The annual NFL roster cut deadline is often a turning point in the season, as teams must trim their rosters down to 53 players. This year’s deadline brought both joy and heartbreak, with many notable names finding themselves without a team. As always, these decisions are influenced by a combination of performance, potential, and fit with team needs. Here’s a look at some of the biggest winners and losers from this year’s roster cuts.
Winners
Hendon Hooker:
After a challenging journey, including a torn ACL and a medical redshirt year, Hendon Hooker is back on track. The former SEC Offensive Player of the Year has earned the backup quarterback position for the Detroit Lions, behind starter Jared Goff. This move comes after the Lions released veteran quarterback Nate Sudfeld, signaling confidence in Hooker’s recovery and potential. Hooker now has the chance to prove his worth and fulfill the expectations that came with being a third-round pick.
Skyy Moore:
Despite a slow start to his career with the Kansas City Chiefs, Skyy Moore remains on the roster. The Chiefs, known for their offensive firepower, decided to keep Moore despite adding veteran Hollywood Brown and drafting Xavier Worthy. Moore’s place on the team shows the coaching staff’s belief in his potential, even if his performance has yet to fully justify their faith. With limited room for error, Moore has a critical opportunity to make an impact this season.
Malik Willis:
Formerly a top quarterback prospect in the 2022 NFL Draft, Malik Willis’ career trajectory seemed uncertain after a challenging start with the Tennessee Titans. However, Willis finds new life with the Green Bay Packers, who see him as a valuable backup to rising star Jordan Love. The Packers’ decision to release former backup Sean Clifford indicates a fresh start for Willis, who now has the chance to develop behind Love.
Round 1 QBs from 2021:
Outside of Trevor Lawrence, many of the quarterbacks taken in the first round of the 2021 draft have struggled to find their footing. However, Zach Wilson, Trey Lance, Justin Fields, and Mac Jones all appear to have new opportunities. Fields is in a competition with Russell Wilson for the starting job in Pittsburgh, while Wilson and Jones will serve as backups in Denver and Jacksonville, respectively. Lance remains in Dallas, but questions about his future persist.
Losers
Desmond Ridder:
Desmond Ridder’s fall from grace has been swift. Once the quarterback leading Cincinnati to a College Football Playoff appearance, Ridder has now been released by the Arizona Cardinals after a brief stint with the Atlanta Falcons. Despite starting 13 games for the Falcons last year, inconsistencies led to his exit. While his talent and leadership qualities suggest he could get another chance, it may be on a practice squad rather than an active roster.
Caleb Farley:
Injuries have plagued Caleb Farley’s career since his college days at Virginia Tech, and his time in the NFL has been no different. The former first-round pick was cut by the Tennessee Titans after struggling to stay healthy. Farley’s personal life has also been marred by tragedy, with a house explosion last year killing his father. A fresh start could be beneficial for Farley, who has shown potential when healthy but has yet to put it all together.
Veteran Wide Receivers:
The 2024 roster cuts were particularly harsh for wide receivers. Players like Robbie Chosen, Allen Robinson, Justin Gage, and Sterling Shepard, all of whom have experienced success in the league, were released. The competition is stiff, and with other younger or more productive receivers available, it may be challenging for these veterans to find new teams.
Unfulfilled Potential at Wide Receiver:
The list of unemployed former first and second-round picks at wide receiver is lengthy, highlighting the unforgiving nature of the NFL. N’Keal Harry, John Ross, Kadarius Toney, and Laquon Treadwell are among those cut, alongside Parris Campbell, Dee Eskridge, KJ Hamler, Andy Isabella, and Terrace Marshall Jr. While some may find opportunities on practice squads, their chances to make a significant impact seem to be dwindling.
The NFL roster cut deadline is a day of mixed emotions, with some players seizing new opportunities while others face uncertain futures. For those who didn’t make the cut, the hope remains that another team will see value in their skills. As teams continue to adjust their rosters in the coming days, there will be more moves and, potentially, more surprises.
