NFL Trade Deadline 2022: Date, End Time, Hottest Rumors, Predictions and More
Over the past two weeks, quite a few NFL teams have been active on the trade front. Numerous franchises have made big deals that shook up the landscape of the league and relocated some of its top stars.
The Carolina Panthers traded away both running back Christian McCaffrey (to the San Francisco 49ers) and wide receiver Robbie Anderson (to the Arizona Cardinals). Running back James Robinson was sent from the Jacksonville Jaguars to the New York Jets. Defensive end Robert Quinn was traded from the Chicago Bears to the Philadelphia Eagles.
What other moves could be on the horizon? There's not a ton of time left for NFL teams to make deals. The league's trade deadline is set for Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET. After that, no trades can occur for the remainder of the 2022 season.
Although the clock is ticking, plenty of rumors are still swirling. Here's some of the latest NFL trade buzz as the deadline approaches.
Earlier this week, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano reported that numerous NFL teams believed Cleveland Browns running back Kareem Hunt was available for a fourth-round draft pick. Then, Jason La Canfora of The Washington Post shared that Hunt was "drawing a lot of attention" on the trade market as the Browns were active in trying to deal him.
However, it now seems that things may be trending in the opposite direction regarding Hunt's future. And by the time Tuesday's deadline passes, the 27-year-old running back may still be in Cleveland.
According to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com, it "appears unlikely" Hunt will be traded by the Browns. However, Cabot noted that "that could change over the weekend if a team loses its workhorse back." So that will be something to keep an eye on Sunday, as Hunt could plug a hole in the backfield of a contending team that ends up with an unexpected need.
It would make sense for Cleveland to deal Hunt in exchange for draft capital. The Browns are 2-5, and they've been relying heavily on Nick Chubb, who leads the NFL with 740 rushing yards.
Yet, for whatever reason, it seems like Hunt may be staying in Cleveland for the time being. So don't be surprised if he's still on the Browns' roster by Tuesday evening, although anything can happen between now and then.
Prediction: Hunt stays in Cleveland
Not only are the Green Bay Packers off to a surprising 3-4 start this season, but their offense has been struggling. This past offseason, they traded superstar wide receiver Davante Adams to the Las Vegas Raiders, and now, the Packers' receiving corps has struggled to fill that substantial hole.
It may be wise for Green Bay to bring in a standout receiver prior to Tuesday's trade deadline. According to Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, the Packers have "asked around" about wide receivers. Breer noted that the Pittsburgh Steelers' Chase Claypool "could be available" and that some teams believe he could be acquired for a third-round draft pick.
The price may be a bit higher than that, though. Jordan Schultz of theScore reported that the Steelers are hoping to land a second-round pick for Claypool and that they "would prefer to keep" the 24-year-old receiver.
Another WR featured in trade rumors of late has been the Houston Texans' Brandin Cooks. Breer reported that the Texans' asking price is a second-round pick as well as a Day 3 draft selection. Houston is 1-4-1 and likely should be looking to trade players in exchange for draft capital.
Would the Packers be willing to pay that price for Cooks? Or could the Texans lower their expectations about a return for the 29-year-old? Whichever way, a deal could take place. It makes too much sense for both sides, so the guess here is that Cooks will end up in Green Bay before Tuesday's deadline.
Prediction: Packers land Cooks from Texans
The Denver Broncos have had a disappointing start to the season, as they're 2-5 and are sitting in last place in the AFC West. Because of that, they've had several players featured in trade rumors this week. Among the ones who may be most likely to be dealt is edge-rusher Bradley Chubb.
Schultz reported earlier in the week that "a lot of teams" were pursuing Chubb and that the Broncos had received a "competitive" package, per one NFL general manager. Chubb, a 26-year-old defensive end, has spent his entire five-year NFL career with Denver to this point.
Because Chubb is still young and the Broncos could use the franchise tag to ensure he stays, they may be unlikely to move him, according to Breer. That could also be the case for one of Chubb's teammates, wide receiver Jerry Jeudy.
"I don’t think GM George Paton will feel compelled to deal those two, absent a major offer, and regardless of Sunday’s result in London," Breer wrote.
Maybe Paton would change his mind if Denver receives an even bigger offer for Chubb. But right now, it seems like he'll be staying with the Broncos past Tuesday.
Prediction: Chubb stays in Denver
