Who Lost Out as NFL Trade Deadline Shakes Up Super Bowl Hopes?

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The NFL trade deadline, marking the midpoint of the 2024 regular season, saw teams solidifying their rosters with final moves on Tuesday. A total of eight players were traded before the 4 p.m. ET deadline, bringing the trading period’s tally to 18 moves. Wide receivers emerged as the most traded position, with six swaps, including some high-profile trades like Davante Adams. Edge rushers followed, with four players changing teams late in the trading period.

Unlike previous years, no team sacrificed first- or second-round draft picks. The three trades involving third-round picks had conditions that complicated their value. With these transactions completed, the focus now shifts to determining the winners and losers. How will these trades affect the Super Bowl favorites and coaches on the hot seat?

Winners

Chiefs’ Chance of a Three-Peat

The Kansas City Chiefs, having won the Super Bowl for two consecutive years, are aiming for an unprecedented third title. With an 8-0 record as of Monday night, head coach Andy Reid and defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo continue to optimize their talented roster. The Chiefs didn’t remain idle during the trading period, acquiring wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins from the Tennessee Titans for a 2025 conditional fifth-round pick and edge rusher Joshua Uche from the New England Patriots for a 2026 sixth-round pick.

Hopkins immediately made an impact, starring in an overtime win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with eight catches for 86 yards and two touchdowns. His presence also boosted tight end Travis Kelce, who achieved his first 100-yard receiving game in over a year. The Chiefs’ strategy of reviving veteran players continues to pay dividends.

Aaron Rodgers
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers saw his wishes granted twice during the trading period. The Jets acquired Davante Adams from the Las Vegas Raiders for a 2025 conditional third-round pick and traded Mike Williams to the Pittsburgh Steelers for a 2025 fifth-round pick. Adams, a perennial Pro Bowler, enhances the Jets’ offense, complementing receiver Garrett Wilson. Adams’ performance has steadily improved, culminating in a 91-yard, one-touchdown game in the Jets’ recent win over the Houston Texans. The Jets’ season appears revitalized, but the question remains: Can they maintain this momentum?

Saints’ Future Outlook
The New Orleans Saints have been heavily discussed regarding their salary cap strategies. Despite their cap challenges, the Saints made a significant move by trading four-time Pro Bowl cornerback Marshon Lattimore and a 2025 fifth-round pick for third-, fourth-, and sixth-round picks in 2024. While draft capital doesn’t guarantee performance, trading a high-value player makes sense for a team that’s lost seven consecutive games and recently fired head coach Dennis Allen. This strategic move could help the Saints rebuild in a competitive NFC South.

D.C. Metro Area
The Washington Commanders have started their season strong, winning seven of their first nine games for the first time since 1996. Their trade for Lattimore indicates a belief in their playoff potential. Lattimore’s impressive defensive stats bolster an already strong team, improving their chances in the postseason.

Lions Defensive Backs
The Detroit Lions strengthened their defense by acquiring edge rusher Za’Darius Smith from the Cleveland Browns. Despite losing star rusher Aidan Hutchinson to injury, the Lions’ defense remains formidable. Smith, with his high pressure rate, complements Detroit’s defensive line. This acquisition solidifies the Lions’ status as NFC favorites, enhancing their Super Bowl prospects.

Amari Cooper
Amari Cooper’s trade from the Cleveland Browns to the Buffalo Bills is a significant upgrade for the veteran receiver. Joining a competitive AFC team with a talented quarterback like Josh Allen, Cooper made an immediate impact despite missing a recent game due to injury. His addition is expected to lead a young receiving group, boosting the Bills’ offensive potential.

Losers

Next Dallas Cowboys Coach
The Cowboys’ trade for Jonathan Mingo from the Carolina Panthers raises questions about their future. Trading a 2025 fourth-round pick for a player with an inconsistent track record complicates the outlook for the Cowboys’ next head coach. Mingo’s potential remains uncertain, and the decision to acquire him may not align with future coaching strategies.

NFC North Teams Not Named the Lions
The NFC North is highly competitive this season, with the Lions leading the division. The trade for Za’Darius Smith strengthens the Lions’ defense, making it harder for teams like the Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers to catch up. Smith’s familiarity with the division adds to the challenge for the Lions’ rivals.

C.J. Stroud
Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud received no additional support during the trade deadline. The Texans’ offensive line struggles, ranking low in both pass-block and rush-block win rates. With no new acquisitions to bolster protection, Stroud faces a tough second half of the season.

Steelers’ Offense
The Pittsburgh Steelers trade for Mike Williams failed to meet their receiver needs. After unsuccessful attempts to acquire higher-profile receivers, Williams’ addition does little to transform the offense. The Steelers’ playoff hopes hinge on their defense and run game, lacking the offensive talent infusion they sought.

Doug Pederson’s Job Security
Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson’s tenure is in jeopardy following a 2-7 start to the season. Trading starting left tackle Cam Robinson signals a lack of faith in Pederson’s ability to turn the team around. The Jaguars’ poor performance and strategic trades suggest Pederson’s dismissal is imminent.

Tennessee Titans’ Dignity
The Titans’ roster changes highlight a pattern of players finding success elsewhere. Recent trades, including DeAndre Hopkins to the Chiefs, underscore the team’s struggles to retain talent. Hopkins’ standout performance against the Buccaneers, complete with a celebratory reminder of his Titans’ roots, exemplifies the franchise’s challenges.

This content was adapted from an article in the Yahoo