Explore the 6 most controversial cuts made by NFL teams during the 2024 roster deadline. Discover how these unexpected decisions could impact the season, with data-driven insights for a deeper understanding.
The NFL roster deadline always brings unexpected twists, but the 2024 season saw some truly surprising and, in many cases, questionable cuts. These decisions have left fans, analysts, and insiders wondering about the long-term implications for both the players and their former teams. Hereās a closer look at the six most controversial roster cuts, along with a breakdown of why these moves could backfire.
1. Desmond Ridder (QB) – Arizona Cardinals
Background: Desmond Ridder started 13 games for the Atlanta Falcons in 2023, displaying promise as a dual-threat quarterback. After being traded to the Cardinals, he seemed like an ideal backup for Kyler Murray.
Reason for Cut: Despite Ridder’s compatibility with Murray’s play style, the Cardinals opted for Clayton Tune as their backup, a move that could be risky if Murray faces any injuries.
Potential Impact: Ridder’s release could leave Arizona exposed if Murray goes down, as Tuneās experience pales in comparison.
Player
2023 Stats
2024 Preseason Performance
Desmond Ridder
2,382 yards, 15 TDs, 8 INTs
Solid, but lost QB2 competition to Tune
2. D’Onta Foreman (RB) – Cleveland Browns
Background: Foreman was a mid-season standout for the Chicago Bears last year, rushing for 425 yards and 4 touchdowns in just nine games. The Browns signed him to bolster their backfield as Nick Chubb recovers from injury.
Reason for Cut: Cleveland decided to go forward with only two active running backs while Chubb remains on the PUP list, a decision that might leave them thin at the position.
Potential Impact: With Chubb sidelined, cutting Foreman could leave the Browns vulnerable, especially if their remaining backs struggle or get injured.
Player
2023 Stats
2024 Preseason Performance
D’Onta Foreman
425 yards, 4 TDs in 9 games
Minimal action, but expected to be a key backup
3. Caleb Farley (CB) – Tennessee Titans
Background: Drafted in the first round in 2021, Farley’s career has been hampered by injuries, limiting him to just 12 games over three seasons.
Reason for Cut: Despite appearing in the Titans’ final preseason game, Farley was released, a move possibly influenced by GM Ran Carthon, who didnāt draft him.
Potential Impact: Given his draft pedigree and the fact that heās finally healthy, cutting Farley could be a misstep if he blossoms elsewhere.
Player
Drafted
Games Played (2021-2023)
2024 Preseason
Caleb Farley
1st Round (22)
12 games
Returned to action, showed promise
4. Anders Carlson (K) – Green Bay Packers
Background: The Packers took a gamble on Carlson in the sixth round of the 2023 draft, but his rookie season was marred by inconsistency.
Reason for Cut: Carlson missed 13 field goals or extra points in 2023, including a critical miss in the playoffs, prompting Green Bay to move on.
Potential Impact: Waiving a kicker they invested a draft pick in so quickly could reflect poorly on the Packers if Carlson finds success elsewhere.
Player
2023 Stats
Key 2023 Miss
Anders Carlson
68% FG accuracy, 13 missed
41-yard miss in playoff loss to 49ers
5. Terrace Marshall, Jr. (WR) – Carolina Panthers
Background: Marshall, a second-round pick in 2021, showed promise with an impressive 17.5 yards per catch just two seasons ago.
Reason for Cut: Despite a dip in production last season, cutting a young receiver with his potential in favor of newcomers like Diontae Johnson and Xavier Legette might be premature.
Potential Impact: Marshallās release could come back to haunt the Panthers if he rekindles his form with another team.
Player
2022 Stats
2023 Performance
Terrace Marshall Jr.
17.5 YPC in 2022
Struggled with drops, but still a deep threat
6. C.J. Beathard (QB) – Jacksonville Jaguars
Background: Beathard has been a reliable backup with 13 starts over seven seasons. He provided solid relief for Trevor Lawrence in 2023.
Reason for Cut: Jacksonville decided to go with Mac Jones as their backup, a long-term move that carries risk given Jones’s struggles in New England.
Potential Impact: If the Jaguars need a spot start late in the season, cutting the experienced Beathard could prove costly.
Player
Career Starts
2023 Performance
C.J. Beathard
13 starts
Provided solid relief, but replaced by Jones
Conclusion
The 2024 NFL roster deadline cuts were filled with surprises, and these six decisions could have lasting implications. Whether these teams made the right choices or will regret their moves as the season progresses remains to be seen. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how these players’ careers unfold and how their former teams adjust to life without them.
