10 logical 2024 NFL trade deadline fits for contending teams

Ojulari feels like the exact kind of “contract year” pass-rusher who gets handsomely compensated in March by a desperate team needing help off the edge. Luckily for Ojulari, there is one in his home state of Georgia who needs him badly. This makes too much sense.

The Ravens could absolutely expend a low-round draft pick and add Jenkins for quality veteran depth along the defensive line. The team’s depth at nose tackle behind Michael Pierce could use some added support for a Super Bowl run.

The Bengals are trying to win a Super Bowl, so adding a veteran receiver like Thielen is the kind of move you make to bolster your depth. Cincinnati loves to pass the ball, and Thielen would give Joe Burrow another option to lean on in a potentially deep playoff run. Plus, he’d probably come cheap.

The Lions are probably going to add a pass-rusher before the deadline unless they’re convinced they have what they need already on the roster. Smith fits the bill as a disruptive presence who could make plays when it counts for a Detroit team with Super Bowl aspirations.

The Chargers have to get Justin Herbert more help in the passing game. Johnson has top receiver potential, and he’s stuck on a hapless Panthers team. Make it happen, Los Angeles.

The Vikings need more help in the secondary after losing two straight games. Jones is with a rebuilding New England Patriots team, and he overlapped with Minnesota defensive coordinator Brian Flores while the latter was with the Pats. This makes a lot of sense for both sides.

Kirk is the kind of sharp intermediate target that could thrive in an Arthur Smith offense. The Steelers need a good balance to what George Pickens provides, and Kirk can handle that. The Steelers could also get him on a contract that locks him in for 2025 as well.

The 49ers losing Brandon Aiyuk for the season is painful, but adding Williams could give San Francisco an explosive playmaker to help offset some of that loss. The current New York Jet might not be who he was at his peak. As part of a collection of receiving options, he’d make an impact.

With Tampa Bay set to get Mike Evans back later in the season, Meyers could help fill in for the injured Chris Godwin (and maybe in 2025 if the team lets Godwin walk in free agency). For a Bucs team with playoff aspirations, this is a move that could help in the short and long term.

The Commanders aren’t going to replace Jonathan Allen’s impact on defense. However, adding a sturdy veteran defensive tackle like Jefferson with experience in the Seattle defense could help at least soften the blow for a Commanders team suddenly looking like playoff contenders.