As the anticipation for the 2024 NFL season builds, the final week before kickoff sees teams making critical roster adjustments. The final stretch before the season's commencement is fraught with tension as teams whittle down their rosters from as many as 90 players to the mandated 53. This week has already seen a flurry of trades, waivers, and releases, indicating that no stone is being left unturned in the quest for the perfect lineup.
Notable Trades and Transactions
The Dallas Cowboys made headlines by sending tight end Peyton Hendershot to the Kansas City Chiefs. In return, the Cowboys received a conditional late-round draft pick. Hendershot will compete for a backup role behind Travis Kelce, the Chiefs' superstar tight end. This move adds depth to Kansas City’s receiving corps and provides Hendershot the opportunity to learn from one of the best in the league.
In an effort to bolster their defense, the Arizona Cardinals traded linebacker Cameron Thomas to the Chiefs for a seventh-round pick. Thomas, a third-round pick from the 2022 draft, offers potential on the defensive front for Kansas City. The Cardinals also traded linebacker Ernest Jones to the Tennessee Titans. In this deal, the Rams included a 2026 sixth-round pick in exchange for a 2025 fifth-round pick. Jones, who has been a key figure as a starting inside linebacker and team captain, will bring veteran leadership and proven skills to the Titans’ defense.
Quarterback Moves
The Tennessee Titans made a strategic decision by trading Malik Willis to the Green Bay Packers. The deal, which includes a seventh-round pick, positions Willis as the backup to Jordan Love. This trade also led to the Packers releasing Sean Clifford, a fellow 2022 draft pick. The Packers are clearly looking to solidify their quarterback depth chart behind the young and promising Love.
Defensive Reinforcements
The Jacksonville Jaguars have also been active, sending defensive lineman Trevis Gipson to the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for a 2025 sixth-round pick. This move comes as the Seahawks face the absence of their edge rusher Uchenna Nwosu due to a sprained MCL. Gipson’s addition will be critical in maintaining the Seahawks’ defensive pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
Meanwhile, the Cleveland Browns traded defensive lineman Chris Williams to the Chicago Bears. Williams, along with a seventh-round pick, was exchanged for a sixth-round pick. Having spent last season on the practice squad, Williams will now have the opportunity to prove his worth in the Windy City.
Special Teams and Defensive Backfield Adjustments
The Seattle Seahawks continue to tweak their roster, sending Darrell Taylor to the Chicago Bears for a 2025 sixth-round pick. The Bears, looking to upgrade their pass rush, get a player in Taylor who can immediately impact their defensive scheme.
The New York Jets also made a tactical move by trading defensive back and return specialist Brandon Codrington to the Buffalo Bills. The Jets received a swap of late-round picks in 2026 as part of the deal. Codrington's special teams prowess and versatility in the defensive backfield will be a valuable addition to the Bills.
The activity witnessed this week underscores the dynamic nature of NFL team management as franchises vie to strike the right balance ahead of a demanding season. Each transaction, whether involving high-profile stars or emerging talents, reflects the calculated risks and strategic decisions teams must make to optimize their rosters. As the clock ticks down to the season opener, these moves set the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating NFL season.