Sport

NFL Trade Deadline Grades: Major Moves with Amari Cooper and Davante Adams

2024-10-16

Author: Yan

Minnesota Vikings Trade for RB Cam Akers

**Trade Details:** - **Vikings Receive:** RB Cam Akers, 2026 conditional seventh-round pick - **Texans Receive:** 2025 conditional sixth-round pick - **Trade Date:** October 15

**Grades:** - **Vikings:** B- - **Texans:** B

The Vikings brought back Cam Akers, who previously joined them last season. This move comes amid injury concerns for Aaron Jones, adding depth to their backfield alongside Ty Chandler. Akers has struggled with performance, averaging only 3.7 yards per carry during his time with the Texans, and his history of Achilles injuries raises questions about his effectiveness. For Houston, this trade makes sense as they have other capable options in the backfield and can benefit from the additional draft pick.

Buffalo Bills Acquire WR Amari Cooper

**Trade Details:** - **Bills Receive:** WR Amari Cooper, 2025 sixth-round pick - **Browns Receive:** 2025 third-round pick, 2026 seventh-round pick - **Trade Date:** October 15

**Grades:** - **Bills:** A- - **Browns:** B

Recognizing their need for additional offensive weapons, the Buffalo Bills successfully snagged Amari Cooper. The veteran receiver has consistently produced throughout his career, reaching over 1,000 yards in seven of his nine seasons. Despite a dip in performance this year, moving to a team with an MVP-caliber quarterback like Josh Allen could rejuvenate him. The Bills managed to pull off this acquisition without overextending their budget, as Cooper's cost for this season is just over $1 million due to a prior contract restructure.

New York Jets Land WR Davante Adams

**Trade Details:** - **Jets Receive:** WR Davante Adams - **Raiders Receive:** 2025 conditional third-round pick - **Trade Date:** October 15

**Grades:** - **Jets:** A- - **Raiders:** B-

In a shocking move, the Jets celebrated the reunion of Davante Adams and Aaron Rodgers. Though the Jets have faced struggles this season, their decision to acquire Adams signifies their commitment to a Super Bowl run. Despite signals of a decline in Adams' performance, as he faces challenges with consistency and open scores, he still brings elite talent to the Jets' receiving corps. The conditional pick deepens the strategy by ensuring the Jets have something to gain based on Adams’ performance in the upcoming season.

Conclusion: A Strategic Yet Risky Venture

Each of these trades carries significant implications for the teams involved. As the NFL landscape continues to shift with each passing week, the franchises will be keeping a close eye on how their new assets impact their playoff ambitions. For teams like the Bills and Jets, these calculated risks aim to enhance their Super Bowl potential as they enter the latter part of the regular season.

Be sure to stay tuned as we evaluate more trades leading up to the deadline, providing insights and updates as they unfold in the competitive landscape of the NFL!