The final week before the highly anticipated 2024 NFL season is always a flurry of activity, with teams trimming down their rosters from 90 to the mandated 53. This year has been no exception, with numerous significant trades, waivers, and releases occurring on Tuesday. These moves are part of the essential strategies teams employ to position themselves for a successful season.
The Dallas Cowboys' Bold Moves
The Dallas Cowboys made headlines by sending tight end Peyton Hendershot to the Kansas City Chiefs. In exchange, the Cowboys received a conditional late-round draft pick. Hendershot's relocation to Kansas City places him in a position to compete for a backup role behind the renowned Travis Kelce. This move could provide depth and flexibility to the Chiefs' already formidable offense.
Arizona Cardinals Restructure
Meanwhile, the Arizona Cardinals have been active in reshaping their linebacker corps. They traded linebacker Cameron Thomas, a third-round pick from the 2022 draft, to the Kansas City Chiefs for a seventh-round pick. Thomas's youth and potential make him a valuable pickup for the Chiefs as they bolster their defensive lineup.
In another strategic move, the Cardinals sent linebacker Ernest Jones to the Tennessee Titans. This trade included a swap of picks—Arizona's 2026 sixth-round pick in exchange for Tennessee's 2025 fifth-round pick. Ernest Jones, known for his role as a starting inside linebacker and team captain, brings leadership and experience to the Titans' defense.
Tennessee Titans and Green Bay Packers Trade
The Tennessee Titans were also involved in a significant exchange, trading quarterback Malik Willis to the Green Bay Packers. The deal included a seventh-round pick, and Willis is expected to serve as the backup to Jordan Love. Notably, Green Bay released fellow 2022 draft pick Sean Clifford as a result of this move. This change underscores the Packers' commitment to fortifying their quarterback depth as they transition from the Aaron Rodgers era.
Jacksonville Jaguars' Defensive Adjustment
The Jacksonville Jaguars traded defensive lineman Trevis Gipson to the Seattle Seahawks for a 2025 sixth-round pick. This move aims to address the Seahawks' immediate need for depth at edge rusher, especially with Uchenna Nwosu sidelined due to a sprained MCL. The Jaguars, in turn, acquire future draft capital, which could be pivotal in their long-term team-building strategy.
Cleveland Browns' Strategic Trades
The Cleveland Browns were also active in the trade market, sending defensive lineman Chris Williams to the Chicago Bears. Chris Williams, who spent last season on the practice squad, was traded along with a seventh-round pick in exchange for a sixth-round pick. This maneuver signifies the Browns' intent to refine their roster and enhance their draft prospects.
Seahawks and Jets Fine-Tune Their Rosters
The Seattle Seahawks executed another trade, sending Darrell Taylor to the Chicago Bears for a 2025 sixth-round pick. The Seahawks, who have been making several adjustments, aim to leverage this pick for future draft flexibility and strategic roster improvements.
On the special teams front, the New York Jets traded defensive back and return specialist Brandon Codrington to the Buffalo Bills. In exchange, the Jets received a swap of late-round picks in 2026. This trade allows both teams to recalibrate their special teams units and potentially unearth new talent in the late rounds of future drafts.
As teams refine their rosters through these calculated trades and releases, each decision is a critical element in their overarching strategy to build a winning team. The final week before the NFL season is a testament to the intricate and dynamic nature of team management, where every move is considered with long-term success in mind.