With twelve total players traded on deadline day alone, this was the most NFL trades action we have seen in 30 years! This number did not even include some other deals prior to November 1.
The mid-October trade of Christian McCaffrey to San Francisco in exchange for a slew of picks to Carolina (2023 second, third, and fourth and 2024 fifth round) seemed to open up the floodgates for more splash moves. Let’s break down some of the biggest trades and associated terms.
Let’s Make a Deal: NFL Trades Edition
Robert Quinn to Philadelphia
Eagles get: DE Robert Quinn
Bears get: 2023 4th round pick
Though not off to his best career start this year, the 32-year-old should have plenty of juice left. Joining the undefeated Eagles certainly shouldn’t hurt. Quinn’s most dominant season was in 2021 when he racked up 49 tackles and 18.5 sacks, and four forced fumbles.
We are witnessing (another) teardown in Chicago. The Bears are stockpiling future draft picks to try and build something special around young quarterback Justin Fields.
Roquan Smith to Baltimore
Ravens get: LB Roquan Smith
Bears get: LB A.J. Klein, 2023 2nd and 5th round pick
After first learning that teammate Robert Quinn was being traded to the Eagles during a press conference, Smith was brought to tears. Plot twist: it wouldn’t be long until his name was called for a shuffle to Baltimore.
The Georgia product has tallied up over 600 tackles, 16 sacks, seven interceptions, and a touchdown in his career with the Bears. What’s more? He has only missed four games in his four years in the league making him a great acquisition. Bravo to the Ravens for adding a guy who is not only a complete player but fits with their scheme.
TJ Hockenson to Minnesota
Vikings get: Hockenson, 2023 2nd and 4th round picks, and 2024 conditional 4th round pick
Lions get: 2023 2nd round, 2024 4th round
Not only is Hockenson one of Detroit’s most dangerous offensive players, but he is heading to a divisional foe who happens to be leading the NFC North. The chips are starting to fall in Lions’ country. We saw DB Coach Aubrey Pleasant let go after eight weeks and a dismal defensive stat line. With Dan Campbell seemingly in a hot seat himself, the team is preparing to stockpile quality draft picks for yet another Lions rebuild.
Chase Claypool to Chicago
Bears get: Chase Claypool
Steelers get: 2023 2nd round pick
We have seen some of Chicago’s best players get traded over the years: Khalil Mack, Akiem Hicks, and most recently Robert Quinn and Roquan Smith. Another teardown is happening in the windy city. While Claypool is an added weapon for Quarterback Justin Fields, this seems like a move similar to division rival Detroit who is looking toward the future.
Bradley Chubb to Miami
Dolphins get: LB Bradley Chubb, 2025 5th round pick
Broncos get: RB Chase Edmonds, 2023 1st round pick, 2024 4th round pick
Only making the playoffs twice in 20 years, Mike McDaniel’s squad has really gone all in from the offseason until the trade deadline. The Dolphins sit at 5-3 in a competitive AFC North division. Miami welcomes a powerhouse pass rusher like Bradley Chubb who should do nothing but strengthen their fickle-at-times defense.
The first-rounder that Miami gifted Denver was an extra first-round pick they were holding onto from a previous trade with San Francisco. Edmonds adds excellent depth to starting Running Back Melvin Gordon III in a struggling Broncos offense.
Nyheim Hines to Buffalo
Bills get: RB Nyheim Hines
Colts get: RB Zack Moss, Conditional 2023 6th-round pick
Seeing as the Colts have RB1 Jonathan Taylor, Deon Jackson, and Philip Lindsay it was no major shock seeing Nyheim Hines shipped off to Buffalo. The versatile back is the 12th-highest-paid RB in the league, yet averaging a quiet 32 yards per game this season. It seems like a smart move. He can be plugged into the high-octane Bills offense and show off his pass-catching skills as well.
NFL Trades: The Mighty Get Mightier
Teams tagged ‘elite’ like Buffalo, Miami, and Philadelphia have not appeared to be in dire need of help; in the regular season. As they eye the postseason, they know the stakes and that their opponents’ play elevates. All have one goal in mind and that is bringing home a Championship.
Some of the other trades involving the likes of Baltimore and Minnesota are trying to close out a solid season and make their run toward Glendale.
Staying Put
Other names that were on watch for trades were Brian Burns, WR Jerry Jeudy, RB Alvin Kamara, RB Kareem Hunt, WR Elijah Moore, WR Brandin Cooks, and RB Cam Akers. These standouts, some disgruntled, will remain in place.