Entering the 2023 NFL season, little did we know that Aaron Rodgers would only play four snaps for the New York Jets, that the Los Angeles Chargers offense would take time to adjust, or that the Cleveland Browns’ defense would outshine its offense. However, one thing that was clear during training camp was that the AFC was packed with contending teams compared to the NFC. The AFC had an abundance of top-tier quarterbacks just like the Miami Dolphins had an abundance of points against the Denver Broncos. This made it evident that NFC contenders needed to strike this year, taking advantage of the absence of Tom Brady and Rodgers.
Eight weeks into the NFL season, this difference between the conferences still holds true. So it comes as no surprise that the biggest trades leading up to the NFL trade deadline came from two NFC powerhouses: the San Francisco 49ers and the Philadelphia Eagles.
Both teams have a clear path to the conference championship and a high chance of facing an elite quarterback in the Super Bowl. Therefore, it makes sense for them to adopt a win-now mentality and be active buyers.
The 49ers made a significant move by trading a third-round pick to the Washington Commanders for defensive end Chase Young. Young, who was the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2020, has been playing at his best this season, recording five sacks, 15 tackles, and nine quarterback hits in seven games. With a pass-rush win rate that ranks 11th-best in the league, Young will only strengthen the 49ers’ defensive line alongside Nick Bosa, Arik Armstead, and Javon Hargrave.
On the other hand, the Eagles acquired All-Pro safety Kevin Byard from the Tennessee Titans in exchange for safety Terrell Edmunds and draft picks. Byard brings a wealth of experience, having intercepted 27 passes and deflected 63 in his career. Though his performance this season has been slower, he has been graded as a top-10 safety in the league for four different years. Most importantly, Byard’s durability and availability, never missing a game in eight seasons, will be crucial for the Eagles’ secondary in the postseason.
While it is too early to tell if these trades will make a difference in the Super Bowl outcome between the AFC and NFC, the Eagles and 49ers have certainly given themselves the best opportunity. They have understood the importance of this season and taken bold steps to strengthen their teams.
Here are some winners and losers from the trade deadline:
Winners:
1. Leonard Williams: The veteran defensive lineman upgraded from the struggling New York Giants to the playoff-contending Seattle Seahawks.
2. 49ers’ front office pipeline: The 49ers utilized the compensatory draft picks they received from the hiring of diverse coaching staff to reunite Young with Bosa.
3. Will Levis’ development: The Titans prioritize developing their rookie quarterback, Levis, and will benefit from keeping their core offensive players in Derrick Henry and DeAndre Hopkins.
4. Joshua Dobbs’ opportunity: Dobbs gets a chance with the Minnesota Vikings to showcase his skills alongside talented offensive weapons.
5. Howie Roseman being Howie Roseman: The Eagles’ general manager made calculated moves to acquire a talented safety and maintain the team’s aggressive approach.
Losers:
1. Jonathan Allen’s happiness: Allen expressed frustration with Washington’s struggles, and the departures of Young and Sweat are unlikely to improve the team’s fortunes.
2. Carolina Panthers’ rebuild: The Panthers missed the opportunity to further build for the future by not trading pass rusher Brian Burns before his value increases.
In conclusion, the trade deadline has brought excitement and changes to the NFL landscape. Only time will tell if these trades will ultimately impact the Super Bowl outcome, but the 49ers and Eagles have positioned themselves well for a deep playoff run.
