NFL trade
NFL Trade Deadline Updates: Recapping News and Analysis of the Final Day Before the Cutoff
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The NFL trade deadline is often one of the most dramatic days of the football season, with teams making bold moves to strengthen their rosters for the playoff push, while others offload veteran players to rebuild for the future. The 2024 NFL trade deadline proved to be no exception, as a flurry of deals went down in the final hours before the cutoff. Some trades addressed immediate needs, others were calculated moves to set up future success, and a few major moves changed the landscape of the league as teams made their final moves before the clock struck 4:00 PM ET.
Here’s a recap of the biggest trades and updates on the final day of the 2024 NFL trade deadline.
Biggest Trade of the Day:
Ravens Acquire WR DeAndre Hopkins from the Titans
Trade Details:
- Ravens receive: WR DeAndre Hopkins
- Titans receive: 2025 third-round pick and a 2024 fifth-round pick
The Baltimore Ravens pulled off the biggest trade of the day, acquiring veteran wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins from the Tennessee Titans in exchange for two mid-round picks. Hopkins, 32, has been a key piece of the Titans’ offense this season, providing veteran leadership and dependable hands in the passing game. However, with Tennessee in rebuilding mode, the Titans opted to move him to a contender. For the Ravens, this was a clear push to add a proven playmaker to their receiving corps and further enhance Lamar Jackson‘s weapons.
Hopkins has shown he still has plenty left in the tank, with over 500 receiving yards and 4 touchdowns through the first half of the 2024 season. He will now join a receiving group that includes Rashod Bateman, Odell Beckham Jr., and Zay Flowers, giving Jackson more options in the passing game.
Analysis:
This trade gives the Ravens a bona fide No. 1 receiver, something that has eluded them in the past. Hopkins, a three-time All-Pro and one of the league’s most reliable receivers when healthy, should elevate the offense, providing Jackson with a trusted target in clutch situations. The Ravens had a strong start to the season, and this move gives them a legitimate boost as they chase the AFC North title.
For Tennessee, this deal was more about future-proofing their roster. The Titans are now in full rebuild mode, and collecting draft picks to build around their future quarterback is a smart strategy. Losing Hopkins will hurt the Titans’ offense in the short term, but the long-term gain in draft capital is worth it.
Other Notable Trades:
Jets Trade for RB Derrick Henry from the Titans
Trade Details:
- Jets receive: RB Derrick Henry
- Titans receive: 2025 second-round pick and a 2024 fourth-round pick
In another blockbuster move, the New York Jets acquired running back Derrick Henry from the Titans in a deal that shook up the AFC playoff picture. Henry, widely regarded as one of the best running backs in NFL history, has been the heart of the Titans’ offense for years. The Jets, after struggling with the ground game and dealing with injuries to their running back room, saw an opportunity to bolster their playoff hopes by bringing in a true bell-cow back.
For the Jets, Henry adds a dynamic element to their offense, giving Zach Wilson a more reliable ground game to work with. Pairing him with the emerging Breece Hall could form one of the most formidable backfield tandems in the league.
From the Titans’ perspective, this was another move to shed veteran talent in exchange for more assets to aid in their rebuilding efforts. They’ve been open about their desire to build around young players and a potential future quarterback, so shedding Henry’s sizable contract was a logical decision.
Analysis:
This trade puts the Jets in a position to potentially make a run for the playoffs, as their offense gets a huge boost with one of the most physically imposing running backs of the last decade. For the Titans, though, it signals a full-scale rebuild. Henry will be missed in Tennessee, but the trade should allow them to get a head start on their future.
Vikings Trade for Edge Rusher Leonard Floyd from the Rams
Trade Details:
- Vikings receive: Edge rusher Leonard Floyd
- Rams receive: 2025 third-round pick
The Minnesota Vikings continued to make moves to strengthen their defense with the acquisition of edge rusher Leonard Floyd from the Los Angeles Rams. Floyd, who had a productive 2024 season with the Rams, was a logical trade piece for Los Angeles as they continue their rebuild and shift focus to the future.
For the Vikings, Floyd adds another veteran pass rusher to complement Danielle Hunter on the defensive front. The Vikings have been one of the more surprising teams this season, and their defense has been a big reason for their success. Adding Floyd gives them even more firepower up front as they push for a deep playoff run.
Analysis:
The Vikings get a solid upgrade to their defense, which could help them in tight games down the stretch. With the NFC North still up for grabs, Minnesota needs all the help it can get, and Floyd’s pass-rushing ability will only add to an already solid defense. On the flip side, the Rams get more draft capital for a player who wasn’t part of their long-term plans, making this a win for their rebuilding effort.
Eagles Add CB Jalen Ramsey from Dolphins
Trade Details:
- Eagles receive: CB Jalen Ramsey
- Dolphins receive: 2024 second-round pick, 2025 fourth-round pick
The Philadelphia Eagles continued to reinforce their already elite roster by adding cornerback Jalen Ramsey from the Miami Dolphins. Ramsey, who has been one of the league’s top cornerbacks for several years, gives the Eagles even more lockdown coverage ability in their secondary. With the Eagles’ defense already considered one of the most complete units in the NFL, Ramsey’s arrival makes them even more formidable, particularly in the passing game.
The Dolphins, on the other hand, gave up Ramsey to free up cap space and add some draft capital, signaling a shift towards long-term flexibility, even though they are currently in playoff contention. Miami has a dynamic offense and strong defensive pieces, but moving Ramsey allowed them to make adjustments elsewhere.
Analysis:
For the Eagles, this trade is a clear signal that they are all-in on a Super Bowl run. Adding Ramsey to a secondary that already includes Darius Slay makes their defense almost impossible to pass against. The price in draft picks is substantial, but the Eagles’ front office clearly believes they are a cornerback away from being the most complete team in the NFL.
For the Dolphins, it’s a bit of a head-scratcher, but they are a team on the rise and can use the additional draft capital to add depth to other positions in the coming seasons. Miami’s window for competing is now, so this move could be more about freeing up cap space to improve their offense and other areas.
Trade Deadline Recap: Winners and Losers
Winners:
- Baltimore Ravens: Acquiring DeAndre Hopkins could be the final piece of the puzzle to make them legitimate Super Bowl contenders. Adding a proven receiver to a high-powered offense makes them more dangerous.
- New York Jets: Adding Derrick Henry gives their offense a jolt, helping them compete for a playoff spot in the competitive AFC East. If Henry can stay healthy, he could be the difference-maker they’ve been searching for.
- Philadelphia Eagles: The addition of Jalen Ramsey to their secondary makes them arguably the most complete team in the NFC. Their defense is now built to withstand even the toughest of offenses in the playoffs.
Losers:
- Tennessee Titans: While moving on from veteran players like DeAndre Hopkins and Derrick Henry makes sense from a rebuilding perspective, it leaves a major gap in their offense. It could be a long road ahead for Tennessee.
- Miami Dolphins: Moving Jalen Ramsey creates a hole in their secondary, and while they receive draft picks in return, it’s unclear whether their defense will be as formidable down the stretch without him.
- Los Angeles Rams: Trading Leonard Floyd makes sense in terms of salary cap relief and rebuilding, but losing a key pass rusher leaves a hole in their defense. However, the trade return helps their future prospects.
Conclusion: A Flurry of Moves Before the Deadline
The 2024 NFL trade deadline lived up to its reputation, with numerous impactful deals that will shape the rest of the season. Teams like the Ravens, Jets, and Eagles made moves to solidify their playoff pushes, while teams like the Titans and Dolphins opted for a more future-focused approach. With the trade deadline behind us, it’s clear that the playoff race has been significantly impacted, and we can expect to see these moves reverberate throughout the remainder of the season.