As the 2024 NFL trade deadline approaches, teams are making moves to bolster their rosters for a playoff push. Some notable trades have already taken place, such as the Jets acquiring Davante Adams and the Bills bringing in Amari Cooper. With more deals expected, it’s crucial to assess which teams have the salary cap space and draft capital to make significant moves.
The San Francisco 49ers lead the pack with $55.2 million in cap space, giving them flexibility to pursue any player they desire. However, much of their cap space is earmarked for future extensions, notably quarterback Brock Purdy. The Cleveland Browns, with $48.2 million in cap space, are expected to roll over most of their funds to the 2025 season.
The Las Vegas Raiders, with $39.4 million in cap space, may not be very active in acquiring players as they potentially rebuild their roster. On the other hand, the New England Patriots, with $38.6 million in cap space, are motivated to acquire draft capital for their multiyear rebuild.
The Detroit Lions, with $36.5 million in cap space, could use their draft capital to trade for a veteran player to fill the void left by the injured Aidan Hutchinson. The Washington Commanders, with $26.7 million in cap space, are well-positioned to build a sustainable winner with their cap room and draft picks.
The Arizona Cardinals, Dallas Cowboys, and Green Bay Packers also have significant cap space to potentially make moves at the deadline. However, each team must carefully manage their finances and future extensions to maintain long-term success.
Other teams like the Los Angeles Rams, Buffalo Bills, and Los Angeles Chargers have limited cap space, making it challenging for them to make significant moves. These teams may need to get creative with their finances or rely on future draft picks to improve their rosters.
As the trade deadline approaches, teams must weigh their current needs against their long-term financial plans to make the best decisions for their franchises. With the right balance of salary cap space and draft capital, teams can position themselves for success both now and in the future.
