2018 NFL Trade Deadline: Final report card for every deal made

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OAKLAND, CA – DECEMBER 24: Amari Cooper #89 of the Oakland Raiders catches a pass against the Indianapolis Colts during the second quarter of their NFL football game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 24, 2016 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

The 2018 NFL trade deadline was one of the most active arguably in league history, and that’s just the way the fans and indeed many teams like it.

Even just 10 years ago the deadline got next to no attention from the media because nothing ever happened. Sure there might be one or two minor deals that got done but it never created a buzz. Not like the NBA, NHL, or MLB could with theirs. That seems to have changed as a new generation of coaches and general managers have begun to take over.

They have begun to embrace the potential of the bold move. Look at what it did for teams last year. San Francisco got Jimmy Garoppolo who won all five of his starts after arriving from New England. The eventual world champion Eagles got Jay Ajayi from Miami for a 4th round pick. He’d become a focal point of their running game.

There’s definite value if the right move is made. So did any teams do just that this year? Here’s a breakdown of each deal made in October up to the deadline and how they grade out.

Jacksonville Jaguars trade 5th round pick for Carlos Hyde: B-

The move was perfectly understandable for the Jaguars. Their running back position is decimated by injuries. They need somebody reliable with experience who can be fed a bit to ease the pressure on Blake Bortles. Hyde is a tough runner who’s used to that style of play and also offers versatility as a receiver out of the backfield. Sadly his debut was against Philadelphia, the best run defense in the NFL. Things should get better.

Dallas Cowboys trade 1st round pick for Amari Cooper: C+

There’s no denying why the Cowboys traded for Cooper. He’s what they’re missing. A true big-play threat on the outside who can be a real danger off play action. Yet given how he was playing this year and the looming issue of his contract? To give up a 1st rounder in the deal feels a bit steep from Dallas’ perspective. If Cooper returns to Pro Bowl form then it’s certainly worthwhile, but it’s hard to envision Scott Linehan help him do that.

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