NFL Deadline Watch: Ten Key Moves
With the trade window closing in two days, analysts propose ten specific transactions to address roster weaknesses across the league.
By Austin Reed ·
The NFL trade deadline is set to close in two days, prompting a rush of proposed transactions to address roster gaps before the window shuts.
The league has already seen major shifts this season. Seattle acquired offensive lineman Quenton Nelson, while San Francisco brought back DeForest Buckner. Chicago added Jeffery Simmons, and Baltimore secured quarterback Jacoby Brissett. Last year, 27 players were traded in-season, the highest number in the past 25 years, with 12 deals happening on deadline day alone.
Analysts suggest the Vikings should target quarterback Kirk Cousins from the Raiders. Cousins spent six seasons in Minnesota, posting 4,000 passing yards four times and a 50-37-1 record. He currently ranks second in the NFL with 19 passing touchdowns. His return would address the passing struggles of Kyler Murray, who ranks 30th among qualifying passers with 170.3 yards per game.
The Bills are viewed as prime candidates to acquire Cardinals safety Budda Baker. Buffalo’s defense ranks in the bottom 10 in yards allowed (352.1) and points allowed (25.9) per game. Baker, an eight-time Pro Bowler, has recorded 51 tackles, four passes defensed, and a career-high 3.5 sacks in eight games this season. He is one of only eight players to record 1,000 tackles before age 30.
A reunion between Derrick Henry and Mike Vrabel is also on the radar. Henry averages 76.6 rushing yards per game for the Ravens. The Patriots rank 12th in rushing yards, and their current options, Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson, have shown inconsistency. Vrabel previously coached Henry with the Titans and currently has former Titans A.J. Brown and Kevin Byard on his roster.
The Raiders may look to sign Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens. Pickens is playing on the franchise tag and faces a large contract extension question. The Raiders have a weak receiving corps led by Tre Tucker, who has 474 yards. Pickens would provide a perimeter threat for quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who was selected No. 1 overall.
Broncos fans may want back Breece Hall from the Jets. Hall signed a three-year, $43.5 million deal and became the Jets’ first 1,000-yard rusher since 2015. His injury has given Braelon Allen a chance to step up, with Allen rushing for 147 yards in Week 8. The Broncos’ rushing offense is currently ranked seventh-worst in the NFL.
Kansas City could target Colts slot receiver Josh Downs. Downs has the second-most receiving yards out of the slot in NFL history. He caught 30 passes for 330 yards in his first eight games this season. The Chiefs have struggled at wide receiver, with Rashee Rice averaging 48.6 yards per game.
The Steelers are suggested to add Chargers receiver Ladd McConkey. McConkey had a strong rookie year with 82 catches and 1,149 yards, though he has 17 receptions for 286 yards this season. The Steelers’ leading receiver, DK Metcalf, averages 47.3 yards per game. A trade could also send former Michigan player Roman Wilson to Jim Harbaugh’s Chargers.
Several other moves are on the table. The Giants might trade for Titans running back Tony Pollard, who is averaging a career-high 74.4 yards per game. The Jaguars could add Eagles defensive tackle Moro Ojomo to shore up their line after DaVon Hamilton’s injury. Finally, the 49ers, who have missed 142 games due to injury this season, could target Chargers edge rusher Khalil Mack to bolster their pass rush.
