With the NFL reaching the critical juncture of trimming rosters down to 53 players, significant moves and surprising cuts have reshaped several teams' lineups and strategies heading into the regular season.
Atlanta Falcons Secure Depth at Quarterback
The Atlanta Falcons are banking on a trio of quarterbacks for their 2023 campaign. Veteran Kirk Cousins leads the pack with promising young talents Michael Penix Jr. and Taylor Heinicke backing him up. Heinicke, despite struggling with a 45.5% completion rate during the preseason, clings to his spot, highlighting Atlanta's confidence in their quarterback diversity.
Packers Make Bold Moves at Quarterback and Kicker
In a surprising turn, the Green Bay Packers have shuffled their quarterback lineup. After drafting Sean Clifford from Penn State and Michael Pratt from Tulane, both rookies were cut. The Packers instead acquired Malik Willis from the Tennessee Titans in a trade, potentially aiming for a stronger presence in the pocket.
At kicker, the Packers released Anders Carlson, a 2023 sixth-round pick, and signed Greg Joseph. This move indicates an effort to solidify special teams with an experienced and reliable leg.
Tennessee Titans Revamp Defense and Offense
The Tennessee Titans aggressively bolstered both their defense and offense. Cornerbacks L'Jarius Sneed and Chidobe Awuzie will bring strengthened coverage, while safeties Quandre Diggs and Jamal Adams further augment the secondary. Linebacker Kenneth Murray and defensive lineman Sebastian Joseph-Day, along with rookie T'Vondre Sweat, are set to reinforce the Titans' defensive core.
Offensively, the Titans made significant additions. Tyler Boyd joins the running back roster, ensuring depth in the running game. On the offensive line, center Lloyd Cushenberry and offensive tackle JC Latham provide critical protection, hoping to give the offense more stability and blocking prowess.
Carolina Panthers and Pittsburgh Steelers’ Exchange
In a notable trade, the Carolina Panthers sent cornerback Donte Jackson and a sixth-round pick to the Pittsburgh Steelers. In return, the Steelers traded wide receiver Diontae Johnson and a seventh-round pick to Carolina. The Panthers continue to strategize for offensive firepower, having used three of their first four picks in the 2024 NFL Draft on offensive playmakers.
Wide receiver Terrace Marshall Jr. was cut by the Panthers, a strategic move by GM Dan Morgan and head coach Dave Canales, emphasizing the team's focus on revitalizing its receiving corps.
Chicago Bears Stick with Familiar Backup
Tyson Bagent has secured the backup quarterback position for the Chicago Bears for the second consecutive year. This consistency at backup QB suggests the Bears have faith in his ability to step in if needed.
Broncos’ Decision on Tim Patrick
Despite catching all five of his targets during the preseason, Tim Patrick was cut by the Denver Broncos. However, the wide receiver quickly found a new home with the Detroit Lions. The Lions also welcomed quarterback Hendon Hooker as their backup. Hooker showcased his versatility during the preseason, completing 29 of 44 passes for 300 yards and rushing for an additional 138 yards.
Cincinnati Bengals’ Roster Changes
The Cincinnati Bengals made key decisions to boost their offensive line by cutting Jackson Carman, a 2021 second-round pick, and securing Trent Brown and Amarius Mims for enhanced protection.
Jacksonville Jaguars’ New Quarterback
In another notable quarterback shift, Mac Jones has been traded from the New England Patriots to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Jones had an impressive preseason, completing 73.1% of his passes for 421 yards and three touchdowns, a performance that the Jaguars hope to see continue throughout the season.
Texans’ Wide Receiver Shuffle
The Houston Texans parted ways with wide receiver Noah Brown, while seeing Tank Dell fully recover and prepare to contribute to the team’s offensive efforts.
Buffalo Bills’ Tough Cut
Finally, the Buffalo Bills made the difficult decision to cut Frank Gore Jr. Despite his solid preseason performance, rushing for 101 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries, Gore Jr. did not make the final roster.
As the NFL season approaches, fans can expect to see how these roster adjustments and new acquisitions translate on the field, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting and unpredictable year of football.