With the NFL trade deadline now in the books, teams looking to add that missing piece and go for it added talent in hopes of playing in Glendale, while teams hoping to rebuild and acquire draft capital saw some players leave.
Below are my biggest winners and losers from the trade deadline.
Miami Dolphins: Clearly a move designed to slow down NFL MVP front runner in Bills QB Josh Allen, the Dolphins adding LB Bradley Chubb to an already talented defensive line that has Jaylen Phillips adds another level of heat in South Beach.
Minnesota Vikings: Nothing sweeter than poaching a talent such as TE T.J. Hockenson from a division rival. With Minnesota giving the perennially underachieving Kirk Cousins a much-needed red zone target, following the injury to Irv Smith Jr. Excuses and time are running out for Captain Kirk in MSP!
Chicago Bears: A sign that the Bears believe in second-year QB Justin Fields, adding WR Chase Claypool to an offense that desperately needs it, shows that the Bears believe in the former Ohio State signal-caller.
Baltimore Ravens: In a case of the rich getting richer, the Ravens acquiring LB Roquan Smith from Chicago is another example of the culture and tradition of Baltimore and defense.
Bonus- Buffalo Bills: Adding a playmaker such as RB Nyheim Hines, who has 1,724 rec yards since 2018, fifth among RB’s, makes Allen and the already explosive Buffalo offense almost unbeatable.
Losers:
Kareem Hunt: After requesting a trade out of Cleveland, due to being No.2 behind NFL rushing leader Nick Chubb, Hunt was not only not moved, but Cleveland reportedly stood Pat, in hopes of trying to salvage the relationship.
Aaron Rodgers: Odell Beckham Jr? Chase Claypool? Nope! No Davante Adams walking thru that door! Don’t matter! Green Bay declines to make a move that will surely cause A-Rod to unleash his wrath on the newest episode of the Pat Mcafee Show.
Brandin Cooks: One of the biggest names that was set to be moved. Now the disgruntled WR is stuck in Space City with no rescue mission in sight!
Los Angeles Rams: Missing out on CMC, and no Cam Akers, despite a disgruntled Browns running back on the block and available, the RB-needy Rams, stood Pat and didn’t pull the trigger. Which is both head-scratching and very frustrating.
Chicago Bears: it’s not too often that one of the NFL’s most storied franchises is both a winner at loser at the trade deadline, but in dealing LB Roquan Smith to the Ravens and pass rusher Robert Quinn to the undefeated Eagles for basically for WR Chase Claypool from the Steelers, one has to question trading away two keep members on defense for a WR. Chicago needs this to pay off immediately!