The Los Angeles Rams are a good example of how each week changes the NFL trade block.
The Rams seemed like sellers a week ago. Then they got Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp back, upset the Minnesota Vikings to improve to 3-4, and maybe they’re not sellers anymore. Although, maybe that changes again before the deadline next Tuesday.
With plenty of bad teams in the NFL going into the deadline, there should be plenty of sellers, a lot of buyers and we should get a lot of action at the deadline. Here are 10 trades that need to happen:
49ers trade for Jets WR Davante Adams
When the Jets traded for Adams, it was a bad idea. Everyone knew that. They were chasing their losses. And now, with the Jets at an embarrassing 2-6, it’s time to reassess everything. Why not trade Adams to a team that needs him? Maybe a team that just lost its No. 1 receiver, like the 49ers and Brandon Aiyuk. The 49ers aren’t barren at receiver, but Adams could help. As long as Aaron Rodgers allows the Jets to trade his friend, there’s no good reason for the Jets to hold onto him. Realistically a trade is not going to happen because the Jets are a tire fire of an organization, but it should.
Lions trade for DE Chase Young
Let’s not entertain fantasies of Maxx Crosby or Myles Garrett getting moved. The Raiders and Browns might not be any good, but they’re not trading those franchise players unless someone makes a ridiculous offer. That doesn’t mean the Lions can’t do a lesser deal to help replace Aidan Hutchinson. There are a few options, but Young provides some upside. He’s far from perfect but if he’s healthy and motivated he can be an effective pass rusher for a Super Bowl-contending team, like he was for the 49ers last season. And the Saints … well, let’s talk about them.
Saints trade just about everyone
No team needs a total reset more than the Saints. They’ve been stuck in mediocrity for a while and in the last six games they’ve collapsed. It’s time to tear it down. They have plenty of aging veterans who could help a team win, like defensive end Chase Young, running back Alvin Kamara, linebacker Demario Davis or maybe even defensive end Cam Jordan. But the Saints’ two-year extension to Kamara recently is a sign that the shortest-sighted team in the NFL is going to hold onto their veterans, which would be really dumb and totally on brand for the Saints. At very least, Young and his one-year deal should be dealt. We’ll see.
Vikings trade for Jaguars LT Cam Robinson
Offensive linemen are hard to find in trades (even bad teams don’t want to get their QBs destroyed) but the Jaguars have a few that could bring back a lot of value in a trade. Three names that have been speculated about are tackle Cam Robinson, guard Brandon Scherff and tackle Walker Little. Robinson makes a lot of sense for the Vikings, who just lost left tackle Christian Darrisaw to a season-ending knee injury. The Seahawks should also be in touch with the Jaguars, because they could use some line help too. If the Jaguars decide to trade a lineman or two, they’ll have plenty of teams interested.
Steelers trade for Panthers WR Diontae Johnson
Yes, it would be weird. This offseason the Steelers traded Johnson away, and have been trying to replace him ever since. The Steelers need a receiver and the Panthers probably should trade Johnson. Maybe chemistry issues from last season would preclude a move. But it seems like a pretty good fit, doesn’t it?
Ravens trade for Rams CB Tre’Davious White
The Ravens are a very good team with a big problem. They have arguably the worst pass defense in the NFL. Baltimore has allowed a passer rating of 115.3, second-worst in the NFL and better than only the Lions. The Ravens are allowing an NFL-worst 291.4 passing yards per game, 20 more than any other team. The Rams confirmed they’ve given White, once an All-Pro with the Bills, permission to seek a trade. Injuries have sapped a lot of White’s ability, but it might not cost much for the Ravens to find out if he can help a porous secondary.
Cowboys trade for Dolphins RB Raheem Mostert
The Cowboys’ season seems like it’s done, but they’re just 3-4. It’s not too late. They aren’t going “all-in” as was famously said months ago, but no team needs a running back more than Dallas. They passed on Derrick Henry, claiming they couldn’t afford him, and their cheapness at the position is showing. The move here should be Alvin Kamara going to the Cowboys, but the Saints giving Kamara a contract extension is a sign they’ll hold him for some dumb reason. Mostert is 32 and cheap enough for Jerry Jones to fit him in, and the Dolphins should be finding reps for rookie Jaylen Wright. And the 2-5 Dolphins shouldn’t be holding onto a 32-year-old running back anyway.
Chiefs trade for Patriots CB Jonathan Jones
The veteran cornerback is in the last year of his deal, and it’s not like the Patriots should be holding onto any older players. The Chiefs are thin at cornerback, one of the few thin spots on defense. It would have made sense for the Chiefs and Patriots to figure out a way to include Jones in the trade when Josh Uche was swapped to Kansas City. It would make sense for both sides.
Falcons trade for Browns DE Za’Darius Smith
The Falcons traded for Matthew Judon, and still rank near the bottom of the NFL with 15 sacks. Maybe another trade would do the trick. Smith has five sacks this season and the Browns, at 2-6, shouldn’t be talking themselves into being in the playoff race. Smith could help a Falcons team that seems well on its way to winning the NFC South after sweeping the Buccaneers.
Chargers trade for Panthers WR Adam Thielen
The Chargers are 4-3 and in the playoff mix. They also are one of the thinnest teams in the NFL at receiver. Rookie Ladd McConkey has been good, but Joshua Palmer hasn’t done much and Quentin Johnston faded after a slow start. Thielen might make sense as a short-term help for Justin Herbert. The Panthers shouldn’t be asking for much for a 34-year-old having a quiet season, and it would give Thielen a chance to be on a decent team near the end of his career.