The NFL trade deadline may reshape the destiny of teams as the second half of the season is underway.
In a time when your favorite NFL team’s roster can be depleted at a moment’s notice having depth at key positions is the difference between wins and losses. Depth is also the mark of rosters ready to compete for a Super Bowl. For certain organizations, trading talent now bears more talent later.
Front offices across the NFL undoubtedly had these realities in mind in lieu of the NFL trade deadline. Rumors circulated the week prior featuring names as highly valued as Stephon Gilmore. However, to say you want to get a deal done is the easiest part. Two sides need to come together to make a trade happen. Here are some teams that got what they wanted.
Avery Williamson to the Steelers
The New York Jets dealt talented linebacker Avery Williamson and a seventh-round pick to Pittsburgh for a fifth-rounder. The struggling franchise is about to enter another rebuild and they will take any draft capital where they can get it. Williamson only played one full season with the Jets. He put up two interceptions, two forced fumbles and three sacks over his 23-game tenure with the team.
A torn ACL forced Williamson to miss the entire 2019 season. Before joining the Jets, Williamson totaled two interceptions, three forced fumbles and 11.5 sacks in four years with the Tennessee Titans.
On the other side, the Steelers add a cheaply acquired piece to a linebacking corps that already includes Robert Spillane and Vince Williams. Even though the Steelers’ offense is efficient, the defense is the heartbeat of this team. They rank in the top four in total rushing defense and top three in total passing defense. This move provides needed athleticism in the middle of the field.
Desmond King to the Titans
All-Pro defensive back Desmond King became a Tennessee Titan after the Los Chargers traded him for a sixth-round pick. Last season the combination of King, Casey Hayward and Derwin James resulted in a solid secondary unit. The Chargers defense remains productive this season, ranking 12th in the league in total yards allowed. However, with the addition of slot corner Chris Harris, King’s playing time dipped.
King has recorded a lone sack with no interceptions this season. Over his previous three years with the Chargers, King posted four interceptions, two forced fumbles and 6.5 sacks.
The Titans did the best job at addressing a team concern out of the deadline trades. Yes, their secondary sports dynamic players like Adoree’ Jackson, Malcolm Butler and Kevin Byard. Despite that, they rank 26th in passing yards allowed per game. That number is also attributed to their lack of pass rush, ranking 30th in sacks per game, but buffing up the cornerback position will hopefully take pressure off the defensive line.
Kwon Alexander to the Saints
New Orleans welcomes Kwon Alexander, trading Kiko Alonso and a conditional fifth-round pick to bring him over from the San Francisco 49ers. Alexander never stayed on the field for the 49ers, playing only 13 games over two seasons with the team. The 49ers want to find players who consistently contribute as they are riddled with injuries and look to compete in a strong NFC West.
Alexander tallied an interception, two forced fumbles and 1.5 sacks over his two years with the 49ers. During his time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he accrued six interceptions, six forced fumbles and seven sacks over four seasons.
Questions surrounded the Saints’ defense because of early struggles but they brushed up their performance as the season progressed. Through Week 9, New Orleans ranks fifth in total yards allowed. As for their linebackers, Demario Davis has been an anchor and is now paired with Kwon Alexander. The Saints are primed to become a top defensive unit in the second half of the season.
