2024-08-28 06:40:02
It is one of the most significant days in the NFL calendar before the season kicks off – the roster cut deadline. This is the day when teams must finalize their 53-man roster, a crucial step in shaping their squad for the upcoming season. The official cut deadline was at 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday.
On decision day, all 32 teams engaged in a diverse range of roster changes, trimming their rosters to 53 players. Some teams released rookies, while others parted ways with veterans and some took a chance on long-shot players to complete their teams for the upcoming season, showcasing the unpredictability of the NFL decisions.
Here are some overreactions to the moves made on the final day. For instance, the release of quarterback Bailey Zappe from the New England Patriots has sparked a heated debate among fans and analysts.
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NFL cut deadline overreactions
Chiefs won’t make the playoffs without Kadarius Toney
The Kansas City Chiefs have made a bold decision to keep seven wide receivers on their initial roster, with Kadarius Toney not making the cut. Despite his Super Bowl heroics, Toney was released by the Chiefs. His 65-yard punt return in the fourth quarter of Super Bowl LVII was a memorable moment that helped Kansas City to a 38-35 win over the Philadelphia Eagles.
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In his 32 games with Kansas City, Toney showed glimpses of his potential with 82 receptions for 760 yards and three touchdowns. The Chiefs had high hopes for him as their top starter, but unfortunately, he didn’t quite reach the level they needed. However, his potential remains, and the Chiefs will move forward without him.
Packers weaker at the kicker position
After an inconsistent rookie season, the Green Bay Packers waived Anders Carlson, a second-year player out of Auburn, and decided to stick with veteran Greg Joseph. Carlson missed a 32-yard field goal attempt on the last kick of the preseason, but he made 27 of 33 field goal attempts and 34 of 39 extra point attempts last season. The Packers moved in the right direction with Joseph, who had an 82.6% field goal percentage last season with the Minnesota Vikings.
The Packers’ decision to release Carlson will not significantly impact the team, as they have chosen to proceed with Joseph and also have rookie Australian kicker Alex Hale on the roster. The team has indicated they are open to keeping a kicker who demonstrates consistency to win important games.
Patriots will struggle at QB
The New England Patriots waived third-year quarterback Bailey Zappe on Tuesday. Zappe was a fourth-round pick out of Western Kentucky in 2022 and started eight games for the Patriots in the last two years. This is a familiar situation for Zappe, as he was also waived at last year’s deadline but later returned to the team and started six games in 2023, throwing for 1,272 yards with six touchdowns and nine interceptions.
It is unlikely that he will return after the Patriots selected two quarterbacks in the 2024 NFL Draft, making his departure the right move. The Patriots have Jacoby Brissett and picked Drake Maye as their No. 3 overall pick and snagged Joe Milton III with a sixth-round selection. New England has plenty of potential at the position, making it clear that Zappe was the odd man out.
Will Jacoby Brissett and his backup take the Patriots to the Super Bowl? Probably not, but Zappe’s departure doesn’t change the Patriots future.
