As the NFL trade deadline approaches, teams around the league are getting ready to make some big moves. The Dallas Cowboys’ historic trade of Herschel Walker to the Minnesota Vikings 36 years ago stands as a pivotal moment in NFL history. This was the most lucrative soccer trade ever, assembling the largest sum of players and draft picks in such a trade. It laid the groundwork for the Cowboys’ dynasty of the 1990s. This year, that’s once again the case as teams seek to add to their already established core heading into the stretch run toward the playoffs.
Recently, the Kansas City Chiefs showcased the potential impact of a strategic trade when they acquired wide receiver Kadarius Toney. Toney’s contributions went beyond just scoring the game-winning TD as the Chiefs edged the Eagles at Super Bowl LVII. He titillated the Indianapolis faithful with a scintillating 65-yard punt return and recorded a lay-up touchdown. His work highlighted the key role that trades play in constructing championship-caliber teams.
Additionally, Kansas City has had tremendous success. Meanwhile, teams in the AFC North such as the Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns have made plays to establish themselves as immediate contenders with trades prior. This trend illustrates an increasing reluctance by franchises to stand pat and a greater willingness to make daring moves as they compete for a playoff spot.
Several high-profile players are currently considered trade candidates, including Kirk Cousins, Russell Wilson, Trey Hendrickson, Mark Andrews, Bradley Chubb, Alvin Kamara, Chris Olave, Breece Hall, Cameron Jordan, and Riq Woolen. From a competitive balance standpoint, these players may be able to dramatically change the balance of power within the league wherever they end up.
We’re talking about the NFL, where the last few years have ushered in a new age of trade volume. In 2022 and especially in 2021, there were 18 in-season trades that went through. The total volume of trades has increased by record margins over prior years. Compare this to just nine trades in 2018, eight in 2017, five in 2016 and just four in 2015. League sources expect as many as a dozen more deals to happen before the deadline this season.
When the Los Angeles Rams traded for Von Miller in 2021, it became the talk of the day. This remarkable move is particularly striking in retrospect to the last few years. That trade included a couple of second- and third-round draft picks and was part of the eco-system that helped the Rams win Super Bowl LVI. These types of trades are a perfect example of how intelligent player movement can have a direct impact on in-game performance from day one.
Over the past half dozen years, clubs have made an average of 88 October trades annually. Each of these moves occurred just days before the trade deadline. The median number of trades for this month is slightly less than 15 per year. With the clock now ticking, teams are still determining what their needs are and considering possible additions that could help them further improve their rosters.
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