There have been four NFL trades in the in the past six days. Expect more before Tuesday afternoon’s deadline.
Until then, let’s lock the past four trades and what to expect in terms of value and production. So, we are going to rank the four trades in in terms of what I expect from the players. Here we go:
- Amari Cooper: He better be at the top, right? The Dallas Cowboys surrendered a first-round pick next spring for Cooper, So, he must produce. I’ve covered the Oakland Raiders extensively since Cooper was the No. 4 overall pick in 2015. I’ve never been a huge fan of Cooper. Yes, he has put up some big numbers. but take a gander at his game logs. He is painfully inconsistent. Plus, he drops a lot of passes and his toughness has been questioned. Still, he is just 24 and has shown ability. I think the Cowboys will get something out of him and he will make the offense better. But I think the Raiders did well flipping Cooper, although that’s certainly not what they wanted to do when they drafted him.
- Damon Harrison: Snacks can be tasty in the land of the coney dog. The Detroit Lions acquired the big run-stuffer from the New York Giants this week for a fifth-round pick. He is a former All-Pro. The Lions have the 30th ranked run defense this year and they are hanging around the playoff race. Harrison will make the Lions’ defense better and give them an identity. Snacks is gonna eat.
- Carlos Hyde: The Jaguars acquired the former Ohio State star running back from Cleveland last week for a fifth-round pick. He is set to make his Jacksonville debut this week in London. Hyde is going to be the Jaguars’ lead back with Leonard Fournette out for an extensive time. The Jaguars will give Hyde a big opportunity. He is an average back, but he can help keep the Jaguars’ hopes alive in the AFC South while Fournette is out. For the cost, Hyde should do fairly well for the Jaguars.
- Eli Apple: I don’t think Apple is a total dud, but I don’t see him as a high-level addition for New Orleans. The Saints gave the Giants a fourth-round pick in 2019 and a seventh rounder in 2020 for the former first-round pick. Apple was playing better this year, but he’s had rocky time with the Giants. The Saints believe they are a Super Bowl contender and hope this addition will solidify that. I think the Saints certainly can make the Super Bowl, but I have a difficult time believing Apple will be the reason why.