Five deals that could happen before trade deadline

The 2022 NFL trade deadline is fast approaching, as teams gear up to bolster their rosters for the remainder of the season.

Following the Panthers trading star running back Christian McCaffrey to the 49ers for a host of draft picks, and the Jaguars sending James Robinson to the Jets, the trade frenzy is in full force. Who will be next?

Let’s take a look at five offensive trades that could realistically happen.

Mike Gesicki (TE, Miami Dolphins) to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Buccaneers have dearly missed Rob Gronkowski since his retirement in the summer and are in desperate need of a red zone specialist target, given their current offensive woes. They need to replace Gronk before November 1, and Mike Gesicki, one of the best pass-catching tight ends in football, would be an ideal signing.

At 6’6″ and 250 pounds, Gesicki has the size and pace to prove to be a valuable asset for Brady and Tampa Bay. And given his limited appearances within the revamped Miami offense so far this season, Gesicki probably won’t be pricey for potential buyers.

The Bucs are in need of an upgrade at tight end to play alongside Cade Otton, and Gesicki won’t do just that.

Kareem Hunt (RB, Cleveland Browns) to the Philadelphia Eagles

The Cleveland Browns are in need of draft capital and have made it clear that their shopping second-string running back Kareem Hunt. And a trade is very much the objective of both parties, given that Hunt requested a move before the start of the current season.

The Eagles are undefeated and have a lot of draft capital, so are in a brilliant place to keep getting better. With pending free agent Miles Sanders continuing to be inconsistent, a move for Hunt would give much-needed help to Jalen Hurts and the Eagles run-game.

Daron Payne (DT, Washington Commanders) to the Cincinnati Bengals

Daron Payne has started the 2022 in great fashion. The former first-rounder has 3.5 sacks and 24 tackles (5 for loss), as well as 10 QB hits, already this year.

But having opted not to pick up his fifth-year option, the Commanders may be looking to recoup some draft capital before Payne leaves as a free agent in the spring.

With D.J. Reader on Injury reserve and unlikely to return anytime soon, the Bengals are a prime trade destination. Payne would solidify their defensive interior, as the team is starting to return to the form they showed from last season.

The Bengals are currently averaging the seventh-fewest sacks in the league per game, and need help when it comes to pressuring opposition quarterbacks. A move for someone like Payne will help, and Cincy could start targeting another deep playoff run as the season goes on.

Chase Claypool (WR, Pittsburgh Steelers) to the Green Bay Packers

Chase Claypool has been inconsistent over the past two years after a stellar rookie season. But he’s certainly underutilised within the Steelers offensive system. He’d be a great fit for the Packers, particularly with his large frame and electric speed.

This trade could be difficult if the Steelers asking price is high, and with the Packers also being linked to the likes of DJ Moore and Elijah Moore.

But Claypool has WR1 potential, and would be a definite upgrade amongst the underwhelming receiving core in Green Bay.

Jerry Jeudy (WR, Denver Broncos) to the Baltimore Ravens

Lamar Jackson needs help in the air. Concerns about Baltimore’s receiving group were clear for all to see in the narrow win over the Cleveland Browns in Week Seven. Devin Duvernay and Rashod Bateman led the team in yards with just 42 each, as Lamar Jackson completed just nine throws in the victory.

Similar to the Packers, the Ravens need an upgrade. Jerry Jeudy, the second receiver taken in the 2020 NFL Draft, has untapped potential and will be keen to kick on with his career away from Denver. He seems unsettled after the Broncos’ poor start to the season, so a trade to Baltimore could be the perfect move.