Not only is the rumor mill spinning rapidly as the 2022 NFL trade deadline nears, but more reports are also constantly flooding the market.
This player is available, but that player is not. This team is buying, but that team is selling. Some rumors are true, yet others are best described as smokescreens or even straight-up lies.
Hey, that's all part of the game. Still, it can be difficult to determine which reports to believe or dismiss.
But we have you covered. We're making a judgment on key rumors heading into the NFL trade deadline on Tuesday, Nov. 1.
Panthers to Keep Brian Burns, 3 Others
After the Carolina Panthers parted ways with head coach Matt Rhule, NFL Media's Ian Rapoport said the team wouldn't hold a fire sale.
Since then, they've shipped wide receiver Robbie Anderson and running back Christian McCaffrey to NFC West franchises. Isn't that actually the beginning of one?
The short answer is no.
While the Panthers will agree to a few deals, they're not tearing the roster down to the studs. Some of those appealing players—like defensive tackle Derrick Brown and edge-rusher Brian Burns—have cost-effective contracts and can be foundational pieces of a rebuild.
ESPN's Adam Schefter said Carolina won't trade Brown, Burns, wideout D.J. Moore or cornerback Jaycee Horn before the deadline. Even as Moore signed an extension recently and Burns is headed toward one, the combination of financial certainty and long-term impact is reason to believe they'll all stay on the team.
Carolina will be plenty involved in rumors, but that quartet should not be leaving before the deadline.
Verdict: Fact
Browns Now Open to Trading Kareem Hunt
Shortly before the 2022 season began, Kareem Hunt reportedly asked for a trade. However, the Cleveland Browns did not acquiesce and decided to keep him in his complementary role.
Apparently, they've had a possible change of heart.
Brad Stainbrook of The Orange and Brown Report said the Browns are listening to offers for Hunt. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler noted that Hunt is believed to be available for a fourth-round pick.
The discussion is all logical, too. Hunt, who's in the final year of his contract, is unlikely to stay as a complementary back to Nick Chubb—and Cleveland shouldn't reduce the latter's workload anyway. Plus, the Browns already have D'Ernest Johnson as a capable replacement.
Now that Cleveland is 2-5 and exiting the playoff race, it's only sensible to add value before Hunt's seemingly inevitable departure.
Verdict: Fact