NFL Analysis
11/4/24
7 min read
2024 NFL Trade Deadline: 5 Potential Deals for Playoff Contenders
The NFL trade deadline is quickly approaching, and while most of the trades have already happened, there are a few that could help turn teams fighting for playoff spots into legitimate Super Bowl contenders.
Stars like Davante Adams and DeAndre Hopkins have already been moved, along with some key starters like linebacker Ernest Jones and left tackle Cam Robinson. There may not be a flurry of moves in the hours before this year's deadline, but there has been significant movement around the league.
There are still a handful of trades that would be exciting for the NFL. While there may not be smoke or rumors for some of these, there would still be a logical fit, along with a team that should consider selling off assets as they prepare for next offseason.
Grading Every Trade Deadline Move
Potential Trades
Chase Young to Packers 
Packers receive: EDGE Chase Young
Saints receive: 2025 fifth-round pick
The Green Bay Packers desperately need another pass rusher.
Heading into Week 9, the Packers ranked 30th in pass rush win rate. Their defense wasn't any better this week in the 24-14 loss to the Detroit Lions, sacking Jared Goff just one time while struggling to put consistent pressure on him.
Defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley has made the Packers' defense look more competent, but their pass rush has been a serious weakness. Even Rashan Gary is off to a slow start, recording just 2.5 sacks through nine games.
Chase Young would be the perfect addition to a team looking for some pass-rushing juice. According to Pro Football Focus, Young already had 30 pressures heading into Week 9, which would far and away be the most pressures on the Packers' defense.
Key SACK by Chase Young to Prevent Two Points 👍 pic.twitter.com/LaXIuLBwvj
— Saints Happy Hour Podcast (@SaintsHappyHour) November 3, 2024
Along with going to a playoff contender, Young could reunite with his former Ohio State defensive coordinator, Hafley, who knows a thing or two about how to utilize the veteran pass rusher.
Budda Baker to Texans
Texans receive: SAF Budda Baker
Cardinals receive: 2025 fourth-round pick
If the Houston Texans want to compete in the AFC and make a deep playoff run, they'll need to rely more heavily on their defense.
The offense should turn around once star WR Nico Collins returns. However, it's the defense that's been leading the way to a 6-3 record. According to FTN Fantasy, they have the second-ranked defense by DVOA, which is third against the pass and fourth against the run.
Adding a veteran like Budda Baker could give the Texans one of the scariest secondaries in the league. They already have some exciting young defensive backs in Derek Stingley Jr. and Jalen Pitre, along with a pair of rookies in Kamari Lassiter and Calen Bullock.
Baker hasn't been playing his best football the last couple of years, but a change of scenery could help him find his way again. He's a six-time Pro Bowler who had previously requested a trade back in 2023 and could be open to moving despite the Arizona Cardinals finding glimpses of success this season.
The Cardinals could keep Baker around to continue competing in the NFC West, but if he's planning on leaving in free agency after this season, a fourth-round pick might be too enticing to pass up on.
Marshon Lattimore to Commanders
Commanders receive: CB Marshon Lattimore
Saints receive: 2025 third-round pick
It's time for the Washington Commanders to take a big swing because they're firmly in the driver's seat in the NFC East.
Jayden Daniels is running away in the Rookie of the Year race, while Dan Quinn looks like a Coach of the Year frontrunner, and Kliff Kingsbury is running an electric offense.
However, the Commanders are still working on finding a long-term identity for its defense. Players like Frankie Luvu and Mike Sainristil have flashed as potential building blocks, but there are still plenty of holes that need to be filled.
Trading for an impact No. 1 cornerback could fix a lot of those problems in a hurry. While the Saints are struggling, Lattimore continues to be an impact corner. He's allowing a passer rating of just 74.4 this season despite having zero interceptions and has allowed just one touchdown when targeted over the last three seasons, according to PFF.
Make the call, Adam Peters.
— brandon (@JayDanielsMVP) November 3, 2024
Get your CB1 in Marshon Lattimore. pic.twitter.com/L1h2W28huD
The Saints need to get Lattimore's contract off of their books, and the Commanders could use a star veteran who is under contract through the 2026 season.
It might cost a bit to acquire such a solid player, but the Commanders have two third-round picks in 2025, so giving one up for a player like Lattimore could quickly elevate the team's ceiling in 2024 and beyond.
Darius Slayton to the 49ers
49ers receive: WR Darius Slayton, 2025 sixth-round pick
Giants receive: 2025 fifth-round pick
Several playoff contenders have already made moves for wide receivers. The San Francisco 49ers may not be able to acquire a star veteran like Davante Adams or Amari Cooper, but someone like Darius Slayton could present some good short-term value.
The 49ers still have Deebo Samuel and an emerging rookie wideout in Ricky Pearsall. However, the offense has been gutted by injuries all season, including a devastating one to Brandon Aiyuk, who will miss the remainder of the season with a torn ACL and MCL.
Slayton could be an ideal fit for the 49ers offense. He's never been a true No. 1 receiver, averaging just 1.41 yards per route run in his career. However, he has been a versatile piece in the New York Giants' offense, capable of playing outside and in the slot.
That kind of positional versatility is something that could make Slayton an ideal short-term rental for the 49ers and Kyle Shanahan, who does a great job of moving his weapons around to get them open. He'll be a free agent after this season, so a short-term lease shouldn't break the bank for the 49ers to take a chance on him.
Bryce Young to The Rams
Rams receive: QB Bryce Young
Panthers receive: 2025 third-round pick, 2026 sixth-round pick
The Los Angeles Rams might be making a late-season playoff push now that everyone is healthy. Still, this team is also built to quickly retool and contend again once Matthew Stafford retires.
Along with a pair of star wideouts in Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua, the Rams have quickly built a young core of exciting defensive players led by Jared Verse, Braden Fiske, Kobie Turner, and Byron Young.
Few coaches or organizations could revive Bryce Young's career like Sean McVay and the Rams. Young was benched earlier this season by Carolina, potentially signaling that new head coach Dave Canales wants to draft his own quarterback to build around.
Young has shown flashes since returning to the starting lineup. He was a Heisman Trophy winner in college and has plenty of talent despite his small frame. In the last two games, he's completed more than 60 percent of his passes with three touchdowns and three interceptions, even leading a game-winning drive against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday.
Some of Young's best throws were dropped, including one that was ripped away for an interception on Sunday.
Two of the best throws of Bryce Young's career were dropped pic.twitter.com/zo9Zut5Qur
— Billy M (@BillyM_91) November 4, 2024
There's something still there with Young, and a new home with a talented roster like the Rams could be the perfect landing spot for him. Not only would he get to learn behind a borderline Hall of Fame quarterback in Matthew Stafford, but he wouldn't have any pressure on him to perform until Stafford retires.
