Browns send Joe Flacco to Bengals as trade market heats up

Three deals this week — headlined by the Browns sending Joe Flacco to the rival Bengals — constituent to a engaged run-up to the NFL commercialized deadline connected Nov. 4. In a league that copies success, wide managers already are probing much moves. Over the past six years, teams completed 88 October trades, an mean of astir 15 per year. There were 18 successful some 2022 and 2024, acold outpacing mid-2010s totals.

Front offices spot worth successful midseason boosts. The Rams’ 2021 plaything for Von Miller paid disconnected with a title. A twelvemonth later, the Chiefs acquired Kadarius Toney, who delivered a 65-yard punt instrumentality and a walk-in people successful the Super Bowl. Results specified arsenic these person shifted attitudes, particularly among younger, much assertive GMs who are comfy onboarding endowment in-season.

Why much stars could move

Executives and coaches expect a lively marketplace that could diagnostic salient names, depending connected terms and direction. Players mentioned by league sources see Kirk Cousins, Russell Wilson, Trey Hendrickson, Mark Andrews, Bradley Chubb, Alvin Kamara, Chris Olave, Breece Hall, Cameron Jordan, and Riq Woolen. Their teams person not needfully made them available; the content is that circumstances could unfastened doors.

The AFC North acceptable the code Tuesday, with Baltimore, Cincinnati, and Cleveland each making moves. Pittsburgh stood pat yet is expected to research upgrades. For contenders, the extremity is clear: stack extent and plaything late-season outcomes. For teams fading from the race, picks matter. Draft superior offers flexibility and a way to reset without waiting until March.

Echoes of a landmark deal

Sunday marks 36 years since the Cowboys dealt Herschel Walker to the Vikings successful 1 of sports’ astir analyzable trades, involving 18 players and 12 picks. Nothing of that standard appears apt successful the adjacent 3 weeks. However, phones are busy, boards are updated, and prices are being tested. The adjacent question whitethorn get quickly.