2024 NFL Trade Deadline Winners and Losers

The 2024 NFL trade deadline passed with a whisper instead of a bang. with fewer notable deals than expected.

While some teams took thoughtful steps to strengthen their rosters, others wondered if more could have been done.

Winners

One of the big winners of the day was the Carolina Pantherswho traded Jonathan Mingo for a valuable fourth-round pick. Although Mingo had fallen down the Panthers receiver depth chart, Carolina’s ability to get meaningful draft compensation for him is a win, especially during an otherwise tough season.

The Detroit Lions also made a major move by adding pass rusher Za’Darius Smithwhich meets a clear need for schedules. By giving up just a fifth- and sixth-round pick in return, the Lions made a smart addition that increases their defensive depth without jeopardizing future draft assets. Smith, a proven talent, could provide long-term support in place of the injured Aidan Hutchinson, solidifying Detroit’s playoff run.

Moreover, the Washington commanders made one of the boldest moves of the day by acquiring Star Cornerback Marshon Lattimore of the New Orleans Saints. In return, the Saints received a mix of picks from the third through sixth rounds. The move gives Lattimore a fresh start on a contending team and establishes Washington as an elite defensive playmaker while New Orleans gains draft capital to aid their rebuild.

Winners before the deadline

Teams that took action early also reaped the benefits. The Kansas City Chiefs bought DeAndre Hopkins weeks before the deadline, and the veteran wide receiver made an immediate impact.

The Buffalo Bills And Baltimore Ravens added key offensive players in Amari Cooper and Deonte Johnson, respectively, strengthening their roster ahead of the season’s critical season.

Losers

One of the notable losers was the Dallas Cowboyswho gave up a fourth-round pick for Jonathan Mingo, a receiver who struggles to make a run. Many felt that this trade was unnecessary given Mingo’s lack of production and the Cowboys’ stacked receiver corps, leading some to question the rationale behind this move.

The Cincinnati Bengals also left analysts confused. Despite an obvious need for defensive help, they made only a minor move by adding running back Khalil Herbert while opting not to pursue defensive upgrades. With the defensive struggles of the Bengals, Many felt that Cincinnati had missed a valuable opportunity to fill a pressing need.

Fans hoping for an exciting trade deadline were disappointed. Although some important transactions took place, overall activity was limited, similar to last year. This has led some to suggest delaying the deadline to give teams more time to assess their needs.

Conclusion

Despite a relatively quiet day, a handful of teams emerged as clear winnerswhere they benefit from the opportunities to improve their schedules.

For many teams – and for the NFL fans who expected blockbuster deals –the 2024 NFL trade deadline felt more like a day of missed opportunities.