Full Recap and Analysis of Every NFL Trade Deadline Deal: Khalil Herbert, Za'Darius Smith, Mike Williams, Marshon Lattimore and More

Offense

Khalil Herbert, Cincinnati Bengals

After losing Zack Moss for the season and potentially longer due to a neck injury, the Bengals sent a 2025 seventh-round draft pick to the Chicago Bears for Herbert.

We have seen Herbert flash in the past and produce impressive fantasy numbers while also underwhelming with other opportunities. He had fallen out of favor in Chicago, becoming an afterthought after slipping behind both D'Andre Swift and Roschon Johnson in the running back hierarchy. Barring a rash of injuries, this should have little to no impact on the Bears' offense or any relevant fantasy player they might have.  

We expect him to serve in a backup role in Cincy behind Chase Brown, similar to what Moss had been doing in recent weeks. It's unlikely he hurts Brown's fantasy value any more than Moss returning would have. Herbert does now become the direct backup and handcuff for Brown moving forward.  

Mike Williams, Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers have been in the wide receiver market since the summer. They had been in on just about every big-name wideout that had become available, but ultimately had to settle for Williams and sent the New York Jets a 2025 fifth-round pick for him.

This move won't have much of an impact on the Jets' offense. Williams had fallen out of favor with the team and quarterback Aaron Rodgers and was forced down the depth chart when the team traded for Davante Adams. However, with Allen Lazard also on injured reserve, dynasty owners could get a bit more of a look at rookie Malichi Corley. Nevertheless, it's doubtful he will become startable this season barring an injury to either Adams or Garrett Wilson. Even then we wouldn't bank on him. 

While Williams is probably a better pick than Adam Thielen, this is a disappointing outcome for a team that had hopes of bringing in a star like Brandon Aiyuk or Adams multiple times this season. Odds are Williams will do what he's always done. He'll have one or two big games then disappear for weeks at a time.

This move does not put him on the fantasy radar for us as anything more than a speculative add and has little impact on how we view anyone else on the offense. He may draw some attention in DFS tournaments once he is integrated into the offense.  

Jonathan Mingo, Dallas Cowboys 

This was a bizarre move by the Cowboys, who sent a 2025 fourth-round pick to the Carolina Panthers for Mingo. That's an insane price to pay for a guy who has done next to nothing throughout his two-year NFL career.

Dallas obviously thinks they can fix him and believe that his situation in Carolina was the issue. Even if that is the case, this is still a steep price to pay for a wide receiver with 12 catches on the season and exactly zero career TDs. He also does very little to change anything for their outlook moving forward. We also have no interest in him as the WR3 in Dallas with Cooper Rush under center.

The only low-end fantasy option this might impact is Jalen Coker, or a similar option on the Panthers. Dynasty owners are the only fantasy owners who should pay this any mind, and even for them it's most likely a non-factor.  

Defense

Za'Darius Smith, Detroit Lions

The Lions sent the Cleveland Browns a 2025 fifth-round pick and a 2026 sixth-round pick for a new edge rusher.

While Smith isn't Aiden Hutchinson because he's irreplicable, this is a major boost to their pass rush. He's a proven pass rusher and still one of the best in the league, even if he isn't all world.

Many people already consider Detroit the best team in the league and Smith may solidify that by strengthening what was perhaps their biggest weakness. They should now be considered heavy favorites to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl. 

Marshon Lattimore, Washington Commanders

It's the end of an era for the New Orleans Saints, who shipped their longtime stud cornerback to Washington along with a 2025 fifth-round pick for 2025 third-round pick, fourth-round pick, and sixth-round pick.

That's a hefty price but they are potentially getting a huge difference maker who can make a significant difference on when and where their season ends. The only concern is that Lattimore has been sidelined with a hamstring injury that we are taking at face value as a real injury.

There is always the chance this is a Davante Adams situation when he was out "injured" in Vegas, but this one seems more legitimate. If he comes back healthy and at full strength, he could be a huge upgrade for this defense.  

Tre'Davious White, Baltimore Ravens

White isn't the star he once was, but Baltimore desperately needs help at cornerback. The price was minimal as well. They send a 2026 sixth-round pick to the Los Angeles Rams for White and a 2027 seventh-round pick.

While we don't expect him to be the Pro Bowl player he once was in Buffalo in his younger days, White should still bolster the Ravens' secondary. 

Preston Smith, Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers are always looking for more edge rushers no matter how many great ones they have. This is a low-risk shot on a proven player though. All they had to send the Green Bay Packers was a seventh-round pick in the 2025 draft.

Smith has been both underperforming and losing playing time this season in Green Bay, which made him expendable even with the Packers very much targeting a deep playoff run. However, he has had at least eight sacks in three previous seasons and Pittsburgh is a place where pass rushers can go and thrive. We like this move more than the Williams trade for the Steelers. 

Khalil Davis, San Francisco 49ers

The 49ers sent the Houston Texans a 2026 seventh-round pick for Davis. This is nothing more than a depth pickup for a team that has been riddled with injuries. He doesn't move the needle in any significant way.