The final week before the 2024 NFL season kickoff is always a flurry of activity as teams make their final roster cuts and adjustments. With the roster shrinking from as many as 90 players to the mandated 53, front offices are bustling with crucial decisions, trades, and last-minute deals.
The Dallas Cowboys Trade Peyton Hendershot
The Dallas Cowboys executed a notable move by trading tight end Peyton Hendershot to the Kansas City Chiefs. In exchange, the Cowboys received a conditional late-round draft pick. Hendershot, who is expected to compete for a backup role behind superstar tight end Travis Kelce, will look to bolster the Chiefs' depth at the position. This trade adds intrigue as Hendershot's performance could serve significantly in critical situations behind one of the NFL's best tight ends.
Cardinals and Chiefs Make Moves
The Arizona Cardinals were active as well, offloading linebacker Cameron Thomas to the Kansas City Chiefs in exchange for a seventh-round pick. Thomas, a third-round pick from the 2022 draft, arrives in Kansas City with the potential to add an extra layer of strength to the Chiefs' defense. His new team will be looking to leverage his talent, offering him a fresh start and opportunity to showcase his skills on a contender.
In another deal, the Cardinals traded linebacker Ernest Jones to the Tennessee Titans. As part of the trade package, the Rams included a 2026 sixth-round pick in exchange for a 2025 fifth-round pick. Ernest Jones, who has been a crucial inside linebacker and team captain, will bring his leadership and experience to Tennessee's defensive lineup.
Malik Willis Heads to Green Bay
The Tennessee Titans continued their reshuffle by trading quarterback Malik Willis to the Green Bay Packers. The deal also involved a seventh-round pick, with Willis poised to serve as the backup to Jordan Love in Green Bay. This move concludes an interesting chapter for Willis as he embarks on a new path with the Packers, who subsequently released fellow 2022 draft pick Sean Clifford.
Jaguars Deal Trevis Gipson to Seahawks
The Jacksonville Jaguars were not left out of the trade frenzy, sending defensive lineman Trevis Gipson to the Seattle Seahawks for a 2025 sixth-round pick. This trade is particularly timely for the Seahawks, who are dealing with the absence of edge rusher Uchenna Nwosu due to a sprained MCL. Gipson will be expected to make an immediate impact for the Seahawks, providing reinforcements on the defensive line.
Cleveland Browns and Chicago Bears Trade Defensive Assets
The Cleveland Browns joined the trading action, dealing defensive lineman Chris Williams to the Chicago Bears. The Browns included a seventh-round pick in exchange for a sixth-round pick. Williams, who spent the last season on the practice squad, will be aiming to make a significant impression on a Bears squad looking to improve its defensive front.
Additionally, the Seahawks traded Darrell Taylor to the Bears for a 2025 sixth-round pick. Both teams are hopeful that these moves will shore up key areas of their respective rosters, looking towards maximizing their defensive potential in the upcoming season.
Jets and Bills Swap Specialists
In a smaller yet notable transaction, 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 special teams prowess will be an asset for the Bills, adding depth to their return game and secondary.
As the dust settles on these trades, teams are now firmly focused on fine-tuning strategies and solidifying their rosters. Each move in this critical period could have lasting impacts throughout the season, setting the stage for a dramatic and competitive 2024 NFL season. Fans eagerly await kickoff, with these trades adding even more excitement and speculation to the mix.