KANSAS CITY CHIEFS, NFL
2024 NFL trade deadline: Who are the biggest winners and losers?
Nov
2024 NFL Trade Deadline: Winners and Losers
The 2024 NFL trade deadline, now positioned after Week 9 as part of the league’s adjustment to a 17-game schedule, marked a significant shift in how teams approach midseason deals. By setting the deadline at the midpoint, the NFL aims to strike a balance between teams trying to improve and the risk of late-season imbalances that could result from tanking. The timing allows most teams to assess their playoff chances while preventing drastic sell-offs and maintaining competitiveness. While some teams advocated for a later deadline to give them more time, this year’s deadline was filled with intrigue and activity. With trades starting weeks in advance, including big moves for star players like Davante Adams and Amari Cooper, the trade landscape heated up on the final day with a flurry of activity. Here’s a breakdown of the winners and losers from this year’s trade deadline.
Winners
Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs may have made the most impactful move of the deadline by acquiring wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, addressing a critical need after injuries decimated their receiving corps. Hopkins, still adjusting to the Chiefs’ offense, already made an impact with two touchdowns in a recent win over the Buccaneers. The Chiefs also bolstered their defense with the acquisition of pass rusher Josh Uche, giving them added depth on both sides of the ball. Both Hopkins and Uche were acquired for minimal draft capital, a strategy reminiscent of the New England Patriots’ dynasty-era moves. With the Chiefs’ unbeaten record, these acquisitions further solidify their status as Super Bowl contenders.
Wide Receivers
Veteran wide receivers dominated the trade market this year, with six players switching teams. Among the biggest moves were Davante Adams heading to the Jets to reunite with Aaron Rodgers, DeAndre Hopkins joining Patrick Mahomes in Kansas City, and Diontae Johnson moving from the Carolina Panthers to the Baltimore Ravens. For players like Hopkins, the trade to a high-powered offense represents a significant upgrade, while others, like Jonathan Mingo and Mike Williams, could find themselves in better situations to further develop. For some, like Adams, the postseason is still a possibility, but for others, it remains uncertain.
Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings made a savvy move by trading for left tackle Cam Robinson from the Jacksonville Jaguars after losing standout Christian Darrisaw to a season-ending injury. The acquisition immediately strengthens their offensive line, which is crucial for quarterback Sam Darnold’s protection and the team’s playoff hopes. The Vikings, sitting at 6-2, are positioning themselves as Super Bowl contenders, and this move sends a strong message to the rest of the league that they’re committed to competing this season.
Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions, arguably the most complete team in the league, shored up their defense with the addition of pass rusher Za’Darius Smith from the Cleveland Browns. With Aidan Hutchinson sidelined, this move bolsters the Lions’ pass rush for a potential Super Bowl run. Smith, who recorded five sacks in nine games for Cleveland, brings much-needed depth to Detroit’s defensive line, which will be crucial as they face top-tier quarterbacks in the playoffs.
Cincinnati Bengals
While the Bengals’ trade for running back Khalil Herbert may not make major headlines, it was an important move to shore up their backfield, especially with Zack Moss sidelined due to injury. The trade signals that the Bengals believe they can still make a playoff push, despite their slow start. This move, though minor, sends a clear message that the Bengals are not giving up on their season and are willing to make the necessary changes to remain competitive.
Washington Commanders
The Washington Commanders were one of the most aggressive teams at the deadline, acquiring Pro Bowl cornerback Marshon Lattimore from the New Orleans Saints. The addition of Lattimore strengthens Washington’s secondary, which is vital given the tough competition in the NFC East. With the Commanders leading their division, this move further solidifies their push for a playoff spot. The trade was bold, giving up multiple draft picks for an established cornerback, but it reflects Washington’s belief that their window is open and they’re all-in on the current season.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers, who have struggled to put up points this season, took a significant step toward addressing their offensive needs by acquiring wide receiver Mike Williams. The move adds much-needed firepower to their passing attack alongside George Pickens. The Steelers also reinforced their defense with the trade for pass rusher Preston Smith, which adds depth behind T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith. With tough games ahead, including matchups against elite quarterbacks, these moves give Pittsburgh a better chance to compete in the AFC.
Losers
Dallas Cowboys
Despite having a struggling running game and quarterback Dak Prescott on injured reserve, the Cowboys made a questionable trade by acquiring receiver Jonathan Mingo from the Carolina Panthers. While Mingo has potential, his lack of production this season and the relatively high price (a fourth-round pick) raised questions about the trade’s value. The Cowboys’ biggest issues appear to be on the offensive line and running back depth, so spending valuable draft capital on a player who might not make an immediate impact is a puzzling move, especially with a season that’s trending downward.
Cleveland Browns Fans
For Cleveland, the 2024 season was essentially over with the loss of key players like Amari Cooper and Za’Darius Smith to trade. While these deals net the Browns draft picks for the future, they signal a white-flag moment in the present. The team’s playoff hopes were dashed, and fans are left contemplating the long-term implications of the Deshaun Watson trade and contract. The team now looks toward the 2025 draft, but the 2024 season will likely be remembered as a missed opportunity.
New Orleans Saints
The Saints, once a playoff hopeful, took a step toward rebuilding by trading away cornerback Marshon Lattimore to the Washington Commanders. The move is part of a larger trend signaling the team’s shift toward a rebuild. After starting the season with optimism, the Saints now find themselves with a dwindling playoff chance and difficult salary-cap issues for next season. Their season, and their roster, appears to be heading in a different direction, which leaves fans questioning the future of the franchise.
Withholding Judgment
New York Jets
The Jets made a series of bold moves at the trade deadline, acquiring Davante Adams to bolster their receiving corps. However, the timing of the trade, while it initially seemed questionable, may prove valuable as Adams begins to develop chemistry with Aaron Rodgers. The trade for Mike Williams also signals that the Jets are trying to give Rodgers more weapons. The team’s playoff hopes remain slim, but if the offense continues to click as it did in their recent win over the Texans, the Jets may still be in the hunt. It’s too early to say whether these midseason moves will pay off.
The 2024 NFL trade deadline brought a mix of bold moves and calculated risks, as teams aimed to strengthen their rosters for a playoff push. Whether these trades will pay off remains to be seen, but for now, teams like the Chiefs, Vikings, and Lions are looking like the big winners, while others like the Cowboys, Browns, and Saints are left with more questions than answers.
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