Lions, Browns Expected To Finalize Za’Darius Smith Trade
10:42pm: Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer confirms the Browns and Lions have had talks regarding a Smith deal. He adds the price, should this agreement be finalized, will likely be around a fourth-round pick. That level of compensation would, of course, set the market for any other edge rush trades over the coming days.
1:16pm: Za’Darius Smithhas long been connected to a trade sending him from the Browns to the Lions. Signs continue to point in that direction. 
Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk reports a deal between the teams is expected to be finalized tonight or tomorrow. At the moment, Smith is taking part in Cleveland’s Week 9 contest against the Chargers. Provided he does not suffer an injury during today’s game, attention will turn to the status of negotiations for a swap to be worked out.
Smith spoke about the possibility of a Lions arrival last month, stating an openness to a deal which would send him to the Motor City. Presuming this trade does indeed get worked out, the three-time Pro Bowler will return to the NFC North. A former Packer and Viking, Smith will have the chance to play two of his former teams during the latter stages of the 2024 season if he does indeed wind up with the Lions.
Detroit is without Marcus Davenport for the year, something which was exacerbated by Aidan Hutchinson‘s broken tibia. The latter could make a Super Bowl return, but his absence created a massive vacancy along the edge for the time being. In the build-up to Week 9, Lions head coach Dan Campbell strongly hinted at a pass rush addition being around the corner, so today’s report comes as no surprise.
The Lions are short on established options along the edge with their top two options on the mend, so Smith will have plenty of playing time available provided he does wind up changing teams. The 32-year-old recorded at least 10 sacks in each healthy season between 2019 and ’22, but he had a quieter debut Cleveland campaign last year (5.5). So far in 2024, though, Smith has racked up five sacks, a sign that he has remained productive deep into his career. Providing at least a depth presence on the edge for Detroit would be key for the team’s Super Bowl hopes.
The NFC North figures to be highly competitive throughout the season, and any acquisitions on the Lions’ part could tip the scales in their favor. The team has been connected to other trade candidates, but Smith has remained the most common target for some time now. He is attached to a base salary of just $1.21MM for 2024, along with a non-guaranteed $1.5MM in base pay next year. Smith is owed a $2MM roster bonus not long after the start of the next league year, so an adjustment from the Lions – should they end up acquiring him – would not come as a surprise.
Trade Notes: Lions, Ojulari, Browning, Raiders, Neal
A report from Sunday afternoon indicated the Lions are close to completing a trade for Za’Darius Smith. The veteran Browns edge rusher has long been linked to Detroit, a team which has been on the lookout for help in that area since losing Aidan Hutchinson and Marcus Davenport to major injuries.
Of course, the Lions have explored other options as well. Their process of seeking out suitable targets has included interest in Maxx Crosby, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports. To no surprise, though, the Lions have been told Crosby is unavailable. Raiders owner Mark Davis has made it clear on multiple occasions the three-time Pro Bowler will not be dealt, recently adding that sentiment also applies beyond this year’s deadline.
Detroit could show interest in the likes of Jadeveon Clowney and/or Chase Young, and the Titans’ Arden Key is the most recent name to emerge as a potential target. The members of that group would likely no longer be on the Lions’ radar provided a Smith agreement came to fruition, but they could be in play if that does not turn out to be the case. Detroit’s willingness to aim big by inquiring about Crosby is another indication of the team’s intention of making another deep playoff run in 2024.
Here are some more trade-related notes from around the league:
- Neither Darius Slayton nor Azeez Ojulari are believed to have been the subject of any Giants extension talks, pointing further in the direction of one or both being traded. After New York’s Week 9 loss, Ojulari confirmed to Ryan Novozinsky of NJ.com no talks have taken place on the contract front. While that has made him the trade target of multiple teams, the 24-year-old said he prefers to remain with the Giants. Slayton has similarly made public his desire to stay in place despite the team’s 2-7 record, although he has been the subject of trade speculation on multiple occasions over the years. Ojulari could offer a notable rental boost to many teams, but it remains to be seen if the Giants will entertain offers including minimal draft capital.
- The Broncos sit at 5-4 on the year after Sunday’s loss. The team might not adopt a firm buyer’s or seller’s stance in advance of the trade deadline, but that could still result in a move being made. Edge rusher Baron Browning has previously been floated as a trade candidate, and his name continues to be mentioned in rumors. Both Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports and Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk report the 25-year-old is a name to watch over the coming days. Browning, who is nearing the end of his rookie contract, wants to remain in Denver, although he recently acknowledged an extension does not seem to be around the corner.
- Crosby is off limits, but the Raiders could be open to selling off at other positions with a 2-7 record. Jakobi Meyers is among the receivers who could still be on the move, and plenty of teams who have yet to add in the pass-catching department could be active before the deadline. With that said, Vincent Bonsignore of the Las Vegas Review-Journal writes the Raiders are not actively shopping Meyers or any other players. SI’s Albert Breer corroborates that, adding Crosby is set to remain in place. The team will, of course, take calls from potential suitors while looking ahead to at least one QB addition ahead of 2025. Adding draft capital could aid Vegas’ attempts to acquire a franchise passer.
- Evan Neal‘s time with the Giants so far has – to put it lightly – not gone according to plan. The 2022 No. 7 pick has found himself out of the starting lineup at guard and tackle, although with injuries up front that could change somewhat soon. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler writes Neal is a “nonstarter” on the trade front from New York’s perspective. That comes as little surprise since the Alabama product’s value in a swap would fall well short of the capital invested in him two years ago. Neal is attached to his rookie contract through 2025, leaving him some runway to bounce back from his earlier struggles in time for free agency.
Saints’ Chris Olave Suffers Concussion
7:25pm: Olave has since been released from hospital, per a team announcement. He took to social media Sunday afternoon to relay he is OK, another positive sign. Still, a fourth concussion in less than three full seasons of play certainly represents a worrying development for team and player.
2:41pm: Chris Olave has already missed one game this season with a concussion, and he is now facing the same injury. The third-year Saints wideout took a hard during Sunday’s contest against the Panthers. 
Olave was the target of an incomplete pass over the middle, and he took a hard hit from safety Xavier Woods. Olave was ultimately placed on a backboard and carted off the field before quickly being ruled out with another concussion. The 24-year-old has since been taken to a local hospital, and the CBS broadcast notes he is alert with strong vital signs (h/t team reporter Erin Summers).
During his rookie season, the 2022 No. 11 pick suffered a concussion; he also missed time for that reason last year. In Week 6 of the current campaign, Olave suffered another concussion and was held out of the lineup for the following contest. Now, his time out of the lineup for brain injuries will continue with a Week 10 absence also being likely.
Olave had a strong showing in his debut season, topping 1,000 yards and averaging 14.5 yards per reception. Last season, the Ohio State product took a step forward with a statline of 87-1,123-5. That led to high expectations entering 2024, and Olave has served as New Orleans’ top receiver when healthy. His availability will be key moving forward since Rashid Shaheed is out for the year, an injury which prompted the recent signing of Marquez Valdes-Scantling.
Upon returning from his first 2024 concussion, Olave said he gave thought to wearing a Guardian Cap, which he ultimately did not. It will be interesting to see if that approach changes once he is back on the field. In any case, the 2-6 Saints will welcome his return in their bid to return to postseason contention.
Patriots’ Davon Godchaux, Kyle Dugger Not Expected To Be Traded
Josh Uche was recently traded away, and Sunday’s loss leaves the Patriots firmly in the seller’s category. More moves could be coming as a result, but a pair of defenders appear to be off limits for potential suitors. 
Defensive tackle Davon Godchaux and safety Kyle Dugger are among the players who are not expected to be dealt ahead of the deadline, Fox Sports’ Peter Schrager reports (video link). On both counts, that comes as little surprise. Godchaux and Dugger each landed new contracts in the offseason, confirming their statues as members of the Bill Belichick era who were retained with Eliot Wolf and Jerod Mayo now at the helm.
Godcheaux was floated as a candidate for a trade sending him to the 49ers as a run-stopping reinforcement, but he made it clear he preferred to remain in New England. Barring something unforeseen, that will indeed prove to be the case. Dugger’s name had not previously been connected to serious negotiations, although Mike Giardi of the Boston Sports Hearld notes calls have come in. It would come as a surprise if teams were willing to take on his four-year, $58MM pact (especially midway through a season).
As could be expected, New England has also turned aside trade calls asking about the availability of cornerback Christian Gonzalez. The 2023 first-rounder profiles as a foundational member of the team’s defense for many years, and he is set to be joined by Jonathan Jones in terms of staying in place beyond the November 5 deadline. The receiver spot remains one to watch closely over the coming days, though.
The Patriots have been shopping Tyquan Thornton in recent weeks, and K.J. Osborn‘s tumble down the depth chart could lead to his departure. The latter may end up being released in the event no trade partner is found, but in either event New England could be active in the immediate future (including, potentially, a move yielding an addition along the offensive line). Nonetheless, Godcheaux and Dugger should not be counted among the targets for teams looking to swing a deal.
Titans Fear Season-Ending Achilles Injury For C Lloyd Cushenberry
The Titans collected an overtime win on Sunday, but their offensive line suffered a notable blow in the process. Center Lloyd Cushenberry departed the contest with an ankle injury which now threatens to sideline him for the remainder of the campaign. 
As veteran reporter Paul Kuharsky notes, the ailment is suspected to be an Achilles injury. Head coach Brian Callahan said in his post-game press conference the situation is “not real positive” with respect to either Cushenberry or safety Quandre Diggs. When sentiments like that are immediately expressed, testing often confirms the worst-case scenario.
If Cushenberry is indeed out for the year, Tennessee will be without a key figure up front. The 26-year-old severed as a full-time starter for four seasons with the Broncos, generating a strong market after finishing his rookie contract. Cushenberry inked a four-year, $50MM pact with the Titans in free agency, sending him to a new team and establishing high expectations upon arrival. The LSU product has nod had the start he or the Titans wanted, but losing him for an extended period would still mark a notable loss for the offense.
Cushenberry ranked 10th amongst qualifying centers in terms of PFF grade last season, his best showing in that respect during his career. At this point, he currently sits only 31st with a career-worst mark of 55.2. The former third-rounder had been charged with 13 pressures allowed entering today’s contest as the Titans have struggled up front with a number of new faces along the O-line.
Corey Levin – elevated from the practice squad ahead of Week 9 to provide interior depth – took over at center once Cushenberry went down. Moving forward, Daniel Brunskill may be the top choice in the middle if health elsewhere on the line allows it. Brunskill filled in at right guard Sunday with Dillon Radunz out of the lineup; if the latter were to return in time for Week 10, Brunskill could move to center with Levin handling backup duties once again.
$30MM in guarantees are present in Cushenberry’s deal, including $26MM locked in at signing. As a result, his status will be key for Tennessee as the team looks to find continuity up front. If the worst-case scenario is confirmed, attention will turn to his recovery process and an attempt to be available in time for Week 1 in 2025.
Cowboys Expecting To Be Active Ahead Of Trade Deadline
Jerry Jones made it clear he expected the Cowboys’ continuity on the roster and along the sidelines to generate a strong showing in 2024. The team’s owner and general manager has since seen his team encounter a number of issues en route to a 3-5 start to the campaign. 
When speaking to the media after Dallas’ loss to Atlanta, Jones said the team “has some things in the mix” with respect to the upcoming trade deadline. The Cowboys have until Tuesday afternoon to swing one or more trades aimed at boosting their roster for the second half of the campaign. Jones added a buyer’s stance is likely on Dallas’ part.
“We’ll probably do a couple things this week,” Jones said (via Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram). “I’m a long way from being dismayed about this team this year.”
Heading into Week 9, Jones admitted the season has been more of a struggle than he anticipated for Dallas. Those comments opened the door to moves being made on the trade front, as the Cowboys could look to make one or more additions in an attempt to remain in playoff contention. The team has posted a 12-5 record in each of the past three seasons; matching that mark is now essentially impossible, but a wild-card berth in the NFC is not out of reach at this point.
Adding depth on defense in particular could be useful given the Cowboys’ injuries along the edge. The team’s offense could certainly use shoring up as well, though, and plenty of players on both sides of the ball have been connected to a trade in recent weeks. Dallas has over $21MM in cap space, so a rental addition will certainly be feasible. Given Jones’ indication multiple moves could be coming, the Cowboys will be among the teams worth watching over the next two days.
Bears CB Tyrique Stevenson Dresses As Backup For Week 9
After a disastrous ending to their Week 8 loss, the Bears have made a temporary change in the secondary. Cornerback Tyrique Stevenson will work as a backup on Sunday, as detailed by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. 
Stevenson’s actions before the Commanders’ game-winning Hail Mary last week – along with his mishandling of his assignment on the play itself – have been a major talking point over the past several days. How the team would react was a key storyline during the week, and ESPN’s Courtney Cronin notes discussion took place between Chicago’s veteran players and coaches to decide on a course of action (video link). In the end, the Bears elected to demote Stevenson on a one-week basis.
The second-year cover man started all 16 of his appearances as a rookie, proving to be a key figure on one of the league’s best secondaries. Stevenson’s 2024 defensive snap share stood at 97% entering Sunday, so his absence from the starting lineup will be notable (especially with slot corner Kyler Gordon unavailable due to injury). Terell Smith got the start ahead of Stevenson to begin Chicago’s contest against Arizona.
The Bears informed Stevenson of their decision to demote him during practice this week, as first reported by Jay Glazer of Fox Sports (video link). The 24-year-old reacted by departing practice, although Cronin clarifies Stevenson returned shortly thereafter. He will operate on a rotational basis defensively while also potentially chipping in on special teams before returning to first-team duties next week.
Stevenson entered the league with high expectations as a second-rounder and he delivered on them with four interceptions and 16 pass deflections during his rookie campaign. The Miami product notched one pick along with six pass breakups through his first six contests this season, one in which his play in coverage along with discipline-related matters have remained a talking point. That will no doubt continue to be the case in the wake of his demotion, although team and player will hope to avoid a repeat of any situations similar to that of last week.
Seahawks’ D.K. Metcalf Drawing Trade Interest; WR Unlikely To Be Dealt
NOVEMBER 3: Adding further to the sentiment Metcalf will not be on the move, NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reports a trade is not being considered on the part of the Seahawks (video link). That update comes as no surprise, but it will turn further attention toward the other receivers who could still be on the move over the coming days. Metcalf is inactive Sunday, but he should be back in place after Seattle’s Week 10 bye.
OCTOBER 29: As the trade deadline draws nearer, the receiver position remains one to watch. The list of potential targets at that spot appears to include D.K. Metcalf. 
The Seahawks are receiving calls about Metcalf’s availability, per Jason La Canfora of the Washington Post. Any number of high-profile players at every position have been the subject of at least cursory interest in recent weeks, and that will no doubt continue over the coming days. As La Canfora notes, suitors in conversation with Seattle GM John Schneider are not optimistic a deal will actually be feasible.
Metcalf inked a three-year, $72MM extension extension two summers ago, and he is under contract through 2025 as a result. None of his base salary for next year (just over $18MM) is guaranteed, however, and a recent restructure has him scheduled to carry a 2025 cap hit of nearly $32MM. Further adjustments – in the form of another extension or a new restructure – will likely be needed if Metcalf is to remain in the Emerald City. That should still be expected beyond next week’s deadline, although the two-time Pro Bowler would of course be an attractive option for potential buyers.
The Seahawks also have Tyler Lockett on the books for the rest of this season and next at the receiver spot, but the 32-year-old would not yield as much value as Metcalf (26) in a trade. 2023 first-rounder Jaxon Smith-Njigba will of course be considered untouchable, which explains Metcalf being targeted. The Ole Miss product has never posted less than 900 yards in a season, and his 81.1 yards per game in 2024 is the second-highest mark of his career.
A knee injury left Metcalf sidelined for Week 8, only the second missed game of his career. Head coach Mike Macdonald said on Tuesday he hopes to have him back in the fold this week, though, a positive sign for Seattle’s chances of rebounding from a stretch of four losses in five games. Metcalf’s status will be worth watching before Week 9, provided teams continue showing interest and if the receiver market – which no longer includes Diontae Johnson – continues to be thinned out.
Giants Have Not Discussed Extension With Darius Slayton, Azeez Ojulari
As the trade deadline draws nearer, the Giants remain a team worth watching closely. Pending free agents on both sides of the ball have garnered considerable interest from potential buyers, and New York’s chances of moving on will of course be swayed in part by the team’s willingness to commit to new contracts. 
Wideout Darius Slayton and edge rusher Azeez Ojulari are firmly on the trade block at this point, which comes as little surprise given the Giants’ 2-6 record. The team could turn away interest if an extension were to be imminent on one or both fronts, but that does not appear to be the case. Dan Duggan of The Athletic reports no known negotiations have taken place with either player, something which no doubt would have transpired by now if the team had serious intentions of avoiding free agent departures.
Slayton remains one of several receivers who could be on the move despite the fact four WR trades (involving Davante Adams, Amari Cooper, DeAndre Hopkins and Diontae Johnson) have already taken place recently. The 27-year-old is no stranger to trade speculation, and one seemed highly possible this offseason. Instead, Slayton remained in place with the Giants, the only team he has played for in his career. Teams like the Steelers are known to be on the lookout for an addition at that position, and Pittsburgh has shown interest in Slayton, whose preference would be to remain in New York.
“For two or three years now, I’ve been a trade-deadline name, so I control what I can control and don’t worry about it much,” the Auburn product told Ryan Dunleavy of the New York Post. “It’s somewhat of a good thing because if people are trading for you, you’re obviously doing something right. I obviously want to be here. The easy thing is to go to somebody who is 6-2 right now, but I have roots here and love my teammates here.”
In four of his first five seasons, Slayton led the Giants in receiving yards. This year, the former fifth-rounder has posted two 100-yard performances as part of a WR unit led by first-round rookie Malik Nabers. The Giants do not have many known commodities in terms of pass-catchers beyond that pairing, but with a base salary of just $2.5MM for the season Slayton would be an affordable rental for any number of teams. A change of scenery might not produce an uptick in targets to close out the year, but it could give Slayton a rare chance at postseason action.
New York is believed to have set a high asking price on Slayton, with the same being true of Ojulari. The latter is on the radar of teams likes the Bengals, with the Falcons and Cardinals also being in the mix. Duggan reported earlier this weekend that a fifth-round pick might be the most the Giants could land in a trade, an underwhelming return for a player on his way to surpassing his career high in sacks with six so far in eight contests.
The Giants already have Brian Burns on the books as one of the league’s highest-paid edge rushers, and Kayvon Thibodeaux could have a long-term pact in hand as early as this offseason. Affording a major raise for Ojulari coming off his rookie pact would be create a roster-building challenge at other, more pressing positions for New York. As a result, calls will no doubt continue coming in for the 24-year-old.
General manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll recently received a public vote of confidence from owner John Mara, although speculation continues with respect to their job security. How the team’s top decision-makers operate moving forward will be a major storyline, and that of course includes the handling of quarterback Daniel Jones. More immediately, the situations for Slayton and Ojulari will be key as well.
Cardinals, Falcons Monitoring Azeez Ojulari; Latest On Giants OLB’s Market
A shortlist of names is in place regarding the edge rush trade market. One of the top targets for contending teams remains Azeez Ojulari, who is currently on track to finish his Giants rookie contract over the remainder of the season. 
As a pending free agent, Ojulari could easily price himself out of New York. The team already has Brian Burns attached to a $28.2MM-per-year deal, and 2022 fifth overall pick Kayvon Thibodeaux will be eligible for an extension this offseason. Keeping that pair in the fold for the foreseeable future while also committing to a signficant Ojulari raise would be challenging given the Giants’ more immediate roster needs.
To no surprise, potential buyers have made calls about the Georgia product’s availability in advance of the November 5 trade deadline. Several teams continue to express interest, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network writes. Depending on the status of veterans likes Za’Darius Smith and Jadeveon Clowney, Ojulari could find himself as the top edge rusher on the market over the coming days. His value would, of course, be boosted by a multitude of teams making offers.
The Bengals are on the lookout for help along the defensive front, and they have been connected to a pursuit of the 24-year-old. According to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, the Falcons and Cardinals can also be added to that list (subscription required). Atlanta in particular has been “aggressive” in pursuing an edge rush move in general and a potential Ojulari move in particular, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
The Falcons have previously been named as a team to watch regarding an addition along the edge, with the Matt Judon acquisition not yielding high-end production and injuries emerging elsewhere at that spot. Lorenzo Carter is currently on injured reserve, and Atlanta could certainly use at least a depth contributor in his absence (although Ojulari would be expected to handle first-team duties upon arrival with any number of suitors).
The Cardinals have been hit hard by injuries along the D-line this year, so adding along the edge would be a sensible move (and one which Schefter confirms is in play). General manager Monti Ossenfort spoke about his trade deadline plans yesterday, and he confirmed he has explored deals which could help add production in the pass-rush department. With six sacks this year and 22 in his career, Ojulari would be a welcomed addition for Arizona as the team looks to remain atop the NFC West.
Given his status as a rental, the Giants may not be on track to land signficant draft capital in any deal for the former second-rounder. While the team is believed to be setting a high asking price for Ojulari – along with veteran receiver Darius Slayton – Russini’s colleague Dan Duggan notes a fifth-round pick represents the best-case scenario for New York at this point. A lone Day 3 selection may tempt the front office to risk a free agent departure and a resultant 2026 compensatory pick, but a team confident in extending Ojulari (as the Bears did last year with Montez Sweat, for instance) could be willing to pay a higher price.
Much of the speculation and deals during the 2024 season have revolved around the receiver position, but the edge rush market figures to be worth watching closely in advance of the deadline. Ojulari in particular should be the subject of many more conversations between the Giants and teams looking for a second-half boost on defense.