With the NFL trade deadline nearly here, I wanted to do something different with this week’s state of the NFC South. I’ll be going through each team’s potential plan for the trade deadline and some players they could trade for or move on from. I’ll also talk briefly about their Week 9 results.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Sellers/stay put
After nearly completing the comeback against the Chicago Bears, but falling short, the Buccaneers fell to third in the division. They are still right there in the race for first place, as is every team in the division, but Tampa Bay is likely going to understand where this team is currently. This is not a winning recipe in Tampa Bay, so deals for some of their top players could be made. Vita Vea is the player who stands out as an option, being on a 1-year deal and could command a decent return.
I could also see the Buccaneers just stay put and do nothing. They can still win the division with the roster, and if they don’t want to destroy their chances and allow Todd Bowles to prove himself, that may be the direction they go in.
Carolina Panthers: Sellers
To give the Panthers credit, they have understood where this team is, even if they are first in the division. They just recently fired their defensive coordinator and are on a three-game losing streak, with their most recent one being against the Denver Broncos. It’s crazy that a first-place team would be sellers at the deadline, but I could easily see the Panthers believing they can win the division even after losing one or two pieces.
The big move that the Panthers could make is trading away DT Derrick Brown, and guard Robert Hunt would be the other potential deal.
Atlanta Falcons: Sellers
This team is all in on youth, and it’s working. Very recently, they traded away star safety Jessie Bates III to the Jacksonville Jaguars for a 2nd-round and 5th-round pick, and being last in the NFC South, I wouldn’t be surprised if they make some more deals. Really, any single player, besides maybe Bijan Robinson, should be available for trade.
New Orleans Saints: Anything
I hate that I have to say this, but I think the Saints can go in any direction. This division is fool’s gold, which is exactly why a coaching staff and front office that has to prove themselves would try to take it. I don’t think the Saints are going to be reckless and make an insane trade, but I do think if the right deal shows up, they will trade draft capital to make it happen.
On the other hand, I also do believe the Saints can be sellers as well. If they have the same mindset as the rest of the NFC South, the Saints may be willing to sell some of their players, such as Justin Reid, Pete Werner, Cesar Ruiz, and Davon Godchaux (this was written before the trade). These are veterans who have disappointed, so getting some type of deal and going with younger options could be the smart move.
Current NFC South standings:
- Panthers (3-5)
- Saints (3-5)
- Buccaneers (3-6)
- Falcons (3-6)
