(Audacy) The NFL trade deadline was quite busy Tuesday afternoon as several teams made critical upgrades while others didn't.
After the 3 p.m. CT deadline passed, it became apparent who the winners and losers were. Let's break them down.
Winners
Minnesota Vikings
The leaders of the NFC North struck a deal with the divisional foe Detroit Lions to acquire tight end T.J. Hockenson, who will fill the void with Irv Smith Jr. expected to miss eight to 10 weeks with a high ankle sprain.
Not only did the Vikings fill an area of need, they likely upgraded from Smith with Hockenson too, making their offense that much more potent as they look to take a commanding lead on the rest of the division.
Miami Dolphins
There was no team that was more clearly all in at this trade deadline than the Dolphins, who made arguably the biggest splash by trading a first-round pick, a fourth-round pick and running back Chase Edmonds to the Denver Broncos for pass rusher Bradley Chubb.
In addition to acquiring Chubb, the Dolphins also traded a fifth-round pick for Jeff Wilson Jr, reuniting him in the backfield with Raheem Mostert, two former 49ers whom coach Mike McDaniels is familiar with. But Chubb likely will have the biggest impact, as the Dolphins have struggled to pressure the quarterback this season. That ought to change, making their defense more complete.
Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles are the only undefeated team in the league, and they got even better adding Robert Quinn to an already vicious pass rush. They only had to give up a fourth-round pick to get him.
Denver Broncos
Prior to Tuesday, the Broncos had just four picks in the 2023 NFL Draft, with the highest selection not coming until the third round. That all changed as the team acquired a first-round pick and a fourth-round pick from the Miami Dolphins, although it did cost them Chubb. However, Denver likely isn't competing for a Super Bowl this season, and stocking up on picks was the smart decision. Plus, the Broncos also got Edmonds, who could carve out a role in a backfield with no true top running back.
San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers acquired the marquee name of the trade deadline by dealing for star running back Christian McCaffrey — whose impact was already felt this past Sunday. With McCaffrey in the backfield, there didn't seem to be much reason to hang on to Wilson, who was traded to Miami for a fifth-rounder. Perhaps the 49ers could have got more in return, but they are now well positioned to make a Super Bowl run with McCaffrey.
Justin Fields
The Bears are in rebuilding mode — as evidenced by trading Quinn to the Eagles and star linebacker Roquan Smith to the Ravens — but they did deal a second-round pick to the Steelers for receiver Chase Claypool. Some may argue that Chicago overpaid for Claypool, who has been inconsistent in Pittsburgh, but Fields is in desperate need of weapons around him and Claypool may just be the player who can help Fields’ growth.
Losers
Green Bay Packers
The Packers are reeling, having lost their last four games to drop to 3-5, and yet they didn't make any moves Tuesday, leaving star quarterback Aaron Rodgers with the same group that he has been struggling with all season.
New York Giants
Nobody expected the Giants to be 6-2 heading into the trade deadline, which put them in a position to possibly make a move and try to compete with the Eagles and Cowboys atop the NFC East. Instead, the Giants stood pat on Tuesday after trading away former first-round pick Kadarius Toney last week. Perhaps holding onto draft capital will pay off in the long run, but it certainly felt like a missed opportunity for a surprising Giants team.
Detroit Lions
The Lions clearly aren't contenders, but why trade one of your best offensive weapons and a former first-round pick who's still under contract through 2023 to a divisional rival? Maybe the Lions felt they wouldn't reach an extension with Hockenson and wanted something in return (they got a second-round and a third-round pick). But it feels they could have gotten more back, and it certainly felt like they made a questionable decision in sending him to the Vikings.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tom Brady and the Bucs are in a similar position as Rodgers and the Packers. And just like Green Bay, Tampa Bay did nothing to improve the team Tuesday. The Buccaneers could've addressed needs on its offensive line, linebacking corps or secondary but will have to navigate those areas of weakness with what they have.
Los Angeles Rams
The defending Super Bowl champion Rams are 3-4 and have looked underwhelming all year. Star receiver Cooper Kupp just hurt his ankle, although he's day-to-day, but the Rams could use another playmaker or spark on the offensive side of the ball with him. Perhaps they reunite with receiver Odell Beckham Jr. once he's healthy, but right now it doesn't feel as if the Rams are on the road to repeat.
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