NFL Trade Deadline 2024: A Frenzied Finish to the Season's Buy and Sell
The 2024 NFL trade deadline has come and gone, and what a wild ride it's been. As the clock ticked closer to the 4 p.m. ET deadline on Tuesday, November 5, teams scrambled to make last-minute deals that would either bolster their playoff chances or set them up for a brighter future. In this article, we'll break down the key trades, rumors, and news from around the league.
A Flurry of Activity
In the hours leading up to the deadline, there was a flurry of activity, with multiple trades going down. The Detroit Lions made a splash by acquiring pass rusher Za'Darius Smith, while the Cincinnati Bengals landed running back Khalil Herbert from the Chicago Bears. The Dallas Cowboys also got in on the action, trading for wide receiver Jonathan Mingo from the Carolina Panthers.
ESPN experts and insiders reported that there were numerous other deals in the works, with teams looking to shore up their weaknesses and make a push for the playoffs. The DeAndre Hopkins deal to the Buffalo Bills was one of the most notable trades of the day, while the Cooper Kupp situation in Los Angeles continues to evolve. The New England Patriots were also active, but ultimately opted not to make any major moves.
Who Were the Winners and Losers?
As the trades began to unfold, it quickly became clear that some teams had made savvy additions, while others had made questionable decisions. The Bengals, for example, bolstered their backfield with Herbert, a move that should pay dividends in the short term. The Lions, meanwhile, got a much-needed boost to their pass rush with Smith.
But not all teams were as fortunate. The Bears, who dealt away Herbert, may have gotten a decent haul of draft picks in return, but they still have major holes to fill on their roster. The Panthers, who traded Mingo to the Cowboys, are still reeling from a disastrous season that's seen them win just a handful of games.
Grading the Trades
As the dust settles on the trade deadline, it's time to assess which teams came out on top and which ones got left behind. Our experts have been grading each trade, and the results are fascinating. The Bengals' deal for Herbert, for example, earned an A-minus, while the Lions' acquisition of Smith got a B-plus.
Not all trades, of course, were winners. The Patriots' decision to stand pat, for example, was met with a lukewarm reception from fans and pundits alike. The team's conservative approach may have been wise in the long term, but it's unlikely to quell the discontent among fans who were hoping for some major moves.
What's Next?
As the NFL season enters its second half, the teams that made deals on deadline day will be eager to see how their new additions pan out. Will Herbert become a workhorse for the Bengals? Can Smith help the Lions turn around their season?
Only time will tell, but one thing's for certain: the 2024 NFL season is shaping up to be one for the books. With the playoffs just weeks away, every game counts, and the trades made on deadline day could be the difference between making a deep run or going home early.
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