As the 2024 NFL season looms, all 32 teams are busy finalizing their rosters, making crucial decisions on last-minute cuts and trades. Among the players affected by these decisions are notable quarterbacks, who have become the latest cutdown casualties. Even after the initial reduction to 53 players, team rosters remain in constant flux.
Quarterback Shuffle Among NFL Teams
Several early-round draft quarterbacks found themselves released in recent movements. One of the more surprising roster changes involves the Detroit Lions, who let go of a former Indiana product standing at 6-6 and 230 pounds. This quarterback had studied under distinguished coaches Doug Pederson and Kyle Shanahan during his stints with the Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers. Despite his considerable time in the league, he had only thrown a mere 14 passes over the past six seasons. His departure clears the path for Hendon Hooker, who has secured the backup role to Jared Goff.
Meanwhile, the Chicago Bears released Brett Rypien, who had a solid preseason debut showcasing his downfield chemistry with wideout Collin Johnson. Nevertheless, it was Tyson Bagent who shone brighter during the preseason, outshining Rypien for the backup spot behind Caleb Williams. Rypien's NFL journey began with the Denver Broncos, where he compiled a 2-1 record as a starter.
Desmond Ridder's Rocky Offseason
The Arizona Cardinals also made headlines by releasing Desmond Ridder. Ridder was acquired in a player-for-player trade earlier this offseason, only to be cut loose before the regular season began. With Clayton Tune securing the backup job behind Kyler Murray, Ridder found himself on the outside looking in. Originally drafted in the third round by the Atlanta Falcons in 2022, Ridder's NFL career has taken several unexpected turns in a short span.
Patriots Narrow Down Their Quarterback Options
In another notable move, the New England Patriots waived Bailey Zappe. Drafted in the fourth round by the Patriots in 2022, Zappe had an even 4-4 record as a replacement starter, tallying 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions over his first two years. The Patriots, who now have quarterbacks Jacoby Brissett, Drake Maye, and Joe Milton III, decided to part ways with Zappe after evaluating their options.
CJ Beathard's Time in Jacksonville Ends
CJ Beathard's tenure with the Jacksonville Jaguars came to an end with an injury settlement. Originally a third-round pick by the San Francisco 49ers in 2017, Beathard made only one start during his three years in Jacksonville. Despite limited opportunities, he threw six touchdowns and zero interceptions while filling in during the 2022 season. The Jaguars, who acquired Mac Jones via trade, opted to move in a different direction as they prepare for the upcoming season.
The whirlwind of transactions and roster adjustments highlights the fiercely competitive and ever-changing nature of the NFL. With the regular season on the horizon, teams and players alike are making final preparations to hit the ground running, fully aware that in the NFL, the only constant is change.