The NFL trade deadline on Oct. 31 is quickly approaching. Here are deals each team in the NFC North should consider.
Chicago Bears: Send CB Jaylon Johnson to 49ers
Johnson recently expressed the desire to stay in Chicago but added that he’s “not oblivious” to trade rumors nor the business of the NFL. At 24, Johnson could be a building block of the Bears future. However, he’ll hit the open market this offseason, and the franchise has proved in the past that players in that position with value usually end up packing their bags.
The Bears already have a wealth of draft capital to help with their rebuild, but if they want even more, there are worse ways to do it than dealing Johnson. A second-round pick in 2020, the Bears have to decide whether they can re-sign Johnson or risk watching him walk for nothing. A deal is almost guaranteed if they find the former option impossible.
Meanwhile, the San Francisco 49ers haven’t been bashful when it comes to being active at the trade deadline. Adding a player like Johnson, who excels in coverage, seems right up their alley.
Detroit Lions: Acquire CB Donte Jackson from Panthers
It’s no secret the Lions could use some help in the secondary without the likes of Emmanuel Moseley and C.J. Gardner-Johnson. While Lions fans might be pining for a more significant move for someone like CB Patrick Surtain II of the Denver Broncos, a depth acquisition is more likely. Enter the Carolina Panthers cornerback, Jackson.
Jackson is a speedy, solid corner, and his nose for the football would instantly improve the Lions’ backend. The 28-year-old doesn’t have an interception in 2023, but he’s picked off 14 passes in five seasons and recorded 41 pass defenses over 65 career starts with the Panthers.
Acquiring Jackson wouldn’t be sexy, but it would be a low-risk, high-reward move for the Lions. Jackson has one year remaining ($4.7 million) on a three-year, $35.1 million contract signed in 2022. However, a potential opt-out is available if things don’t work out in the Motor City.
Green Bay Packers: Send EDGE Preston Smith to Ravens
At 2-3, the Packers aren’t clear sellers or buyers as the trade deadline approaches, but moving a player like Smith makes sense if they want to continue the trend of going cheaper and younger. Smith re-upped with the Packers in 2022, signing a four-year, $52 million extension, but circumstances can change quickly in the NFL.
Smith has been productive and reliable, recording 17.5 sacks in 33 games over the past two seasons. However, the 30-year-old may not fit the Packers’ plans, especially with 2023 first-round pick Lukas Van Ness waiting in the wings.
For the Baltimore Ravens, a large percentage of their league-leading 24 sacks have come from outsider blitzers, not the defensive line, and plugging in a veteran edge-rusher like Smith could be an inexpensive missing piece to an already ferocious defense. Furthermore, there’s a potential out in Smith’s contract in 2024, meaning the Ravens wouldn’t be married to Smith beyond this season.
Minnesota Vikings: Send EDGE Danielle Hunter to Jaguars
The 2023 campaign is seemingly going nowhere for the Vikings (2-4), and while it looks like their soft retooling will quickly transition into a full-on rebuild soon, Hunter is a strong candidate to be on the move before trick-or-treaters are at your door. Minnesota has already received calls on Hunter, and Diana Russini of The Athletic says the Vikings will “continue to listen.”
Hunter, a free agent-to-be, will be 29 in a few days, and with the Vikings seemingly closer to rebuilding rather than assembling a contender, getting what they can for the three-time Pro Bowler might be the smart move for Minnesota. The 2015 third-round pick has been the subject of trade whispers before; the Vikings might finally pull the trigger this time.
Meanwhile, the Jacksonville Jaguars defense leads the NFL in takeaways (15), but adding the league’s leading sack-getter in Hunter (8) could transform their defense from good to great. At 4-2, the Jaguars are fighting for the top spot in the AFC South. Acquiring Hunter might be the kind of difference-making move that gives them the edge come season’s end.