NFL Trade Deadline Recap with Mark Eckel

The best got better. 

The Detroit Lions and Washington Commanders, the two teams with the best records in the NFC, made moves at the NFL trade deadline to bolster their biggest areas of need. 

Detroit (7-1) acquired edge rusher Za’Darius Smith from the Cleveland Browns along with a 7th-round draft pick in 2026 in exchange for a 5th-round draft pick in 2025 and a 6th-round draft pick in 2026. 

Washington (7-2) acquired cornerback Marshon Lattimore from the New Orleans Saints along with a 5th-round draft pick for a third-round draft pick, a fourth-round draft pick and a sixth-round draft pick.

Kansas City chases history after 8-0 start to 2024 NFL season

“The Lions needed a pass rusher after Hutch (Aiden Hutchinson) went down,’’ said an executive in personnel for an AFC team who requested anonymity because he did not want to speak publicly about other team’s moves. “Smith may be just be a rental for them, but if he helps them get to the Super Bowl it’s worth it. Giving up a fifth isn’t that big of a deal.’’

Smith, who has been to the Pro Bowl as a member of both the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings returns to the NFC North as a Lion. He had five sacks this season for the Browns. 

A new addition 👀 pic.twitter.com/fUhvBBD2BQ

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) November 5, 2024

Lattimore, who has also been to the Pro Bowl for the Saints, has battled injuries of late and missed a combined 17 games in 2022 and 2023. He played in all seven games for the Saints this season and while he does not have an interception he has been good in coverage. Quarterback have just a 69 rating when throwing his way.

“If Washington is going to beat Philly they need to be able to cover (A.J.) Brown and (Devonte) Smith,’’ the executive said. “Lattimore gives them a guy who can cover. They gave up some picks, but it helps them win it’s worth it.’’ 

Here’s a look at the rest of the deadline trades.

Cincinnati Bengals: Get RB Khalil Herbert

Chicago Bears: Get 7th-round draft pick

Analysis: The Bengals needed a No. 2 RB to pair with Chase Brown after Moss got hurt. Herbert will be just that. After two decent years with the Bears he dropped to No. 3 on the depth chart and was expendable. 

Dallas Cowboys: Get WR Jonathan Mingo and 7t-round pick

Carolina Panthers Get: 4th-round pick

Analysis: It’s a little surprising the Cowboys (3-5) were buyers, but they always liked Mingo and finally got him. The receiver caught 43 passes for 418 yards as a rookie, but just 12 for 121 thus far this year and just one catch over the past four games. The Panthers (2-7) need all the draft picks they can get.

BREAKING NEWS: Mike Williams has been traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers

“He’s been getting better every week and he’ll be great in that Steelers locker room..

This is gonna give him more opportunities and we wish him well” ~ @AaronRodgers12 #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/SANnCQm3zF

— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) November 5, 2024

Pittsburgh Steelers: Get WR Mike Williams

New York Jets: Get 5th-round draft pick

Analysis: Pittsburgh (6-2) was desperate for WR help and tried for anyone who was available. The price was right for the veteran Williams, who became expendable when the Jets acquired Davante Adams from the Raiders last month.

Pittsburgh Steelers: Get LB Preston Smith 

Green Bay Packers: Get 7th-round pick 

Analysis: Smith is a pro’s pro and is also a much better fit in the Steelers 3-4 scheme than he was in the Green Bay’s new 4-3 defense. For the Packers (6-3) this was kind of a salary dump. The team saves $2 million this year, $9.8 million next year and $18.2 million in 2026 of salary cap space.