The NFL trade deadline falls on Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET. With an extra game on the schedule this year, plenty of teams may be convinced they don't need to sell just yet. But plenty of others may be that much more motivated to swing for reinforcements.
As trades roll in ahead of the deadline, we're grading each and every one of them (be sure to check out our trade deadline tracker for the latest moves and rumors here):
Laurent Duvernay-Tardif to the Jets
Full trade: Jets acquire OG Laurent Duvernay-Tardif from Chiefs in exchange for TE Daniel Brown
Jets: B
Chiefs: C+
Duvernay-Tardif hasn't played meaningful football since 2019, when he started at right guard for the Chiefs during their Super Bowl run. But he's back healthy now after an injury and 2020 opt-out, and the Jets could use any proven insurance they can get up front, where Zach Wilson (or Mike White) need more protection. Duvernay-Tardif may be a rental, but he's got starting upside.
For the Chiefs, it's commendable they got something for Duvernay-Tardif while they could, considering 2022 free agency is looming, but why not stash veteran depth up front after the way 2020 ended? Trey Smith at least made his predecessor expendable, and Brown brings special teams skills as a backup tight end.
Melvin Ingram to the Chiefs
Full trade: Chiefs acquire DE Melvin Ingram from Steelers in exchange for 2022 sixth-rounder
Steelers: B
Chiefs: B
The Steelers signed Ingram in July with the intention of rotating him opposite T.J. Watt, but the former Chargers Pro Bowler quickly fell on the depth chart. It would've been nice for Pittsburgh to keep him around as emergency depth with the defense guiding their quiet win streak, but he never had a long-term place here. Getting anything for a 32-year-old on a one-year deal is solid.
The Chiefs, meanwhile, need all the help they can get on defense. Ingram doesn't have the steady explosion he once did; he's very clearly a half-season rental. But a late-rounder is a small price to pay to potentially shift Chris Jones back inside and give one of the NFL's worst units more push up front.
Von Miller to the Rams
Full trade: Rams acquire OLB Von Miller from Broncos in exchange for 2022 second-rounder, 2022 third-rounder
Broncos: B+
Rams: B
Miller is an all-time Bronco and still has juice at 32, but to get two Day Two picks for him (and instantly save $9.7 million) with free agency looming? That's a big get for Denver, which now has more reason to anticipate a 2022 overhaul and/or restocking and/or quarterback pursuit. With Bradley Chubb already in tow, they still have a top pass rusher for the future.
Los Angeles, meanwhile, is absolutely depleting its 2022 draft capital to rent a pass rusher who may or may not stick around long term; this could surely come back to haunt them. But they're 7-1 with justified hopes for a title run, and Miller should thrive working nearby Aaron Donald. If his presence helps L.A. return to the Super Bowl, the gamble will be worth it.
Jeff Kerr also graded this trade, and he likes it even more for both sides. Check out his full trade grade story here.
Charles Omenihu to the 49ers
Full trade: 49ers acquire DE Charles Omenihu from Texans in exchange for 2023 sixth-rounder
49ers: B+
Texans: D
Odds are, Omenihu won't make or break the 49ers' defensive line, which already has Nick Bosa and Arik Armstead as top-tier pass rushers. But he's quietly flashed in limited snaps since coming in as a 2019 fifth-rounder, including with 16 QB hits in 2020. San Francisco gave up basically nothing to bolster its front-four depth with upside.
What are the Texans doing, on the other hand? It's anyone's guess. Omenihu failed to earn a starting gig in Houston despite the team's lack of proven pass rushers, but that might be more of an indictment of their staff. This is a franchise in a rebuild, and it just gave up a 24-year-old edge man for scraps.
Kary Vincent Jr. to the Eagles
Full trade: Eagles acquire CB Kary Vincent Jr. from Broncos in exchange for 2022 sixth rounder
Eagles: B
Broncos: A-
Vincent continues the Eagles' youth movement at cornerback. He is the fourth cornerback age 23 or younger the Eagles have acquired since the spring. Vincent was a ball-hawking defender during his time at LSU. He is an explosive athlete who possesses elite-level speed that he used to intercept four passes during the Tigers' national championship season. There were questions about Vincent's tackling prowess leading up to the 2021 draft, which is one of the reasons his name was not called until the seventh round. That may also be the reason Vincent never saw the field during a regular season game during his time with the Broncos. The Eagles do have depth at cornerback, so this was a pretty low-risk trade with fairly decent upside.
Given his lack of playing time, it was clear that Vincent was not in the Broncos' plans. Instead of releasing him and getting nothing, the Broncos added to their stockpile of future draft picks. The trade of Vincent gives the Broncos a sixth-round pick in the 2022 draft that they had previously traded to the 49ers. Denver now has 12 picks in the '22 draft, as Broncos general manager George Paton is going all-in on a rebuild.
-- Bryan DeArdo
2021 NFL jerseys now available
The new NFL season is here! Win or lose, you can shop jerseys, shirts, hats, and much more to support your favorite team. Shop here and show your colors.
We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.
