NFL

Commanders receive: CB Marshon Lattimore and 2025 fifth-round pick

Saints receive: 2025 third-round pick, 2025 fourth-round pick and 2025 sixth-round pick

Rarely are trades perfect for all teams involved; this transaction falls into that category. Washington is off to a shocking 7-2 start, and if there was any weakness to pinpoint on the roster, it was at cornerback. 2023 first-round pick Emmanuel Forbes has been a bust at the position, and all three current starters at corner — Mike Sainristil, Benjamin St-Juste and Noah Igbinoghene — have struggled. Sainristil is a rookie that should improve and retain his spot, but St-Juste can easily be replaced by Lattimore, a four-time Pro Bowler. The Commanders have a window to win big during Jayden Daniels’ rookie deal, and they’re taking advantage of it.

I wrote yesterday regarding the need for the Saints to commit to a full teardown. This is another meaningful step of the process. Lattimore has been a terrific Saint, but New Orleans is receiving significant draft capital here — too much to pass up. This deal will create more snaps for rookie Kool-Aid McKinstry — an added bonus for the franchise’s future.

Commanders Grade: A-

Saints Grade: B+

Browns receive: 2025 fifth-round pick and 2026 sixth-round pick

Lions receive: EDGE Za’Darius Smith and 2026 seventh-round pick

Playing opposite of Myles Garrett, the 32-year-old Smith has excelled this season, recording 23 tackles and five sacks. Unfortunately for Cleveland, the strong pass-rushing duo hasn’t generated wins, so trading Smith is the correct call.

The 7-1 Lions have a case as the best team in the NFL, so Brad Holmes should be all-in on improving the roster. Detroit doesn’t have many holes, but amplifying the defensive end position can only increase the club’s Super Bowl odds. Smith will immediately step in as the Lions’ top edge rusher.

Browns Grade: B

Lions Grade: A-

Cowboys receive: WR Jonathan Mingo and 2025 seventh-round pick

Panthers receive: 2025 fourth-round pick

What on Earth are the Cowboys doing? Mingo was selected in the second round of the 2023 draft, but he’s been nothing but a disappointment since. It’s a mini miracle that Carolina was able to secure a fourth rounder for the wideout.

The Panthers shouldn’t be dealing away young players, but I’ll make an exception for Mingo. The second-year pro has just 12 receptions for 121 yards this season. Hopefully Carolina puts the acquired draft selection to good use.

Cowboys Grade: D+

Panthers Grade: B+

Jets receive: 2025 fifth-round pick

Steelers receive: WR Mike Williams

All things considered, this represents a strong return for New York. Williams was on the outside looking in on the bulk of reps at wide receiver — and Aaron Rodgers’ inner circle — with the Jets, so receiving a decent pick for him is a win for Joe Douglas & Co.

Williams has regressed — age and injuries will do that — from the receiver he was during his prime with the Chargers, but he’s worth a look from Pittsburgh to see if he can do anything across from George Pickens. My only gripe here is that a fifth-round pick is too big of a price a pay. Williams has 12 receptions for 166 yards this season.

Jets Grade: B+

Steelers Grade: C

Packers receive: 2025 seventh-round pick

Steelers receive: EDGE Preston Smith

Consider me confused. You could talk me into Green Bay being a contender in the NFC, yet the team is trading away a useful player? Yeah, I don’t get it. With Smith gone, more playing time will open up for 2023 first-round pick Lukas Van Ness, but he’s struggled in year two. The Packers could miss Smith and his 2.5 sacks this season.

Another Steelers trade — this one is better, though. Pittsburgh is arguably the last team that needs help at edge rusher, but it’s a position that you can never have enough good players. I love this move for the Steelers — it may pay off in January.

Packers Grade: D+

Steelers Grade: A-

Bears receive: 2025 seventh-round pick

Bengals receive: RB Khalil Herbert

The Bears soured on Herbert, opting to play D’Andre Swift and Roschon Johnson over the 26-year-old, so moving on from him makes sense. Herbert has just 16 yards and one touchdown on the ground this season.

This is a cheap price to add at a position of need for the Bengals. Chase Brown has fared well as the new starter at running back, but with Zack Moss out indefinitely, Cincinnati needed another runner. Enter Herbert, who has been efficient on the ground over his career, averaging 4.8 yards per carry.

Bears Grade: B+

Bengals Grade: B+

NCAAF

USC names Jayden Maiava starting QB

This a panic move from Lincoln Riley. The Trojans are just 4-5, but Moss isn’t the problem — he hasn’t been great, either. Riley keeps trying new things over and over again, producing the same results. He’s the problem in Los Angeles; not Moss.

NBA

Knicks sign PG Boo Buie to two-way contract

I ranked Buie 130th on my 2024 big board, so I don’t see the merit in giving the Northwestern product NBA minutes. On the bright side, Buie is a good shooter and posses solid guard skills, so perhaps he’ll surprise.

Grade: C-