Here are the hits and misses from the deadline
The NFL trade deadline rang at 4 p.m. ET yesterday, marking the latest date in league history for such activity. This extended timeline seemed to fuel a lively day with eight deals struck—making it the second-busiest trade deadline ever.
In total, 19 players changed teams during the season, nearing the 2022 record by just three players. Here are the 5 teams that gained the most (and 4 that, well, didn’t):
The Chiefs bolstered their lineup in a big way by adding receiver DeAndre Hopkins. This move could be the most impactful of the year. Hopkins’ performance in Monday’s overtime victory, where he snagged two touchdowns against the Bucs, underscores his immediate value to Kansas City’s lineup.
Impressively, Hopkins hasn’t fully integrated into the Chiefs’ system yet. Kansas City is in full dynasty mode, drawing comparisons to the Patriots’ approach of the past—adding smart, low-risk players to keep their lineup strong.
Detroit had one mission: get a pass rusher. They pulled it off by trading a fifth and sixth-round pick for Za’Darius Smith, a three-time Pro Bowler who this season has stacked up 20 hurries and 27 pressures, surpassing the likes of T.J. Watt.
At 32, Smith’s contract isn’t guaranteed past this year, so the Lions get flexibility while potentially pairing him with Aidan Hutchinson next season. Colton Pouncy noted that Smith was “arguably the top pass-rusher available” and a perfect fit for the Lions.
Buffalo made waves by acquiring Amari Cooper from Cleveland. Cooper, a five-time Pro Bowler, now joins the AFC East contender after his tenure with the Browns, Cowboys, and Raiders.
Cooper’s luck couldn’t be better—he’s trading one of the league’s least productive offenses for a shot at playoff success with MVP candidate Josh Allen. After months of trade talk, this deal finally brings Cooper into a winning environment.
Pittsburgh picked up Williams from the Jets for a 2025 fifth-round pick, as reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter, who added that the Steelers will cover the remainder of Williams’ 2024 salary—$627,500, according to Spotrac.
Williams might not be the blockbuster deal fans expected, but he strengthens the receiving corps as a dependable No. 2 behind George Pickens, adding length and consistency to Pittsburgh’s roster.
Johnson’s move to Baltimore has him switching from Carolina, one of the league’s lowest-ranking teams, to the Ravens, who are pushing for the Lombardi Trophy. Johnson hits free agency after the season, so a deep playoff run could add leverage to his next contract.
Mingo has a chance to shine in Dallas alongside Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb, potentially reviving his career after a rough start with the Panthers. Still, it’s hard to justify what Dallas gave up—a 2025 fourth-round pick for Mingo and a 2025 seventh.
Given that the Cowboys may not retain head coach Mike McCarthy, committing to Mingo could backfire if the incoming staff doesn’t share the same vision. Although Mingo brings solid speed and physicality, his struggles with drops mean he’ll face a tough path to prove his worth under new leadership.
The Jets traded a conditional third-round pick to the Raiders for Davante Adams, who comes with a hefty $35.6 million salary in 2025. The Jets also sent Mike Williams to Pittsburgh. Adding Adams may provide a short-term boost, but New York’s hefty investment might only offer a limited return if Adams doesn’t extend his stay past this season.
Adams has also been battling a hamstring injury, yet he’s reportedly in a “good place” for the remainder of the season. A playoff run could make this trade worthwhile, but otherwise, it’s a costly gamble.
The Bengals signed Zack Moss after his surprising season with the Colts, but it’s been a bumpy ride. Although he opened the season as Cincinnati’s starting back, he’s since lost his spot to Chase Brown. Moss, now on injured reserve with a neck issue, will likely miss any upcoming playoff action, especially with the Bengals’ new addition, Khalil Herbert, set to fill his role.
Trading away Marshon Lattimore, could be one of the most baffling moves the Saints have made this season. Yes, they’re sitting at 2-7, and it’s been a rough year; but letting go of arguably their best player—the only true defensive cornerstone on the roster—feels like waving the white flag on any remaining competitive spirit.
At just 28, Lattimore has plenty left in the tank. It’s no wonder other teams, like the Chiefs and Commanders, were eager to take him on—he’s a game-changer, a player with the talent and experience to alter a season’s trajectory. But now he’s gone, and with him, a big part of what could have anchored a brighter future for New Orleans.
Image: Imagn Images
NFL 
