The Carolina Panthers and San Francisco 49ers shook up the NFL with Thursday night's massive trade of running back Christian McCaffrey. Might we see more deals as we press toward the trade deadline?
Well, unlike many events on the NFL calendar, the trade deadline typically isn't met with a heap of pomp and a breathless string of earth-shattering developments. For a variety of reasons, the NFL's trade deadline is quieter than those of other major American sports. From its early place in the season to the salary cap to the compensatory-pick factor, the football deadline usually involves more sporadic transactions than consistently splashy swaps or salary dumps.
Last year was highlighted by the Von Miller deal, which occurred much closer to the deadline. This time around, the CMC blockbuster has provided early juice. So … now what?
There are deals to be done, whether big or small. And, as always in the NFL, deadlines spur action.
With the Nov. 1 trade deadline less than two weeks away, let's take a look at teams who should look to sell assets in seasons gone sideways and some who could be buyers as they gear up for a postseason run.
SELLERS
Carolina Panthers
Sell! Sell! Sell! Thursday's Christian McCaffrey trade was the move GM Scott Fitterer almost had to make in order to help the rebuild. The deal adds needed draft picks to the cache and sheds CMC's onerous contract. The question is how far Fitterer The Trader takes the strip-down. Teams will likely call about the availability of DE Brian Burns and WR D.J. Moore, but those inquiring parties will probably be met with significant resistance, barring a godfather offer. Having pieces in place like Burns and Moore is Fitterer's best case for keeping his own job after the firing of head coach Matt Rhule. Jettisoning a malcontent wide receiver (Robbie Anderson) and a running back (even one as dynamic as McCaffrey) is different than gutting the roster of all usable parts. But there are still players, particularly impending free agents, Fitterer should look to trade before the deadline. DT Matt Ioannidis remains a solid player in the middle, but he's set to hit the open market in the offseason. In a league constantly in need of functional offensive linemen, backup tackle Cam Erving, if healthy, could be worth more to a contender seeking O-line aid.
Chicago Bears
Ryan Poles took over a mess of a roster and remains early in his rebuild. The next phase could include shipping out veterans who aren't in his long-term plans. Robert Quinn is the biggest name to watch after offseason trade rumors. The 32-year-old has only one sack this season, but he showed he still had juice in 2021, posting 18.5 QB takedowns. With no guaranteed money after this season, he could be viewed as a mercenary edge rusher for a playoff contender in need. Likewise, veteran safety Eddie Jackson has no guaranteed money left on his deal beyond this season, and secondary-needy clubs could come calling for the ballhawk. Running back David Montgomery is in the final year of his rookie contract and could be moved with Khalil Herbert waiting in the wings. Then there is Roquan Smith, who is also in the final year of his rookie deal. Poles could view using the franchise tag on Smith or potentially netting a compensatory pick if he lets the star linebacker walk as better options than making a trade. But if the GM isn't willing to go near Smith's contract demands, he could ship the 'backer out if the right offer comes in. Frankly, outside of Justin Fields and a few rookies, there aren't many players on the roster that Poles shouldn't at least listen to offers for in trade talks at this point.