As the 2024 NFL season approaches, teams are scrambling to finalize their rosters, making pivotal decisions that could shape their fortunes. Among the waves of moves are some surprising quarterback cuts that have left fans and analysts alike buzzing.
Turmoil in Motown
The Detroit Lions have parted ways with an intriguing talent. A towering figure at 6-6 and 230 pounds, the former Indiana product found himself without a roster spot despite having learned under the likes of Doug Pederson and Kyle Shanahan during his tenures with the Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers. His lack of playing time, throwing just 14 passes over the past six seasons, ultimately sealed his fate. With Hendon Hooker solidifying the backup role to Jared Goff, the Lions opted to move on, ending his journey with the team.
Shifts in the Windy City
Elsewhere, the Chicago Bears made headlines by releasing Brett Rypien. Despite a commendable preseason performance where he showcased his chemistry with wideout Collin Johnson, Rypien couldn’t secure the backup spot behind Caleb Williams. Instead, the team favored Tyson Bagent, who outperformed Rypien during the critical preseason period. Rypien, who began his NFL career with the Denver Broncos and even compiled a 2-1 record as a starter there, now finds himself looking for yet another opportunity.
Cardinals' Calculations
The Arizona Cardinals have also made a significant change, releasing Desmond Ridder. Acquired in an earlier player-for-player trade this offseason, Ridder couldn't hold onto the roster spot with Clayton Tune edging him out for the backup job behind Kyler Murray. Ridder, originally a third-round pick by the Atlanta Falcons in 2022, now faces an uncertain future.
Patriot Shake-Up
The New England Patriots have waved goodbye to Bailey Zappe. After being drafted in the fourth round in 2022, Zappe managed an even 4-4 record as a replacement starter, throwing for 11 touchdowns against 12 interceptions in his two-year stint. His departure comes as the Patriots look to rely on their current quarterback lineup of Jacoby Brissett, Drake Maye, and Joe Milton III. The move raises questions about the Patriots' strategy and their confidence in their existing corps.
Florida Complications
In Jacksonville, CJ Beathard's season came to a premature end through an injury settlement. Initially a third-round pick by the San Francisco 49ers in 2017, Beathard flashed his potential last season, with six touchdowns and no interceptions. However, with the Jaguars acquiring Mac Jones via trade and Beathard limited to just one start in his three-year tenure in Jacksonville, the decision was made to part ways.
As teams continue to evaluate and reconfigure their rosters, these quarterback movements underscore the NFL's unforgiving nature. For the released quarterbacks, the offseason remains a period of uncertainty and opportunity, each hoping for another chance to prove their worth on the biggest stage. With rosters still in flux and the opening kick-off drawing closer, the landscape of NFL quarterbacking continues to evolve rapidly.