Trade Deadline: Season 80

Greetings Redzone! As we approach the half way point of the season, many teams are faced with the challenge of trying to improve their roster in lieu of a deep playoff run, while other organizations are well aware of their shortcomings, needing to make tough contractual decisons and look ahead to the draft. Though much can happen on the latter end of the season, most teams know exactly where they stand, which makes this trade deadline one of intrigue. Risk vs reward for a team looking to reach the pinnacle of success, juxtaposed by jumpstarting an early rebuild with an influx of draft capital and cap space for a fringe-playoff team or bottom-dweller. Today, we will look at some of the teams who should try to make a big splash before the Tuesday after Week 8, as well as breakdown the teams who should trade away veteran players to free up cap space while acquiring draft assets.

**As of the writing of this article, the 49ers and Patriots agreed to a deal, sending HB Christian McCaffrey to the Patriots in exchange for C David Andrews, Current 2nd round pick, and Future 1st and 2nd round picks, respectively.**

1. Baltimore Ravens (Buy)

The Ravens, led by Lamar Jackson, are sitting at 5-2-1 and playing great football. The 7th highest scoring offense (26 ppg) and top 5 rushing attack, the Ravens rely on the power run game and elite defense thats giving up a league-low 62.8 rushing yards per game. As dominant and physical as they are, the Ravens are near the bottom 3rd of the league in passing, with Lamar ranking near the bottom 20th in average yards per passing attempt (7.6). A key contributor to that is the lack of a true playmaker who can lift the coverage and keep teams from loading up the box. Baltimore can really use a deep threat to give Lamar the weapons he needs, and I think Chiefs' wideout Mecole Hardman is the perfect fit. Kansas City currently sits at a disappointing 0-7, while facing many off-season questions, including re-signing Hardman. At a base salary of just $4.40M, the Ravens are in prime position to get a young, cheap, explosive playmaker and take this offense to the next level, and the deal for Hardman can work out very well for both teams.

2. Minnesota Vikings (Buy)

Tied for the best record in the league, the Vikings are on a tear, but doing it in an unorthodox way, with rushing and defense being the catalyst for their success. Of course, that is a great combination for success--especially when playing games in January, but a Vikings team sporting Justin Jefferson, Adam Thielen, and Kirk Cousins sitting 23rd in the league in passing yards is a head scratcher. A proponent to that could be the lack of protection for Kirk Cousins, who has been sacked a league-high 28 times, with just 8 touchdowns to 3 interceptions. The rusing attack is rolling and Dalvin Cook is on record breaking pace, but if the Vikings can not protect their passer and prevent teams from loading up the box, a ton of press coverage can disrupt the timing and leaf to more sacks. An upgrade to their interior offensive line can be a great move, and a player like Joel Bitonio can be a perfect match. The Browns are struggling and can use the draft capital--paying a 30 year old $6.6M over 4 more years seems counter-intuitve for a team who needs to re-build that offense outside in--theVikings can land a stud interior lineman to protect Kirk and open up bigger lanes for their bellcow back.

3. Texans (Sell)

Sitting atop the lowly AFC South at 3-3, the Texans can very easily (and I believe) win this divison and host a playoff game. What better way to compete in the post-season, while still acquiring assets to build this team out for the future. Coach Trent has the pedigree, and he has found his weapon in young speedster John Metchie III who is top 10 in the league in receptions and receiving yards. With a talent like that solidifying the future of the offense, Brandin Cooks suddenly becomes very expendable. The second highest paid player on the Texans with 3 years remaining on a very expensive deal, Houston can get rid of the contract now, continue to develop JM3, and get back a pick or two, all the while possibly winning the AFC South. It may be a hard deal to make, but a few teams in the playoff hunt can use the services of Cooks, making this a very great sell for Houston.

4. Panthers (Sell)

I dont think this was what James Taylor envisioned when he said in his mind he's going to Carolina. The Panthers are in a rebuild and are not handling it well. At 2-6, they are fighting, but just have no identity. The defense is dead last in yards allowed, while giving up nearly 30 points a game. The offense is not doing the Panthers any favors, averaging just 275 total yards per game while only putting up 16 points. Just about every position can be upgraded--sometimes meaning parting ways with players you dont want to--but there a ton of assets that can be moved that would strike a call from all 31 teams and bring in a ton of draft capital with the moves. Shaq Thompsan might draw the most attention from prospective ball clubs looking to improve their roster, and can free the Panthers from a bad contract and lackluster play. Through 8 games this season, Thompson only has 15 tackles and 2 sacks, and doesnt seem very motivated. Thompson is also owed $13.16M the next 2 years, taking him over the hill of his prime at 30. I think the Panthers need to get serious about their future endeavors and make the tough call now, because many teams would pay to have a guy like Thompson on their playoff roster.