Yahoo Sports 10 bold 2024 NFL trade deadline predictions, including a Maxx Crosby deal
The 2024 NFL trade deadline is just a couple of weeks away, and we're expecting more moves to bubble up in the time before Nov. 5.
Rather than be cautious with our guesses, we're going to get bold and make some big predictions for what may happen before that point in the NFL.
All 10 of these guesses may be wrong, but that's the point of being bold, isn't it? Let's just throw up some predictions for what may be to varying degrees of surprise. Some of these are a little bold; some are very.
The Raiders trade Maxx Crosby to the Lions
The Detroit Lions are trying to win a Super Bowl. Losing Aidan Hutchinson dealt a severe blow to that pursuit. An aggressive Lions team decides to send a Godfather-style offer to Las Vegas with two first-round picks attached to get Crosby in Motor City. It's the biggest NFL trade deadline move in ages, and it helps buoy Detroit's defense after losing Hutchinson. Once Hutchinson is back, the Lions have the best pass-rushing duo in the NFL. Vegas says goodbye for a treasure trove of picks.
The Rams trade WR Cooper Kupp to the Chiefs
The Rams go ahead and get premium draft capital for Kupp from a Chiefs team desperate for help at wide receiver. Los Angeles might not get back on the saddle in time to contend, and Puka Nacua is essentially Kupp's heir apparent in the offense. Kansas City sends Los Angeles a conditional second-round pick to get this done. Kupp gives Patrick Mahomes the wideout he needs badly.
The Saints will trade RB Alvin Kamara to the Broncos
The Broncos need an added spark on offense to help take pressure off Bo Nix. Kamara could provide that. Denver gets aggressive to reunite Kamara and coach Sean Payton. The 4-3 Broncos could potentially sneak into the AFC wild-card conversation. Having Kamara helps that a good bit.
The 49ers trade for Titans WR DeAndre Hopkins
The 49ers losing Brandon Aiyuk to an ACL injury is a brutal blow for that offense. To help offset losing Aiyuk, San Francisco decides to send a mid-round 2025 draft pick to bring in Hopkins. He's the kind of wily veteran talent who could help keep the 49ers afloat on offense. Tennessee general manager Ran Carthon was hired out of San Francisco, which helps get a deal done here.
Bryce Young will finish the season with the Panthers
We're calling a bluff on the idea Young will get traded this season. Carolina will likely turn back to its 2023 first-round pick if the losses keep coming. Carolina will probably make a move or two, but we're betting that Young won't be one of them. A trade in the spring makes more sense.
The Browns mount an aggressive fire sale
We're guessing Cleveland will do what it takes to get as many draft picks as possible out of this trade deadline. The team needs young talent in the years ahead to offset the Deshaun Watson contract. Otside linebacker Za'Darius Smith, defensive tackle Quinton Jefferson, wide receiver Elijah Moore, running back D'Onta Foreman and safety Rodney McLeod all make sense as trade targets for other teams.
The Falcons will add another Patriots pass-rusher
The Falcons are in the midst of their best season in years, but the team's pass rush continues to flounder after all this time. The team added outside linebacker Matt Judon before the season. Now, we'll predict the Falcons call the Patriots once more for Joshua Uche. The pending free agent has two sacks so far. Let's say Atlanta sends New England a 2026 draft pick for Uche sometime soon.
The Panthers will trade WR Diontae Johnson back to the Steelers
The Steelers have been looking for wide receiver help. Perhaps they'll turn back to a player they know well? We don't think Pittsburgh would be against bringing Johnson back after trading him to Carolina in the offseason. The Steelers' offense looks better with Johnson back with his old team.
The Jets add yet another former Aaron Rodgers teammate
The New York Jets lost guard Alijah Vera-Tucker to injury on Sunday night. The team could find itself in a spot of needing a new starter if Vera-Tucker misses significant time. Let's say Rodgers lobbies the Jets to go get Tampa Bay Buccaneers reserve guard Royce Newman, who played with Rodgers in Green Bay. Yup, New York adds yet another former Packers player.
The Giants will stand pat at the deadline
While the Giants have only won two games this season and could be considered sellers at the deadline, Brian Daboll might be coaching for his job. We doubt the New York front office will trade any players right now, even if the team's playoff chances look slim at this point in the season.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: 10 bold 2024 NFL trade deadline predictions, including a Maxx Crosby deal
