NFL Trade Deadline Grades: Live Analysis For Leonard Williams, Kevin Byard, And More 2023 Deadline Deals

5/5 - (3 votes)

Eager for NFL trade deadline drama? Explore potential star trades and how they impact teams. Get ready for game-changing deals!

The NFL trade deadline is set to arrive on Halloween at 4 p.m. ET. The big question is, will NFL teams give fans the threat of blockbuster deals, or will they be tricked into believing the hype once again?

The rumor mill has been abuzz with talks of players like Derrick Henry, Saquon Barkley, Jerry Jeudy, and Chase Young possibly changing teams. However, there are also strong indications that none of these stars will be moved, and any deals that do happen will likely occur around the fringes.

In many ways, the NFL’s trade deadline is different from those of other major sports leagues. MLB and the NBA often witness superstars changing teams midseason as they prepare for playoff runs or rebuilding phases. This is much rarer in the NFL, where teams are often hesitant to part with long-term assets, such as draft picks, for short-term rentals, especially considering the length of the NFL season and the frequency of injuries.

Nonetheless, as the 2023 NFL trade deadline approaches, there have already been several trade deals struck during the early stages of the season. Here, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most notable trades and evaluate how each team fared in these swaps.

Seahawks Trade for Giants DL Leonard Williams

Seahawks grade: A
Giants grade: B

The Seahawks were already averaging an impressive 3.7 sacks per game, ranking second in the NFL behind the Ravens. Now, they’re bolstering their defense by adding Leonard Williams, a player who has recorded seven sacks in 17 games since the start of the 2020 season. In 2023, Williams has amassed 22 pressures, as per Pro Football Focus, making his addition a valuable enhancement to an already formidable defensive front.

While it’s clear that Seattle benefits more from this trade, the Giants were likely going to lose Williams to free agency after the season. Hence, receiving a 2024 second-round pick and a 2025 fifth-round pick for him is a commendable move, considering that the most they could have received as compensation for Williams signing elsewhere was a 2025 third-round compensatory selection.

NFL Trade Deadline Grades: Live Analysis for Leonard Williams, Kevin Byard, and More 2023 Deadline Deals

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In essence, the Giants may be paying Williams to play for another team, but in the context of a rebuilding year for the franchise, this trade appears to be a prudent move. So, similar to the Seahawks, they deserve credit for this transaction.

Eagles Trade for Titans S Kevin Byard

Eagles grade: A
Titans grade: C

The Eagles’ primary weakness was in their secondary. They’ve addressed this by acquiring Kevin Byard, a two-time All-Pro with 27 interceptions in his eight-year NFL career. Byard should be a solid replacement for CJ Gardner-Johnson, whom the Eagles failed to replace adequately after losing him in free agency. Byard not only fills the ball-hawking void but also brings leadership to the back end.

The Titans, on the other hand, received safety Terrell Edmunds along with fifth- and sixth-round picks in the 2024 NFL Draft for Byard’s services. This seems like a reasonable return, especially for a team in a rebuilding phase. However, one can’t help but wonder if the Titans would have chosen a different path had they seen Will Levis perform before trading Byard.

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The Titans made the decision to trade Byard on October 23, which leaves room for speculation about what could have been if Levis proved to be the real deal and led the team into the wild-card race.

In conclusion, as the 2023 NFL trade deadline approaches, football enthusiasts eagerly await the last-minute deals that may shape the rest of the season. While blockbuster trades might be rare in the NFL, the excitement and speculation surrounding potential moves keep fans engaged. Whether it’s the Seahawks strengthening their defense or the Eagles shoring up their secondary, these trades can have a significant impact on the league’s landscape.