The 2024 NFL trade deadline is in the books.

Teams have their last chance to sell underperforming players or recruit talent that will help their respective playoff pushes.

In the NFC, the Detroit Lions added a star pass rusher to improve their chances. Dallas Cowboys He made a deal that probably didn’t move the needle enough.

AFC teams mostly made their deals before Tuesday’s deadline, but three hopeful AFC North contenders were also involved.

Let’s analyze the 2024 deadline with the winners and losers:

WINNER: Lions replace Aidan Hutchinson

After Detroit lost Aidan Hutchinson for a significant period of time — there is some hope he could return if he performs well in the playoffs — Dan Campbell received a star reinforcement in the form of Za’Darius Smith.

Smith was one of the top available running backs the Cleveland Browns were struggling with and seemed unlikely to make a playoff run of his own.

The 32-year-old is out of contract and has five sacks. Detroit sent a 2025 fifth-rounder and a 2026 sixth-rounder to acquire Smith, while also taking a 2026 seventh-rounder. It’s a low-risk, high-reward deal for a team hoping to take the next step this season and reach the Super Bowl.

Loser: Cowboys don’t move the needle

The Cowboys are 3-5 and could see their season spiral further after Dak Prescott’s injury, which could put him on injured reserve for a few weeks.

They needed players with extra offensive skill and defensive ability, but ended up buying Jonathan Mingo outright. Mingo, a second-round pick by the Carolina Panthers in 2023, had just 43 catches on 85 targets for 418 yards and no touchdowns in 15 games as a rookie.

His production as a sophomore consists of just 12 catches on 26 targets for 121 yards and no touchdowns in nine games. Dallas made a move, but it was for an underrated player who didn’t show much upside, especially with Diontae Johnson, who was on the same team and was rumored to leave.

WINNER: AFC North contenders enter

With the Browns seemingly out of the picture, Baltimore RavensThe Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals are expected to remain in contention in the AFC.

All three made moves on Tuesday, with the Bengals holding the first pick after adding running back Khalil Herbert. Chicago Bears For the seventh round of 2025.

Pittsburgh made two moves and eventually added a wide receiver in Mike Williams. New York Jets (2025 fifth round to New York), while forward running back Preston Smith came from the Steelers (2025 seventh round).

Baltimore then added a cornerback, Tre’Dacious White, and a seventh-rounder in 2027. Los Angeles Rams In exchange for a seventh-round pick in 2026.

LOSER: New Orleans Saints lose star

A promising 2-0 start quickly backfired as the Saints suffered seven straight defeats and fired head coach Dennis Allen.

But New Orleans’ problems go beyond the on-field product. The Saints’ salary cap situation is far from ideal, and they will likely suffer further as they lose key personnel.

It started when cornerback Marshon Lattimore took the field. Washington Commanders With the fifth round of 2025. Washington sent three picks to New Orleans: 2025 third, fourth and sixth round picks.

Losing stars for a bunch of draft picks could be a theme for New Orleans moving forward.

WINNER: 49ers remain active

San Francisco 49ers Under Kyle Shanahan, they tended to make at least one deal before the deadline, including a very good one on Tuesday. SanFrancisco Added defensive tackle Khalil Davis Kris Kocurek, who received a seventh-round offer from the Houston Texans in 2026, got a player who worked with former 49ers defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans and is familiar with the system.

Davis may not move the needle on paper like Chase Young did last year, but he does replenish the middle of a defensive line that lost Javon Hargrave for the season.

Perhaps the opportunity to add an extension following Brandon Aiyuk’s ACL tear was missed, but Deebo Samuel and Jauan Jennings are still available, while rookies Ricky Pearsall and Jacob Cowing show promise with extra touches.