The 2022 NFL Trade Deadline is fast approaching. Once the clock strikes 4 p.m. EST on November 1, the Tuesday after week 8, that’s it. Historically, the biggest blockbusters are reserved for the offseason, but given the parity that exists in the league six weeks into the year, there could be a slew of teams working on the phones to make or receive offers.
Some clubs are on the verge of being buyers. Others are better placed to sell. But here are 13 potential moves we like on both sides:
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The 49ers acquire: RB Christian McCaffrey
Panthers gain: 2024 second-round pick, 2023 fourth-round pick, RB Tyrion Davis-Price
Kyle Shanahan can make most people thrive in his run-heavy system, but McCaffrey is of a different breed – he’s been so proven as a pass catcher that he’d give Jimmy Garoppolo (and/or Trey Lance on the road) an every down safety valve, not to mention another Swiss army knife alongside Deebo Samuel. It wouldn’t be an easy pill for Panthers fans to swallow, but Carolina’s long-term needs are greater, and two picks plus a third-round rookie for an expensive, injury-prone RB is reasonable value.
Rams acquire: RB Melvin Gordon, 2023 sixth-round pick
The Broncos acquire: RB Cam Akers
Gordon was briefly shunned for his fumbling issues in Denver, while Akers is already bought into Los Angeles’ non-existent ground game. Why not trade the pariah for the pariah? Gordon would complement Darrell Henderson Jr., while Akers could instantly take over as the injured Broncos’ RB1 and then share touches with Javonte Williams in 2023.
Invoices acquire: RB Antonio Gibson
Commanders gain: 2023 fourth-round pick
Rather than give up multiple picks for McCaffrey, Buffalo could improve its backfield by allowing Ron Rivera to make Brian Robinson Jr. the undisputed No. 1 in Washington. Gibson’s skills as a former wide hybrid fit perfectly into an offense designed to let Josh Allen speak, and his arrival would relieve James Cook to become a No. 2 for their playoff run.
Packers acquire: WR Kendrick Bourne
Patriots gain: 2023 fourth-round pick
Between Bourne and Nelson Agholor, the Patriots sidelined, the latter likely offers more of what Aaron Rodgers desperately lacks – proven downhill speed. But the former is younger, cheaper, and generally more complete, making it a better immediate chess piece for A-Rod and a better multi-year game for general manager Brian Gutekunst.
Ravens gain: WR Denzel Mims
Rolls gain: 2023 conditional sixth-round pick
Adding DeSean Jackson is fun, but trusting the 35-year-old to stay healthy at this point is like trusting your slowest linebacker to chase Lamar Jackson. Mims, meanwhile, is just 25 and could be vying for a role in Baltimore’s lackluster WR corps through 2023. Jets general manager Joe Douglas is friends with the Ravens, spending the first 15 years of his career in Baltimore.
Rams acquire: OT Riley Reiff
Bears gain: 2023 sixth-round pick
Withering away on the Chicago bench, Reiff is no longer full-time hardware, but he has 139 career starts at left or right tackle. Matthew Stafford has hunkered down behind shoddy protection for much of the year, and with blindside tackle Joe Noteboom now out for the year, the Rams could use whatever insurance they can. obtain.
Leaders gain: BY Cameron Jordan
Saints gain: 2023 second-round pick, 2023 third-round pick
All-time saint Jordan may want to retire in New Orleans, but he’d probably prefer to go in ringside pursuit, and his team is in dire need of restocking for a rebuild. It’s the same price the Rams paid for Von Miller in 2021. The Chiefs could use a more stable presence alongside Chris Jones as they seek a Lombardi, and the natural follow-up would be…
Browns gain: BY Frank Clark
Leaders gain: Fifth-round pick in 2023
In the scenario where Jordan lands in Kansas City, Clark and his lucrative contract could be shipped after several disappointing seasons. The Browns already have a pair of marquee passing throwers in Myles Garrett and Jadeveon Clowney, but both starters have been bumped, their “D” is in dire need of reinforcements and they have the cash to burn. As a bonus, Cleveland is Clark’s hometown.
Patriots gain: DT Daron Payne
Commanders gain: 2023 second-round pick, 2024 second-round pick
Bill Belichick already has a stingy defense with Christian Barmore and Davon Godchaux on the inside, but when did that stop him from investing in more plays for the top seven? The Pats’ “D” run could also take a leap forward, and Payne could be one of the best up-and-coming players in that position; he happens to reside on a team that is already dealing with big money trades on the defensive front.
Dolphins acquire: OLB Robert Quinn
Bears gain: 2024 fourth-round pick, 2023 seventh-round pick
Quinn has been a trade chip since Khalil Mack was moved this offseason. And Miami, which employed him for a single season in 2018, ranks 22nd in defensive sack percentage. As a short-term offer to upgrade a random unit, you could do a lot worse, especially since 32-year-old Quinn could still be cut to save a hefty amount of money in 2023.
The Seahawks acquire: LB Roquan Smith
Bears gain: 2023 third-round pick, 2024 fourth-round pick
Pete Carroll and Co. have been burned before spending picks on marquee defensive veterans, but Smith is the kind of homing missile their porous “D”s are desperately lacking. Chicago has already failed to extend the Pro Bowler long term, while Seattle would ideally get a multi-year building block, assuming they extend it as part of the move.
The Steelers acquire: CB William Jackson III, 2024 sixth-round pick
Commanders gain: QB Mason Rudolph, 2024 seventh-round pick
Pittsburgh shouldn’t be in a rush to give up assets for a soon-to-be-30-year-old struggling corner on a high salary, but their secondary could use reinforcements, they liked Jackson coming out of Houston, and they’ve revived old rivals AFC North in this position before. Rudolph, meanwhile, has no role with Kenny Pickett and Mitchell Trubisky at QB, but could at least give Washington some extra insurance for his inevitable 2023 QB competition. Bonus: he grew up supporting COs!
The Vikings gain: Johnathan Abram
The Raiders acquire: Fifth-round pick in 2024
Minnesota is heading for a possible playoff run, but with first-rounder Lewis Cine injured at safety, they could use more than one thumper to link up with Harrison Smith at fullback, allowing Camryn Bynum to get in. move into a situational role. Abram is basically a lost cause in Las Vegas, relegated to the bench after a mercurial run for the replaced regime that drafted him.
