NFL Trade Deadline 2017

The NFL trade deadline is a tense time.  Teams that have encountered a lost season may look to clear salary caps space or stockpile draft picks to build towards a brighter future.  On the other hand, teams that are looking to make the playoffs may sacrifice future picks for a vital player that would greatly help their playoff push.  While the trade deadline was not very active early on, it certainly became very intense as teams neared the 4 pm deadline.

The first notable trade near the deadline saw Marcell Dareus heading to the Jacksonville Jaguars from the Buffalo Bills.  In return, the Buffalo Bills received a sixth round pick in 2018.  This is great for the Jaguars as they get a potential starter on the defensive line who can stop the run inside and generate pressure on the quarterback, all while drawing attention from the offensive line.  For the Bills, this was a move that helped them get a lot of salary cap relief while moving an inconsistent player.

Meanwhile, in the west, the Seattle Seahawks acquired 10 year veteran Duane Brown from the Texans in exchange for draft picks.  The Seahawks desperately needed help along the offensive line to protect Russell Wilson, a franchise quarterback who had been taking a beating as of late.  The Texans got rid of a player who, although faithful to the team, had just come back from a contract holdout.

The 49ers seem to have found their quarterback of the future, acquiring Jimmy Garoppolo from the Patriots for a second round pick.  The Patriots seem to have fully committed to Tom Brady, having now traded away both of their backup quarterbacks for role players and future draft picks.  The 49ers have seemingly done the same, cutting Brian Hoyer shortly after.  This is a relatively low cost high reward maneuver for the San Francisco front office, who are looking for a quarterback to consistently start for their team.

The league was shocked to see Jay Ajayi traded from Miami to Philadelphia for only a fourth round draft pick.  Ajayi will immediately slot in for the Eagles as a dominant back to pair with LeGarrette Blount.  This only makes the best team in the NFC even better as they seek to balance out the offense between Carson Wentz and the running game.  The Dolphins seem to have massive changes underway, and Jay Ajayi is simply the headline move of a franchise looking to change direction.

Finally, the Bills made a last minute grab to get Kelvin Benjamin for draft picks.  Benjamin reunites in Buffalo with coach Sean McDermott, and the Bills have now given Tyrod Taylor a number one wide receiver to rely on, something they have lacked as of late.  This move shocked Cam Newton, but with developing receivers such as Devin Funchess, the Panthers most likely see this as a chance to deal away extra assets for valuable future picks.

With the trade deadline passed, these are most likely the final rosters for each NFL team moving forward.  The playoffs are slowly closing in, and it is evident which teams are in the mix and which teams are looking for a top draft pick.  Only time will tell who the true winners and losers of this trade deadline will be.

Photo Credit: nj.com