Rafael ZamoranoOct 24, 2023, 9:46 p.m. Reading: 8 min.
With one week left until the transfer deadline, several big names could find themselves with new teams
We are exactly one week away from the NFL transfer window closing, which means it is the last moment teams have to add immediate high-impact players. After that, the only thing left is the signing of free agents, where there are rarely any front-line players available at this point in the campaign.
So far this regular season, seven trades have been completed, including a two-time first-team All-Pro safety, a Pro Bowl return specialist, and a Pro Bowl cornerback returning to his original team.
After seven days, there are franchises that, without being mathematically eliminated, are already beginning to think about the 2024 campaign. That’s how badly they started 2023. On the other hand, there are teams that dream of winning it all, but still have one or two gaps visible in the squad that prevent them from being considered among the favorites.
We are not trying to predict which trades could be agreed before the transfer deadline, but rather to list 10 moves that we would like to see in the following days, thinking that both clubs involved can benefit:
Davante Adams, Justin Fields and Brian Burns are among the big names who could generate trade interest.Getty Images
Sure, the Raiders have publicly stated that there are no intentions of trading Adams, but it wouldn’t be the first time a front office has backed down from trading a player (see Giants with Odell Beckham Jr.). Adams is the best in the entire NFL at running routes, and although his top speed is far from dazzling, he offers a huge catch radius at all levels of the field. Additionally, Adams is visibly frustrated with the Raiders’ move and his role within the club, and one of the main reasons he signed with Las Vegas — the chance to play with his college quarterback again, Derek Carr— doesn’t exist anymore. The Raiders need a comprehensive rebuild, and getting significant compensation for Adams would be a good first step. On top of everything, at 30 years old, Adams is not in the mood to be patient with a long-term project.
Ideal destination: Kansas City Chiefs. There are only three players on the Chiefs roster with at least 20 catches on the year, and only one of them plays the wide receiver position, rookie Rashee Ricewith 26. The arsenal at the disposal of Patrick Mahomes He has not responded at all on the outside, and the star quarterback continues to depend, sometimes excessively, on what he achieves Travis Kelce in the center of the field, or Isiah Pacheco coming out of the backfield. Adding a perimeter threat could elevate the Chiefs to new heights, and unlock some phases of the offense that are forgotten today.
After yet another loss for Washington, Allen was frankly and openly frustrated with his club. The Commanders need to think about a quarterback, and they are currently far from the highest first-round picks. Parting ways with Allen, a two-time Pro Bowl selection, could bring them closer to a viable franchise quarterback prospect.
Ideal destination: Dallas Cowboys. It’s been a while since the Cowboys have had a truly dominant presence on the interior of the defensive line (La’Roi Glover two decades ago?). Pair Allen with Micah Parsons, DeMarcus Lawrence and the rest could help compensate for the absence of Leighton Vander Esch in the middle of the defense, and would help increase the pressure on the passers, especially now that Dallas does not have Trevon Diggs in high school. Additionally, Allen is versatile enough to start from multiple spots on the line.
The most underrated man on our list, Autry is one of the hardest working men on Tennessee’s roster. That could translate into a lower price, also considering that he is 33 years old, than other names on our list. The Titans have already taken the step of getting rid of the safety Kevin Byard, and the garage sale could be expanded to other names. Why not ask for Autry?
Ideal destination: Miami Dolphins. In Miami, Autry would take the wing position opposite the star Christian Wilkinsplaying inside the linebackers Jaelan Phillips y Bradley Chubb, and from that position he could end up putting together a terrifying defensive front for the opponents. Autry is efficient pressing inside, but is also solid at setting the edge against the run. Everyone talks about the Dolphins’ offense, but a little help on the other side wouldn’t hurt at all.
The Cardinals are not far from the label of worst team in the NFL, with plenty of holes in all sections of the roster. In addition, they have two first-round picks, and could enjoy three, if they find the right trade partner in a potential trade for Baker, who barely returned to training after landing on injured reserve after a tendon problem. hamstring that occurred in Week 2. 2024 would be the last year of Baker’s current contract, so Arizona still risks losing him soon, but without high compensation.
Ideal destination: Detroit Lions. The Lions are near the bottom of the NFL in touchdown passes allowed, and near the middle of the pack in many other passing defense statistics. In a predominantly passing league, that means Detroit will suffer in the postseason when facing teams with superior passing attacks. Baker is not the highest-ranking safety, but he is capable of producing big plays, close and not so close to the line of scrimmage. In addition, he is a hard hitter who puts a stamp of violence on the identity of a defensive unit.
Barkley recently said he has no plans to ask out the Giants anytime soon, but the team hasn’t shown the same degree of commitment to its best offensive player. There are instances when the New Yorkers’ entire offense comes down to what Barkley can do, even though he has a long injury history. The truth is that Barkley is a dynamic weapon capable of being weighed in various phases of the game.
Ideal destination: Buffalo Bills. The championship window seems to be closing for the Bills, who still haven’t found a reliable player for their backfield. Barkley should not be considered a replacement for what the quarterback brings. Josh Allen, but what Allen contributes should be considered a complement to what Barkley can provide in that offense. Adding Barkley would multiply the headaches for defenses facing the Bills, opening up many opportunities for Allen to shine.
The defensive gem on the Panthers roster, Carolina has been one of the biggest disappointments of the season, and it wouldn’t be bad to think about a long-term rebuild. Burns is their most valuable asset, and can yield a pair of first-round picks to help in that process. At 25 years old, and with two Pro Bowl selections in the last two years, Burns’ arrow points upward.
Ideal destination: Baltimore Ravens. Today, nomadic veterans Jadeveon Clowney y Kyle Van Noy They are in charge of pressuring the quarterbacks on the outside for the Ravens. Although both elements are moderately reliable, they do not generate big explosive plays for Baltimore. Add a young presence with a long-term future to build alongside the linebackers Roquan Smith y Patrick QueenBurns could take the Ravens at least one step closer to achieving a title.
Another running back who hasn’t received a strong show of support from his organization, Ekeler is unexpectedly productive both through the air and on the ground. The Chargers have been deeply disappointing in 2023, and it is clear that they are betting more on attacking through the air than on the ground. It’s time in Los Angeles to release Ekeler and let him try other colors.
Ideal destination: Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers are never going to give up insisting on the ground. It’s part of your DNA. However, Najee Harris He hasn’t been able to carry the load alone in the recent past, with a painfully low yards per carry average. Ekeler could add a new dimension by completing the running game with what he contributes through the air, and he will always have a great nose for finding the points. In addition, it should not be a high price transaction.
General manager Ryan Poles’ project has been a pittance, and the Bears are wasting Fields’ development time. The Bears’ brilliant quarterback has few protection options and few weapons at his disposal, and a complete overhaul of the project would take too long. It’s better for Chicago to build the roster at the rest of the positions, and then put in a new quarterback when there is some type of backup.
Ideal destination: Minnesota Vikings. Rumors are strong that Cousins is in his final season with Minnesota, and Fields could learn a lot from Cousins with half a season on the bench, gaining knowledge about how to coach, how to lead a team from the huddle, how to study the playbook , and everything else he didn’t have in Chicago. Fields still has a salvageable future, but he needs to stop developing bad habits generated by poor management. The arrival of Fields, furthermore, could be what is necessary to convince Justin Jefferson to stay long-term with the Vikes.
The Patriots defense used to be a source of pride. Today he is still the best of the squad, but he is far from his best years. Judon is one of the really valuable pieces on the unit, and he has grown tremendously since he came to New England from Baltimore. Now, it’s time to exploit those new skills on a team with a playoff presence.
Ideal destination: Jacksonville Jaguars. The Jags failed with Travon Walker, there is no reason to hide it. The first overall pick in last year’s draft simply has not delivered production consistent with expectations of him. Judon would immediately improve the unit, pairing with a recently uncovered Josh Allen, and would give the Jaguars back a respectable defense like the one that last took them to the playoffs.
The Broncos are in a tailspin, and rumors are strong that they are going to part with the quarterback Russell Wilson, even if it means swallowing a lot of dead money in the process. Wilson might not be the only one out. Sutton is a bona fide No. 1 receiver in the NFL with little opportunity to prove it in his current situation.
Ideal destination: San Francisco 49ers. Deebo Samuel It’s a hybrid weapon, and I don’t know if I’m ready to designate Brandon Aiyuk as a No. 1. Sutton would immediately be the best pure wide receiver for the Niners, capable of stretching the field perimeter with consistency, and opening space underneath for Christian McCaffrey y George Kittle. A deep threat with speed and capable of winning split balls would make the Niners a truly formidable force on all their lines.
2023-10-25 01:11:44
#trades #NFL #deadline
