The NFL trade deadline was bustling as teams made strategic moves before the 4 p.m. ET cutoff, with a total of 10 trades executed over two days. Teams either aimed to enhance their rosters for a playoff push or sought to accumulate assets for future rebuilding efforts. Notable trades included the New York Jets sending All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner to the Indianapolis Colts in exchange for two first-round draft picks and wide receiver AD Mitchell. Other significant transactions featured the Seattle Seahawks acquiring Rashid Shaheed from the New Orleans Saints and the Jacksonville Jaguars trading for Jakobi Meyers from the Las Vegas Raiders.
This year”s deadline resulted in 22 trades, surpassing last year”s 18. While in-season trades typically don”t yield immediate results, the recent deals show promise for future impact. Here”s a breakdown of the biggest winners and losers from this year”s deadline.
Winners of the Trade Deadline
Once again, Howie Roseman proved his prowess as the general manager of the Philadelphia Eagles, making three crucial trades to enhance the team”s chances in the second half of the season. The Eagles remained firm in their decision not to trade A.J. Brown, focusing instead on how to best utilize him moving forward. They acquired pass-rusher Jaelan Phillips, who has demonstrated the ability to deliver eight sacks per season when healthy, filling a gap left by Super Bowl champion Josh Sweat”s departure. Additionally, they brought in cornerback Michael Carter, who adds depth to the secondary with versatility to play both cornerback and safety. Furthermore, they recently added Jaire Alexander from the Baltimore Ravens, a two-time Pro Bowler, who, if healthy, can be a major asset.
The Colts also made headlines with their acquisition of a two-time All-Pro cornerback, which solidifies their defensive lineup. Once Charvarius Ward returns from injury, the Colts will boast a formidable cornerback duo, crucial as they face high-powered offenses like the Kansas City Chiefs and Seattle Seahawks in the upcoming games.
Jets Focus on Future
The New York Jets are entrenched in a continuous rebuilding phase. Their trade of Gardner and the acquisition of two first-round picks from the Colts, along with additional picks from the Dallas Cowboys, are steps toward a brighter future. However, the Jets” history suggests that first-round picks have not always translated into success. Although they drafted Gardner and Garrett Wilson in 2022, both have struggled to perform consistently within an underwhelming offense. If the Jets can improve their decision-making and franchise direction, these additional picks could become valuable.
Buffalo Bills Miss Opportunities
The Buffalo Bills entered the trade deadline with pressing needs on both sides of the ball. They desired an additional pass rusher, a run-stopper, and a dynamic receiver to support quarterback Josh Allen. Unfortunately for Buffalo, they did not make any significant acquisitions to address these gaps. While the return of Xavier Worthy and Rashee Rice from suspension adds some depth, the Bills remain without the explosive offensive threats they require.
Rookie quarterbacks often face significant challenges in the NFL. The loss of a key receiver like Shaheed complicates matters for New Orleans quarterback Smith, already struggling this season. The Saints managed to secure a fourth- and fifth-round pick for Shaheed, but his departure diminishes the offensive options available to Smith, who leads the league in interceptions this year.
The Jets running back, despite a desire to leave, remained with the team as the front office”s asking price was deemed too high. Meanwhile, the Miami Dolphins opted against trading linebacker Bradley Chubb, who could have provided a much-needed boost to a contender. As the season progresses, the ramifications of these trades will become clearer as teams either thrive or struggle with their new rosters.
