2024 NFL Trade Deadline Grades
The NFL trade deadline has come and gone, and it was fairly quiet. Some teams made big trades, some made head-scratching ones. Were these moves worth it for each team involved? Here are some grades for every team involved in a trade on November 5th.
Detroit Lions receive: DE Za’Darius Smith, 2026 seventh-round pick
Cleveland Browns receive: 2025 fifth-round pick, 2026 sixth-round pick
Za’Darius Smith is an excellent pickup for the Lions, especially in the absence of Aiden Hutchinson. He started all nine games with the Browns this season and has tallied 15 solo tackles, eight assists, and six tackles for loss. He’s also hit the QB seven times and recorded five sacks. This move might pay off even better if Smith sticks around in Detroit. While no one is a one-of-one replacement for Aiden Hutchinson, Za’Darius Smith will certainly lend a hand to an already dominant Lions defense.
Browns: B-
Lions: A-
Cincinnati Bengals receive: RB Khalil Herbert
Chicago Bears receive: 2025 seventh-round pick
This one is a quick and easy swap between these teams. The Bears haven’t properly utilized Khalil Herbert, especially with Deandre Swift finding his footing in the backfield. The Bengals’ run game has been the weakest part of their offense thus far. This is perfect, Cincy gets a boost on offense, and Chicago can use a late-round pick to their advantage once April comes.
Bears: B+
Bengals: B+
Dallas Cowboys receive: WR Jonathan Mingo, 2025 seventh-round pick
Carolina Panthers receive: 2025 fourth-round pick
This feels like a one-sided move in favor of the Panthers. Carolina seems to be cleaning house right now and being able to offload an underwhelming wide receiver in his second year is beneficial. The Cowboys have needed receiver help all year, and fans have been clamoring for Jerry Jones to make a move. Now after Dak Prescott’s injury, and after guys like Amari Cooper, Davante Adams, and DeAndre Hopkins were moved, Jones didn’t have many options left. Mingo could be a fine addition, but it’s too little too late for Dallas.
Cowboys: D+
Panthers: B-
Washington Commanders receive: CB Marshon Lattimore, 2025 fifth-round pick
New Orleans Saints receive: 2025 third-round pick, 2025 fourth-round pick, 2025 fifth-round pick
This might be the biggest move of the day. Washington’s secondary has been its weak point, and Lattimore’s talents are being wasted in NOLA. The Commanders are officially in “win now” mode, and the Saints are rebuilding. They received plenty of compensation to utilize in the future.
Saints: B+
Commanders: A-
Pittsburgh Steelers receive: WR Mike Williams
New York Jets receive: 2025 fifth-round pick
This is a quick and easy move that doesn’t necessarily hurt or help anyone. Williams has been underwhelming in New York, it could be his age, injury history, or the Jets just not needing him. The Steelers' offense has looked good thus far, and a veteran receiver like Williams could play a good role for them. Williams won’t be a game-changer in Pittsburgh, and the Jets turn a 30-year-old into a late-round draft pick.
Jets: B-
Steelers: B-
Pittsburgh Steelers receive: DE Preston Smith
Green Bay Packers receive: 2025 seventh-round pick
The Steelers once again make a move o near the deadline, picking up Preston Smith from the Packers. Pittsburgh is adding a 31-year-old pass rusher who’s not quite the player he used to be, but their defense could revitalize him. The Steelers are looking to add immediate strength to an already strong area for a low price. This is a smart move for Green Bay’s future. They get to unload an aging player while he still has value, and they’re saving cap money by doing so.
Steelers: B+
Packers: B+
Baltimore Ravens receive: CB Tre’Davious White, 2027 seventh-round pick
Los Angeles Rams receive: 2026 seventh-round pick
White hasn’t played a very strong role in LA since joining the team in March. The 29-year-old missed the last four games for the Rams as a healthy scratch. The Ravens have needed help in the secondary all year. While White might not turn them around, a veteran presence looking to revive his career can be a big help. Similar to the Packers, the Rams are turning an aging player into a future draft pick. LA is likely looking at a rebuild in the next couple of years, and they’ll need all the picks they can get.
Ravens: C-
Rams: C+
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