As the clock ticks down to the highly anticipated kickoff of the 2024 NFL season, teams are in the throes of critical roster adjustments. The final week before the season opener sees teams trimming their squads from a bloated 90 players to a lean and competitive 53, leading to a whirlwind of trades, waivers, and player releases.
This Tuesday was no exception, as several significant moves reshaped team rosters across the league. Notably, the Dallas Cowboys made a strategic exchange, sending tight end Peyton Hendershot to the Kansas City Chiefs. In return, they received a conditional late-round draft pick. Hendershot, now with the reigning Super Bowl champions, is set to compete for a backup role behind the prolific Travis Kelce. This move amplifies Kansas City's depth at the tight end position, further solidifying their high-powered offense.
Cardinals’ Active Trade Day
The Arizona Cardinals were also active on the trade front, offloading linebacker Cameron Thomas to the Kansas City Chiefs in exchange for a seventh-round pick. Thomas, a promising third-round select from the 2022 draft, will look to make an impact on a Chiefs defense that has been steadily improving under the leadership of Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo.
In another maneuver, the Cardinals traded linebacker Ernest Jones to the Tennessee Titans. This deal also included a 2026 sixth-round pick, while Arizona received a 2025 fifth-round pick in return. Jones has proven to be a pivotal player, serving as a starting inside linebacker and team captain. His departure will certainly leave a void in the Cardinals' defense, but the Titans will benefit from his experience and leadership on the field.
Quarterback Shake-Up
The quarterback carousel saw some movement as well, with the Tennessee Titans trading Malik Willis to the Green Bay Packers. This trade included a seventh-round pick and puts Willis in a backup role behind Jordan Love. In a corresponding move, the Packers released Sean Clifford, another 2022 draft pick, making room for Willis on their roster. The Packers' coaching staff will undoubtedly work to integrate Willis into their offensive scheme, providing a reliable backup for Love.
Reinforcements for Defensive Lines
Meanwhile, the Jacksonville Jaguars fortified the Seattle Seahawks' defense by trading defensive lineman Trevis Gipson for a 2025 sixth-round pick. The timing of this acquisition is crucial for the Seahawks, who are currently missing edge rusher Uchenna Nwosu due to a sprained MCL. Gipson's addition will provide much-needed depth and bolster Seattle's pass rush heading into the season.
In another defensive line move, the Cleveland Browns sent Chris Williams to the Chicago Bears along with a seventh-round pick in exchange for a sixth-round pick. Williams, who spent last season on the Browns' practice squad, will aim to secure a more permanent role on the Bears' roster as they look to enhance their defensive front.
Secondary Shuffle
The Seahawks continued their trade activities by sending Darrell Taylor to the Chicago Bears in exchange for a 2025 sixth-round pick. The Bears, clearly in a bolstering mood, also acquired defensive back and return specialist Brandon Codrington from the New York Jets. This trade involved a swap of late-round picks in 2026. Codrington's versatility as both a defensive back and a return specialist adds a dynamic element to the Bears' special teams unit.
As the dust settles from these transactions, it's evident that NFL teams are leaving no stone unturned in their quest to build the most competitive rosters possible. The moves made in this final week could have lasting impacts throughout the season, offering fresh opportunities for players and potential strategic advantages for their new teams. With the 2024 NFL season on the horizon, fans eagerly await to see how these new additions will perform on the gridiron.