Chiefs not done yet, Steelers dwindling options, Broncos target for Bo

Week 9 officially marks the midpoint of the 2024 NFL campaign. It is also the last chance for teams around the league to make significant changes before the November 5 trade deadline. With that in mind, the market is heating up as we approach the closing date.

Some contenders have already made their move (although they may not be ready yet). Meanwhile, others are still assessing the landscape and deciding whether to buy, sell or stay. Either way, we should expect several players to be redirected in the coming days. But who? And where?

Below, we discuss the latest rumors on the trade front, highlighting potential activity (or lack thereof).

Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton hasn’t been shy heading into the recent trade deadlines, as The Athletic’s Nick Kosmidir notes ($). Even though these are small-scale transactions, the renowned side general is willing to update his roster on the edges.

Given the criteria, Kosmidir believes one target stands out and “could make sense” for Denver: New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton.

Kosmidir is referring to the Baltimore Ravens and Carolina Panthers trading Day 3 draft picks to facilitate a deal that would involve veteran Diontae Johnson. The Broncos beat writer mentions how this exchange essentially laid the blueprint for an exchange between Denver and New York around Slayton.

Additionally, Kosmidir points out that Slayton could boast a tasty $2.5 million base salary through 2024, of which Denver would only be responsible for “about half.” The cheap price tag and perceived low outgoing assets make the 27-year-old an intriguing potential addition for the Broncos.

Slayton has caught 29 passes for 420 yards and a touchdown in eight games this season. He’s not a household name, but his presence as a deep threat and reliable pass catcher would bode well for rookie quarterback Bo Nix.

The Athletic’s Jacob Robinson and Dianna Russini recently outlined the state of the wide receiver trade market ($). Since then, two (almost three) of the big name players mentioned have been left off the list, leaving the Pittsburgh Steelers vying for scraps.

Considering the Steelers traded Diontae Johnson last offseason, he was never a viable option for them. Seeing five-time Pro Bowler DeAndre Hopkins shipped to the Kansas City Chiefs for a conditional fifth-round pick probably stung. Additionally, Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay made it clear that standout slot man Cooper Kupp isn’t going anywhere. So, what’s left for Pittsburgh?

Russini/Robinson listed uninspiring alternatives like Kendrick Bourne, Mike Williams, John Metchie, Adam Thielen and the aforementioned Slayton. Not a profile like the game-changing acquisition the Steelers have been wanting since the offseason. Ultimately, Pittsburgh draws the short straw, despite their well-documented desire to strengthen their receiving corps.

Kansas City has been “aggressive” in making trades, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler in his recent reporting. Yet somehow, the insider revealed that the Chiefs “may not have finished making moves yet.”

According to Fowler, cornerback is still an issue the Chiefs can address following Jaylen Watson’s season-ending ankle injury. Despite already making deals for Hopkins and edge rusher Josh Uche, Kansas City suddenly has a hole in their secondary. So they ‘guard’ the defensive back market in the run-up to the deadline.

Nevertheless, Fowler said the Chiefs don’t feel “under pressure” to land a corner, although they are “open to it.” Even after acquiring Hopkins and Uche, Kansas City remains well-equipped in terms of assets after acquiring a 2025 third-round pick from the Tennessee Titans for L’Jarius Sneed. Can they use their replenished draft capital to replace Watson?

Fowler cites Kansas City’s “love (of) innovation” and “players who know their culture.” Accordingly, he identifies veteran free-agent cornerbacks Marcus Peters and Steven Nelson if the Chiefs were to take another route to improve the position. Nevertheless, it seems likely that the two-time defending Super Bowl champions aren’t done dealing and dealing just yet.

At 7-0 and the last remaining undefeated team in the league, the Chiefs are not satisfied. Their relentless pursuit of building a sustainable title contender is remarkable, with their traversing of the cornerback landscape serving as the latest example.