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NFL Teams Race to Finalize Rosters Before Preseason Deadline
20 Aug
Summary
- 20 trades made between Aug. 9-28 last year, 27 players claimed on first waiver day
- 3 trades involving 6 players completed this month, eating into roster possibilities
- Defensive tackle a point of emphasis for several teams, with many players competing for limited spots

With the NFL preseason nearing its end, teams are in a frenzy to finalize their 53-man rosters for the upcoming regular season. In the past, the period between August 9th and 28th has been a busy time for roster transactions, with 20 trades and 27 players claimed on the first day of the 2024 waiver system. This year has been no different, as three trades involving six players have already been completed in the past week.
As teams look to address positions of weakness, defensive tackle has emerged as a point of emphasis for several franchises. The San Francisco 49ers, for instance, have seven players competing for four or five spots, including draft picks and undrafted free agents. The Chicago Bears, meanwhile, have bolstered their defensive line with the signings of Grady Jarrett and Shemar Turner, as well as the acquisitions of Gervon Dexter Sr. and Zacch Pickens in previous drafts.
With the August 26th deadline to reduce rosters to 53 players looming, teams will be closely monitoring the waiver wire and exploring trade opportunities to identify potential contributors. The next few weeks will be crucial as organizations make tough decisions to shape their final squads and position themselves for success in the upcoming season.