Welcome to the 2024 NFL Offseason: Grading the Biggest Trades
The 2024 NFL offseason is in full swing, with free agency and the draft just around the corner. As teams make moves to improve their rosters, it’s time to take a look at the biggest trades that have gone down so far and grade them from the buyers’ perspective.
Tennessee Titans Acquire CB L’Jarius Sneed
Grade: B
The Titans made a smart move by acquiring Pro Bowl cornerback L’Jarius Sneed for a future third-round pick. Sneed brings a winning mentality and top-notch coverage skills to the team, but there are still some questions about his age and contract. Will the Titans be able to compete before Sneed’s contract expires? Only time will tell.
Pittsburgh Steelers Acquire QB Justin Fields
Grade: A+
The Steelers made a steal by acquiring quarterback Justin Fields for a conditional future sixth-round pick. Despite battling injuries and a lack of support in Chicago, Fields has shown flashes of potential and brings a dual-threat element to the Steelers’ offense. This low-risk, high-reward move could pay off big for Pittsburgh.
Philadelphia Eagles Acquire QB Kenny Pickett
Grade: B-
The Eagles made a questionable move by trading for backup quarterback Kenny Pickett. While Pickett brings experience and a cost-controlled contract, it’s unclear if he is a significant upgrade over current starter Jalen Hurts. This move may not have been necessary for the Eagles, but it also didn’t cost them much.
Chicago Bears Acquire WR Keenan Allen
Grade: A-
The Bears made a smart move by acquiring veteran wide receiver Keenan Allen to pair with D.J. Moore. Despite his age, Allen remains a reliable target and will provide a boost to the Bears’ passing game. This move gives the Bears’ future quarterback a strong receiving corps to work with.
Seattle Seahawks Acquire QB Sam Howell
Grade: B-
The Seahawks made a decent move by acquiring quarterback Sam Howell for a fourth-round pick. While Howell has potential, he may not be the answer as a spot starter behind Geno Smith. This move feels like a half-measure for the Seahawks, who could have potentially found a better option in the draft.
Atlanta Falcons Acquire WR Rondale Moore
Grade: B+
The Falcons made a solid move by acquiring wide receiver Rondale Moore to help out Kirk Cousins. While Moore comes with some injury concerns, he adds much-needed speed to the Falcons’ receiving corps. This move also allows the Falcons to move on from Desmond Ridder, who had fallen out of favor with the team.
San Francisco 49ers Acquire DT Maliek Collins
Grade: A+
The 49ers made a fantastic move by acquiring defensive tackle Maliek Collins for a seventh-round pick. Collins is coming off a career year and will be a valuable addition to the 49ers’ already formidable front seven. This move is a steal for San Francisco and could pay off big in the upcoming season.
Carolina Panthers Acquire WR Diontae Johnson
Grade: B
The Panthers made