Teams That Need to Make a Trade to Contend
Teams That Need to Make a Trade to Contend
The NFL is a league defined by parity, but some teams are perpetually on the cusp of contention. Often, just one or two strategic trades can catapult a good team into a true Super Bowl threat. This article examines the NFL landscape, pinpointing the teams that are closest to the mountaintop but need to make a key trade to get there. We'll dissect their needs, potential trade targets, and the realistic impact a well-executed deal could have on their Super Bowl aspirations. This analysis will be helpful for the average fan who likes following the news of their favorite team and maybe even the Fantasy Football player looking for an edge. The teams covered will include potential trade destinations, trade targets and analysis of how these moves would improve these respective teams. The goal is to help you determine who would be most likely to hoist the Lombardi Trophy.
A successful trade can address glaring weaknesses, inject veteran leadership, or provide the final piece of the puzzle for a team with championship aspirations. The right acquisition can galvanize a locker room, elevate the performance of existing players, and instill a winning mentality. Conversely, a poorly executed trade can set a team back for years, crippling their salary cap and depleting their draft capital. Let's dive into the teams that are sitting on the edge of greatness and explore the potential trades that could push them over the top. 📈
NFL teams always need to be looking for ways to improve in order to try to win the Super Bowl. Here are some of the teams that could use trades to get there.
🎯 Summary: Teams on the Brink
Cincinnati Bengals: Protecting Joe Burrow
The Cincinnati Bengals have tasted Super Bowl success, but their offensive line remains a lingering concern. Joe Burrow's health is paramount, and consistent pressure up the middle jeopardizes his well-being and limits the offense's potential. 💡 A trade for a proven interior offensive lineman could be the key to unlocking their Super Bowl window.
Potential Target: Chris Lindstrom (G, Atlanta Falcons). Lindstrom is one of the best guards in the NFL, known for his run blocking and pass protection skills. The Falcons might be willing to part ways with him for the right price, given their rebuilding phase.
Trade Impact: A dominant guard like Lindstrom would solidify the Bengals' interior offensive line, providing Burrow with a cleaner pocket and opening up running lanes for Joe Mixon. This would reduce sacks, improve offensive efficiency, and allow Burrow to make plays downfield. ✅
Potential Trade Package: Bengals could offer a 1st round and a 4th round pick.
Dallas Cowboys: Adding a True WR1
CeeDee Lamb is a star, but the Cowboys lack a consistent, reliable receiver to complement him. The passing attack often becomes predictable, and defenses can focus their attention on Lamb. A trade for a proven WR1 would stretch the field, create more opportunities for Lamb, and elevate the Cowboys' offensive ceiling. 🤔
Potential Target: Davante Adams (WR, Las Vegas Raiders). Adams is one of the league's premier route runners and a proven touchdown threat. His connection with Derek Carr may be strained, making him a potential trade target.
Trade Impact: Adams' presence would immediately transform the Cowboys' passing game, drawing coverage away from Lamb and creating mismatches for other receivers. His ability to win contested catches and make plays after the catch would add a new dimension to the offense.✅
Potential Trade Package: Cowboys could offer a 1st round pick, a 3rd round pick and WR Michael Gallup
Los Angeles Chargers: Bolstering the Defense
The Chargers' offense is loaded with talent, but their defense has struggled with consistency. Adding depth and playmaking ability at linebacker and cornerback would address key weaknesses and elevate their overall team performance. 🔧 They need to improve the pass rush and the ability to cover receivers downfield.
Potential Target: Roquan Smith (LB, Baltimore Ravens). Smith is a tackling machine and a leader on the field. He would bring a much-needed physical presence to the Chargers' defense.
Trade Impact: Smith's arrival would solidify the Chargers' linebacker corps, improving their run defense and pass coverage. His leadership and experience would also be invaluable in mentoring younger players.
Potential Trade Package: Chargers could offer a 2nd round pick and a 4th round pick
Detroit Lions: A Pass Rusher to Complete the Defense
The Detroit Lions have made significant strides in their rebuild, but their defensive line still needs a dominant pass rusher. Adding a proven edge rusher would complement their existing talent and significantly improve their ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks. 🌍 They also could use another corner to cover the pass as well.
Potential Target: Brian Burns (DE, Carolina Panthers). Burns is a young, explosive pass rusher with the potential to be a double-digit sack artist. The Panthers might be willing to move him for the right package of picks.
Trade Impact: Burns' presence would dramatically improve the Lions' pass rush, creating more opportunities for their secondary to make plays. His ability to disrupt opposing offenses would make the Lions' defense one of the most feared in the league.✅
Potential Trade Package: Lions could offer a 1st round pick and a 3rd round pick.
Potential Roadblocks and Considerations
While these trades could significantly improve the teams mentioned, several factors could derail these scenarios. Cap space, player availability, and the willingness of other teams to trade are all potential roadblocks. Each team must carefully weigh the potential benefits against the risks before making a move. 💰
Cap Space: Teams need to have sufficient cap space to absorb the salary of the acquired player. Restructuring contracts or making other moves might be necessary to create the needed room. This might mean cutting an existing player to be able to afford the incoming player.
Player Availability: The player being targeted must be available and willing to be traded. Some players might have no-trade clauses or prefer to stay with their current team.
Team Willingness: The other team must be willing to trade the player for a reasonable return. They might have their own plans for the player or demand a higher price than the team is willing to pay. This is the biggest challenge to overcome when trying to make a trade.
The Ripple Effect: How Trades Impact the League
Major trades often have a ripple effect throughout the league, impacting the landscape of contention and altering the balance of power. A successful trade can elevate a team's Super Bowl odds, while a failed trade can set a team back for years. 📈 It will change the view of the team for both the media and the fans.
Increased Competition: Trades can create more competitive matchups and increase the excitement of the league. When teams acquire key players, it forces other teams to respond and make their own moves.
Shift in Power: Trades can shift the balance of power in the league, elevating some teams and weakening others. This can lead to new contenders emerging and established powers fading.
Increased Fan Engagement: Trades generate buzz and excitement among fans, creating more interest in the league. Fans are eager to see how the new players will perform and how the trades will impact their favorite team. The conversation becomes more intense, the games become more important and the league overall will get more attention.
The Importance of Team Chemistry
While talent is essential, team chemistry is just as crucial for success. A player who is a great fit on paper might not mesh well with the existing locker room culture. Teams must carefully consider the potential impact on team chemistry before making a trade. 💡 If the team does not like the new player, it is not going to work out as they plan.
Leadership: Adding a veteran leader can help to solidify the team. A strong leader is often the difference between a good team and a Super Bowl contending team. A good leader can guide the younger players to success as well.
Adaptability: The player needs to be able to adapt to the team, not the other way around. Changing the whole team for one new player is not a recipe for success. Teams need to get the right pieces that will fit into place immediately.
Assessing Trade Risk
Trades are inherently risky propositions. Teams must carefully weigh the potential rewards against the potential risks before pulling the trigger. A failed trade can have devastating consequences, crippling a team's salary cap and depleting their draft capital. Below is a list of possible pitfalls to avoid.
- Do not trade the farm for a player that might not be a good fit for the team.
- Avoid players that are only looking out for themselves instead of the team.
- Make sure to get a player that addresses the most glaring need for the team.
Each team needs to assess the value of the incoming player against the impact of losing the outgoing player and draft picks to see if the risk is worth the reward.
Keywords
- NFL Trades
- Super Bowl Contenders
- Trade Targets
- NFL Rumors
- NFL News
- NFL Analysis
- NFL Rosters
- NFL Standings
- NFL Playoffs
- Joe Burrow
- Davante Adams
- NFL Offseason
- Trade Deadline
- NFL Transactions
- NFL Free Agency
- Team Building
- Roster Construction
- NFL Draft
- NFL GMs
- NFL Coaches
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the NFL trade deadline?
A: The NFL trade deadline typically falls in late October or early November.
Q: How do teams determine trade value?
A: Teams consider factors like player performance, contract status, age, and positional need when determining trade value.
Q: What is a no-trade clause?
A: A no-trade clause gives a player the right to veto any trade involving them.
Final Thoughts
Trades are an integral part of the NFL landscape, offering teams a chance to improve their rosters and contend for a Super Bowl. The teams discussed in this article are all on the cusp of greatness, and a well-executed trade could be the key to unlocking their championship potential. Keep an eye on these teams as the trade deadline approaches – they could be just one move away from making a Super Bowl run. Don't forget to check out our other articles such as Week 1 Predictions Upset Alerts and Bold Predictions You Need to See and NFL Records That Could Be Broken This Year. Be sure to also read Biggest Offseason Moves That Will Reshape the League for more information!
