NFL Trade Deadline 2024: 5 Blockbuster Deals That NEED to Happen

As the NFL Trade Deadline 2024 approaches on October 29th, teams are scrambling to address weaknesses and bolster their playoff pushes. This year’s deadline promises fireworks, with several big-name players potentially on the move. In this exclusive breakdown, we’ll analyze five realistic blockbuster trades that could reshape the playoff picture, examining why each deal makes sense for both teams involved.

The Current NFL Trade Landscape

The 2024 season has seen unexpected contenders emerge while traditional powerhouses struggle. With parity at an all-time high, more teams than ever believe they’re just one piece away from championship contention. According to NFL Newsz, these are the key factors driving this year’s trade market:

• AFC Wide Open: Only 2 games separate seeds 3-10 in the conference

• NFC Arms Race: Eagles, 49ers looking to counter each other’s moves

• Salary Cap Creativity: More teams carrying rollover space into midseason

• Desperate Sellers: Several 1-5/2-5 teams already looking toward 2025

Now, let’s dive into the five trades that would send shockwaves through the league.

1. Davante Adams to Baltimore Ravens

The Deal: Raiders trade WR Davante Adams to Ravens for 2025 1st-round pick and 2026 3rd-round pick

Why It Works:

• For Baltimore: Lamar Jackson desperately needs a true WR1 (current leading receiver is TE Mark Andrews). Adams’ elite route-running would transform this offense.

• For Las Vegas: New regime gets premium draft capital to rebuild. Adams’ $25M/year salary off the books.

• Key Stat: Ravens WRs have combined for just 3 TDs through Week 6 (Adams has 5 alone)

Potential Roadblock: Raiders may hold out for more, but Adams’ age (31) and contract limit return.

2. Danielle Hunter to Dallas Cowboys

The Deal: Vikings trade DE Danielle Hunter to Cowboys for 2025 2nd-round pick and 2026 4th-round pick

Why It Works:

• For Dallas: Micah Parsons needs help – Hunter’s 7 sacks would immediately boost NFL’s 18th-ranked pass rush.

• For Minnesota: Vikings at 2-4 should sell while Hunter’s value peaks (contract expires after 2024).

• Scheme Fit: Hunter thrived in 3-4 under Mike Zimmer (now Dallas’ DC)

Latest Intel: NFL Newsz sources say Cowboys have already inquired about Hunter’s availability.

3. Patrick Surtain II to Detroit Lions

The Deal: Broncos trade CB Patrick Surtain II to Lions for 2025 1st-round pick, 2026 1st-round pick, and WR Jameson Williams

Why It Works:

• For Detroit: Super Bowl window is now – Surtain fixes their biggest weakness (29th-ranked pass defense).

• For Denver: New regime gets massive haul for rebuild. Williams gives them a young offensive weapon.

• Contract Bonus: Surtain’s 5th-year option gives Lions control through 2025.

Reality Check: Broncos may resist trading their best player, but two 1sts could be too good to pass up NFL Trade Deadline 2024.

4. Derrick Henry to Buffalo Bills

The Deal: Titans trade RB Derrick Henry to Bills for 2025 3rd-round pick and RB James Cook

Why It Works:

• For Buffalo: Josh Allen needs a power back – Henry’s 4.8 YPC would feast in play-action heavy offense.

• For Tennessee: Get younger at RB while acquiring draft capital (Cook is only 24).

• Playoff Experience: Henry’s 7 career postseason TDs would help Bills get over hump.

Market Reality: Running back trades rarely yield big returns – this fair value for both sides.

5. Justin Fields to Atlanta Falcons

The Deal: Bears trade QB Justin Fields to Falcons for 2025 2nd-round pick and 2026 conditional pick

Why It Works:

• For Atlanta: Desmond Ridder isn’t the answer – Fields’ mobility pairs perfectly with Bijan Robinson.

• For Chicago: Caleb Williams era begins – recoup value for Fields now rather than lose him in 2025.

• Reunion Angle: Fields returns to Georgia where he starred in college.

Development Potential: Falcons OC Zac Robinson could unlock Fields’ passing upside.

Trade Deadline X-Factors

While these five deals make the most sense, several wildcards could emerge:

1. 49ers’ Counter-Move: If Eagles land a big name, San Francisco may respond by targeting OL help.

2. Chiefs’ WR Search: Kansas City could still make a play for Jerry Jeudy or Courtland Sutton.

3. Surprise Sellers: Struggling teams like Patriots (Matthew Judon?) or Giants (Dexter Lawrence?) may join fire sale.

How These Trades Would Reshape the NFL

If even half these deals happen, the playoff picture would dramatically shift:

• Ravens become AFC favorites with Adams

• Lions solve secondary issues with Surtain

• Bills add missing power element with Henry

• Cowboys create scariest pass rush in football

According to NFL Newsz, executives believe this could be the most active trade deadline in a decade due to the compressed standings.

Final Predictions: Which Deals Actually Happen?

Based on league sources and team needs, we predict:

1. Hunter to Cowboys (80% chance) – Jerry Jones loves splashy moves

2. Henry to Bills (65% chance) – Buffalo’s all-in mentality

3. Fields to Falcons (50% chance) – Depends on Ridder’s next 2 games

The Adams and Surtain deals are less likely but would dominate headlines if completed.

Read More: Thursday Night Football Ratings Disaster: Is the NFL Losing Its Grip?

Where to Follow Deadline Day Live

For real-time trade updates and analysis, bookmark NFL Newsz on deadline day. Our team will have NFL Trade Deadline 2024:

• Instant breakdowns of every deal

• Exclusive insider information

• Grade sheets for every team