The final week before the kickoff of the 2024 NFL season is rife with tension, excitement, and crucial decisions as teams trim their rosters to the mandated 53 players. The Dallas Cowboys, Arizona Cardinals, Tennessee Titans, Green Bay Packers, Jacksonville Jaguars, Seattle Seahawks, Cleveland Browns, New York Jets, and Buffalo Bills have all been active, making significant trades and cuts that could reshape their season trajectories.
Cowboys and Chiefs Strike Deals
The Dallas Cowboys made headlines by trading tight end Peyton Hendershot to the Kansas City Chiefs in exchange for a conditional late-round draft pick. Hendershot, who is expected to vie for a backup role behind superstar Travis Kelce, offers the Chiefs added depth at the tight end position, an essential strategic component in their high-powered offense.
Cardinals Overhaul Linebacker Corps
In a major move, the Arizona Cardinals traded linebacker Cameron Thomas to the Kansas City Chiefs for a seventh-round pick. Thomas, originally a third-round pick from the 2022 draft, brings young talent and potential to the Chiefs’ defensive unit. Furthermore, the Cardinals offloaded linebacker Ernest Jones to the Tennessee Titans. As part of the deal, the Rams sent a 2026 sixth-round pick in exchange for a 2025 fifth-round pick. Jones has been instrumental as a starting inside linebacker and team captain, and his departure signifies a shift for the Cardinals' defensive strategies.
Titans Shuffle Quarterback Room
The Tennessee Titans also made a notable move by trading quarterback Malik Willis to the Green Bay Packers. The Packers, in turn, released fellow 2022 draft pick Sean Clifford, signaling a strategic shift. Willis is set to serve as the backup to Jordan Love, bringing his dynamic playing style and potential to Green Bay’s offense.
Jaguars and Seahawks Adjust Defensive Lines
On the defensive front, the Jacksonville Jaguars traded defensive lineman Trevis Gipson to the Seattle Seahawks for a 2025 sixth-round pick. This move comes at a critical time as edge rusher Uchenna Nwosu is currently out with a sprained MCL, leaving a gap in the lineup that Gipson is expected to fill.
Browns and Bears Strike a Deal
The Cleveland Browns moved defensive lineman Chris Williams to the Chicago Bears. Along with Williams, the Browns sent a seventh-round pick in exchange for a sixth-round pick. Williams, who spent last season on the practice squad, has a chance to prove himself further in Chicago.
Seahawks Make Moves
Adding to Seattle’s busy roster adjustments, the Seahawks traded Darrell Taylor to the Chicago Bears for a 2025 sixth-round pick. Taylor’s addition bolsters the Bears’ defensive line, providing more options for their defensive schemes.
Jets and Bills Exchange Talents
The New York Jets traded 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 and special teams experience make him a valuable asset for the Bills as they aim for depth and dynamism in their roster.
As the clock counts down to the start of the 2024 NFL season, these trades and roster moves highlight the strategic dances that teams engage in to secure their best possible chances for success. Every decision, every trade, and every cut carries with it the weight of anticipation, hope, and the ever-present potential for surprise in the world’s most exciting football league.