As anticipation for the 2024 NFL season reaches a fever pitch, teams are fine-tuning their rosters, making crucial decisions that could define their fortunes for the year. The final week before kickoff saw a flurry of trades, waivers, and releases across the league, providing fans with a glimpse of strategic moves aimed at bolstering team line-ups.
Key Trades Set the Stage
One of the notable trades involves the Dallas Cowboys, who sent tight end Peyton Hendershot to the Kansas City Chiefs. In exchange, the Cowboys received a conditional late-round draft pick. This move places Hendershot in a position to compete for a backup role behind Travis Kelce, a leading tight end whose presence on the field significantly impacts the Chiefs' offensive strategy. For Hendershot, this trade represents an opportunity to learn from one of the best while showcasing his skills in new ways.
The Arizona Cardinals were particularly active in the trade market. They traded linebacker Cameron Thomas, a third-round pick from the 2022 draft, to the Kansas City Chiefs for a seventh-round pick. This exchange suggests that the Cardinals are looking to build for the future while allowing Thomas to develop his career in a different defensive scheme.
In another move, the Cardinals dealt linebacker Ernest Jones to the Tennessee Titans. The trade included a 2026 sixth-round pick in exchange for a 2025 fifth-round pick. Jones, well-regarded as a starting inside linebacker and team captain, will seek to provide leadership and experience to the Titans’ defense.
Quarterback Movements: Titans and Packers
The quarterback carousel saw the Tennessee Titans trade Malik Willis to the Green Bay Packers. As part of the deal, the Packers also received a seventh-round pick. Malik Willis will be positioned to serve as the backup to Jordan Love, adding depth to Green Bay's quarterback roster. Concurrently, the Packers released fellow 2022 draft pick Sean Clifford, indicating a shift in their strategy for the backup quarterback position.
Defensive Updates Across the League
Defensive adjustments were also prevalent, with the Jacksonville Jaguars sending defensive lineman Trevis Gipson to the Seattle Seahawks for a 2025 sixth-round pick. This trade arrives at a critical time for the Seahawks, who are dealing with the absence of edge rusher Uchenna Nwosu due to a sprained MCL. Gipson’s arrival could provide the necessary reinforcement to Seattle’s defensive line.
The Cleveland Browns and the Chicago Bears completed a trade involving defensive lineman Chris Williams. Williams, along with a seventh-round pick, was traded to the Bears in exchange for a sixth-round pick. Williams spent the previous season on the Browns’ practice squad and will aim to secure a more prominent role with the Bears.
In a similar vein, the Seattle Seahawks traded Darrell Taylor to the Chicago Bears for a 2025 sixth-round pick. Taylor's move to the Bears adds depth to their defensive end options and gives the Seahawks an additional draft asset.
Special Teams Transactions
Special teams were not left out of the action. The New York Jets traded defensive back and return specialist Brandon Codrington to the Buffalo Bills. As a return, the Jets received a swap of late-round picks in 2026. Codrington’s speed and agility are likely to boost the Bills’ special teams unit, providing an edge in field position battles.
As teams finalize their 53-man rosters, these trades reflect both short-term needs and long-term strategies. While some players will see this as a chance to make an immediate impact, others will focus on developing their skills and adapting to new team environments. The decisions made in these final days before the season reveal the calculated risks and strategic considerations teams are willing to take to build a competitive edge.
In sum, the pre-season roster reshuffling has set the stage for an intriguing 2024 NFL season, with each team hoping that their maneuvers will pay off as they chase the ultimate prize: a Super Bowl title.