The NFL trade deadline is different from that of other American professional sports. While the midseason hot stove doesn’t tend to burn up with moves the way they go down in the NBA, NHL and MLB, there’s been increased transactional activity in recent years.
In 2022, one blockbuster did go down with Christian McCaffrey going from Carolina to San Francisco. Otherwise, it was a mix of minor-to-mid level roster tweaks.
Here’s grading and ranking the limited volume of deals overall:
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NFL trade deadline grades 2022
49ers trade for Panthers RB Christian McCaffrey
49ers grade: A+ | Panthers grade: D-
The 49ers got the ultimate running and receiving back for Kyle Shanahan’s offense. Should McCaffrey continue to stay healthy, he can be an offensive game-changer for a playoff team. The Panthers did win in the first game without McCaffrey, but giving up that star power for a bottom-feeder was question, especially with draft pick return that looks much better than it actually is.
Chiefs trade for Giants WR Kadarius Toney
Chiefs grade: A | Giants grade: A
The Chiefs needed to take a shot at another young fast and quick playmaker with rookie Skyy Moore not up to speed to help replace the big-play element of Tyreek Hill. Watch out for Toney becoming the next Hill once fully immersed in the offense and healthy in 2023.
Eagles trade for Bears EDGE Robert Quinn
Eagles grade: B | Bears grade: B-
The Eagles needed pass-rush depth behind aging and now injured Brandon Graham and Josh Sweat with Derek Barnett on injured reserve. Quinn is fine for that purpose and will probably see starter snaps. But he’s settling for a limited veteran prize vs. going big for Bradley Chubb or Brian Burns.
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Cowboys trade for Raiders DT Johnathan Hankins
Cowboys grade: B- | Raiders grade: B
The Cowboys needed a little more run-stopping punch. The Raiders got what they could out of Hankins in their defensive scheme. It’s a decent deal for both teams but it’s still rather “meh” in the big picture.
Jets trade for Jaguars RB James Robinson
Jets grade: C | Jaguars grade: B
The Jets got Robinson soon after rookie Breece Hall went down for the season with a major knee injury. The problem is, he doesn’t really replace Hall given his skill set doesn’t lean on being a big factor as a receiver. The Jets should have thought bigger, too, with Kareem Hunt instead to support Michael Carter.
The Jaguars love Travis Etienne Jr. and want to feature him and Robinson, a favorite of the previous coaching staff but not the new one, was expendable with JaMycal Hasty and Snoop Conner offering OK insurance for Etienne.
