The NFL trade deadline was quite busy Tuesday afternoon as several teams made critical upgrades, while others did not.
After the 4 p.m. ET deadline passed, it became quite apparent on who the winners and losers of the 2022 NFL trade deadline were.
Winners
Minnesota Vikings
The leaders of the NFC North struck a deal with divisional foe Detroit Lions for tight end T.J. Hockenson, who will fill the void after Irv Smith Jr. is expected to miss 8-10 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. Miami made arguably the biggest splash by trading a first-round, fourth-round 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 Niners head coach Mike McDaniels is familiar with. But Chubb may have the biggest impact as the Dolphins have struggled to pressure the quarterback this season and that ought to change, making the 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 and only having 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 and the first was not until the third round. That all changed as the team acquired a first-round pick and fourth rounder from the Miami Dolphins, although it did cost them Bradley Chubb. However, the team is likely not competing for a Super Bowl and stocking up on picks is the smart decision. Plus, they also got Chase Edmonds who may be able to carve out a role in a backfield with no true top running back.
San Francisco 49ers
The Niners acquired the marquee name of the trade deadline by dealing for Christian McCaffrey — whose impact was already felt this past Sunday. With McCaffrey in the backfield, there did not seem to be much reason to hang on to Jeff Wilson Jr., trading him to Miami for a firth rounder. Perhaps they could have got more in return, but the Niners are now well positioned to make a Super Bowl run with McCaffrey.
Justin Fields
The Chicago Bears are clearly in a rebuild mode — sending off Robert Quinn and Roquan Smith — but they did deal a second-round pick for wide receiver Chase Claypool. Some may argue that the Bears overpaid for Claypool, who has been inconsistent in Pittsburgh, but Fields is in desperate need of some weapons around him and Claypool may just be the guy who can help Fields’ growth as the franchise QB.
Losers
Green Bay Packers
The Packers are reeling, having lost their last four games and dropping to 3-5 in the NFC North and yet they were unable to make any moves on Tuesday, leaving Aaron Rodgers with the same group he’s 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 may pay off in the long run, but it certainly feels like a missed opportunity for a surprising Giants team.
Detroit Lions
The Lions are clearly not contenders, but why trade one of your best offensive weapons and a former first-round pick who is still under contract through 2023 to a divisional rival? Maybe the Lions felt they would not reach an extension with Hockenson and wanted something in return (they got a second- and third-round pick). But it feels they could have gotten more back and it certainly feels 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 Aaron Rodgers and the Packers and just like Green Bay, Tampa Bay did nothing to improve the team on Tuesday. Tampa could have addressed needs on the o-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 champions are 3-4 and have looked underwhelming all year. Cooper Kupp just hurt his ankle, although he is 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 Odell Beckham Jr. once he is healthy, but right now it does not feel as if the Rams are on the road to repeat.
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