In one of the most anticipated days of the NFL calendar, nearly 1,200 players will see their dreams deferred as teams conduct their annual roster cuts. By 4 p.m. ET today, NFL franchises must trim their rosters from 90 to the final 53, marking a crucial juncture for players and teams alike.
Among the notable cuts already confirmed, Green Bay Packers kicker Anders Carlson and New England Patriots quarterback Bailey Zappe have been released from their respective teams. Other high-profile cuts include Eagles quarterback Will Grier, Bills quarterback Ben DiNucci, 49ers running back Matt Breida, Broncos running back Phillip Dorsett, and Vikings running back Myles Gaskin. Additional releases spanned across various positions, with Giants wide receiver Allen Robinson, Texans cornerback C.J. Henderson, Jaguars cornerback Tre Flowers, Jaguars safety Terrell Edmunds, Bills safety Kareem Jackson, and Steelers kicker Matthew Wright finding themselves on the chopping block.
As fans and analysts eagerly await the final roster decisions, real-time updates are available via a dedicated cuts tracker and live blog. While some players face heartache, others find new destinations through trades. The Green Bay Packers have traded quarterback Malik Willis to the Tennessee Titans for a 2025 seventh-round pick, while the Kansas City Chiefs have sent linebacker Cam Thomas to the Arizona Cardinals for a 2025 seventh-round pick.
Trade talks and speculative reports also surround several players. Broncos wide receiver Tim Patrick and running back Samaje Perine are potential trade or release candidates. Similarly, Texans running back Dameon Pierce has been suggested as a target for the Cleveland Browns. Elsewhere, Chiefs wide receiver Skyy Moore might find a new home with the Washington Commanders, and Patriots defensive back Jonathan Jones is rumored to be on the radar of the Dallas Cowboys.
Cowboys Secure Key Player
In brighter news for the Dallas Cowboys, the team has secured a four-year, $136 million contract extension with wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, including a $38 million signing bonus. This significant contract extension shifts the Cowboys' focus towards finalizing new deals for key players Dak Prescott and Micah Parsons. Notably, had Lamb's extension been completed earlier in the offseason, the Cowboys could have saved nearly $10 million.
Meanwhile, the Cowboys' attention also lies on ensuring stability within the management and coaching staff during a season with high expectations. This comes as the Jets have made a significant investment in veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, in a move seen as a gamble by some analysts. "Imagine if this Aaron Rodgers investment does not work out. Saleh is 18-33 as head coach of the New York Jets in his three seasons, and while he's built one of the best defenses in the entire NFL, he's handled the offensive side of things poorly," comments Jordan Dajani.
Pressure on Coaches
Elsewhere in the league, the pressure mounts on Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott. Despite the Bills' reputation as perennial contenders, largely thanks to the talents of quarterback Josh Allen, they have reached the AFC Championship only once under McDermott. "We view McDermott's Buffalo Bills as perennial contenders due to the talented Josh Allen, but they've made the AFC Championship just once, and have now ditched a ton of their talent from last year. What if the Bills disappoint this year in what could be a very, very competitive AFC East? It feels like they could take a step backwards. McDermott is under pressure in 2024," Dajani adds.
Injury Updates and Off-field Ventures
In injury news, tight end T.J. Hockenson has been placed on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list and will miss at least the first four games of the season. Additionally, linebacker Uchenna Nwosu faces a recovery period of two to six weeks due to a knee injury.
Off the field, the Kelce brothers have secured a deal worth at least $100 million for the rights to their popular "New Heights" podcast, reinforcing their influence both on and off the gridiron. Furthermore, NFL owners are expected to vote in Minneapolis on the possibility of allowing private equity in team ownership, a move that could significantly reshape the financial landscape of the league.
The Washington Commanders have announced the renaming of their stadium to Northwest Stadium, symbolizing a new chapter for the franchise.
As the NFL embarks on another season, these roster cuts, trades, contract negotiations, and off-field developments underscore the ever-evolving dynamics of the league. Fans, players, and coaches alike can only watch and wait as each decision shapes the path toward the ultimate goal: a championship victory.