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NFL Trade Deadline Winners and Losers: 49ers Make Sound Deal originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
The 2024 NFL trade deadline is now in the books.
Teams had their last chance to sell players if they were underperforming or recruit talent to aid their respective playoff pushes.
In the NFC, the Detroit Lions added a star pass rusher to bolster their odds, while the dallas cowboys made a deal that probably didn’t move the needle enough.
AFC teams mostly closed their deals before Tuesday’s deadline, although three would-be AFC North contenders got involved.
Let’s look at the 2024 deadline with winners and losers:
WINNER: Lions replace Aidan Hutchinson
After Detroit lost Aidan Hutchinson for a significant period (there is some hope he can return if he makes a deep playoff run), Dan Campbell got a star reinforcement in the form of Za’Darius Smith.
Smith was one of the best running backs available with the Cleveland Browns struggling and looking unlikely to make the playoffs on their own.
The 32-year-old is on an expiring contract and has five sacks to his name. Detroit sent a 2025 fifth-rounder and a 2026 sixth-rounder to land Smith, in addition to receiving a 2026 seventh-rounder. For a team hoping to take the next step this season and reach the Super Bowl, it’s a low-risk deal and high reward.
LOSER: Cowboys don’t move the needle
The Cowboys are 3-5 and could see their season get even worse after Dak Prescott’s injury, which could put him on injured reserve for a few weeks.
They needed players with additional offensive skills and defensive talent, but only ended up acquiring receiver Jonathan Mingo. Mingo, a 2023 second-round pick by the Carolina Panthers, had just 43 receptions on 85 targets for 418 yards and no touchdowns in 15 games as a rookie.
As a sophomore, his production is just 12 receptions on 26 targets for 121 yards and no touchdowns in nine games. Dallas made a move, but it’s for a receiver who hasn’t shown much potential and didn’t seem all that coveted, especially with Diontae Johnson on the same team that sparked rumors of leaving.
WINNER: AFC North contenders get involved
With the Browns seemingly out of the picture, the Baltimore RavensThe Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals are expected to remain in contention in the AFC.
All three made moves Tuesday, with the Bengals first after adding running back Khalil Herbert from the chicago bears for a seventh round in 2025.
Pittsburgh made two moves and finally added a wide receiver in Mike Williams from the New York Jets (2025 fifth round to New York) while running back Preston Smith came from the Steelers (2025 seventh round).
Baltimore then added a corner, landing Tre’Davious White and a 2027 seventh-round pick. Los Angeles Rams in exchange for a seventh round in 2026.
LOSER: New Orleans Saints lose star
A promising 2-0 start quickly fizzled out, as the Saints lost seven in a row and fired head coach Dennis Allen.
But New Orleans’ problems go beyond the product on the field. The Saints’ salary cap situation is far from ideal and they will likely suffer more as they lose key personnel.
That started with cornerback Marshon Lattimore, who went to the Washington Commanders along with a fifth-rounder in 2025. Washington sent New Orleans three picks: a 2025 third-, fourth- and sixth-rounder.
Losing stars for a collection of draft picks could be an issue for New Orleans’ future.
WINNER: 49ers remain active
He San Francisco 49ers They tend to make at least one deal before the deadline in the Kyle Shanahan era, and that included a deal that was floated on Tuesday. san francisco Added defensive tackle Khalil Davis. from the Houston Texans for a 2026 seventh-rounder, giving Kris Kocurek a player who is familiar with the system after working with former 49ers defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans.
Davis may not move the needle on paper like the addition of Chase Young did last year, although he refreshes the middle of a defensive line that lost Javon Hargrave for the season.
An opportunity to add a wide receiver may have been missed after Brandon Aiyuk’s torn ACL, although Deebo Samuel and Jauan Jennings are still available, while rookies Ricky Pearsall and Jacob Cowing have shown promise with additional touches.
