Who are the winners and losers of the NFL trade deadline 2022?
The Miami Dolphins already had a stacked roster, but after the trade market they may be one of the AFC favorites after making the deal of deadline day.
The trade deadline came to a close on Tuesday afternoon, and before we focus on the second half of the season, we take a look at who came out on top of the trade market.
There were teams that have high hopes to lift the Lombardi Trophy who strengthened their squads dramatically over the last few weeks. Each of those teams will be hoping their trades will have similar results as the Los Angeles Rams’ midseason moves last year that led them to a Super Bowl.
Other teams who are less likely to make a playoff run looked towards the future. Chicago was one of those teams that was very active in the trade market. Another team that seem to be looking toward the future, surprisingly, is the Denver Broncos, who came into the season with high expectations, but have failed to deliver so far.
Time will tell who the real winners and losers are coming out of this trade market, but the immediate reaction gives us a handful of winners and losers after deadline day.
Winners
Miami Dolphins
Miami certainly seem like they are ready to win now. They made the trade of the offseason when they brought in Tyreek Hill from the Kansas City Chiefs, and made the most of the midseason trade market by beefing up their squad on the offensive and defensive side of the ball. We all know how good this Miami offense can be but bringing in Bradley Chubb is going to make the Dolphins defense dangerous. He already has 5.5 sacks this season and will aid the pass rush in south Florida immensely.
The Dolphins also brought in RB Jeff Wilson who knows coach Mike McDaniel’s system well. The two shared time in San Fran before McDaniel was named the coach in Miami. Wilson won’t just be reunited with his former offensive coordinator, but will be reunited with former Niners teammate Rahee Mostert.
Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings are already one of the best teams in the NFC. Just look at their record. Despite being 6-1, they are still under the radar and haven’t really made much noise in the conference. The Vikings made sure to make a ruckus on deadline day, bringing in tight end T.J. Hockenson from Detroit. Hockenson is going to add another weapon to an already explosive passing game in Minnesota. Kirk Cousins is a QB that makes smart decisions, has a high completion percentage and his TD to INT ration is very often among the top in the league. Having Hockenson will provide him with another security blanket, especially on third down and in the red zone.
Philadelphia Eagles
Philly didn’t do much because they didn’t need much. But the one move they made will only strengthen an already stacked defensive unit. A trade with the Chicago Bears brought in veteran defensive end Robert Quinn, as they sent a 2023 fourth round pick to the Windy City. He didn’t get to contribute that much in Chicago this season, but the 32 year old who had 18.5 sacks last season will be hoping to replicate his form from 2021 in Philly.
San Francisco 49ers
The Niners season has been filled with plenty peaks and valleys over the first eight weeks. They saw their QB of the future break his ankle in Week 2 as Jimmy Garoppolo reclaimed is spot under center. The defense has been rock solid, but the offense has been unpredictable. One week they put up 31 points on the Rams, an another week they post just 10 like they did against the Broncos in Week 3. Christian McCaffery will bring some consistency to the running game and while keeping the defense on their toes with his pass catching ability. Let’s not forget about his passing TD over the weekend, proving that the newest face in the backfield in the Bay is not just a ground and pound rusher.
Losers
Los Angeles Rams
Just a few months removed from their Super Bowl title, the Los Angeles Rams have looked a shade of the team that. Their struggles on the offensive side of the ball are largely due to their depleted offensive line, and Matthew Stafford’s lack of weapons outside of Cooper Kupp. The Rams had a chance to make a midseason trade like they did last year that helped push them to their Super Bowl run, but the front office was dormant through deadline day.
Green Bay Packers
If you have seen a Green Bay Packers game this season, especially over the last month, you know the Packers need help. Aaron Rodgers cannot carry this team all on his own. He needs his offensive line to give him more protection, and the chemistry with his young receiving corp has yet to develop. Green Bay had a chance to help their four time MVP in the trade market, but didn’t make a single move. We shall see if Rodgers has enough help around him to turn things around in the Tundra.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Jacksonville’s trade to bring Calvin Ridley in was a gamble that at the moment looks like a head scratcher. They won’t be able to incorporate the wide receiver until he finishes serving his suspension that will stretch until at least the end of this season. Ridley was suspended for at least the entirety of this season after getting caught gambling on NFL games last year. The Jags game up a conditional fifth round pick in 2023 and a second round pick in 2024 to bring in the pass catcher who still has no set return date.