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NFL Trade Deadline 2018: Grades for every team

By Cody Williams

ARLINGTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 30: Golden Tate #15 of the Detroit Lions at AT&T Stadium on September 30, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 30: Golden Tate #15 of the Detroit Lions at AT&T Stadium on September 30, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
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GREEN BAY, WI – SEPTEMBER 30: Ty Montgomery #88 of the Green Bay Packers reacts after getting a first down during the first quarter of a game against the Buffalo Bills at Lambeau Field on September 30, 2018 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
GREEN BAY, WI – SEPTEMBER 30: Ty Montgomery #88 of the Green Bay Packers reacts after getting a first down during the first quarter of a game against the Buffalo Bills at Lambeau Field on September 30, 2018 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

Arizona Cardinals

We’re starting off on a sour note here as it pertains to the Arizona Cardinals. This is a team that needs to go in a new direction, and a fire sale for draft picks would have been a great way to begin doing that. Instead, the Cards stood pat and did nothing. This team didn’t make moves to better set up their future, and that’s an issue.

Grade: F

Atlanta Falcons

At full strength, this Atlanta Falcons team is dangerous. However, they are not even close to that right now with the injuries they’ve incurred. Given that, though, making any kind of notable trade would’ve been reactionary and ultimately unwise. Thus, it’s a good call by the front office to stay where they are and not make a trade by Tuesday afternoon.

Grade: B

Baltimore Ravens

Trading for Ty Montgomery is a move that makes sense for the Baltimore Ravens offense. Joe Flacco needed another weapon around him and another body in the backfield seems like a smart option for them to add. However, to give up even a seventh-rounder is not great for a player they likely could’ve vied for on waivers come Wednesday.

Grade: C+

Buffalo Bills

It’s pretty clear that the Buffalo Bills aren’t going to make anything happen with their roster as it’s currently constructed. Therefore, it would’ve been nice to see them make moves to try and sell off pieces in regards to building through the draft for the future. They did no such thing, though, and now their prospects are questionable moving forward still.

Grade: D

Carolina Panthers

It seems like not enough people are talking about the Carolina Panthers right now, but they appear to be a lock to make the postseason out of the NFC and can beat anyone on a given day. Given that, though, they could have made some moves to strengthen their offensive line or secondary, but they didn’t do that here. Even still, their quality as it stands makes it passable that they didn’t make a move.

Grade: B-

Chicago Bears

After pulling off the Khalil Mack trade prior to the start of the regular season, the Chicago Bears were right to not part with anymore draft capital at the 2018 NFL Trade Deadline. While they could use some more pieces on their roster, this was a smart move by general manager Ryan Pace and Co.

Grade: B

Cincinnati Bengals

With the injuries that the Cincinnati Bengals have incurred this season, they could’ve looked to make some moves at the deadline, especially given that they’re still in the AFC North picture. They, however, chose to stand pat. They’re a fine team, but a small move for depth would’ve been nice to see.

Grade: C+

Cleveland Browns

Trading Carlos Hyde was a fantastic move by the Cleveland Browns — even if signing him in the first place was a questionable decision. They got draft capital for him, which is nice enough. In truth, though, they made possibly the best move at the NFL Trade Deadline as they were able to fire Hue Jackson and Todd Haley. Though that’s not a trade, it does sway me with their grade a bit.

Grade: B+

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