Within seconds in the middle of the 2017 season, the Philadelphia Eagles went from a very good team to the top roster to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl. Before the trade deadline, Philadelphia traded a future fourth-round pick to Miami in exchange for Pro Bowl running back Jay Ajayi.
Paired with fellow running back LeGarrette Blount, Ajayi helped the Eagles earn the franchise’s first Super Bowl win, a 41-33 triumph over New England in Super Bowl LII. The Eagles’ acquisition of Ajayi is a reminder of what can happen when a contending team takes a big step before the deadline.
Ironically, the Eagles find themselves in a similar situation five years later. The NFL’s last undefeated team, the Eagles could be one step away from being the undisputed favorite to return to the Super Bowl under second-year coach Nick Sirianni.
Based on multiple reports, it’s clear that several notable players could end up in a different city this time around next month if the Eagles or another franchise make the right offer by the Nov. 1 trade deadline. . Here’s a look at what the NFL’s top teams should do before the deadline to boost their chances of winning the Lombardi Trophy in Arizona on Feb. 12.
Teams based on senior NFL writer Pete Prisco Week 7 Power Rankings.
1. Eagles (6-0) – Acquire a top LB
Adding depth to the offensive line was also considered, but adding a Pro Bowl-caliber player to the middle of Philadelphia’s defense would make a very good defense even better. It would also help solve the Eagles’ somewhat suspect run defense, as they’re currently giving up an average of five yards per carry.
If the Bears come up with offers, the Eagles should try to acquire Roquan Smith, a tackle machine who currently has a league-high 66 saves. Along with being a solid tackler, Smith can also help Philadelphia’s pass rush while being a constant presence in the opponent’s backfield. The acquisition of Smith would pay dividends for years to come, given that he is only 25 years old.
A new defensive back would also help, given injured Micah Hyde and Tre’Davious White who are still recovering from injury. But the Bills’ defense has largely been successful in holding the fort so far, which brings us to McCaffrey, the Panthers’ star running back who could have been generously compensated.
It’s hard to imagine anyone stopping Buffalo’s offense with McCaffrey playing alongside Josh Allen, Stefon Diggs and Co. McCaffrey could continue to make plays as a receiver without receiving too much of a workload in as a traditional fullback, assuming the Bills wouldn’t have to part ways with Zack Moss in a potential trade.
3. Vikings (5-1) — Add RB depth
Minnesota’s running game hasn’t received much input outside of Dalvin Cook. Alexander Mattison is averaging just 3.2 yards on 30 carries this season and only rushed for three yards once in last Sunday’s win at Miami. While largely productive in his backup role during his time at Minnesota, Mattison has been less effective over the past two seasons after averaging 3.7 yards per carry in 2021.
Acquiring another running back, like Kareem Hunt from Cleveland, would bring versatility to the Vikings offense while helping to keep Cook fresh for the stretch run. Hunt is a former NFL running champion who has spent the past three seasons sharing a backfield with Nick Chubb. He’s been one of the best guards in the NFL since entering the league in 2017, racking up 190 receptions and 17 touchdowns in that span.
4. Leaders (4-2) — Secondary Aid
Kansas City could use some help on defense as it ranks 25th in the league in points, 27th in passing yards allowed and last in touchdowns allowed for six weeks. Possible trade options here include Washington’s William Jackson III and Seattle’s Sidney Jones.
A former first-round pick, Jackson would bring considerable experience to the Chiefs’ backfield. He has 64 career starts between stints with the Bengals and Commanders. Jackson has also been a productive player, with 51 career assists defended. Jackson is more proven, but young Jones may have more upside. He is coming off the most productive season of his career which saw him total 66 tackles and 10 assists defended.
5. Giants (5-1) – Bring back OBJ
Okay, this one isn’t a trade, but a move the Giants need to consider making. They haven’t had any luck with receivers lately, so why not bring in one of the best fumbles in franchise history to help right the ship? If healthy, Odell Beckham Jr. can help provide much-needed stability in the position. His presence would also help create more space for Saquon Barkley which would help take Daniel Jones’ game to another level.
Beckham was an instant hit in the Big Apple. He was a Pro Bowler in each of his first three seasons with the Giants while helping Big Blue clinch a playoff berth in 2016. Although he didn’t leave the franchise on the best terms, it appears that both parties have resolved all previous issues. , leaving the door open for a possible comeback.
6. Cowboys (4-2) – Add another proven passer
As expected, Mike Gesicki isn’t used much in Mike McDaniel’s offense. He would be better off in Dallas, where the Cowboys could use another point guard alongside CeeDee Lamb, Noah Brown, Michael Gallup, Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard.
Considering Dalton Schultz’s current knee injury, acquiring Gesicki makes a lot of sense. Gesicki has proven to be a very productive player when given the opportunity. The five-year veteran caught 13 touchdowns over a three-year span while eclipsing the 700-yard receiving mark in consecutive seasons. Gesicki would represent the Cowboys’ best tight end playmaker since Jason Witten, the greatest tight end in franchise history.
The 32-year-old Pro Bowl passing thrower would be a perfect fit for the Jets’ rising young defense. Quinn is just a year away from recording 18.5 sacks, four forced fumbles and 17 tackles for loss.
Quinn could strengthen the Jets defense in several ways. Not only could his presence help the Jets’ defense improve in third-down and red-zone situations (New York is 25th and 24th respectively in those areas), Quinn could also provide consistent leadership for a promising young player. . unit that made waves on its debut, similar to what Charles Haley did for the Cowboys when he was traded from San Francisco to Dallas in 1992.
8. Titans (3-2) — Receiver assist
Tennessee needs an upgrade here if it wants to be a serious contender. The Titans changed course after last season, trading AJ Brown and parting ways with Julio Jones. Nick Westbrook-Ikhine struggled to be a consistent target for Ryan Tannehill. Treylon Burks, the Titans’ first pick, is struggling to stay healthy. Veteran Robert Woods is also unable to be a reliable force on offense, posting just 204 yards and a touchdown on 17 receptions this season.
Fortunately for the Titans, there are several receivers whose names have been linked to possible trades, including DJ Moore, Kendrick Bourne, Jerry Jeudy and Denzel Mims, among others.
9. Chargers (4-2) — Acquire Proven LB
Los Angles could use some stabilizing force in the middle of their defense, as they are currently second-to-last in the NFL in average yards per carry allowed. The unit is also only 26th in touchdown passes allowed and 16th in third down and red-zone defense.
The Chargers should consider acquiring former Pro Bowl linebacker Cory Littleton, who played under Brandon Staley with the Rams. A seven-year veteran who is still on the right side of 30, Littleton is a sure tackler who can also make plays in the secondary. He can also put pressure on the quarterback if asked to do so.
10. Bengals (3-3) — Add to pass rush
Cincinnati’s offensive line, while better than last year, is still under construction. It doesn’t look like the Bengals are doing anything drastic about that unit this year, which brings us to one of the defending AFC champion’s other pressing needs. The Bengals should consider adding a passing thrower to the team, as they have only nine sacks in six games. Robert Quinn could serve as valuable depth behind Sam Hubbard and Trey Hendrickson.
Another possible option is Commanders defensive tackle Daron Payne, who has 3.5 sacks this season and 18 sacks in his five-plus seasons in Washington.
