NFL trade deadline: playoff-chasing Lions and Commanders bolster defenses

The NFC East’s Washington Commanders made a move to help them stay in first place, the Detroit Lions got their edge rusher and the injury-plagued Dallas Cowboys and Pittsburgh Steelers added receivers.

Hours before the NFL trade deadline at 4 p.m. EST on Tuesday, the Commanders (7-2) acquired four-time Pro Bowl cornerback Marshon Lattimore from the struggling New Orleans Saints (2-7).

Lattimore bolsters a defense that is already No. 5 against the pass. The Saints get a third-round pick, a fourth-rounder and their own sixth that they previously sent to Washington. The Commanders will also receive a fifth along with Lattimore.

The NFC North-leading Lions (7-1) kicked off deadline day by acquiring defensive end Za’Darius Smith from the Cleveland Browns. The three-time Pro Bowl edge rusher helps fill the void left by the loss of star Aidan Hutchinson, who suffered a leg injury in October. The 2-7 Browns, already looking to rebuild amid a disappointing season, are sending Smith and a 2026 seventh-round pick to Detroit for a 2025 fifth-round pick and a 2026 sixth-round pick.

The Steelers (6-2) acquired wide receiver Mike Williams from the New York Jets for a fifth-round pick in next year’s draft. Williams, who signed with New York as a free agent this offseason, had 12 catches for 166 yards in nine games with the Jets. He goes from catching passes from Aaron Rodgers to playing with Russell Wilson. The Steelers have been looking for a wide receiver since the offseason.

The Cowboys (3-5) agreed to a deal with Carolina (2-7) to acquire wide receiver Jonathan Mingo and a seventh-round pick in 2025 for a fourth-round pick next year. Mingo, a second-round pick last year, has just 12 receptions for 121 yards in nine games. He won’t be catching any more passes from Dak Prescott for a while. Prescott is expected to miss several games due to a hamstring injury.

The Cincinnati Bengals (4-5) added depth at running back following an injury to Zack Moss, acquiring Khalil Herbert from Chicago (4-4) for a 2025 seventh-round draft pick. Herbert had just eight carries for 16 yards and one touchdown for the Bears. He joins leading rusher Chase Brown to give the Bengals another option in the backfield.

The Chiefs (8-0), Bills (7-2), Ravens (6-3) and Jets (3-6) have already added playmakers and acquired wide receivers in the past month. The Vikings (6-2) filled a major need on the offensive line last week and the Cardinals (5-4) got defensive help on Monday.

Two-time defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City was a top prospect. The Chiefs have already added three-time All-Pro receiver D’Andre Hopkins and edge rusher Josh Esche. Hopkins made his presence felt Monday night during the 30-24 overtime win over Tampa Bay. He caught eight passes for 86 yards and two touchdowns in his second game with Patrick Mahomes.

The Jets acquired three-time All-Pro Davante Adams three weeks ago. He caught seven passes for 91 yards and one touchdown in New York’s 21-13 win over Houston last Thursday.

Amari Cooper had a TD reception in his first game with Buffalo two weeks ago. Diontae Johnson played 17 snaps in his debut with Baltimore, a 41-10 win over Denver.

Left tackle Cam Robinson had a solid first start in Minnesota’s 21-13 win against Indianapolis. Arizona took outside linebacker Baron Browning from Denver for a sixth-round pick, a day after taking over the top spot in the NFC West.

The NFL has pushed back the trade deadline an extra week this year, giving teams more time to improve their rosters.