The NFL trade deadline is Tuesday at 4pm ET, but we’re already seeing some big moves from teams as the day approaches. Still, the club could call up more players and add players they think will contribute to the roster going forward.
On CBS Sports’ “With the First Pick” podcast, former NFL general manager Rick Spielman proposed six trades that could happen before the trade deadline. From the practical to the bold, Spielman explained his featured opinions, exploring what teams need and how they can fill those gaps.
Here are the six trades he proposed:
Kupp’s 2024 stats: 23 receptions, 198 yards, 2 touchdowns.
In the same game, the Buccaneers lost Chris Godwin for the season and Mike Evans for a while with a hamstring injury. Quarterback Baker Mayfield and the Bucs could use a few more weapons, and Los Angeles Rams wideout Cooper Kupp is one option to fill that hole. Spielman said if he were the Buccaneers, he would try to run away to Kupp.
Even though the Bucks lost to the Atlanta Falcons last week, he believes Tampa Bay is still in playoff contention. He added that having a wide receiver would help them stay competitive.
“That would give them a chance,” Spielman said. “They’re fighting a tough battle, but it’s not over yet.”
Coach Spielman noted that the team’s young players are growing, the run game is improving, and Mayfield is playing well. So, having another weapon on offense could help the Buccaneers win more games. They currently sit in second place in the NFC South with four wins and four losses.
Coach Spielman emphasized the magnitude of Godwin’s loss and said he believes the wide receiver had the best year of his career. Once Evans returns from his hamstring injury, Kupp will be a nice compliment to him.
Tampa Bay offensive coordinator Liam Cohen also knows Kupp well from their time together in Los Angeles.
Of course, all of this depends on whether the Rams are willing to let Kupp go, which seems less likely after their Week 8 upset of the Minnesota Vikings.
2. 49ers acquire DT or WR
Joseph Day 2024 stats: 9 solo tackles, 10 assisted tackles, 2.0 sacks.
With Javon Hargrave out with a bicep injury and the 49ers struggling to give up points, the team could use defensive tackles to make up for the loss. Spielman will likely try to trade Titans defensive tackle Sebastian Joseph-Day, who fits into San Francisco’s plans.
Another option for the Niners is to add a receiver. They have Ricky Pearsall, who returned after being shot in the chest during the offseason, but he’s still a rookie. They also have Deebo Samuel, an “explosive playmaker,” according to Spielman, but there are “durability concerns.”
Young’s 2024 stats: 523 passing yards, 2 touchdowns, 5 interceptions, 19.3 QBR.
In one of Spielman’s boldest opinions, he suggested the Titans trade for 2023 No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young. The suggestion drew laughs from other participants on the podcast, but the former NFL general manager doubled down and gave several good reasons why it should be done.
“Levi’s isn’t the answer, right? Mason Rudolph isn’t the answer, right?” Spielman said confidently.
Spielman added that the Titans let go of Malik Willis, who may be the best quarterback in the entire 2022 NFL Draft class, so the team still needs an answer.
He believes that if Young is put in the right situation, he could improve even more than he did with the Carolina Panthers.
“I’m just going to explore it. That’s all I’m saying,” Spielman said. “I think outside the box.”
Spielman estimates the Titans’ projected position in this year’s draft and which quarterbacks could be taken in playing time to determine whether the Titans would be better off selecting a signal-caller rather than trading him. He said it was necessary.
In return, Spielman would give Young no more than a fourth-round pick.
Williams 2024 stats: 12 receptions, 166 yards.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are in first place in that division, and quarterback Russell Wilson “really looks rejuvenated,” as Spielman said. The team could use another big body along with George Pickens, and Jets wide receiver Mike Williams would fit that bill.
Williams can work opposite Pickens when healthy, “giving Russell another weapon.”
Spielman said the Steelers could acquire Williams for “a cup of coffee,” which he said would equate to a sixth- or seventh-round pick or a pick swap in the final stages of the draft.
When asked whether he preferred Williams or Adam Thielen, the former Vikings general manager admitted he was “very biased” toward the former Minnesota receiver.
5. Cowboys trade for Tuba Hubbard
Hubbard’s 2024 stats: 593 yards and three touchdowns on 118 carries. 24 catches, 108 yards, 1 touchdown
Carolina is in a “fire sale” and Dallas is in a “dark place.” A trade that works for both sides is running back Chuba Hubbard, who is in the final year of his rookie contract and headed to the Cowboys. Ezekiel Elliott and Dalvin Cook are not what they once were, and the team is having trouble running the ball.
Spielman called Hubbard one of the “unsung heroes of the Panthers,” but added that running backs aren’t talked about much because the team is losing.
“I think this player will give our team a great kickstart in the running game with his vision and power, and he can also catch the ball out of the backfield,” Spielman said.
The former general manager noted that Cowboys owner Jerry Jones doesn’t seem to intend to make a trade, but if he does, he should target a young running back. Hubbard is “underrated in the league,” Spielman said.
6. Lions add pass rusher
Smith’s 2024 stats: 14 solo tackles, 8 assisted tackles, 5.0 sacks Ojulari’s 2024 stats: 11 solo tackles, 13 assisted tackles, 6.0 sacks
Initially, Spielman thought the Lions would look at New England Patriots edge rusher Josh Uche before being traded to the Kansas City Chiefs.
“(The Lions) aren’t going to give us anything big, we know that,” Spielman said. “But they have a very good team and we’re in a Super Bowl period right now, so maybe they’re out of character a little bit.” “
Cleveland Browns defensive end Za’Darius Smith will provide a veteran pass-rushing presence in place of star defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, who suffered a season-ending foot injury. Smith has “made it happen” and would add both talent and leadership that Detroit could use.
“Cleveland isn’t going anywhere. I think they’re done,” Spielman said, so they could be more aggressive in making a trade.
Spielman suggested the Lions trade a late pick to acquire Smith.
Another option for Detroit could be a trade for New York Giants linebacker Azeez Ojulari, who has been “on fire” in recent games with a number of tackles, losses, quarterback pressures and sacks. be.
Spielman said he doesn’t think the Giants will let him go because they can never have enough pass rushers, but if they do, he’d be a great fit for the Lions. However, he did not accept a trade for New Orleans Saints defensive end Chase Young.
