As the NFL gears up for the 2024 season, the anticipation is palpable across all 32 teams. Front offices are laboring over difficult roster decisions, making final cuts and trades to form the ideal 53-man configurations. This period of adjustment has seen several notable quarterbacks become cutdown casualties, highlighting the ever-evolving nature of team rosters.
Quarterback Carousel: Notable Moves
As teams finalize their rosters, some early-round quarterbacks face the chopping block, a stark reminder of the NFL's ruthlessness. The Detroit Lions' decision to release a former Indiana product, a towering figure at 6-6 and 230 pounds, stands out. Despite his time with two highly respected coaches, Doug Pederson at the Philadelphia Eagles and Kyle Shanahan at the San Francisco 49ers, he only managed to throw 14 passes over the past six seasons. Now, Hendon Hooker has claimed the backup role to Jared Goff, signaling the end of this athlete’s journey with the Lions.
The Chicago Bears also made headlines by releasing Brett Rypien. Rypien had shown promise with a solid preseason debut, demonstrating a commendable downfield connection with wide receiver Collin Johnson. Yet, it was Tyson Bagent who ultimately secured the backup position behind Caleb Williams. Rypien, who began his NFL career with the Denver Broncos and managed a 2-1 record as a starter, now finds himself looking for new opportunities.
Arizona Cardinals and New England Patriots Overhaul Quarterback Rooms
In Arizona, the quarterback room has seen unexpected changes. Desmond Ridder, who was acquired in a player-for-player trade earlier this offseason, was released as Clayton Tune emerged victorious in the competition for the backup job behind Kyler Murray. Ridder, initially a third-round selection by the Atlanta Falcons in 2022, will now search for his third NFL team in as many years.
Meanwhile, the New England Patriots have waived Bailey Zappe. Drafted in the fourth round in 2022, Zappe compiled an even 4-4 record as a replacement starter, amassing 11 touchdowns against 12 interceptions during his two-year stint. With their current quarterbacks Jacoby Brissett, Drake Maye, and Joe Milton III already in place, the Patriots deemed Zappe surplus to requirements.
A Rocky Ride for CJ Beathard
The Jacksonville Jaguars finalized an injury settlement with CJ Beathard, marking the end of his tenure with the team. Selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the third round of the 2017 draft, Beathard’s path has been tumultuous. After throwing six touchdowns without an interception while filling in during the 2022 season, he made just one start in three years with the Jaguars. The team's acquisition of Mac Jones via trade further solidified Beathard's exit.
Implications for the New NFL Season
The quarterback shuffle underscores one of the NFL's most enduring truths: the only constant is change. Teams are continually reevaluating talent and potential, ensuring they enter the season with the best possible configuration. For the quarterbacks released, the journey may be bittersweet, but their previous performances suggest they still have potentials waiting to be harnessed.
As fans eagerly await the kickoff of the 2024 season, the recent moves have created a buzz about potential new alignments and strategies. Each quarterback's departure leaves a gap that must be filled, and the subsequent play will reveal whether these teams made the right choices. While the NFL landscape remains unpredictable, one certainty prevails: the drama and excitement are far from over.