NFL 2024 Reunion Games To Be Aware Of
This NFL offseason, many big-name players moved teams for one reason or another. Last night the official 2024 schedule was released, and as fate would have it, many of these players will be playing against their former team next season, resulting in a good amount of reunion games to look forward to.
In the midst of NFL draft frenzy, free agency, and OTA’s let’s just refresh which notable players moved teams. Starting in the AFC, both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields are now with the Steelers. Stefon Diggs joined C.J. Stroud and company in Houston. In the NFC, Kirk Cousins went south to Atlanta, and Saquon Barkley went just a little bit south down route 95 to Philadelphia. The Giants also snagged Brian Burns from Carolina in a trade.
Here Are The Reunion Games That Includes Those Players
We don’t have to wait long. The Steelers will travel to Denver to take on the Broncos in week two. It’s highly likely, and expected that Russell Wilson will start the season as QB1, which means he gets a shot at his old team (and coach who benched him) in his old stadium on September 15.
Stefon Diggs has the most intriguing layout ahead of him. Coming from Buffalo, fans might be excited to know that he and his new Texans teammates play the Bills in week five. However, two weeks before that, Diggs will play against the Vikings in Minnesota, where he started his career (and had arguably the biggest touchdown catch in their franchise’s history). On November 18, Diggs has another interesting matchup when he goes against his brother Trevon in Dallas. Given Trevon plays cornerback, you can’t help but wonder if they will line up against each other with Trevon guarding Stefon.
Quarterback Kirk Cousins was beloved in Minnesota before he signed with Atlanta. Cousins will return to Minneapolis with the Falcons to take on his old team in their building on Sunday, December 8.
Prior to that, we have another NFC reunion battle with the Eagles playing at the Giants on October 20. This is the return of Saquon Barkley. Obviously, the New York faithful will let him have it: don’t be surprised to hear a lot of boos, given that he went to a conference rival of all places. Let’s not forget however, the Giants didn’t make him a legit offer during the offseason.
Speaking of the Giants, new pass rusher Brian Burnes will get the chance to sack his old Carolina team when the two squads square off in week 10 in Germany.
Other Notable Games
Though Rams’ QB Matthew Stafford has been with the team since 2021, he will return to his original team, the Detroit Lions on week one. This is the first NBC Sunday Football Night in America national game of the year. Stafford lit it up in Detroit last year when his Rams ultimately lost to the Lions in the playoffs.
New Dolphins receiver Odell Beckham Jr. will go against two of his former teams, playing both at their stadiums. OBJ will return to Los Angeles to play the Rams on November 11, and he will return to Cleveland to play the Browns on December 29.
Lastly, keep an eye on the Jacksonville Jaguars playing the New England Patriots in London on October 20. If, by chance, Trevor Lawrence can’t go, that means Mac Jones plays against his former team as well. This will be in London, which means its nationally televised via the NFL Network.
