and weighing 230 pounds. Despite his promising build and having studied under esteemed coaches Doug Pederson and Kyle Shanahan during his stints with the Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers, his on-field opportunities were minimal, throwing just 14 passes over the past six seasons. Ultimately, Hendon Hooker secured the backup role to Jared Goff, marking the end of this player's journey with the Lions.
The Chicago Bears followed suit by releasing Brett Rypien, who had shown promise with a solid preseason debut, especially demonstrating strong downfield chemistry with wideout Collin Johnson. However, Tyson Bagent outperformed Rypien to secure the backup spot behind Caleb Williams. Brett Rypien, who began his NFL journey with the Denver Broncos, leaves with a 2-1 record as a starter, a testament to his potential that may yet find a new home.
Shifting Dynamics
Desmond Ridder's journey took another unexpected turn as the Arizona Cardinals released him after acquiring him in a player-for-player trade earlier this offseason. Despite being a third-round pick by the Atlanta Falcons in 2022, Ridder couldn't clinch the backup job behind Kyler Murray, with Clayton Tune taking that position instead.
Meanwhile, the New England Patriots also made waves by waiving Bailey Zappe. Drafted in the fourth round by the Patriots in 2022, Zappe's tenure saw a balance of highs and lows, accumulating an even 4-4 record as a replacement starter. His performance included 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions over his first two years. As the Patriots move forward with quarterbacks Jacoby Brissett, Drake Maye, and Joe Milton III, Zappe's future in the league remains uncertain.
Injury Setbacks and Trades
CJ Beathard's time with the Jacksonville Jaguars ended in an unfortunate manner, with the team offering him an injury settlement. Originally a third-round pick by the San Francisco 49ers in 2017, Beathard had a brief, yet impactful stint with the Jaguars, throwing six touchdowns without any interceptions during the 2022 season. However, he made only one start during his three years in Jacksonville. The Jaguars have since acquired Mac Jones via trade, reshaping their quarterback roster as they eye a new direction.
As teams across the league continue to fine-tune their rosters, the fluidity of the NFL is on full display. While these quarterback cuts may seem like setbacks, the world of professional football is ever-changing, offering new opportunities for players to prove their mettle. For these athletes, their journey is far from over, as they stand ready for the next chapter in their careers.