NFL: Trade Deadline Moves That Should Have Happened
The trade deadline came and went on Tuesday afternoon that saw several deals being put through, which we broke down some winners and losers from the moves that were made and those that were not. There were a few rumors that floated around in the hours before the 4 P.M. ET mark that could have made some significant waves around the league. Here are a few deals that should have been completed ahead of the trade deadline.
Jamal Adams to Cowboys
In the hours ahead of the trade deadline, talks began to dissipate around the New York Jets that the team was willing to listen to calls for just about everyone on their roster except Sam Darnold and Quinten Williams. It had surprisingly seen star safety Jamal Adams suddenly become available with the Dallas Cowboys and Baltimore Ravens in pursuit.
The chatter seemingly centered on Dallas as the team has a glaring need to solidify their secondary further to help put their defense back on track. The addition of Adams would have provided the Cowboys with a piece in the secondary that could build around for the long haul.
He is currently in the fourth year of his rookie deal and has a fifth-year option on his rookie deal for 2021. The duo of Adams and Bryon Jones at safety would have been a major upgrade. However, Dallas was only willing to give up a first-round pick, which the Jets wanted much more than a first-round selection, according to ESPN.
It could be one of those situations where the Cowboys are kicking themselves years down the line at missing out on the opportunity to snag one of the game’s best safeties.
A.J. Green to Saints
There had long been chatter around the Cincinnati Bengals concerning the availability of star wide receiver A.J. Green.
The 31-year-old has yet to play a single game this year due to an ankle injury, but when healthy, he has proven to be one of the game’s best wideouts. The fact that the Bengals have dropped their first eight games gave off the appeal that the team could move Green, who is in the final year of his four-year, $60 million deal.
The New Orleans Saints reportedly emerged as a landing spot for Green, but nothing truly came about from that. The Saints already possess one of the game’s best wide receivers in Michael Thomas, but simply lack another reliable target next to him.
If they were able to land Green, it would have given them one of the best tandems in the league while further boosting their Super Bowl chances. It’s one of those situations where it’s not a backbreaker given how great New Orleans is, but it would have undoubtedly helped them out in a significant way.
Melvin Gordon to Lions
In the days leading up to the trade deadline, there were rumblings that the Chargers could move on from Pro Bowl running back Melvin Gordon. There were a couple of teams that reached out about acquiring his services.
Among those interested were the Detriot Lions, whose running situation has become sticky after second-year back Kerryon Johnson was recently placed on the injured reserve. The move to land Gordon would have worked for both sides with the Lions getting a proven factor to lead their running game while it gives him a chance to showcase that he’s worth a lucrative contract with Detroit or possibly elsewhere.
Instead, the Lions are moving forward with much uncertainty around their running game while Johnson remains on the shelf. Only time will tell if not making this move will wind up costing Detroit a chance to grab a playoff spot.
