As the 2024 NFL season approaches, the process of finalizing team rosters is in full swing, with all 32 teams meticulously making tough decisions. The final cutdown to 53 players is often an emotional and strategic whirlwind, leaving no stone unturned.
Quarterback Movement
This year, the quarterback position has been particularly volatile. Several notable quarterbacks, regardless of their draft status or past affiliations, find themselves looking for new teams or different roles within their current ones. Early-round draft quarterbacks have notably found their jobs in jeopardy, with a few high-profile names being shown the door.
The Detroit Lions made headlines by releasing a former Indiana product, a towering figure at 6-foot-6 and 230 pounds. This quarterback has had stints with both the Philadelphia Eagles and the San Francisco 49ers, learning under respected coaches Doug Pederson and Kyle Shanahan. Yet, despite these opportunities, he has thrown only 14 passes in the past six seasons. The emergence of Hendon Hooker as the backup to Jared Goff ultimately left him without a spot on the roster.
In Chicago, the Bears parted ways with Brett Rypien. Despite a promising preseason debut, where he showcased a strong downfield connection with wideout Collin Johnson, Rypien was outperformed by Tyson Bagent for the backup role behind Caleb Williams. Rypien, who began his NFL career with the Denver Broncos and posted a 2-1 record as a starter there, now faces an uncertain future.
Arizona Cardinals Shakeup
The Arizona Cardinals also made significant quarterback changes. Desmond Ridder, originally a third-round pick by the Atlanta Falcons in 2022, was recently released. Ridder had been acquired earlier in the offseason through a player-for-player trade. With Clayton Tune securing the backup job behind Kyler Murray, Ridder finds himself on the move again.
New England Patriots' Surplus
The New England Patriots added to the quarterback carousel by waiving Bailey Zappe. A fourth-round pick in 2022, Zappe had a mixed record of 4-4 as a starter, throwing for 11 touchdowns against 12 interceptions over two seasons. The Patriots' roster already includes Jacoby Brissett, Drake Maye, and Joe Milton III, thus making Zappe the odd man out.
Jacksonville Jaguars' Adjustments
The Jacksonville Jaguars also saw adjustments to their quarterback roster. CJ Beathard's time with the team concluded through an injury settlement. Initially drafted in the third round by the San Francisco 49ers in 2017, Beathard had a standout moment during the 2022 season, throwing six touchdowns with zero interceptions while filling in. However, he made only one start during his three years with the Jaguars. The recent trade acquisition of Mac Jones further cemented the decision to release Beathard.
As the dust settles, it's clear that the life of an NFL quarterback is far from predictable. With talent pools deep and the stakes high, teams continue to make moves that they believe best position them for success in the upcoming season. Fans watch eagerly, knowing that in the ever-changing landscape of professional football, today's decision could lead to tomorrow's triumph.