While NFL trades traditionally lack the excitement of the big splashes frequently made in the NBA, this year has been somewhat different, with a number of major trades occurring just before the October 31 deadline. Here are some of the biggest moves made on, or close to, the deadline, and how this year's playoff contenders were affected by the moves.
Seahawks (and Russell Wilson) gets boost on offensive line
Super Bowl contenders Seattle Seahawks received an upgrade along the offensive line in the form of Duane Brown, giving Russell Wilson his best blindside protection in his six years of playing in the NFL. Throughout the first eight games of the season, Wilson has been forced to confront the second-highest pressure rate in the entire league, at 42.6%. The Seahawks were rumored to be interested in Bills' left tackle Cordy Glenn, with WR Jimmy Graham going the other way. While that deal failed to materialize, they managed to agree trade terms with the Houston Texans. In exchange, the Texans received experienced cornerback Jeremy Lane, along with the Seahawks' 2018 fifth-round draft pick and a second-round selection in 2019.
Pats need No. 12 now more than ever
Speaking of the Super Bowl champions, the 49ers improved their QB situation after trading for Jimmy Garoppolo, who Patriots fans were hoping would be heir to Tom Brady’s throne when the five-time Super Bowl winning QB eventually retires. The 49ers may not be going anywhere after the regular season, but their trade partner is looking to win its second consecutive championship – a feat New England has yet to achieve. The Pats received a second-round draft pick in exchange for Garoppolo.
Jimmy Garopollo by ShoneBK (CC-BY-SA-4.0)
The Patriots remain the favorite to win Super Bowl LII, with the Westgate Las Vegas Super Book offering odds of +350. NFL fans may find better value, however, by taking advantage of free bet offers such as those featured at Champion Bets. If you don't feel the Patriots are going to make it back to the dance this year, there are other contenders in the running – not least, the third favorite, Philadelphia Eagles.
Best team in NFL gets stronger
The Philadelphia Eagles, arguably the best team in the league, took another step towards the playoffs when they upgraded their backfield after acquiring Jay Ajayi from the Miami Dolphins. It may not be the best move for the young man from London, however, as he has gone from a situation where he was the feature back to playing on a running back by committee, already featuring Wendell Smallwood, Corey Clement, and LeGarrette Blount. Winning may prove to be a near cure-all for Ajayi, however, after the Dolphins' recent 40-0 shutout at the hands of the Baltimore Ravens. The Dolphins received a fourth-round pick for the RB. A team that was undoubtedly happy to hear about the trade was Miami's AFC East divisional rivals the Buffalo Bills, who conceded 420 yards to Ajayi in two games against the Dolphins last year.
Bills send star DT to Jacksonville
“Marcell Dareus” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by Keith Allison
Perhaps the biggest trade of all was the move of Marcel Dareus to Jacksonville. The two-time Pro-Bowler was a noose around the Bills’ neck, as he did’t fit in with the culture that new head coach/general manager tandem Sean McDermott and Brandon Beans are tying to install at One Bills Drive.The Bills are surprising people with a 4-0 home record and are right up there with the Patriots in the AFC East. Dareus has been injured and rotated along the Bills defensive line and their defence seems to have gotten along fine in the process. Dareus' contract is huge, which is why the Bills only received a sixth-round pick in return. While Buffalo will be eating up a lot of dead money, it's perhaps the best move for all concerned. ‘Mr. Big Stuff' will be suiting up for former Bills head coach, Doug Marrone.
