With the NFL trade deadline approaching on October 31, here are the transactions that each NFC West team should make.
Arizona Cardinals: Tight end trade Zach Ertz has been assigned to the Cincinnati Bengals.
A trade for Ertz out of Arizona is long time. The Cardinals (1-5) have one of the poorest records in the league, are in the midst of a massive reconstruction, and have no use for a 32-year-old tight end. Trey McBride, a younger tight end who is only 23 years old, could be a key player in the future. He must participate.
The Bengals lack a danger at the position, with a rotating door of players (Mitchell Wilcox, Drew Sample, Tanner Hudson, and Irv Smith Jr.) totaling 16 catches, 107 yards, and zero touchdowns. Ertz has caught 24 passes for 168 yards and a touchdown on his own.
The cost to Cincinnati could not be more than a late-round pick, and Joe Burrow desperately needs another receiving threat.
Los Angeles Rams make a trade for Carolina Panthers linebacker Burns, Brian
According to ESPN, the Rams offered two first-round draft selections for Burns before the trade deadline last year. They should go after him again.
Los Angeles is in the thick of the NFC playoff chase, and its offense has the capacity to challenge with a healthy QB Matthew Stafford and an elite collection of wide receivers. The defense, on the other hand, could use some help, particularly at linebacker. Burns, who has emerged as a standout edge rusher, would be a great match.
It would also make perfect sense for the Panthers to trade him. They are already out of the playoff picture after going 0-6 this season, and Burns will be an unrestricted free agent after this season.
This season, the Rams had only five sacks from linebackers, with three coming from rookie Byron Young. Burns has four after having twelve last season.
Seattle Seahawks acquire Minnesota Vikings edge rusher Danielle Hunter in a trade.
Hunter’s name has been mentioned in trade rumors for some time, and with the Vikings starting 2-4, now is an ideal moment for Minnesota to send him away. Seattle would be a fantastic location for a landing.
The Seahawks have the offense to compete for the NFC West title and even make a playoff run, but their defense has severe flaws. Adding an excellent pass-rusher like Hunter (eight sacks, tied for the NFL top) would be a huge boost.
The San Francisco 49ers have agreed to terms with Denver Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II.
Earlier this season, San Francisco general manager John Lynch attempted to dampen expectations for another huge trade-deadline acquisition — the Niners acquired standout running back Christian McCaffrey at the deadline in 2022 — but that doesn’t mean we should count one out. Surtain II would be an intriguing option for the 49ers, who could use a strong corner. He’s still on a rookie contract and beneath the salary cap.
Denver’s season is winding down, and Surtain is a player who could provide a significant trade return to help recoup draft assets surrendered in recent years. Los Angeles and Seattle have talented wide receiver groupings in the NFC West. Excellent corners are required.
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