NFL cutdown day has a sense of finality to it. With rosters reduced from 90 to 53 players, this marks a critical stage in the transition from offseason to regular season. It also dashes the hopes of hundreds more players seeking a seat on a squad.

However, it is not the be-all and end-all that it seems to be. Yes, it demonstrates the unpleasant fact that some roster prospects are simply not deemed talented or important enough. However, it is merely one snapshot in an ever-changing process: no NFL roster is ever definitive, and what is true one day may not be true the next.

Naturally, questions will continue to arise after the roster cut deadline. Some may appear different as a result of the cuts, but others remain just as noticeable.

Some major questions about the New England Patriots remain unresolved at this time.

Who will start at quarterback?

Arguably the biggest question in all of New England right now: will Jacoby Brissett or Drake Maye serve as the team’s starting quarterback to open the 2024 season. The rookie has “outplayed” the veteran recently, according to head coach Jerod Mayo, but that does not automatically mean he will be QB1 heading into the season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Unless the Patriots made a drastic decision — think: Cam Newton getting released in 2021 — cutdown day never could have provided an answer to the starting quarterback question. However, it does seemingly set the stage for what is to come: Mayo said that he is planning to announce the winner of the QB competition to the team once cuts are in the books

How will the offensive line look?
Throughout training camp, the Patriots’ offensive line appeared to be a potential weak point. With 20 open sessions and three preseason games completed, little has changed from that perspective: The line remains unresolved.

Outside of the center place, which is currently held by team captain David Andrews, every other position appears to be available for contention. The Patriots did remove some individuals from the equation when they released Atonio Mafi and placed Calvin Anderson on injured reserve, but those moves provided no information other than how many O-linemen would be on the original 53-man roster.

With potential waiver wire pickups or free agency signings on the horizon, even that number — nine at the present — is not guaranteed. There are still many loose ends to tie up.

Where’s the wiggle room?
Speaking of waiver wire pickups, the Patriots’ top decision makers have often emphasized their team’s waiver wire situation in recent media availability. The plan is to be aggressive, but whether this comes to fruition has to be seen.

However, the Patriots could have reduced their roster beyond the 53-player limit in anticipation of any acquisitions (our final roster estimate, for example, saw only 52 in-house players making the squad). That did not happen, leaving the question of who would be the next to depart if one or more players are added through waivers or free agency

At first sight, wide receiver Kayshon Boutte, tight end Jaheim Bell, offensive lineman Michael Jordan, defensive tackle Trysten Hill, cornerbacks Alex Austin and Marcellas Dial Jr., and safety Dell Pettus appear to have the warmest seats. What the future holds for them over the following 24+ hours will be intriguing to watch

Who will replace Christian Barmore (and until when)?

The Patriots seem to be cautiously optimistic when it comes to Christian Barmore after his blood clots diagnosis. The starting defensive tackle was placed on the non-football injury/illness list, but designated to return: once healthy, Barmore can come back to the 53-man roster this season.

Until that happens, though, New England needs to find a way to replace him. How they will do so is anybody’s guess given that the team kept multiple candidates aboard: Daniel Ekuale, Jeremiah Pharms Jr. and Trysten Hill could all contribute and try to told down the fort until Barmore’s return either in 2024 or at a later point.

Will one of them emerge as a 1-for-1 replacement (in role not quality), though? We don’t know yet

Who will emerge as the main special team members?
Early in training camp, Jerod Mayo emphasized the significance of his players being able to fit into multiple boxes. In terms of kicking, he believes the days of core special teamers like Matthew Slater are finished.

Still, someone needs to line up in the game’s third phase. Brenden Schooler appears to be the lone lock for all four coverage or return units, with fellow defensive backs Isaiah Bolden and Dell Pettus, as well as linebacker Christian Elliss, also strong prospects. Based on the roster as it currently exists, however, there is no telling who else may or may not play a similar role in the game’s third phase in 2024.