As the NFL season approaches, the annual roster cut deadline has loomed large, affecting nearly 1,200 players who will be out of jobs by the end of the day. Teams have until 4 p.m. ET to trim their rosters from 90 players to just 53, leading to a flurry of activity that has already seen some notable names released and some intriguing trades.
Key Player Moves and Roster Cuts
The Green Bay Packers made headlines by releasing kicker Anders Carlson, while the New England Patriots parted ways with quarterback Bailey Zappe. Other significant releases include quarterbacks Will Grier (Eagles) and Ben DiNucci (Bills), running backs Matt Breida (49ers), Phillip Dorsett (Broncos), and Myles Gaskin (Vikings), and wide receiver Allen Robinson (Giants). Defensive departures have also been notable with cornerbacks C.J. Henderson (Texans) and Tre Flowers (Jaguars), safeties Terrell Edmunds (Jaguars) and Kareem Jackson (Bills), and kicker Matthew Wright (Steelers) among those let go.
Trades Shake Up Rosters
Amidst the cuts, teams have also engaged in strategic trades. The Packers have traded quarterback Malik Willis to the Tennessee Titans in exchange for a 2025 seventh-round pick. In another move, the Kansas City Chiefs sent linebacker Cam Thomas to the Arizona Cardinals, also for a 2025 seventh-round pick.
Speculation and Potential Moves
As teams continue to refine their rosters, speculation surrounds several players who may either be traded or released. Broncos wide receiver Tim Patrick and running back Samaje Perine are considered candidates for such moves. Additionally, Texans running back Dameon Pierce has drawn interest as a target for the Cleveland Browns, while Chiefs wide receiver Skyy Moore might soon find a new home with the Washington Commanders. The Dallas Cowboys are reportedly eyeing Patriots defensive back Jonathan Jones as a potential addition.
Extensions and Contract Negotiations
The Dallas Cowboys have already made significant contract moves, extending wide receiver CeeDee Lamb's contract with a four-year, $136 million extension that includes a $38 million signing bonus. This extension shifts the Cowboys’ focus toward securing new contracts for quarterback Dak Prescott and linebacker Micah Parsons. Notably, the team could have saved nearly $10 million if Lamb's deal had been completed earlier in the offseason.
Coaching Under Pressure
The upcoming season also brings immense pressure for several coaches. New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh holds an 18-33 record over three seasons. With the Jets having made a significant investment in quarterback Aaron Rodgers, the stakes are higher than ever. "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," notes analyst Jordan Dajani.
Buffalo Bills coach Sean McDermott finds himself under a different, yet equally intense, spotlight. Despite being viewed as perennial contenders due to the talented Josh Allen, the Bills have only made it to the AFC Championship 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," adds Dajani.
Injury Updates and New Ventures
Injuries continue to impact team rosters as well. Tight end T.J. Hockenson is on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list and will miss at least the first four games of the season. Linebacker Uchenna Nwosu is expected to be sidelined for two to six weeks due to a knee injury.
Beyond the gridiron, the Kelce brothers have made headlines by securing a deal worth at least $100 million for the full rights to their popular New Heights podcast. Meanwhile, an anticipated vote by NFL owners in Minneapolis could pave the way for private equity in team ownership.
Stadium Renaming and Franchise Moves
In Washington, the Commanders’ home stadium has been renamed to Northwest Stadium, marking a fresh chapter for the franchise as they continue to adjust to new ownership and potential future moves.
As teams navigate these roster changes and contract decisions, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how these moves impact the landscape of the 2023 NFL season.