The 2024 NFL trade deadline has come and gone, leaving a trail of blockbuster deals and head-scratching decisions in its wake. Wide receivers were the hottest commodities this year, with contenders across the league vying to bolster their aerial attacks. Some teams emerged as clear winners, while others were left grappling with the consequences of their choices.
Chiefs Reign Supreme with Savvy Acquisitions
The Kansas City Chiefs solidified their status as trade deadline victors with the acquisition of veteran wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins. The former Titans standout wasted no time making an impact, hauling in eight catches for 86 yards and two touchdowns in a thrilling Monday night win over the Buccaneers. Perhaps even more impressive was this jaw-dropping grab:
Hopkins’ contested catch between three defenders was a play only he could make. It’s the most difficult reception by a Chiefs wideout from Mahomes since 2018, according to Next Gen Stats.
– Anonymous NFL scout
The Chiefs didn’t stop there, also snagging pass rusher Joshua Uche from the Patriots. While Uche played sparingly in his debut, his presence bolsters an already formidable defense. GM Brett Veach deserves credit for consistently finding ways to plug roster holes and keep the Chiefs in Super Bowl contention year after year.
Lions’ Za’Darius Smith Scores Fresh Start
Disgruntled pass rusher Za’Darius Smith found greener pastures, escaping the sinking ship in Cleveland for a chance to chase a ring in Detroit. The 32-year-old may not be the dominant force he once was, but he immediately becomes the focal point of the Lions’ pass rush following Aidan Hutchinson’s season-ending injury. Look for Detroit to lean on Smith’s veteran leadership as they gear up for a playoff push.
Frustrated Receivers Flex Their Muscles
The 2024 deadline was a stark reminder of the power wielded by discontented wide receivers. No fewer than six wideouts found new homes, with stars like Davante Adams, Amari Cooper, and Diontae Johnson among them. The message was clear: If you’re a productive pass-catcher stuck in a bad situation, make enough noise and a contender will come calling.
The influx of in-season receiver moves raises questions about the long-term sustainability of this trend. Will the gambles pay off for the teams mortgaging future assets? Or will we look back and wonder what might have been? Only time will tell.
Cowboys’ Mingo Gamble Raises Eyebrows
On the flip side, the head-scratching move of the deadline belongs to the Dallas Cowboys. Shipping a fourth-round pick to Carolina for the underperforming Jonathan Mingo left many observers baffled. Since being drafted in 2023, Mingo has failed to distinguish himself in a middling Panthers offense:
| Routes | Targets | Yards per Route | Catch Rate |
| 681 | 111 | 0.8 | 49.5% |
The Cowboys will argue that Mingo is an unrealized talent who can thrive with a change of scenery. But this feels more like a desperation heave than a calculated move for a 3-5 team teetering on the brink of irrelevance.
Benched Rookie QBs Left in Limbo
The Panthers’ Bryce Young and Colts’ Anthony Richardson remained with their respective teams despite recent benchings. It’s a precarious situation for both organizations and their young signal-callers. By not trading them, Carolina and Indy are leaving the door open for redemption. But the embarrassment of seeing a top draft pick flourish elsewhere may have factored into their decisions to stand pat.
Jets’ Deadline Dealings a Mixed Bag
For the Jets, the deadline was a bittersweet affair. The Davante Adams acquisition generated buzz, but it wasn’t enough to salvage a 3-6 start. Cutting bait on the disappointing Mike Williams experiment by sending him to the Steelers for a fifth-rounder was a small victory. But it’s hard to view anything as a true win for a team with such lofty preseason expectations.
Saints Mortgage Future for Lattimore Haul
The Saints kicked their rebuild into high gear by shipping star corner Marshon Lattimore to the Commanders. The hefty return of three 2025 picks (third, fourth, and sixth) should aid their efforts to restock the cupboards. However, the $31.6M dead cap hit in 2025 resulting from the trade is a bitter pill to swallow. New Orleans now faces an uphill battle to get their cap situation under control, likely necessitating painful cuts and restructures in the coming years.
The 2024 NFL trade deadline delivered its share of thrills and head-scratchers. Some teams bet big on the present, while others were left grappling with an uncertain future. As the dust settles, one thing is certain: The impact of these moves will be felt for years to come.
