As the anticipation for the 2024 NFL season reaches fever pitch, teams across the league are making pivotal moves before the season kickoff. The final week before the first game is always a frenzy of activity, with franchises trimming their rosters from as many as 90 players to the mandated 53, and this year is no exception. Significant trades, waivers, and releases marked the recent roster-shuffling period, setting the stage for an intriguing season ahead.
Key Trades and Moves
The Dallas Cowboys made headlines by trading tight end Peyton Hendershot to the Kansas City Chiefs. In exchange, they received a conditional late-round draft pick. This move adds depth to Kansas City’s roster, positioning Hendershot as a potential backup to the all-star tight end, Travis Kelce. With Kelce’s dominance, Hendershot’s role may primarily be as a support player, but he brings much-needed strength to the Chiefs' offensive lineup.
In another strategic move, the Arizona Cardinals traded linebacker Cameron Thomas to the Chiefs in return for a seventh-round pick. Thomas, a third-round pick from the 2022 draft, brings considerable promise and potential to the Chiefs' defense. Kansas City's acquisition of Thomas bolsters their linebacker corps, a crucial element for defensive efficiency.
The Cardinals were not done dealing yet. They also sent linebacker Ernest Jones to the Tennessee Titans. This multifaceted trade involved several future draft picks, with the Rams including a 2026 sixth-round pick in exchange for a 2025 fifth-round pick. Jones, well-regarded for his leadership as a starting inside linebacker and team captain, is likely to make an immediate impact in Tennessee.
Quarterback Shuffle
A noteworthy quarterback trade saw the Tennessee Titans dealing Malik Willis to the Green Bay Packers. Willis, along with a seventh-round pick, heads to Green Bay, where he is set to serve as the backup to Jordan Love. This move led to the Packers releasing fellow 2022 draft pick, Sean Clifford, indicating a strategic shift in their quarterback depth chart.
Defensive Reinforcements
On the defensive front, the Jacksonville Jaguars decided to part ways with defensive lineman Trevis Gipson, trading him to the Seattle Seahawks for a 2025 sixth-round pick. This move comes at a crucial time for the Seahawks, who are currently without edge rusher Uchenna Nwosu due to a sprained MCL. Gipson's arrival helps fill a significant void in Seattle's defense during Nwosu’s recovery period.
Meanwhile, the Cleveland Browns executed a trade involving defensive lineman Chris Williams, sending him along with a seventh-round pick to the Chicago Bears in exchange for a sixth-round pick. After spending last season on the practice squad, Williams will look to prove himself as a valuable asset to the Bears’ defensive strategy.
More Moves on Defense
The Seattle Seahawks continued their busy trading period by sending Darrell Taylor to the Chicago Bears for a 2025 sixth-round pick. This trade adds another layer to Chicago’s defensive lineup as they plan for future seasons.
The New York Jets also made a strategic move by trading defensive back and return specialist Brandon Codrington to the Buffalo Bills. In return, the Jets received a swap of late-round picks in 2026. Codrington's versatility as both a defensive back and special teams player makes him a valuable addition to the Bills’ roster.
As teams finalize their squads and gear up for the season opener, these moves reflect a common pursuit of balance, depth, and strategic advantages. The blending of seasoned players and promising newcomers will undoubtedly set the stage for a dynamic and unpredictable season ahead.