Five NFL trade deadline moves that almost make too much sense

The trade deadline in the NFL isn’t exactly the NBA’s trade deadline. NFL fans aren’t going to see teams swapping players and draft picks left and right as everyone attempts to either become a contender or prepare for the future. In reality, the NFL should adjust its salary cap rules to gives teams more incentive to trade to generate more interest. Instead, the NFL’s trade deadline is mostly quiet, with a whole lot of rumors and not a lot of production from those rumors.  But, there are a few trades that should happen, and these five deals below would make a whole lot of sense for both sides involved in the long run.

Seattle Seahawks trade a 2nd-round pick for LT Joe Thomas

The Seahawks desperately need some offensive line help, especially with a hobbled Russell Wilson under center. While Wilson is highly unlikely to take a game off due to an injury, the only thing that can help this offense out currently is some improvement on the line. Enter Thomas, the veteran left tackle who’s still one of the best in the game. While the Cleveland Browns could use him, they have to build for the future now and at the age of 31, Thomas isn’t the long term answer for them. If you’re the Seahawks, you should pay up and get Thomas to town before the deadline.

Philadelphia Eagles trade a 4th-round pick for WR Torrey Smith

While the world watched Eagles receivers drop four total passes (a few of them which were big drops) on Sunday night against the Dallas Cowboys, one has to wonder what a guy like Smith could bring to the table. Even more importantly, imagine what Smith could do regarding stretching the field for Carson Wentz and opening it up for the other receivers. In Week 8, Wentz completed a whopping 32 passes for a measly 202 yards, which is pretty astonishing. Smith would be an incredible option to help open things up, and his talent is being wasted in San Francisco.

Tennessee Titans trade a 3rd-round pick for WR Alshon Jeffery

Andre Johnson’s retirement, unfortunately, has nothing to do with this, because the receivers on the Titans need a big upgrade. Tight end Delanie Walker has been a great option, and Rishard Matthews hasn’t been bad, but he also hasn’t been great. Rookie Tajae Sharpe looked like he might be the guy who could step up and take over, but has taken significant steps backward, and currently, has just 259 yards this year.

Enter Jeffery, who the Chicago Bears are highly unlikely to hold onto after this season. The Titans may have to give up a third-round pick for Jeffery, which would be okay, as they should do whatever it takes to get Marcus Mariota another weapon in the passing game.

Dallas Cowboys trade a 2nd-round pick for CB Joe Haden

This one just came along as of Sunday night. Not only is safety Barry Church going to miss time with a broken arm, but Morris Claiborne could miss multiple weeks with a sports hernia as well. For a team who looks poised to make a Super Bowl run, they need to load up wherever they can. Let’s also not forget that both Claiborne and Brandon Carr may not be with the team after this season, which would make the addition of the 27-year-old Haden an excellent one. It’s unlikely to happen, but who’s to say it wouldn’t be a match made in heaven?

New York Giants trade a 5th-round pick for RB Charcandrick West

Trying to pair a running backup for the Giants is a tough task, and obviously much of this deal would depend on the health of Jamaal Charles. If Charles winds up being ready to go, then what’s the need of holding onto West, who has become a hardly-used option? West only got 14 carries in Week 8 because Spencer Ware suffered a concussion and Charles was ruled out. If both of those guys are healthy, or even if one is healthy, we’ve seen West get somewhere in the 3-6 carry range at best. The Giants need a back and should take a chance on a guy like West who rushed for 634 yards and four touchdowns last season, even if it costs a bit more than a 5th-round pick.