As the 2024 NFL season looms on the horizon, all 32 teams are hard at work, fine-tuning their rosters, making the difficult decisions on last-minute cuts and trades. This period of final adjustments often brings unexpected outcomes, with several notable quarterbacks finding themselves among the cutdown casualties this season.
Detroit Lions Make Bold Moves
The Detroit Lions made headlines by releasing a former Indiana product who stood at an imposing 6-6 and 230 pounds. This quarterback had notably spent time under the tutelage of esteemed coaches Doug Pederson and Kyle Shanahan during his periods with the Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers. However, his opportunities to shine on the field were limited, having thrown just 14 passes over the past six seasons. With the emergence of Hendon Hooker securing the backup role behind starter Jared Goff, the Lions made the tough call to part ways with this seasoned journeyman, ending his stint with the team.
Chicago Bears Cut Brett Rypien
In Chicago, the Bears released Brett Rypien despite his impressive preseason debut, where he showcased a promising connection with wide receiver Collin Johnson. Rypien's performance wasn't enough to secure the backup spot, as undrafted rookie Tyson Bagent outshined him to earn the role behind Caleb Williams. Rypien, who had initially taken his first NFL steps with the Denver Broncos, compiled a 2-1 record as a starter with the team. Regardless of this achievement, the Bears decided to trim him from their roster.
Arizona Cardinals Release Desmond Ridder
Meanwhile, the Arizona Cardinals parted ways with Desmond Ridder, who had been acquired in a player-for-player trade earlier this offseason. Ridder, a third-round pick by the Atlanta Falcons in 2022, found himself displaced by Clayton Tune, who secured the backup job behind Kyler Murray. Ridder's short-lived tenure with the Cardinals marks another twist in his young NFL career.
Patriots Waive Bailey Zappe
In New England, the Patriots waived Bailey Zappe, who had been selected in the fourth round of the 2022 draft. Zappe compiled an even 4-4 record as a replacement starter, throwing for 11 touchdowns against 12 interceptions over his first two seasons. With a crowded quarterback room already featuring Jacoby Brissett, Drake Maye, and Joe Milton III, the Patriots chose to move on from Zappe as they continue to refine their depth chart under center.
CJ Beathard’s Tenure Ends in Jacksonville
Rounding out the notable quarterback moves is CJ Beathard, whose time with the Jacksonville Jaguars concluded with an injury settlement. Originally drafted in the third round by the San Francisco 49ers in 2017, Beathard had shown glimpses of potential, throwing six touchdowns with zero interceptions while filling in during the 2022 season. Nevertheless, his tenure in Jacksonville saw him make only one start over three years, culminating in his release. The Jaguars have opted to bring in Mac Jones via trade, signaling a new direction for the team’s quarterback depth chart.
These decisions reflect the relentless and often unforgiving nature of roster management in the NFL. Even as teams finalize their initial rosters down to 53 players, they remain in constant flux, adapting to injuries, trades, and emerging talent.
The quarterback landscape continues to evolve, with each move potentially altering the fortunes of both the players involved and their respective teams. As the dust settles, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how these changes impact the upcoming season.