NFL Trade Deadline Winners and Losers: 49ers Make Buzzer-Beating Deal
The 2024 NFL trade deadline has come and gone, marking the last opportunity for teams to either offload underperforming players or acquire talent to bolster their playoff aspirations. As teams finalize their rosters, let’s take a look at the winners and losers from this year’s trade deadline.
WINNER: Lions Replace Aidan Hutchinson
The Detroit Lions made a significant move to strengthen their defense by acquiring Za’Darius Smith from the Cleveland Browns. After losing star pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson for an extended period—though there’s hope he could return for a deep playoff run—Lions head coach Dan Campbell secured a strong reinforcement in Smith. The 32-year-old has recorded five sacks this season and brings valuable experience to the team.
In exchange for Smith, the Lions sent a 2025 fifth-round pick and a 2026 sixth-round pick to Cleveland, while receiving a 2026 seventh-round pick in return. This low-risk, high-reward trade is a strategic move for a team eager to advance to the Super Bowl.
LOSER: Cowboys Don’t Move the Needle
The Dallas Cowboys are struggling at 3-5, and the recent injury to quarterback Dak Prescott could further derail their season. Despite needing additional offensive skill players and defensive talent, the Cowboys only managed to acquire wide receiver Jonathan Mingo from the Carolina Panthers. A 2023 second-round pick, Mingo’s performance has been underwhelming, with just 12 catches for 121 yards and no touchdowns this season.
Given the need for impactful players, Dallas’s decision to pursue Mingo—rather than more proven talent—could prove insufficient in turning their season around.
WINNER: AFC North Contenders Get Involved
With the Cleveland Browns seemingly out of contention, the Baltimore Ravens, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Cincinnati Bengals all made moves to stay competitive in the AFC North.
- The Bengals kicked off the day by acquiring running back Khalil Herbert from the Chicago Bears for a 2025 seventh-round pick.
- The Steelers made two significant moves, adding wide receiver Mike Williams from the New York Jets for a 2025 fifth-rounder and acquiring edge rusher Preston Smith from the Green Bay Packers for a 2025 seventh-round pick.
- The Ravens rounded out their day by trading for cornerback Tre’Davious White from the Los Angeles Rams, sending a 2026 seventh-round pick in return.
These strategic acquisitions position the AFC North teams well as they vie for playoff spots.
LOSER: New Orleans Saints Lose Star
The New Orleans Saints have faced a challenging season, marked by a seven-game losing streak and the firing of head coach Dennis Allen. Their struggles are compounded by a difficult salary cap situation, leading to the loss of key players.
The Saints traded cornerback Marshon Lattimore to the Washington Commanders, along with a 2025 fifth-round pick. In return, New Orleans received three picks: a 2025 third, fourth, and sixth rounder. This trend of losing star players for draft capital may continue as the Saints navigate their financial challenges.
WINNER: 49ers Stay Active
The San Francisco 49ers are known for making impactful deals before the trade deadline, and they did not disappoint this year. In a last-minute move, the 49ers acquired defensive tackle Khalil Davis from the Houston Texans for a 2026 seventh-round pick. Davis is familiar with the 49ers’ system, having previously worked under former defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans.
While Davis may not have the immediate impact of last year’s addition of Chase Young, he adds depth to a defensive line that has been affected by the season-ending injury to Javon Hargrave. Some fans may have hoped for a wide receiver acquisition following Brandon Aiyuk‘s ACL tear, but the team still has options in Deebo Samuel, Jauan Jennings, and promising rookies Ricky Pearsall and Jacob Cowing.
Conclusion
As the dust settles from the 2024 NFL trade deadline, teams are now focused on integrating their new players and making a push for the playoffs. The Lions and 49ers emerged as clear winners with strategic acquisitions, while the Cowboys and Saints face challenges as they seek to regroup and improve their fortunes for the remainder of the season.
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