Some of the new faces in new places
The NFL trade deadline came and went, and fans can’t help but feel disappointed. In the final 24 hours, fireworks were flying. Huge names were being dropped in trade discussions. The Jets were willing to trade S Jamal Adams, RB Le’Veon Bell and WR Robbie Anderson. Washington was looking to deal OT Trent Williams and CB Josh Norman, and the Broncos were fielding offers for CB Chis Harris. Imagination took over and social media erupted, but of course, nothing happened. All the trade deadline action occurred in the days prior, and a lot of the action surrounds South Beach.
Kenyan Drake
The Dolphins sent Kenyan Drake to the Cardinals in exchange for a sixth- or potentially fifth-round pick in 2020. In my opinion, Drake is a talented running back who never got a real shot in Miami to be the lead guy. He has the skill set of a three-down back, which was on full display against the 49ers on Thursday. Against one of the league’s premier defenses, after being with the team for only a few days, Drake racked up 162 scrimmage yards.
The Cardinal’s backfield is even more cluttered now. David Johnson is receiving the most money and has the most experience, and Chase Edmonds has been excellent no matter his role. We won’t know what Arizona’s final depth chart will be until all three backs are healthy, which could be weeks from now. Kenyan Drake is worth more than a 5th or 6th rounder. If the team would have allowed Drake to showcase his talents more frequently, they could have gotten a higher price.
Aqib Talib
The Rams sent their Pro Bowl cornerback to the Dolphins, along with a fifth-round pick in 2022. In return, they received a seventh-round pick. Obviously LA didn’t trade away an asset to downgrade their draft picks. Talib is currently on the IR with a rib injury and isn’t eligible to return until Week 15. By trading him, they freed up $4.2 million in cap space. They’re expected to use that money to sign CB Jalen Ramsey to a contract extension. I think this trade benefited both teams. The Rams clear up cap space while the Dolphins receive a 5th round pick. Miami also gains a leadership presence who can work with Xavien Howard for the rest of the season.
Genard Avery
In a more low-profile deal, the Eagles acquired edge rusher Genard Avery from the Browns for a fourth-round pick in 2021. Avery is only in his second season. In his rookie year, he recorded four and a half sacks and was second on the team in hurries and pressures. The Eagles will likely use him primarily as a backup. Cleveland received relatively high draft capital for Avery, but some are questioning their management. After having a promising rookie season, he lost nearly all his playing time. He’s played on just five snaps this season.
Leonard Williams
The Giants received defensive tackle Leonard Williams for a third-round pick in 2020 and a fifth-round pick in 2021 from the Jets. The Jets have made it clear that they’re willing to trade anybody and everybody except QB Sam Darnold and DT Quinnen Williams. They earned two quality draft picks from the Giants for their veteran defensive tackle. Leonard Williams has been a solid contributor in years past. He hasn’t missed a game since he was drafted in 2015. He has been a little underwhelming this season, still sackless after seven games. This is a questionable move for the Giants. They’re also rebuilding, so it doesn’t make a lot of sense to spend valuable picks for an impact player. The Giants have a 2-6 record, which leaves them two and a half games behind the Cowboys.