The NFL trade deadline was last week and key players moved around. Teams made important decisions in order to move forward with the 2018-19 season. While fans become attached to teams and certain players one thing is forgotten when it comes to the NFL, it's a business. NFL front offices do what they believe is best for the team. Players want more money and some organizations simply can't pay it. Other teams have a player who is underperforming so they desire future drafts picks in exchange. Fans and analysts won't be able to see the long-term effects of the trades made this season, but some players will make immediate impacts. These are the winners and losers from this year's NFL trade deadline.
Winner: Deshaun Watson
Deshaun Watson already has an elite wide receiver in his arsenal, Deandre Hopkins. With the addition of Demaryius Thomas Watson can spread the ball more and make more plays. The Texans seem to be on the right track, sitting at first place in the AFC South division. Thomas brings even more to an impressive offense.
Winner: Carson Wentz and the Eagles Offense
The Eagles are not playing at the same level they were a season ago which led to a Super Bowl victory. Golden Tate has been an exciting playmaker for the Seahawks and Lions. Carson Wentz should be thrilled to add a new weapon in Philadelphia. They could create a formidable duo.
Winner: John Harbaugh
The Baltimore Ravens haven't been to the playoffs since 2014. John Harbaugh's job could be on the line since the team is now 3rd in the AFC North. The addition of Ty Montgomery gives the Ravens a versatile and durable player. He can return kicks, run, and catch. It was clear the Packers wanted to move on from Montgomery. And the Ravens only had to give Green Bay a 7th round draft pick. So Montgomery is a low-risk acquisition for Harbaugh and the Ravens.
Loser: Aaron Rodgers and the Packers Front Office
The Packers traded Ty Montgomery and Ha Ha Clinton-Dix. They received a 4th and 7th round draft pick for the two of them. Failure to add more players hurts their championship hopes this season. And the low draft picks in exchange hurts the front office and its judgment. Safety Clinton-Dix was a core part of the defense. His poor performance the last year and a half, made him wonder if he'd be back in Green Bay. Long-term, trading both players could be positive for the locker room. But Packers fans want a Super Bowl this season and the moves made this year didn't help their team get better.
Loser: Matthew Stafford and the Lions Offense
The Lions are now a worse team without Golden Tate. The Eagles may have gained a new weapon, but Matthew Stafford and the Lions lose their best receiver. The Lions are in last place and are not likely in the hunt for title contention. And the acquisition of a 3rd round pick helps in the long run. But Stafford's life in the Lions backfield just got more difficult without his security blanket.
Loser: Everyone in the NFC west Division, Except the Rams
Halfway through the season, the Rams are undefeated and in first place. They could very well already have the West locked up in their minds. Now, with an edge rusher to develop, the Rams could have an unstoppable defense. Dante Fowler gives the Rams an added dimension to their defense that they previously lacked. Fowler may only have 14 sacks in his career, but the former 3rd overall pick has talent that could fit very well in Los Angeles.
The NFL season can be unpredictable and nothing exemplifies this more than the trade deadline. Players come and go in new cities, while general managers and front offices round up draft picks for the future. Was your team a winner or loser this trade deadline? How about your favorite player or coach? Front office? Next time you watch your team take note of any new changes made, or in some cases, lack thereof.
