The NFL trade deadline is just over twenty-four hours away, as teams across the league must have all trades agreed upon by 4 P.M. on Tuesday. We've already seen some contending teams make moves like the 49ers giving up major draft value for Christian McCaffrey, and the Eagles boosting their defense even further by making a deal for Robert Quinn. While certain teams will look to further solidify their roster, others may be looking to trade away players in hopes to begin their rebuilding cycle. With the deadline quickly approaching, let's take a look at five teams that should be looking to make a deal and which positional group they should seek to improve.
1. Green Bay Packers: Trade for a receiver
The Packers have felt the departure of All-Pro DaVante Adams thus far and with their receiving unit dealing with several injuries, Green Bay should be exploring every option to add a receiver. The Packers are currently without three receivers–Randall Cobb, Allen Lazard, and Christian Watson–and are ranked toward the middle of the NFL in passing yards per game (221.3 per game). Multiple wideouts are rumored to be available at the deadline; including Elijah Moore, Brandin Cooks, and more. Many of these playmakers could add another element to Green Bay’s offense and improve their subpar average of just eighteen points per game. The Packers should look to move future draft capital to turn their season around and make a push for the playoffs. Rodgers and the Packers are currently sitting at 3-5 and are facing an uphill battle for a potential playoff spot.
2. Miami Dolphins: Improve depth in the Secondary
Miami has turned to young Corner Noah Igbinoghene, in the absence of former Dallas Cowboy Byron Jones, and has had to depend on young players in the secondary overall, except for veteran Safety Eric Rowe. Although the Dolphins’ run defense has been impressive so far, the same cannot be said for their pass defense. Mike McDaniel’s team is allowing just over two hundred and sixty passing yards per game (262.1) which ranks toward the bottom of the NFL. With Byron Jones’ timetable to return being unknown, Miami should be looking to add help at either Corner or Safety. Miami is currently tied for second place in the AFC East at 5-3 but looks to be regaining their rhythm after losing a few games during the absence of QB Tua Tagovailoa.
3. Los Angeles Rams: Trade for Offensive Line help
It’s no secret that the defending Super Bowl champs have struggled offensively this season, but this is largely due to their play up-front. Future Hall of Famer, Andrew Whitworth announced his retirement this offseason, leaving a gap on the left side of the line. Tackle Joe Noteboom took over at Whitworth’s spot and was playing well, until suffering a torn Achilles, ending his season. Los Angeles lost several other linemen from their championship team during the offseason which–along with injuries–has resulted in poor offensive line play. Quarterback Matthew Stafford was sacked just thirty times during the 2021-2022 season; but just seven games into this season, Stafford has already been sacked twenty-four times. Sean McVay and the front office should explore any option to upgrade Stafford’s protection to hopefully turn their season around.
4. Baltimore Ravens: Trade for an outside receiving threat
Baltimore traded their best outside threat–Hollywood Brown–on night one of the 2022 draft and has yet to have a receiver step up to replace his production. Tight End Mark Andrews is undoubtedly one of the best in the league at his position, but he can’t carry Baltimore’s passing attack by himself. Wideout Devin Duvernay has shined in moments for both the offense and on special teams, but the Ravens desperately need a consistent option to pair with Andrews. John Harbaugh’s team has dealt with their fair share of injuries in this positional group, including second-year player Rashod Bateman, who has been in and out of the lineup. The Ravens currently sit atop the AFC North at 5-3, however, another weapon for Lamar Jackson would better position them for the Super Bowl run they desire. It could make contract extension talks with Jackson easier too.
5. Atlanta Falcons: Pass rushing upgrades
Atlanta has had inconsistencies on the defensive end for several years now, but their pass rush in particular has always been their Achilles heel. Last season, the Falcons finished dead last in total sacks and tallied eleven less than the Eagles, who finished thirty-first in the category. This season has been no different so far. Atlanta has recorded just twelve sacks through eight games; four and a half of them coming from Defensive Tackle Grady Jarrett. Multiple young edge rushers have already proven themselves and are rumored to be available at the deadline. Including players like Bradley Chubb, Josh Allen, and for the right–but high–price, Brian Burns. Atlanta is currently leading the NFC South race at 4-4, yet an addition to their pass rush could propel them even further, and silence the doubters.
*All statistics were received from: ESPN Stats & Info. Department, Statmuse.com, and TeamRankings.com