It’s not hyperbole to say that the 2022 NFL Trade Deadline was the craziest deadline in league history. There were 12 trades made on Tuesday before the 4 p.m. ET deadline, which was the most ever done the due date. Not only have a lot of deals been done, but there have also been a number of blockbuster moves, including Bradley Chubb heading to Miami and TJ Hockenson staying in the NFC North but being dealt to the Vikings.
Here’s a quick look at some of the more notable deals that took place:
The most surprising trade
I don’t think it’s much of a debate to say that sending Calvin Ridley to the Jaguars is the most surprising deal of the day. Has anyone even thought about the now former Falcons receiver lately? After all, Ridley is suspended for the entirety of this season after he was caught betting on NFL games while away from football. He can apply for reinstatement in February and it’s quite a complex matter due to his uncertain status.
If Ridley would be reinstated by a certain date, the Falcons will receive a fifth-round pick in 2023. If not reinstated by the date, it is a sixth-round pick in 2023. After that, Atlanta receives a 2024 selection that could escalate into a second round if it reaches certain milestones.
Aside from just being a fascinating trade from a logistical standpoint, it also has the potential to be a game-changer for Jacksonville’s offense as early as 2023. Ridley was considered one of the young and brilliant pass catchers in the NFL and now has the potential to be Trevor Lawrence’s weapon of choice.
Large screenplay
Two of the most notable trades of the day were Bradley Chubb to the Dolphins and Chase Claypool to the Bears. One thing these two trades have in common is the stamp of approval they give their respective quarterbacks, Tua Tagovailoa and Justin Fields.
With Tagovailoa, the Dolphins traded their 2023 top pick (amongst others) to acquire Chubb. That pick (from the 49ers) was their only first-round pick this coming spring after theirs was lost following the Tom Brady tampering investigation. Not only is this willingness to drop out of the first round a sign that the front office thinks this team can make an effort this season, it also put them out of the quarterback market in this upcoming draft. This is the biggest sign of approval you will see from the front office with Tagovailoa outside of a contract extension.
On a similar note, the Bears seem to be rewarding Justin Fields’ solid play lately by giving him a much-needed pass-catching weapon in Chase Claypool. The fact that they were willing to give up their own second-round pick — no doubt a steep price to pay — is a sign they believe in what the young quarterback is doing.
So we have two quarterbacks we asked at the start of the year if they were really going to be “franchise guys” for their teams to make moves that directly or indirectly show their long-term support for them.
To relive everything that happened, check out our live blog below. Also find out how CBS Sports rated each job.