Analysis
10/31/22
19 min read
NFL 2022 NFL Trade Deadline: Latest Buzz, Rumors Around Teams, Players
Tracking the latest trade rumors with up-to-the-minute news and analysis heading into the NFL's Tuesday trade deadline:
>> Mike Tannenbaum: Most Impactful Trade Targets
>> T.J. McCreight: Grades For Every Deadline Deal
>> Rick Spielman: 5 WR Trade Targets for Packers
Nov. 1
Texans' Cooks Not Spotted at Practice
Houston Texans wide receiver Brandin Cooks was not seen at the team's practice on Tuesday, according to ESPN.
Cooks has had his name involved in trade talks over the past couple of weeks. The team has discussed a potential trade with Cooks and has hopes of finding one that benefits both the team and the player.
Chiefs Making Calls For Pass Rushers
The Kansas City Chiefs reportedly called the Jacksonville Jaguars about pass rusher Josh Allen. The Chiefs already made a deal for New York Giants WR Kadarius Toney, but they might not be done.
The 33rd Team analyst and former Minnesota Vikings general manager Rick Spielman predicted the team might pursue a pass rusher before they made the move for Toney.
"If you look at what the Rams did getting Von Miller at the deadline last year and what a difference he made down the stretch because they could rush the passer," Spielman said. "Kansas City also has a very young secondary, but that sure helps the backend when you can pressure the quarterback."
Allen has three sacks in eight games this season and has proved to be a productive player (20.5 sacks in his previous three seasons) while still playing on his rookie contract.
Rams Made Big Offer for Burns
The Los Angeles Rams have reportedly offered the Carolina Panthers multiple first-round picks for defensive end Brian Burns. Earlier reporting indicated the Panthers had previously rejected multiple first-round picks for Burns, so the Rams could be the team that made that initial offer.
The Rams are 3-4 this season and clearly missing the pass rush juice provided by Von Miller, who the Rams acquired at the 2021 trade deadline before he left in 2022 free agency to sign with the Buffalo Bills. As for Carolina, they've remained steadfast in their assertion they would not move Burns or many of their other young, talented players.
Commanders Struggling to Move Jackson
The Washington Commanders could release cornerback William Jackson III if a trade does not materialize before Tuesday's 4:00 p.m. deadline, ESPN reported. Teams have made contact with the Commanders about acquiring Jackson, but his back injury has made agreeing on a fair price difficult.
Jackson requested a trade from the Commanders on Oct. 13 because he felt like he didn't fit the team's defensive scheme.
Nyheim Hines Expected to be Dealt
The pass-catching compliment in Indianapolis' backfield could be on the move at the trade deadline, as ESPNÂ reported Monday night that teams have reached out to the Colts about back Nyheim Hines. Further reporting indicated the Colts have an offer in mind for their fifth-year back, and that there's a strong feeling that a team will come through with something close enough to get a deal done.
The teams rumored to be interested in Hines include the Buffalo Bills and Los Angeles Rams, according to PFF. The Philadelphia Eagles were also mentioned as a designation since their coach, Nick Sirianni, was the Colts' offensive coordinator from 2018-20.
Hines has been the Colts' most dependable pass-catcher out of the backfield as well as a kick returner for the team since he was drafted in the fourth round of the 2018 Draft. He has had at least 40 receptions every season, twice reaching 60, and for his career has over 4,000 all-purpose yards despite never being a starter, always backing up Jonathan Taylor or Marlon Mack.
So far this season, Hines has caught 25 passes for 188 yards. He only has 18 carries so far but has also missed one game and nearly the entirety of another due to injury.
Oct. 31
Kareem Hunt Available for Fourth-Round Pick
Cleveland running back Kareem Hunt's name has been circling the NFL trade deadline rumor mill for over a week, but now there is a specific cost attached. The Browns are reportedly seeking a fourth-round pick, according to ESPN, hoping to improve upon the compensatory selection they would receive were Hunt to sign elsewhere as a free agent.
One constant, including within The 33rd Team's discussions, has been the Los Angeles Rams, but Peter King indicated that L.A. isn't as interested in that deal as others may think. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Eagles are being linked to Hunt, and have shown a willingness to deal at the deadline already by acquiring Robert Quinn from the Bears and throwing their hat in the ring for Christian McCaffrey.
Jets, Dolphins Want Bradley Chubb
Denver Broncos edge rusher Bradley Chubb could be heading to the AFC East, and the return haul could be as high as a first-round pick, according to Peter King.
The report indicates that "a well-plugged-in GM" thinks Chubb could get moved to New York or Miami in exchange for a first-round pick, assuming the team that trades for him can work out a multi-year deal to keep the impending free agent in town for longer than a few months.
Chubb is the former No. 5 overall selection in the 2018 NFL Draft. Through four professional seasons, Chubb has recorded 20.5 sacks, including a stellar, 12-sack rookie campaign.
Prior to Week 8, The 33rd Team analyst Charles Davis was complimentary of the Broncos' young defender in a discussion regarding pass-rushers who could be on the move.
"Chubb is back on his game," Davis said. "He's been nicked up the last couple of years, and hasn't had the [same] type of numbers."
If Chubb can unleash the production he showed early in his career, he could be well worth a potential first-round pick asking price.
What Positions Could Rams Upgrade?
The Los Angeles Rams front office is reportedly appraising the trade market and considering upgrading multiple positions, including running back, wide receiver, edge rusher, and offensive line.
The defending Super Bowl champions have gotten off to a slow start to the 2022 regular season, falling to 3-4 after a 31-14 to their division rival San Francisco 49ers in Week 8. With a road game looming against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers — and with the 49ers and Seahawks looking competitive — the Rams could be hoping to head into the second half of their season with some reinforcements.
The Rams' aggressive approach to trades is nearly unprecedented as the team has eschewed high-value draft pick in favor of impact veterans. Last season, they sent two draft picks (second and third-round selections) to the Denver Broncos to acquire edge rusher, Von Miller.
Miller — who left in free agency after just one season — helped the Rams on their way to a Super Bowl-winning season.
Oct. 30
Bills Called About Kamara
The Buffalo Bills reportedly called the New Orleans Saints about running back Alvin Kamara. Buffalo has Devin Singletary and Zack Moss at running back already, but they're clearly attempting to load up for a Super Bowl push.
It was reported on Saturday the Saints would trade Kamara to the Eagles if they returned the first-round pick Philadelphia received in an offseason trade that netted the Saints WR Chris Olave in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Murphy-Bunting on the Move?
Tampa Bay dropped to 3-5 on Thursday night and now there are rumors they could sell at the trade deadline. Cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting, who has made 31 career starts and is still on his rookie contract, could be on the trading block, NFL Media reported.
Murphy-Bunting has played fewer snaps than usual this season due to a quad injury, which has kept him out the past two weeks. The former Central Michigan standout is close to being healthy, so any team that trades for him before the Nov. 1 deadline should see him on the field sooner than later.
Oct. 29
Lions TE Hockenson Aware He Could Be Traded
While the Detroit Lions insist no team has called about the availability of tight end T.J. Hockenson, it makes sense that the team would listen to offers. At 1-5, the Lions will no doubt be sellers at the deadline, something Hockenson is well aware of.
"Listen, I'm not stupid. I know what I can bring to another team and I know here that they could, if they want something, if they want to do things for the future then I'm not stupid in that sense," Hockenson told the Detroit Free Press. "It is a business and whatever they have to do upstairs they're going to do. And that doesn't — there's no hard feelings about it. There's no, 'Hey, I don't like him personally' or anything about that. That's just how it is. So I'm not dumb or naive in that fact."
In his fourth year, Hockenson's rookie contract expires after next season. He is set to make $9.362 million in 2023, with the fifth-year option fully guaranteed.
Kamara-to-Eagles Rumors Swirling
There have been multiple reports about the availability — or not — of Saints RB Alvin Kamara, but Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer reported that New Orleans might be willing to deal Kamara to Philadelphia if the Eagles returned the first-round draft choice they traded to the Saints in April in a swap of multiple picks. The Saints are a disappointing 2-5, but it's yet to be seen if they would part with a premier player like Kamara.
Oct. 28
49ers Listening to Wilson Offers
With Christian McCaffrey added to the roster last week and Elijah Mitchell close to returning from injury, teams are calling the San Francisco 49ers regarding the availability of RB Jeff Wilson, ESPN reported.
Wilson is just outside the NFL's top-10 rushing leaders with 454 yards, but his usage has tailed off the past two weeks with just 7 carries each against the Falcons (for 25 yards) and Chiefs (54).
The 49ers are currently carrying five running backs on their 53-man roster (Wilson, McCaffrey and Mitchell, along with rookies Tyrion Davis-Price and Jordan Mason). Veteran running back Tevin Coleman is on the team's practice squad.
Commanders 'Not Looking to Move Anybody'
With rumors from reputable NFL reporters circulating around two Washington Commanders players, Ron Rivera on Friday said the team has no plans to make any moves.
"We're not looking to move anybody," Rivera told reporters on Friday. "If there's something outlandish you've got to listen, but we have no intention of moving anyone."
Rivera began his news conference Friday by addressing a report by Jordan Schultz that Washington was receiving interest for third-year RB/KR Antonio Gibson. John Keim of ESPN reported that the "one to watch" is CB William Jackson III, who signed a three-year, $40.5 million contract in the offseason.
Oct. 27
Rams Should Inquire About Browns RB Hunt
Analyst Joe Banner of The 33rd Team says the Los Angeles Rams' offensive line is a mess and needs a running back to make up for its deficiencies. He thinks Cleveland Browns RB Kareem Hunt could be the guy for the job, but at what price?
"This is not like a (Christian) McCaffrey in terms of his talent or compensation," Banner said. "I wouldn't go over a fourth-round pick. I could easily not be surprised if it ended up being something like a sixth-round pick that could maybe become a fifth — kind of like what (James) Robinson just did with the Jets. That would be proper value. The Rams may be a little anxious and have to go higher."
Will Patriots Move Offensive Starters?
The New England Patriots have been listening to offers for offensive contributors Kendrick Bourne and Isaiah Wynn, according to NFL Media.
Bourne, entering his sixth professional season at wide receiver, caught 55 passes for 800 yards receiving and five touchdowns last year for the Patriots. Through six games this season, however, he has just 11 catches but could serve as a reliable pass-catching threat for a team with more need at the position.
Isaiah Wynn, entering the final year of his rookie contract, is a dependable offensive tackle that could be dealt as well. Wynn started 15 games for the Patriots in 2021 and has already started six games for the team thus far in 2022. Wynn was a 2018 first-round pick by the Patriots and has developed into a quality starter on the offensive line. He could be a valuable addition to any offensive unit looking to upgrade its protection options in the trenches.
Oct. 26
Jeudy, Claypool Could Be Fits for Giants, Packers
The 33rd Team analyst Joe Banner thinks wide-receiver-needy teams like the Giants and Packers are battling it out behind the scenes for the top pass-catching talent on the trade market. Broncos wide receiver Jerry Jeudy is likely to be the top target and the offensive weapon could command even more than the fourth-round pick the Eagles gave up for pass rusher Robert Quinn.
Though Jeudy should be drawing the majority of the interest, a valuable consolation prize could be Steelers wideout Chase Claypool. When Jeudy was drafted No. 15 overall by the Broncos in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft, Claypool wasn't far behind — going in the second round at No. 49 overall.
It's quite possible Claypool follows Jeudy once again. This time on the 2022 trade deadline market.
"I actually think whoever loses out on the Jeudy battle between the Giants and Packers should switch their focus and go after Claypool," Banner said.
Is Saints' Davenport Next Pass Rusher on the Move?
With their Week 7 loss to the Cardinals Thursday night, the Saints moved to the bottom of the NFC South standings. And without their first-round pick (which they traded to the Eagles), they could be a team eager to acquire draft capital.
Could edge rusher Marcus Davenport become a casualty of a potential New Orleans rebuild? Following the Eagles' trade for Bears pass-rusher Robert Quinn, the market for edge talent appears to be well set. Certainly, there are plenty of other teams in need of fresh talent to get after the opposing quarterback and The 33rd Team analyst Chris Long thinks Davenport could be the guy.
"When you watch Davenport, he's just an old-school, throwback defensive end," said Long. "He's got length, he's got strength, he can run through people, he's got a great long-arm and he plays physical."
Should Tampa Trade for Gesicki?
The Buccaneers' offense is sputtering. The team is coming off an embarrassing Week 7 loss to the Carolina Panthers where they mustered just three points. The 33rd Team analyst Joe Banner believes Miami Dolphins tight end Mike Gesicki could help Tom Brady and the Buccaneers' offense get back on track.
"Having the option to go with two quality receiving tight ends, I think gives them an insurance policy," Banner said. "If they have more injuries, and they play teams where a [TE] mismatch would be more important, and I don't think [Gesicki] would cost a ton even though he's playing very well in Miami."
Oct. 25
Chiefs Freed up Cap Space... Who Is It For?
The Kansas City Chiefs restructured Travis Kelce's contract on Tuesday, a move that many felt might be the prelude to an intriguing new addition for the Super Bowl contenders.
The restructure creates an additional $3.4 million in cap space Kansas City could use to shore up its roster immediately. Although teams sometimes make moves such as this in an effort to afford themselves more roster flexibility at depth positions, the amount freed leaves open the possibility the Chiefs could be considering a trade to improve the roster presently.
Will Chargers Target a Receiver at Deadline?
The Chargers entered the season with Super Bowl aspirations, but at a disappointing 4-3 and with injuries piling up, they could be a buyer at the deadline, and our analysts at The 33rd Team believe Justin Herbert could use another receiving weapon.
"I think if they make a move, I think they go for a speed receiver, (like) Brandin Cooks or Diontae Johnson of Pittsburgh, or maybe (Chase) Claypool," said player personnel evaluator Mike Giddings of The 33rd Team. "I think they'll try to get Herbert another weapon, and hopefully one with speed, to go with Keenan Allen and Mike Williams."
Commanders DT Payne Drawing Interest
The Washington Commanders have received interest from other teams looking to acquire defensive tackle Daron Payne, the Athletic's Ben Standig reported on Tuesday.
Payne is in the final year of his rookie contract and has 18 career sacks since the Commanders selected him in the first round out of Alabama. The Commanders could receive a second or third-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft in exchange for Payne, according to the report.
Oct. 24
Browns Listening to Offers on Hunt, Williams
The Cleveland Browns are listening to trade offers for running back Kareem Hunt and cornerback Greedy Williams, 247Sports' Brad Stainbrook reported.
Hunt's role has been to back up stud running back Nick Chubb for the past couple of seasons. Although he sees some passing-game targets and red-zone runs, it makes sense the 2-5 Browns would consider moving him.
As for Williams, he's battled injuries throughout his three-year career and has only played in two games this season. He's recorded just two tackles in those two games.
Oct. 23
Panthers Reject Two Firsts for Burns
The Carolina Panthers rejected two first-round picks for edge rusher Brian Burns, ESPN reported. This report comes on the heels of the Panthers' trade of RB Christian McCaffrey to the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday.
A day after trading McCaffrey, the team's marquee player, Panthers GM Scott Fitterer said he isn't conducting a fire sale in Carolina, and that several young players — including Burns, wide receiver DJ Moore, DT Derrick Brown and CB Jaycee Horn — should be considered untouchable.
Broncos Getting Trade Calls
The Denver Broncos have received calls regarding the availability of edge rusher Bradley Chubb and wide receivers Jerry Jeudy and K.J. Hamler, ESPN reported. Despite a disappointing start to the season, Denver is not expected to sell low on Chubb, Jeudy or Hamler.
Chubb is in the final year of his contract, while Jeudy and Hamler haven't performed well in the new offense with Russell Wilson at the helm. The Broncos could recoup some of the draft capital they lost when they traded for Wilson this offseason if they decide to move Chubb, Jeudy or Hamler.
Analyst Mike Tannenbaum of The 33rd Team included Jeudy on his list of the top offensive trade targets heading into the NFL's Nov. 1 deadline.
Cooks On the Move Again?
Houston Texans wide receiver Brandin Cooks is the subject of trade talks, NFL Media reported. Cooks has already been traded three times in his career — from the Saints to the Patriots in 2017, the Patriots to the Rams in 2018 and the Rams to the Texans in 2020.
Cooks has 24 catches for 235 yards and one touchdown this season.
Oct. 20
Jets WR Moore Requests Trade
Jets wide receiver Elijah Moore requested a trade from the team, citing disgruntlement over how he is being used in the team’s offense.
According to NFL Media, the Jets say they have no plans to trade their 2021 second-round pick.
The news comes on a day in which Moore missed practice with the team, and follows a string of vague messages sent out over Twitter since the Jets' Week 6 win over Green Bay. Moore was targeted just once in that contest, and saw only four targets in each of the two games prior to that.
Oct. 17
Jets Could Move CB Hall
The New York Jets could make cornerback Bryce Hall available prior to the NFL's trade deadline, according to Heavy.com. Hall, a fifth-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, started all 17 games for the Jets in 2021.
However, the standout play of 2022 first-round pick Sauce Gardner, and the emergence of free agent acquisition D.J. Reed has pushed Hall down the depth chart. Given Hall's starting experience and talent, it's possible the Jets move the defensive back prior to the league's trade deadline.
Oct. 16
Rams Fielding Calls for RB Akers
The Los Angeles Rams are listening to trade offers for running back Cam Akers, NFL Media reported. The Rams held Akers out of their Week 6 game against the Panthers for "personal reasons," according to coach Sean McVay.
Akers ran for more than 600 yards as a rookie in 2020, but an Achilles tear forced him to miss the entire 2021 regular season before returning in the Super Bowl. Akers has just 151 yards in five games this season, as Los Angeles has mostly phased him out in favor of Darrell Henderson.
Oct. 13
Commanders Shopping CB Jackson
The Washington Commanders are shopping 2021 offseason addition, defensive back William Jackson III, according to NFL Media. Jackson signed a lucrative, multi-year free-agent deal with the team in March 2021, but reports indicate the former Cincinnati Bengal feels the team's scheme is not a proper fit and has requested a trade.
The former 2016 first-round pick did not make the trip to Chicago with the team ahead of their Thursday night matchup with the Bears.
WATCH MORE: McCaffrey Trade a Mistake for 49ers?
