As the AFC East squads near the mid-way point of the 2017 season, the trade deadline is fast approaching. Although NFL teams typically avoid the major wheeling-and-dealing, here are four deadline deals our staff believes need to happen prior to the conclusion of Week #8.
BUFFALO BILLS (3-2-1, 3rd AFC East)
This team still has a legitimate shot at a deep playoff run to defend their Super Bowl title. However, the team needs a better compliment to Myles Garrett on the edge.
TRADE TARGET: DE Ezekiel Ansah (Detroit Lions)
"Ziggy" is on his 5th year option with a steep $12.7 million dollar price tag for this current season before testing the 2018 free agent market. Ansah's production has been down for the Lions, despite their strong start to the season. A fresh start for the second half of this season could do wonders for the former #5 overall pick.
COMPENSATION: DE Kony Ealy and a mid/late round pick could pry the pass rusher from Detroit.
MIAMI DOLPHINS (4-3, 2nd AFC East)
The rumor mill has been in full swing with the Dolphins trying to acquire another receiving threat.
TRADE TARGET: WR Kelvin Benjamin (Carolina Panthers)
With Cam Newton continuing his up-and-down play and the strong starts by New Orleans and Tampa Bay in the NFC South, the Panthers could be in the market to reload as we head into a strong 2018 draft class. Benjamin, with his receiving and blocking prowess, could be a huge asset for Miami moving forward. Carolina would only need to eat a little over $1 million in '17 dead cap money to get the deal done.
COMPENSATION: Miami could package speedy, but underperforming Breshad Perriman and their valuable 2018 2nd rounder (from San Francisco) to Carolina for Benjamin and a later round pick.
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (1-6, 4th AFC East)
Call this author crazy, but we would love to see the Patriots aggressively shop their best player at the deadline.
TRADE TARGET: Dealing WR Julio Jones
Although the team would take on a hefty (but not deal-breaking) dead cap penalty for this season, the team has not utilized Julio Jones to his full potential (he may feel like he's back on campus at Alabama but without the winning).
COMPENSATION: Picks, picks, and picks. Two seasons ago Amari Cooper fetched consecutive first rounders from the Bills to the Oakland Raiders. What would Julio be worth to a contender?
NEW YORK JETS (5-2, 1st AFC East)
It is rare that a team firmly in the Lombardi hunt to be sellers at the trade deadline, but the loaded New York Jets are a team needing very little.
TRADE TARGET: Dealing FS Earl Thomas
Thomas is the premier safety in the game and arguably an all-time great. However, the team could flip the veteran for some high draft picks with Malik Hooker needing playing time. The team needs draft picks in the years to come as their veteran All Pros will need to leave for bigger contracts.
COMPENSATION: The team should aim to pry a 1st round from a contending team with again QBs (small championship windows) like the Dallas Cowboys with Tom Brady or the Denver Broncos with Drew Brees.
