NFL Market: More Moves Expected Before Deadline
Recent NFL trades, including Joe Flacco’s transfer from the Browns to the Bengals, could be just the beginning. More activity in the league’s market is anticipated before the November 4th trade deadline.
In a league where teams are constantly looking to improve, general managers are already exploring potential trades. Based on previous years, at least a dozen more deals could be finalized.
In the last six years, during the month of October prior to the deadline, the NFL has recorded 88 trades, with an average of almost 15 per year.
Several prominent players could be available to be traded in the coming weeks, according to internal sources. Among the names mentioned are Kirk Cousins, Russell Wilson, Trey Hendrickson, Mark Andrews, Bradley Chubb, Alvin Kamara, Chris Olave, Breece Hall, Cameron Jordan, and Riq Woolen. Although their teams have not yet put them on the market, there is speculation that this could happen.
Last year and in 2022, 18 transfers were completed. This figure contrasts with the nine agreements of 2018, the eight of 2017, the five of 2016, and the four of 2015.
The NFL trade deadline has become as active as those of the NBA and MLB. This increase in activity is due to several factors, according to league sources.
One of the reasons is the presence of younger and more aggressive general managers in the NFL. Many of the previous generation didn’t believe in trading players mid-season.
However, the recent success of teams that have made trades before the deadline has influenced this trend. In 2021, the Rams acquired Von Miller, who contributed to winning Super Bowl LVI.
A year later, the Chiefs got Kadarius Toney, who was key to winning the Super Bowl with a 65-yard punt return and a touchdown.
Teams have noticed the positive impact a mid-season acquisition can have, and others are looking to replicate the success of the Rams and Chiefs.
In the last week, three of the four AFC North teams (Baltimore, Cincinnati, and Cleveland) made trades on Tuesday. The Steelers, who lead the division, could look to improve their roster before the deadline.
Winning teams look to reinforce their squads to have more chances in the playoffs. Those who don’t win, on the other hand, are willing to look towards next season and accumulate draft picks to rebuild their teams.
It is fitting that, after a week of transfers and with more to come, Sunday marks the 36th anniversary of the Herschel Walker trade from the Cowboys to the Vikings, a deal that helped Dallas build its dynasty in the 90s. This move involved 12 draft picks and 18 players, being one of the largest and most complex in NFL history.
Although it’s difficult to imagine such a significant transfer before the deadline, general managers are already in contact, evaluating available players and preparing for their next moves.
