With the NFL trade deadline now behind us, several organizations either capitalized or missed on their opportunity to improve their Super Bowl prospects. Deadline day itself was rather quiet from an activity standpoint, but various noteworthy trades were completed leading up to Tuesday's mid-afternoon cutoff point.
Tuesday represented a last-ditch attempt to aid teams in their quest to separate themselves from the pack. Here are four organizations that either maximized their roster or failed to hit their mark.
WINNER: LOS ANGELES RAMS
The Rams completed the biggest blockbuster when they acquired future Hall of Fame outside linebacker Von Miller from the Denver Broncos in exchange for second and third-round draft picks in 2022. Owner Stan Kroenke and general manager Les Snead are serious about capturing Super Bowl LVI in front of their home fans at SoFi Stadium in February.
Miller slots into a stingy L.A. defense that already features the likes of Aaron Donald and Jalen Ramsey. Miller will threaten the pocket while forming a fearsome EDGE duo alongside Leonard Floyd, who is in the midst of his best season as a professional. The Rams have put all of their chips in to make a run at the Super Bowl this season and we love their chances of achieving their lofty goals.
WINNER: ARIZONA CARDINALS
Sticking with the ever-competitive NFC West, the Cardinals made a noteworthy splash of their own when they acquired tight end Zach Ertz from the Philadelphia Eagles. The deal was completed just days after Arizona's starting tight end Maxx Williams suffered a season-ending knee injury.
General manager Steve Keim moved quickly and efficiently in the wake of the Williams news, but the home has proven to be a home run thus far. The sample size is small, but Ertz has effortlessly slotted into Arizona's high-flying, high-scoring offense. Ertz has recorded seven receptions for 108 yards and a touchdown in two appearances as a Cardinal. Arizona has a great chance to represent the NFC in Super Bowl LVI, and acquiring Ertz further improved their chances.
LOSER: GREEN BAY PACKERS
The Packers have an excellent chance to make a notable run at this year's Super Bowl, but may live to rue the day they decided to stand pat at the deadline. With the futures of superstar players Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams very much hanging in the balance, Green Bay's window to capture another title is dangerously inching toward its closure.
Currently sitting at 6-1, we would have preferred to see general manager Brian Gutekunst leave no stone unturned in his efforts to improve a top-heavy offensive personnel group. Acquiring a difference-maker such as Evan Engram or Brandin Cooks would have worked wonders for Rodgers and their passing offense. We have doubts regarding Green Bay's ability to outscore the likes of Tampa Bay and Dallas in the playoffs.
LOSER: NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
General manager Mickey Loomis and head coach Sean Payton reportedly held talks centered around acquiring disgruntled Cleveland Browns wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., but ultimately failed to reach an agreement. With superstar receiver Michael Thomas now out for the season due to a setback with his recovery from an ankle injury, the Saints' receiver room is incredibly barren.
The Saints have managed to crawl their way to an impressive 5-2 record despite owning the league's 31st-ranked passing offense. Moving the ball through the air at the famished rate of 180.9 yards per game, the Saints are going to need to improve in this critical area of the game if they hope to truly compete in the loaded NFC. We just don't see how that's possible without them having acquired a more established pass-catcher at the deadline.
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