2018 NFL Trade Deadline: Grading every move thus far
By Erik Lambert
The 2018 NFL trade deadline is still just under a week away and the moves have already begun across the league, further proving how things have changed.
Trades used to be rather rare, especially this time of year. The old guard of coaches and GMs felt that dealing players served little purpose due to the complexities of football. Apparently, the younger generation doesn’t feel that way. They operate with the belief that adding more talent or draft picks can only benefit their team. They don’t invest in hope. They invest in reality.
Either you’re contending for the playoffs or your season is likely over and it’s time to think about next year. Such pragmatism has made it far more fun for the fans. That’s for sure. So how have teams faired thus far in regards to the major moves? Here is a quick breakdown of each, what the acquiring team was aiming for and a grade for how it was executed.
Jacksonville Jaguars acquire Carlos Hyde for 5th round pick
It’s perfectly easy to understand what the Jaguars were thinking here. Their running back position is decimated by injuries with both Leonard Fournette and T.J. Yeldon ailing. They needed more depth. Somebody with starting experience who might be able to reinvigorate their ground attack. Hyde has shown in the past he can be a bell cow and also provides versatility as a receiver out of the backfield. He may not fix what ails Blake Bortles but he should be able to at least help balance the offense a little more
Grade: B
Dallas Cowboys acquire Amari Cooper for 1st round pick
Jerry Jones has never lacked courage when it comes to the bold moves. He knew his team needed help at wide receiver. Amari Cooper was by far the best available and so the Cowboys owner made sure nobody else would outbid him, shipping the teams’ 2019 1st rounder to Oakland in exchange for the two-time Pro Bowler. Cooper has struggled so far this year but perhaps a fresh start in a far more successful football organization could help get him back on track.
Grade: C+
New Orleans Saints acquire Eli Apple for 4th and 7th round picks
The Saints know they’re in win-now mode. Drew Brees has little time left and this may be their last, best chance to get him another Super Bowl ring before it’s too late. That means they have to be aggressive in their pursuit of talent to help the cause. Eli Apple has plenty of natural ability as a cornerback, but he’s suffered inconsistency during his time in New York. New Orleans is gambling that they can get him pointed in the right direction in hopes of having a potentially dangerous pairing alongside Marshon Lattimore.
Grade: B
Detroit Lions acquire Damon Harrison for 5th round pick
The Lions have been one of the worst teams in the NFL at stopping the run this year. It’s threatened to be their Achilles heel. Not anymore. GM Bob Quinn took advantage of a fire sale going on in New York by securing veteran defensive tackle Damon Harrison. The man known as “Snacks” may not be flashy as an interior pass rusher but he’s one of the best run-defending linemen in the business. His addition to their middle will be a huge benefit to their overall play.
Grade: A-