The 2017 NFL Trade Deadline
Yesterday, there were no games played, yet it was one of the most exciting days in the NFL. The trade deadline. We saw major steals, risky moves, and trades that just make you shake your head. Here are the major trades from the NFL’s 2017 trade deadline.
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San Francisco 49ers 2018 Second Round Pick for New England Patriots QB Jimmy Garoppolo
The 49ers made a solid move for the Patriots backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. The 49ers have yet to win a game this year, partly attributed due to their inability to move the ball down the field. While the 49ers have demonstrated they have capable receivers including WR Pierre Garcon and TE George Kittle, they have seriously lacked strength in the quarterback position. Defenses have focused less on the weak passing game and more on stopping the run game, workhorse running back Carlos Hyde, and it shows. Hyde has averaged only 33 yards in his past 4 games. With a block in the running game, the defenses capitalize on the opportunity of a weak passing game and are able to stop both parts of the offense. With Garoppolo, we should see the Ezekiel Elliott effect. The advancement in the passing game will allow the running game to also be freed up, allowing Carlos Hyde to rush on his full ability, especially since he is healthy right now. The 49ers will play the Arizona Cardinals and the Giants in the next two weeks, both of which are capable victories with their new quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo.
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As for the Patriots, what a risky move. Tom Brady is 40 right and has proved that he has still got it. However, Garoppolo was the only other quarterback on the roster, leaving Brady all by himself. If Brady were to get injured, there would be no other backup to replace him. Even their emergency 4th string quarterback Julian Edelman is hurt, leaving the team in a very vulnerable spot. In the NFL, there is no guarantee in any situation to occur, the Patriots should know it best with their 99.7% chance of losing Super Bowl 51. The Patriots heavily rely on Tom Brady as a quarterback and a leader, for he is an essential part of this team in order to win. In a situation where Brady becomes injured, the Patriots could drop to becoming one of the worst in the NFL.
Miami Dolphins Jay Ajayi for Philadelphia Eagles 2018 Fourth Round Pick
With the loss of Jay Ajayi, the Miami Dolphins have also lost any hope of recovering their offense. Last year, Ajayi had three 200 hundred rushing games during the 2016 NFL season, proving to be one of the best running backs last year. While Ajayi has not been the same as he was last year, this can partly be attributed to the passing game. With inaccurate quarterbacks Jay Cutler and Matt Moore, opposing defenses focuses on stopping Ajayi, their only way of moving the ball on offense. (And yes, this is very similar to the 49ers situation). The Dolphins now rely on backup running backs Kenyan Drake and Damian Williams to replace Ajayi and possibly ignite this Miami offense.
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A standing ovation is due for the Philadelphia Eagles on this one. The Eagles had three fourth-round draft picks for 2018, and they just turned one of them into a pro bowl running back. Not only are the Eagles considered the best team in the league, but now can be a contender for best offense as well. At the passing game, the Eagles have Carson Wentz who leads the league in passing touchdowns and third in yards. For running backs, the Eagles now have power back LeGarrette Blount and skilled running back Jay Ajayi. The Eagles have used Blount wisely, not making him too tired with too many attempts. When Blount is rested for a few snaps, he is back and ready with his full strength and power to use, which is what makes him a good back. However, when Blount is on the bench getting rested, the Eagles will have Ajayi. Ajayi is now apart of a team that has a better offensive line, which will surely help him get back on track to where he was last year. The defenses will surely have a lot of time struggling to contain this two-headed monster in the backfield.
Carolina Panthers Kelvin Benjamin for Buffalo Bills 2018 Third and Seventh Round Picks
While statistics can account for almost every detail in the NFL, the one thing they don’t account for is emotions. Kelvin Benjamin was a team favorite by coaches and players, especially his former quarterback, Cam Newton. This trade will surely disrupt Newton’s passing ability, as he no longer has his go-to target. However, with Greg Olsen coming back in a few short weeks, Newton will have another reliable target to throw to. In the time being, Devin Funchess will have to step up and fill a larger role as WR1.
The Bills are starting to build a far better offense then they had the past few weeks. LeSean McCoy has been playing like his usual self, scoring three touchdowns and covering 295 total yards in the past two games. Tyrod Taylor now has a different yet familiar wide receiver to throw to. Before the season began, the Bills traded away Sammy Watkins, a broad receiver built like Benjamin. However, Benjamin is 4 inches taller and about 30 pounds heavier than Watkins, providing an even stronger and bigger receiver for Taylor to throw too. The Bills now have built themselves a competitive offense which will be tough to contain for any team they play in the future.
The Cleveland Browns Blundered Deal
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The Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals were set up to trade QB AJ McCarron to the Browns in exchange for 2018 second and third round picks. While the trade was finalized at 3:55 pm, the Bengals quickly sent out their paperwork to the league while the Browns did not. With the deadline being at 4:00 pm, the Browns failed to send in the necessary paperwork that would have finalized the trade. The trade is now off and the Browns seem to be getting worse, even without playing a game.