2018 NFL Preseason: 5 Minor Trade Possibilities Before Final Cuts

While people continue to wait for the hammer to drop on Khalil Mack, the 2018 NFL preseason is usually a time of minor trade deals.

That is to say, deals where teams unload players they don’t really need for players who can help at other positions or late round draft picks. It might not be the most glamorous type of trading in the league but it can often have big benefits if done properly. Looking across the landscape there are a number of such minor moves that could benefit certain teams looking towards the regular season. In no particular order, here are some possible deals that could benefit both sides.

Cowboys send Charles Tapper to Bears for Hroniss Grasu

The interior offensive line of Dallas has taken some serious hits of late. Zack Martin is out with a knee injury while Travis Frederick was diagnosed with Guillain-Barre syndrome. They desperately need depth help as the losses mount. The Bears have some to spare with Hroniss Grasu, their former 3rd round pick who has experience at center. In return, the Cowboys can afford to send over Charles Tapper, their former 4th rounder. Chicago is in desperate need of pass rush help and Tapper is unlikely to see much playing time on a suddenly crowded Dallas defensive line.

Ravens send Bennett Jackson to Chargers for 6th round pick

Baltimore has an abundance of defensive backs at both safety and cornerback. For Bennett Jackson, that’s unfortunate because he’s had a good preseason but is trapped on a depth chart that is deep. Los Angeles may be a team that could come to his rescue. The Chargers have suffered a number of losses to their secondary at both corner and safety. Jackson could step in to fill the gap. The Ravens could unload a player they don’t really need in exchange for some draft currency for 2019.

Packers send Jason Spriggs to Patriots for 7th round pick

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One of the bigger draft disappointments for Green Bay in recent memory is Jason Spriggs. The former 2nd round pick has struggled constantly since they drafted him to the point where his spot on the roster is far from secure. New England has a need for tackle depth after losing 1st round pick Isaiah Wynn for the season. They might like the idea of taking on a reclamation project like Spriggs and the Packers could at least get some draft help back in exchange.

Chiefs send Demarcus Robinson to Seahawks for Dion Jordan

Kansas City seems to have a favorable situation at wide receiver both in terms of talent and depth. Demarcus Robinson is thus in a difficult spot. He was starting to flash in 2017 but now he may struggle to see much action. Seattle on the other hand sorely lack bodies at wide receiver due to injury. He could find a niche there in no time. The Seahawks could then ship Dion Jordan to Kansas City who sorely needs help at edge rusher. Jordan hasn’t gotten much playing time thanks to a rather crowded situation at defensive end.

Vikings send Laquon Treadwell to Jets for Dakota Dozier

Minnesota has tried to stay patient with their former 1st round pick but it’s becoming clear that Laquon Treadwell just isn’t responding to what they do. He needs a fresh start somewhere else. The Jets are always looking for more help at receiver, especially with their young quarterback Sam Darnold in town now. They could offer Treadwell new opportunities. In return the Vikings could secure Dozier as needed depth on their interior offensive line, beset by multiple injuries of late.

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