2024 NFL trade deadline: 3 big moves that could backfire massively

The NFL trade deadline is gone. NFL teams had until Tuesday, November 5 at 4 p.m. ET to make any kinds of deals with other teams, and as always, there was a lot of movement and rumors on Tuesday prior to the deadline.

Many big names were moved, while some contenders decided to stay put and work with their same roster until the end. Adding a player midway through the season is always a risky proposition, but if you're looking to compete in January, sometimes you need to find answers to your problems before it's too late.

Check out three moves with a big chance of not working out.

3 NFL trade deadline moves that could backfire

#1 - Mike Williams to the Pittsburgh Steelers

It's an open secret that the Steelers were looking to improve their wide receiver group. Brandon Aiyuk, Davante Adams and Cooper Kupp were listed as possible options whenever their names appeared on trade discussions, but ultimately, the only improvement they grabbed was Williams from the Jets.

The real problem is that Williams is having a tough season. He was responsible for two game-losing interceptions, and completely lost Aaron Rodgers' trust. He also has just 166 receiving yards in nine games, while his last 1,000-yard season was in 2021.

The Steelers could be disappointed. They have three players who have more receiving yards than Williams. Certainly, they were looking for better things during the trade deadline.

#2 - Jonathan Mingo to the Dallas Cowboys

With a 3-5 record, not many things have been going in the Cowboys' direction during the 2024 season. Trading a fourth-round pick for a wide receiver who has spent the previous three games without a single reception is a difficult move to understand.

Two years ago, the Cowboys let Amari Cooper walk for a mere sixth-round pick. Mingo's contract is cheaper and he still has the potential to develop, but he has just 539 receiving yards in 24 games during his NFL career, and no touchdowns. If Dallas was truly looking to upgrade its roster, there were many better ways to do so.

#3 - Tre'Davious White to the Baltimore Ravens

Since Mike Macdonald left the team, many analysts agree that the biggest weakness for the Ravens' at the start of the 2024 season has been their secondary. Trading for Tre'Davious White could've been an exciting prospect in other years, but in 2024, his impact is likely to be minimal.

White has played in just four games this season. He has 11 tackles and 2 passes defended, which are not good enough numbers. The Rams used him on 98% of his defensive snaps to this point, and his production has dropped massively: in 2023, he played in just four games as well, but his play was much better: he allowed just 50% of completions, but 66.7% in 2024.

The Ravens could be betting on the fact that he can still improve with time, but this trade, although it involves a big name, might not be enough.