2024 NFL Trade Deadline Winners & Losers: Which Teams Made the Smartest Moves?
The 2024 NFL trade deadline has passed, leaving a flurry of activity and a new landscape for teams vying for playoff contention. With a record number of trades, including a whopping eight deals on deadline day, the question remains: who came out on top, and who is left scrambling? This year’s deadline, set after Week 9 for the first time due to the 17-game season, aimed to strike a balance between team improvement and competitive integrity. Let’s dive into the winners and losers of this year’s trade frenzy.
The Kings of the Deadline: Teams That Upgraded Significantly
Kansas City Chiefs: The rich get richer. Patrick Mahomes now has another weapon in DeAndre Hopkins. Hopkins’ immediate impact was felt in a two-touchdown performance against the Buccaneers. The Chiefs are in dynasty-building mode, reminiscent of the Patriots, adding low-risk, high-reward players to fill holes.
Detroit Lions: The Lions, a dominant force in the NFC, addressed their need for an edge rusher by acquiring Za’Darius Smith from the Browns. Even at 32, Smith is a productive pass rusher, providing a boost to the Lions’ Super Bowl aspirations. The Lions, currently boasting the NFL’s top-scoring offense and a top-5 defense, are serious contenders.
Baltimore Ravens: Lamar Jackson gains another weapon in Diontae Johnson. Johnson, known for his separation skills, adds a reliable veteran presence to complement Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman. The Ravens are loading up for a Super Bowl run, and Johnson’s addition makes their offense even more dangerous. They also added Tre’Davious White to bolster their secondary.
Minnesota Vikings: Losing Christian Darrisaw to injury could have derailed their season, but the Vikings swiftly acquired Cam Robinson from the Jaguars. Robinson provides stability and experience to protect their quarterback.
Washington Commanders: The Commanders made a splash by acquiring Pro Bowl cornerback Marshon Lattimore from the Saints. Lattimore instantly upgrades their defense and provides a much-needed No. 1 corner for quarterback Jayden Daniels’ first year.
The Missed Opportunities: Teams That Stood Pat or Fumbled
San Francisco 49ers: Despite being contenders, the 49ers didn’t make any significant moves to bolster their roster. While they acquired DT Khalil Davis for a late-round pick, it’s unlikely to move the needle significantly.
Miami Dolphins: The Dolphins, another team with Super Bowl aspirations, were surprisingly quiet at the deadline. They missed an opportunity to address potential weaknesses and add depth for a playoff push.
Atlanta Falcons: Despite leading their division, the Falcons failed to address their pass rush, a critical need for a team with playoff aspirations. Their defense needs improvement, and the lack of action at the deadline could haunt them in the postseason.
Carolina Panthers: While they acquired a fourth-round pick for Jonathan Mingo, the Panthers are still in rebuild mode. Bryce Young is the biggest loser. They have three receivers left on their roster.
Questionable Moves: Trades That Left Experts Scratching Their Heads
Dallas Cowboys: The Cowboys’ acquisition of Jonathan Mingo from the Panthers has been widely criticized. Giving up a fourth-round pick for a player who has struggled to produce raises questions about their evaluation process.
New Orleans Saints: Trading Marshon Lattimore signals a potential rebuild, which may be necessary but hurts their chances in the short term. While they gained valuable draft capital, the Saints are taking a step back in 2024.
New York Jets: While the Jets made a big splash by acquiring Davante Adams, they then traded Mike Williams to the Steelers for a fifth-round pick. The Jets did better than expected in terms of the return for a player who became unessential following their trade for Davante Adams.
Grading the Deals: A Report Card on Team Performance
Here’s a quick look at how some of the major trades were graded by experts:
- Detroit Lions: A+ for acquiring Za’Darius Smith.
- Kansas City Chiefs: B+ for landing DeAndre Hopkins.
- Baltimore Ravens: A for acquiring Diontae Johnson.
- Washington Commanders: A- for trading for Marshon Lattimore.
- Dallas Cowboys: D+ for acquiring Jonathan Mingo.
The Ripple Effect: How Trades Impacted Player Fortunes
The trade deadline wasn’t just about teams; it also significantly impacted the careers of several players:
- DeAndre Hopkins: From playing with Will Levis and Mason Rudolph in Tennessee to catching passes from Patrick Mahomes.
- Diontae Johnson: From one of the worst teams in the NFL (Carolina) to a Super Bowl contender (Baltimore).
- Za’Darius Smith: From the Browns to a potential Super Bowl contender in Detroit.
Final Thoughts: A Deadline of Calculated Risks and Bold Moves
The 2024 NFL trade deadline was a whirlwind of activity, with teams making calculated risks and bold moves to improve their rosters. While some teams clearly emerged as winners, others face an uncertain future. As the season progresses, it will be fascinating to see how these trades ultimately impact the playoff picture and the Super Bowl race.