As the 2024 NFL season approaches, the drama of final roster cuts is once again upon us. Teams across the league, simultaneously making last-minute trades and parting ways with players, are now finalizing their 53-man squads. In a surprising turn of events, several notable quarterbacks have found themselves on the chopping block, becoming cutdown casualties in the fiercely competitive environment of professional football.
One of the more intriguing releases came from the Detroit Lions, who decided to part ways with a towering former Indiana quarterback. Standing at 6-6 and weighing 230 pounds, this player had brief stints learning under esteemed coaches Doug Pederson and Kyle Shanahan during his time with the Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers. Despite these promising environments, he only managed to throw a mere 14 passes over the past six seasons. Meanwhile, Hendon Hooker has successfully secured the backup role to Jared Goff, solidifying his position within the Lions' roster.
Quarterback Carousel in Chicago
The Chicago Bears also made headlines by releasing Brett Rypien. Rypien had a notable preseason debut, during which he showcased a strong downfield chemistry with wideout Collin Johnson. However, it was rookie Tyson Bagent who ultimately outshined Rypien, earning the coveted backup spot behind starter Caleb Williams. Rypien, who began his NFL journey with the Denver Broncos, leaves behind a 2-1 record as a starter during his tenure there.
Cardinals' Roster Moves
The Arizona Cardinals made a bold move by releasing Desmond Ridder, who had been acquired in a player-for-player trade earlier in the offseason. Ridder, originally a third-round pick by the Atlanta Falcons in 2022, found himself without a spot as Clayton Tune secured the backup job behind Kyler Murray. This decision underscores the constant flux and unpredictability teams face during the final stages of roster cuts.
New England Patriots' Shake-Up
The New England Patriots also added to the quarterback carousel by waiving Bailey Zappe. Drafted in the fourth round by the Patriots in 2022, Zappe compiled a 4-4 record as a replacement starter, throwing for 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions over his first two years. The Patriots' quarterback room remains crowded with Jacoby Brissett, Drake Maye, and Joe Milton III all vying for spots, making Zappe's departure a strategic decision to streamline their roster.
CJ Beathard's Departure from Jacksonville
The Jacksonville Jaguars saw the end of CJ Beathard's tenure as the team and player reached an injury settlement. Originally a third-round pick by the San Francisco 49ers in 2017, Beathard performed admirably last season, throwing six touchdowns without an interception while filling in. However, with only one start during his three years in Jacksonville, the team opted to move forward. Mac Jones, acquired via trade, will now be stepping into the spotlight for the Jaguars.
As teams continue to fine-tune their rosters, the landscape of the NFL remains ever-dynamic. The quarterback position, in particular, has seen significant changes this offseason, serving as a reminder of the relentless competition that defines professional football. With these moves finalized, all eyes will be on the upcoming season to see how these roster decisions play out on the field.