Buy, sell or hold: What should each NFL team do at the 2024 trade deadline?
2Y46DEF Detroit Lions huddle up on defense against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during an NFL football game in Detroit, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Rick Osentoski)
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• It’s time for the Cowboys to sell: The loss to Atlanta should clarify Dallas’ outlook for the season. Persistent issues on defense and along the offensive line will likely hold this team back, so it’s time to shift focus to 2025.
• The Lions should be buyers: Following Aidan Hutchinson’s season-ending injury, Detroit needs pass-rush help.
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Estimated Reading Time: 7 minutes
With the Nov. 5 NFL trade deadline rapidly approaching, we’ve updated this piece to reflect recent moves and the narrowing window for deals.
Here’s how each team should approach the deadline based on current roster needs, future outlook, and more.
JUMP TO A TEAM:
ARZ | ATL | BLT | BUF | CAR | CIN | CHI | CLE | DEN | DAL | DET | GB | HOU | IND | JAX | KC | LVR | LAC | LAR | MIA | MIN | NE | NO | NYG | NYJ | PHI | PIT | SF | SEA | TB | TEN | WSH
Arizona Cardinals: BUY EDGE
In the last edition of this piece, we wrote, “This feels like a ramp-up year,” as we chose to hold steady at the deadline. But fast forward a few weeks, and the season is shaping up to be something more. The team still doesn’t have a pass rusher with a 70.0-plus grade — could they find one before the deadline? Perhaps Jadeveon Clowney could be an option, with the Panthers getting a mid-round pick in exchange.
Atlanta Falcons: BUY EDGE
Not much has changed for the Falcons since we last noted their need to buy an edge rusher. A few weeks ago, we suggested targeting Josh Uche, but he was ultimately traded to the Chiefs, so Atlanta will need to look in a different direction. Recent reports have linked the Falcons to Azeez Ojulari, who may be the best option available.
Baltimore Ravens: BUY CORNERBACK
What could make the Ravens better? In an ideal world, a cornerback would really help, as Brandon Stephens appears to be struggling. We’re looking at Tre’Davious White here, as White’s partnership with the Rams hasn’t quite worked out.
Buffalo Bills: BUY LINEBACKER
We initially wanted the Bills to pursue Davante Adams, but they instead went for Amari Cooper in a move that should settle the offense. Now, they can go defense and get themselves a player like Robert Spillane, who can help in the run game.
Carolina Panthers: SELL
Wide receiver Diontae Johnson has already been traded away, and while this team rebuilds, the goal should be to accumulate more draft capital. Many pricey veterans could be moved on, but Adam Thielen and Xavier Woods look like prime candidates.
Chicago Bears: BUY GUARD
The NFC North is super competitive, so teams that stand still will fall behind. The Bears could use an injection of something to keep them competitive, which probably means looking at a guard for help. Brandon Scherff would be the most logical place here, and the cost would not be too high.
Cincinnati Bengals: HOLD
The Bengals remain in contention, but with two wins over the Steelers and Ravens, they should be cautious about sacrificing future assets for a low-percentage, win-now move.
Cleveland Browns: SELL
With Amari Cooper gone, he likely won’t be the last player moved by this team. Za’Darius Smith stands out as an obvious trade candidate, but Dalvin Tomlinson and one of their starting offensive linemen could also be on the block, given their high costs.
Dallas Cowboys: SELL
The loss to Atlanta should clarify Dallas’ outlook for the season. Persistent issues on defense and along the offensive line will likely hold this team back, so it’s time to shift focus to 2025. Could they find a buyer for Trey Lance? Eric Kendricks could provide value to multiple teams, and if the Cowboys don’t see Jourdan Lewis as a 2025 contributor, trading him now could bring back a useful return.
Denver Broncos: HOLD
We initially suggested a move for a tight end, but as the season has developed a bit more, this team is probably better served maintaining the status quo. There have been enough encouraging signs this season to stick with the plan and let their young players develop.
Detroit Lions: BUY
As the trade deadline approaches, the biggest rumor is Za’Darius Smith potentially heading to the Lions — a move that makes a lot of sense. While Smith isn’t having his best season in Cleveland, his 71.1 pass-rushing grade would still be an upgrade for a Lions defense currently missing Aidan Hutchinson.
Green Bay Packers: BUY EDGE
You snooze, you lose. We initially wanted the Packers to pursue a playmaker like DeAndre Hopkins, but he’s no longer available. This time, we suggest a different approach: targeting pass rush help. It’s a long shot, but why not aim big and suggest Chase Young? With the Saints’ season going nowhere fast, Young could be an ambitious but impactful addition to Green Bay.
Houston Texans: BUY GUARD
The Texans remain contenders and favorites in the AFC South, but a deeper postseason run may require reinforcements. With Stefon Diggs sidelined, they could look to add a wide receiver, though their biggest need is at guard.
Losing Kenyon Green has only worsened an already weak spot on the line. While Brandon Scherff would be an ideal target, it’s unlikely the Jaguars would trade him to a divisional rival. Instead, Houston could stay in-state and pursue Zack Martin. Though no longer an elite guard, the Cowboys’ veteran would still be an upgrade for the Texans.
Indianapolis Colts: HOLD
What to make of the Colts? The drama around Anthony Richardson and recent losses have you thinking about the future, especially since they have so much young talent already in place. Indianapolis is best off staying put instead of chasing the unchaseable.
Jacksonville Jaguars: SELL
Cam Robinson is already gone, and it might make sense to offload more assets now. Brandon Scherff and Andre Cisco remain the strongest candidates, but players such as Ronald Darby and Mitch Morse could be moved in exchange for some draft capital that should help the Jags with their rebuild.
Kansas City Chiefs: BUY CORNERBACK
We suggested the Chiefs target a receiver, and they did, landing DeAndre Hopkins. We were ready to move on to pass rush, but they went ahead and secured Josh Uche, too. So, is that enough? Not quite. The Chiefs are still active, and for good reason, with cornerback now their primary need. Pairing Marshon Lattimore with Trent McDuffie would certainly make a statement.
Las Vegas Raiders: SELL
The Raiders aren’t heading anywhere fast and have already traded star receiver Davante Adams. There’s no sense in parting ways with Maxx Crosby, but if they could get something for a Jakobi Meyers or Robert Spillane, they might benefit from it in 2025.
Los Angeles Chargers: BUY RECEIVER
The Chargers are in a pretty good position, especially with the recent play of Justin Herbert, but it never hurts to get a bit more wide receiver help. It hasn’t worked out for Mike Williams in New York, but returning to the Chargers could get the best out of him.
Los Angeles Rams: SELL
With an eye on the future, the Rams might consider trimming some of their costs along the offensive line to free up savings and acquire additional draft capital.
Miami Dolphins: SELL
At 2-6, Miami might be better off accepting that 2024 just isn’t their year. With that in mind, they could give Calais Campbell a chance to compete for a championship elsewhere in what could be his final season while focusing on developing their young talent.
Calais Campbell: PFF grades and stats since 2008
Minnesota Vikings: HOLD
The Vikings had to move after losing Christian Darrisaw and landed Cam Robinson. If they could get some help in one more area, it’s probably cornerback. While it would be tough to get done, adding Greg Newsome would show that they think they can do things in January.
New England Patriots: SELL
New England has already said goodbye to Josh Uche, but the team should be willing to receive calls for plenty of other players. K.J. Osborn and Austin Hooper spring to mind first.
New Orleans Saints: SELL
It may be time for the Saints to fully embrace rebuilding mode. While they’d hate to part with Marshon Lattimore, both he and Chase Young could bring in valuable assets to help set up the team for the future.
New York Giants: SELL
Previously, we noted that this doesn’t feel like a competitive year for the Giants, so what could they get in return for players like Darius Slayton or Azeez Ojulari? That question still stands.
New York Jets: HOLD
They went and got Davante Adams and then got Haason Reddick back playing. The problem is that the Jets are 3-6 with an interim head coach. The season isn’t completely over, but how much damage to the future should they do for a chance at an unlikely postseason run?
Philadelphia Eagles: BUY RECEIVER
We still think a third receiver could help. Veteran pass-catcher Adam Thielen has battled some injuries this year but is a solid and reliable option who could benefit Philadelphia.
Pittsburgh Steelers: BUY RECEIVER
Pittsburgh has been in the market for a receiver, and with good reason. The problem is that the team has stood still while others have made moves, and there are now fewer options available. Darius Slayton feels like the right guy, but the concussion he picked up on Sunday confuses things.
San Francisco 49ers: BUY DEFENSIVE LINEMAN
The 49ers lost Javon Hargrave with a torn tricep, so replacing him would help. Sebastian Joseph-Day was with the team last year and could slot in.
Seattle Seahawks: HOLD
The Seahawks have already been busy, picking up Ernest Jones and Roy Robertson-Harris. So, while a lineman wouldn’t hurt, they’re probably set for now.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: SELL
What a difference a few weeks make. The Falcons are pulling away with the NFC South, and injuries at wide receiver have the Buccaneers looking like a team whose season is slipping away. Could they find a buyer for someone like Joe Tryon-Shoyinka?
Tennessee Titans: SELL
They’ve already said goodbye to Ernest Jones and DeAndre Hopkins, so why stop there? Sebastian Joseph-Day and Tyler Boyd stand out as trade candidates, as does edge rusher Arden Key.
Washington Commanders: BUY CORNERBACK
The Commanders seem for real right now, so why should they take their foot off the gas? Cornerback is the biggest need, so what about a move for Pats corner Jonathan Jones?
