Massive NFL Roster Cuts Hit Hard: Nearly 1,200 Players Released
As the NFL deadline looms at 4 p.m. ET today, nearly 1,200 players across the league face the harsh reality of roster cuts, with teams narrowing their rosters from 90 to 53 players. The annual purge is a stark reminder of the brutal nature of professional football, where dreams are dashed in a deluge of pink slips and tough decisions.
The Green Bay Packers and New England Patriots made notable headlines with the release of kicker Anders Carlson and quarterback Bailey Zappe, respectively. But these are just the beginning of the whirlwind of moves sweeping through the league.
Among the high-profile releases, several names stand out. Quarterbacks Will Grier (Eagles) and Ben DiNucci (Bills), as well as running backs Matt Breida (49ers), Phillip Dorsett (Broncos), and Myles Gaskin (Vikings), found themselves without a team. Wide receiver Allen Robinson's tenure with the Giants was cut short, while cornerbacks C.J. Henderson (Texans) and Tre Flowers (Jaguars) also received their walking papers. Safeties Terrell Edmunds (Jaguars) and Kareem Jackson (Bills) and kicker Matthew Wright (Steelers) joined the ranks of free agents.
For fans and analysts eager to keep up with the ongoing cuts, a CUTS TRACKER and live blog provide real-time updates on the evolving roster landscapes.
Trades Shake up Rosters Further
The Packers have made a significant move by trading quarterback Malik Willis to the Titans for a 2025 seventh-round pick, signaling a shift in their quarterback strategies. Similarly, the Chiefs have parted ways with linebacker Cam Thomas, sending him to the Cardinals, also for a 2025 seventh-round pick.
Speculation Swirls Around Potential Moves
As roster cuts dominate the headlines, speculation intensifies around several players who might be next in line for either trades or releases. Broncos wide receiver Tim Patrick and running back Samaje Perine are frequently mentioned as candidates for such moves.
Additionally, Texans running back Dameon Pierce has been suggested as a potential target for the Browns, while Chiefs wide receiver Skyy Moore might find new opportunities with the Commanders. Patriots defensive back Jonathan Jones is reportedly on the Cowboys' radar, adding to the intrigue of possible imminent transactions.
Big Deals and Contract Extensions
In a significant move to secure their star players, the Dallas Cowboys have extended wide receiver CeeDee Lamb’s contract with a lucrative four-year, $136 million extension, which includes a hefty $38 million signing bonus. The Cowboys now aim to seal new contracts for franchise quarterback Dak Prescott and star linebacker Micah Parsons.
Interestingly, had the Cowboys completed Lamb's extension earlier in the offseason, they could have saved nearly $10 million under the salary cap, a consideration that highlights the nuances of NFL contract negotiations.
Coaching Performance and Team Dynamics
The scrutiny of coaching performance is ever-present, exemplified by the assessments of Jets head coach Robert Saleh and Bills head coach Sean McDermott. Saleh's tenure with the Jets has been marked by challenges, holding an 18-33 record over three seasons. Despite building a formidable defense, his handling of the offensive side has drawn criticism. As one analyst, Jordan Dajani, reflected, "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."
McDermott's situation with the Buffalo Bills also bears watching. "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," noted Dajani.
Injury Reports and Player Updates
Injury updates also play a crucial role in shaping team strategies. Minnesota Vikings 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. Meanwhile, linebacker Uchenna Nwosu faces a two to six-week recovery period due to a knee injury, impacting the Seattle Seahawks' defensive plans.
Podcast Ventures and Stadium Renaming
Off the field, NFL personalities are making waves in different arenas. The Kelce brothers' New Heights podcast has secured a deal worth at least $100 million for its full rights, underscoring the broadening media presence of NFL stars.
Moreover, the Commanders have announced the renaming of their home venue, now known as Northwest Stadium, a change that reflects new branding strategies and fan engagement efforts.
Potential Private Equity in Team Ownership
Looking toward the future of league ownership, the NFL owners are slated to vote in Minneapolis on the potential inclusion of private equity in team ownership. This pivotal decision could reshape the financial landscape of the league, opening new avenues for investment and team management.