The final week before the highly anticipated kickoff of the 2024 NFL season has set the stage for significant roster changes across the league. Teams are making critical decisions, trimming down their rosters from as many as 90 players to the final 53. Among the many moves, some standout trades, cuts, and acquisitions promise to impact the upcoming season.
Key Trades Highlight a Busy Tuesday
In a notable move, the Dallas Cowboys have traded tight end Peyton Hendershot to the Kansas City Chiefs. In return, the Cowboys received a conditional late-round draft pick. Hendershot is expected to compete for a backup position behind the Chiefs' stalwart tight end, Travis Kelce. This addition provides Kansas City with added depth at the tight end position, enhancing their offensive versatility.
The Arizona Cardinals were also active, trading linebacker Cameron Thomas to the Kansas City Chiefs in exchange for a seventh-round pick. Thomas, a third-round selection from the 2022 draft, will bolster the Chiefs’ defensive lineup, adding youth and potential to their roster.
Further demonstrating their strategy of reshuffling, the Cardinals traded linebacker Ernest Jones to the Tennessee Titans. As part of the deal, the Rams included a 2026 sixth-round pick in exchange for a 2025 fifth-round pick. Jones has been a pivotal player, serving as a starting inside linebacker and team captain, which makes this trade a significant one for the Titans as they look to fortify their defensive core.
Quarterback Shakeups: Malik Willis to Green Bay
The Tennessee Titans made headlines by trading quarterback Malik Willis to the Green Bay Packers. This deal includes a seventh-round pick, and Malik Willis is now slated to serve as the backup to Jordan Love. To accommodate Willis' arrival, the Packers made the tough decision to release fellow 2022 draft pick Sean Clifford.
Defensive Fortifications
Looking further west, the Jacksonville Jaguars made a notable move by trading defensive lineman Trevis Gipson to the Seattle Seahawks for a 2025 sixth-round pick. This trade comes at a crucial time for the Seahawks, as their edge rusher Uchenna Nwosu is currently sidelined due to a sprained MCL.
The Cleveland Browns and Chicago Bears also engaged in a defensive exchange. The Browns traded defensive lineman Chris Williams to the Bears, along with a seventh-round pick, receiving a sixth-round pick in return. Williams, who spent last season on the practice squad, will now have the opportunity to make an impact on Chicago’s defensive unit.
In another defensive trade, the Seahawks sent Darrell Taylor to the Bears, receiving a 2025 sixth-round pick. This exchange signifies a continued effort by the Bears to strengthen their defensive front.
Special Teams Adjustments in the AFC East
Special teams adjustments were on the agenda for the New York Jets and Buffalo Bills. The Jets traded defensive back and return specialist Brandon Codrington to the Bills. In return, the Jets received a swap of late-round picks in 2026. This move is expected to enhance the Bills' special teams performance, adding a dynamic return specialist to their roster.
As teams finalize their rosters, these trades and changes mark a critical phase in preparation for the upcoming season. Fans and analysts alike will be keenly observing how these newly acquired players integrate into their respective teams and what impact they will bring to the field. The countdown to the kickoff continues, with these roster moves adding an extra layer of excitement and anticipation for what promises to be an exhilarating NFL season.