NFL Teams Make Notable Quarterback Cuts as 2024 Season Approaches
As the 2024 NFL season looms, all 32 teams are engrossed in finalizing their rosters. Tough decisions are being made on last-minute cuts and trades, resulting in a flurry of notable quarterback movements.
Among this year's cutdown casualties are several early-round draft quarterbacks whose careers have not panned out as hoped. The Detroit Lions released a former Indiana product, a towering figure at 6-6 and 230 pounds. Although he had studied under the tutelage of esteemed coaches Doug Pederson and Kyle Shanahan with the Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers, his on-field opportunities were limited, having thrown only 14 passes over the past six seasons. His journey with the Lions concludes as Hendon Hooker secured the backup role to Jared Goff.
Similarly, the Chicago Bears made a strategic move by releasing Brett Rypien, despite his solid preseason debut, which showcased a strong downfield connection with wideout Collin Johnson. Rypien, who began his NFL journey with the Denver Broncos and compiled a 2-1 record as a starter, found himself outshined by Tyson Bagent for the backup spot behind Caleb Williams.
The Arizona Cardinals also made waves by releasing Desmond Ridder. Ridder, originally a third-round pick by the Atlanta Falcons in 2022, was acquired in a player-for-player trade earlier this offseason. However, Clayton Tune's impressive performance secured him the backup job behind Kyler Murray, leaving Ridder to find new opportunities elsewhere.
Patriots and Jaguars Reshuffle with New Acquisitions
In Foxborough, the New England Patriots waived Bailey Zappe, who was drafted in the fourth round by the team 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 decision to part ways with Zappe likely came as the Patriots chose to move forward with quarterbacks Jacoby Brissett, Drake Maye, and Joe Milton III on their roster.
Meanwhile, in Jacksonville, CJ Beathard's tenure with the Jaguars came to an end following an injury settlement. Beathard, originally a third-round pick by the San Francisco 49ers in 2017, had a brief but notable stint with the Jaguars. He threw for six touchdowns and zero interceptions while filling in during the 2022 season. Despite making only one start during his three years in Jacksonville, his steady performance was overshadowed by the Jaguars' decision to acquire Mac Jones via trade.
These roster changes highlight the constant flux in team lineups, even after the initial cutdown to 53 players. As teams keep reshuffling their rosters right up to the season kick-off, the true test will be how these decisions impact their performance on the field.
Unpredictable Future for Released Quarterbacks
The release of these quarterbacks signifies the unpredictable nature of professional football, where even high draft picks and promising talents must continuously prove their worth. For the released players, the future remains uncertain, as they wait for potential opportunities to present themselves with other teams in need of quarterback depth.
While some of these quarterbacks have shown flashes of promise and competence, the competitive nature of the NFL means only the top performers will find stability and success in their careers. As teams finalize their rosters and gear up for the 2024 season, fans will watch closely to see how these moves shape their favorite teams' fortunes.