The final roster cuts have been made, and every team in the NFL has now trimmed their offseason rosters from 90 players down to the crucial 53. As the league gears up for Week 1, this paring down process remains a cornerstone of roster building, ripe with difficult decisions and unexpected turns.
Quarterback Moves and Surprises
The Arizona Cardinals made headlines by acquiring quarterback Ridder in a player-for-player exchange with wide receiver Rondale Moore. Ridder, who had previously started 13 games for the Atlanta Falcons last season and finished with a 6-7 record, contended for the backup quarterback position behind Kyler Murray. However, the backup job ultimately went to Clayton Tune, leaving Ridder in an uncertain spot.
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Rams solidified their quarterback positions with Matthew Stafford as their starter. In a notable offseason move, the Rams signed Jimmy Garoppolo to cover the backup role. However, Garoppolo will miss the first two games due to a suspension, leaving Stetson Bennett to handle the backup duties in his absence. This arrangement aims to provide depth and stability at the quarterback position as the Rams navigate the early season hurdles.
In New England, Bailey Zappe, a fourth-round draft pick by the Patriots in 2022, started eight games last season, including the final six of the 2023 campaign. Zappe's performance was balanced, concluding his starts with a 4-4 record in 2023. On the opposite end of the spectrum, Easton Stick, who had an 85.6 passer rating last season, went 0-4 in his four starts. These records paint a telling picture of the volatile nature of the quarterback position in the NFL.
Changes in the Receiving Corps
The Kansas City Chiefs continue to enjoy the talents of wide receiver Toney, who was traded to the team in October 2022. Toney's contributions have not gone unnoticed, as he now boasts two Super Bowl rings. Meanwhile, in a significant move, Jahan Dotson transitioned from the Washington Commanders to the Philadelphia Eagles, adding a new dynamic to the Eagles' offensive arsenal.
One player who is known for his consistency is Brown, who had back-to-back seasons of at least 550 receiving yards. Brown's standout performances in 2023 include a Week 9 game where he caught all six targets for 153 yards and a touchdown, followed by a stellar seven-catch, 172-yard game the subsequent week. On the other hand, Perine proved his reliability last season by pulling in 50 of his 56 targets for 455 yards. Such consistent output highlights Brown's and Perine's essential roles in their respective teams.
Injury Comebacks and Defensive Additions
Injuries are an inevitable part of the NFL, and several players are on the road to recovery. Farley, who faced two ACL tears during his collegiate career, missed the entire 2023 season due to a back injury. The Tennessee Titans, aiming to bolster their defensive unit, added L'Jarius Sneed and Chidobe Awuzie during the offseason. These acquisitions are expected to provide a significant lift to the Titans' defensive capabilities.
Lewis Cine, the Minnesota Vikings' first-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, experienced a curtailed rookie season due to a compound fracture in his left leg, limiting him to just seven games last season. Cine's return is highly anticipated, as he aims to fulfill the promise that surrounded his arrival in the league.
Additional Noteworthy Players
Marshall, a second-round selection by the Carolina Panthers in the 2021 draft, recorded 28 receptions for 490 yards and a touchdown in 2022. This level of production demonstrates his potential to grow into a more prominent role. Spiller, a fourth-round draft pick by the Chargers in 2022, played in 15 games, accumulating 55 rushes for 137 yards and catching all nine of his targets for 47 yards, adding depth to the Chargers' backfield.
In management news, Tom Telesco is the general manager for the Las Vegas Raiders, a team that has undergone several changes in recent years. On a brighter note, Patrick had productive seasons in 2020 and 2021, recording at least 50 catches for 700 yards and five touchdowns each season, showcasing his steady presence in the league.
Finally, George Pickens is emerging as a leader in the receiving corps for the Pittsburgh Steelers. His ascension signifies a potential new era for the team's offense, adding to the excitement as the NFL season draws near.
As teams finalize their rosters and prepare for the challenges of the upcoming season, fans and analysts alike eagerly await to see how these decisions shape the landscape of the NFL.