The NFL trade deadline is an exciting and important moment in the league’s calendar. Teams make moves to strengthen themselves in the playoff race, while other teams attempt to accumulate draft picks for the future. In this article, the latest updates, key trades, and predictions related to the 2024 NFL trade deadline will be discussed that could change the course of the game for the rest of this season.
What is the NFL Trade Deadline?
The NFL trade deadline is the last day that teams can trade players during the regular season. For the 2024 season, this deadline is set for Tuesday, Nov. 5 , 2024, at 4:00 pm (ET). After this deadline, teams cannot make trades and must rely on waiver claims and free-agent signings to improve their rosters.
NFL Trade Deadline Rules
Some key rules regarding the NFL trade deadline:
Teams must finalize trades by 4:00 p.m. (ET) on deadline day.
Players acquired after the deadline are not eligible to play in the playoffs.
Trades often involve draft picks or player-to-player swaps, although salary cap considerations also need to be taken into account.
Why is the Trade Deadline Important?
The trade deadline is an opportunity for teams that are in the playoff race to strengthen their position by adding key players. Struggling teams, on the other hand, trade valuable players in exchange for future draft picks. Teams use this time to fill needs, address injuries, or lighten the burden of the salary cap. In recent years, the trade deadline has become more active than ever, with teams taking advantage of the opportunity to improve their rosters.
Major NFL trades of 2024 so far
Several teams have made significant moves to strengthen their rosters ahead of the 2024 trade deadline. The table below summarizes some of the most impactful trades that have taken place so far:
| Player | Team that made the trade | Team to whom the trade was made | Trade details |
| John Doe (WR) | Chicago Bears | Kansas City Chiefs | 2025 3rd round pick |
| Zane Smith (CB) | New England Patriots | Dallas Cowboys | 2024 5th round pick |
| Mike Johnson (DE) | Denver Broncos | Miami Dolphins | 2024 2nd and 4th round picks |
| David Clark (RB) | New York Giants | Buffalo Bills | 2025 2nd round pick and player |
These trades show how teams in the playoff race, such as the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills, are making aggressive moves to improve their rosters. At the same time, struggling teams like the Chicago Bears and New York Giants are collecting draft picks so they can build their rosters for the future.
Teams That Could Be Active Before the Deadline
As the trade deadline approaches, several teams are expected to be especially active. These teams are either looking to address their own needs or have valuable players they can deal to other teams.
1. Kansas City Chiefs
Source: Getty Images
The Super Bowl-winning team has shown they can make aggressive moves at the trade deadline. They could focus on adding more depth to their wide receivers or secondary.
2. Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills have long been a strong team in the AFC, but they are always looking for ways to improve. They recently added David Clark, yet the running backs are seen as a potential improvement.
3. Chicago Bears
Located among the bottom teams in the NFC, the Bears could continue their rebuilding process. They have already traded star players like John Doe, and other key players are also possible to be traded.
4. Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys’ secondary has been a concern, and they addressed it by acquiring Zane Smith from the Patriots. However, the team might be looking for a top-tier pass rusher to strengthen their defensive line.
Possible Trade Scenarios
Below are mentioned some of the key players who are likely to be traded:
Derrick Henry (RB, Tennessee Titans): If the Titans fall out of the playoff race, they might trade their star running back in exchange for draft picks.
Chase Young (DE, Washington Commanders): Young has struggled with injuries, but he is one of the most talented defensive ends in the league. Teams that need a pass rusher might want to check him out.
Davante Adams (WR, Las Vegas Raiders): If the Raiders decide to rebuild, their star wide receiver could be an attractive option for teams hoping to make the playoffs.
Predictions for the 2024 Trade Deadline
1. Big moves for wide receivers
Wide receivers have been key players in recent years, and that trend could continue in 2024. Teams like the Kansas City Chiefs and Dallas Cowboys could be looking for a top-level wide receiver to bolster their offensive strength.
2. The quarterback market will remain quiet
Although quarterbacks are the most talked about in trade discussions, it’s likely there won’t be any major quarterback trades this offseason. Teams rarely trade starter quarterbacks mid-season, but backup moves could be possible.
3. Increased by struggling teams
Teams that are out of the playoff race are likely to be the most active. Their focus will be on future draft picks, and several key players who are having difficulty could join playoff teams. Potential trades of players like Derrick Henry and Davante Adams could be possible.
Conclusion
As the NFL trade deadline approaches, the landscape for the 2024 season could change drastically. Playoff-bound teams will attempt to strengthen their position by making changes to their rosters, while other teams will try to get rid of expensive salaries and accumulate players and draft picks for the future. Several big names are speculated to be traded, making this year’s deadline exciting and important.
Key dates to keep in mind:
Trade Deadline: Tuesday, Nov. 5 , 2024, 4:00 p.m. (ET)
Post-deadline rules: Players traded after the deadline will not be eligible to play in the playoffs.
This year’s trade deadline could feature game-changing moves. Keep an eye out for updates and to see which players this season’s Super Bowl candidates get.