NFL Trade Deadline 2018: Grades for every team
Dallas Cowboys
If I wanted to be wishy-washy, I would give the Dallas Cowboys a “TBD” grade for the Amari Cooper trade. They landed a high-upside potential No. 1 wide receiver to add to an offense that has nothing even close to that. Having said that, they paid a steep price at a first-round pick for a player who, despite his talent, has been struggling. He could prove worth it, but it’ll take a lot for that to be the case.
Grade: C
Denver Broncos
With a bevy of assets at wide receiver and a need to clear some cap room, the Denver Broncos traded away Demaryius Thomas, clearing up $4 million this year and $14 million next year. Doing that and getting quality compensation in draft picks in return, the Broncos made a nice move for the future of their offense as Courtland Sutton will now assume a much bigger role.
Grade: A-
Detroit Lions
Sending mixed signals was the name of the game for the Detroit Lions. They first went out and landed Damon Harrison in a solid deal from the Giants. However, they were then active on deadline day as they traded Golden Tate to the Eagles. They could’ve re-signed Tate potentially, even if it would’ve been expensive. But they sold, which seemed the opposite of what they might be doing after the Harrison trade. Even still, both moves are defensible.
Grade: B-
Green Bay Packers
It made sense for the Green Bay Packers to trade Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, but it’s a move that decidedly leaves their defense worse for this season. Thus, that’s somewhat of a wash. Why they get above an average grade, however, is for getting something in exchange for Ty Montgomery, who it appeared they might release anyway — even if that something is a seventh-rounder in 2020.
Grade: B
Houston Texans
Winners of five-straight games, the Houston Texans have a hold on the AFC South and appear primed to make a run into the playoffs. However, the season-ending ACL injury to Will Fuller is a huge blow to their offense. Subsequently, they went out and made a huge move in landing Demaryius Thomas. At a fine price, Thomas can come in and make an immediate and large impact opposite DeAndre Hopkins.
Grade: A
Indianapolis Colts
Based on where the Indianapolis Colts currently are as an organization, it’s hard to think of what they could’ve done via trade to make any kind of real impact. They are focused on the future and, with no assets that they should really part with for picks, they were in the right to stay where they are.
Grade: B
Jacksonville Jaguars
Perhaps I’m in the minority, but I’m not a fan of the Carlos Hyde trade that happened early in the buildup to the NFL Trade Deadline. While understanding the need with Leonard Fournette injured, Hyde hasn’t been good this season. However, their grade is boosted by dealing Dante Fowler, who was an asset better served being turned into draft picks.
Grade: B-
Kansas City Chiefs
With just one loss on the season to this point, a close defeat to the vaunted Patriots, the Kansas City Chiefs are clearly contenders. However, their defense remains inconsistent and often suspect. It would’ve been a confidence-booster in this team if they’d been able to add a cornerback or another defensive piece, but they failed to do so.
Grade: D