Revisiting NFL Trades: What a Year Has Taught Us About Key Deals from 2024

Analyzing the Aftermath: A Deeper Look at Key NFL Trades

When the dust settled from the 2024 NFL trade deadline, teams made significant moves that could reshape their futures. Fast forward to today: how did those trades impact the season's trajectory? I've taken a closer look at eight of the biggest trades, providing an updated grade based on performance and context.

WR Davante Adams to the New York Jets

New York Jets received: WR Davante Adams
Las Vegas Raiders received: 2025 conditional third-round pick
Trade date: Oct. 15

The Jets were looking for a spark with hopes of turning around a disappointing season.

Originally graded A-, the new evaluation turns out to be a B+. At the time, the Jets were 2-4, having just fired head coach Robert Saleh. The hope was that Adams, who had chemistry with quarterback Aaron Rodgers, could salvage what was looking to be a lost season. And while Adams produced solid numbers on the field—averaging 2.25 yards per route run—the Jets only managed three wins post-trade.

The critical aspect here is perspective. While the Jets may have little to show for the third-round pick right now, Adams' performance still highlights the upside they aimed for. He proved to be a valuable asset, and with hindsight, acquiring a player of Adams' caliber—despite some setbacks—was a rational decision.

LB Jerome Baker to the Tennessee Titans for LB Ernest Jones IV

Seattle Seahawks received: LB Ernest Jones IV
Tennessee Titans received: LB Jerome Baker, 2025 fourth-round pick
Trade date: Oct. 23

Seattle's coaching staff had a vision for enhancing their linebacker core.

This trade was unexpected, featuring two linebackers on expiring contracts. Initial grades were B- for Seattle and A- for Tennessee. Now, it's a B+ and a B, respectively. Jones has effectively improved Seattle's run defense, while Baker had limited success for the Titans in return.

Jones has delivered consistent performance, being a key component in improving Seattle's run-stop metrics. This move paid off for the Seahawks, who have seen tangible benefits since acquiring him—evidence that a calculated risk can yield significant returns.

WR Amari Cooper to the Buffalo Bills

Buffalo Bills received: WR Amari Cooper, 2025 sixth-round pick
Cleveland Browns received: 2025 third-round pick, 2026 seventh-round pick
Trade date: Oct. 15

The Bills needed a reliable target....

Originally seen as an A- for Buffalo and B for Cleveland, new insights reveal a D+ for the Bills and an A- for the Browns. Cooper could not make the impact Buffalo hoped for, struggling to stay healthy and producing minimal yardage. His decline raises questions about the assessment of player performance in trades, highlighting the importance of timing and team needs in trades.

In retrospect, the Bills might have pulled the trigger too quickly, suggesting a reevaluation of their receiver strategy was overdue. Cleveland, on the other hand, appears to have benefited from letting go of Cooper, recognizing that his value was declining.

CB Marshon Lattimore to the Washington Commanders

Washington Commanders received: CB Marshon Lattimore, 2025 fifth-round pick
New Orleans Saints received: 2025 third-round pick, 2025 fourth-round pick, 2025 sixth-round pick
Trade date: Nov. 5

This trade encapsulates the dual nature of assessing player value and potential.

Originally graded B+ for both teams, current evaluations suggest a D+ for Washington and A for New Orleans. Lattimore struggled due to injuries and ultimately did not return to form with the Commanders, leading to overall disappointment. In contrast, New Orleans effectively capitalized on the trade, garnering valuable picks while letting go of a player whose best days seem behind him.

Washington's aggressive move demonstrates how expectations can skew rationale when making impactful trades. This deal serves as a poignant reminder to carefully evaluate both the current condition of players and their future trajectories.

The Future: Lessons Learned from these Trades

As we reassess these trades, it becomes clear that the success or failure of such moves often hinges on timing, team strategy, and player performance. Each of these eight trades presents a unique narrative, informed by the contexts in which they were made.

The exercise of revisiting these decisions allows us to understand the complexities involved in NFL trades, where immediate needs and long-term goals must be balanced. With the 2025 trade deadline looming, the lessons drawn from these transactions will undoubtedly guide teams in making smarter, more informed decisions down the line.