NFL 2022: Four Difference-Making Trades
The off-season in the NFL is a crucial time for teams as they bid to improve their rosters for the following campaign.
There have been some eye-catching trades conducted this year, several of which could have a major bearing on the destination of the Super Bowl.
With that in mind, we take a closer look at four trades we believe could be the difference between success and failure this season.
Von Miller – Buffalo Bills
Many respected pundits believe that the Buffalo Bills will finally end their long wait to win the Super Bowl at the end of the upcoming campaign.
Most leading bookmakers agree, with the latest NFL odds rating the Bills as favourites ahead of the Kansas City Chiefs to get the job done.
They made a huge move during free agency, handing Von Miller a six-year, $120 million deal to secure his services.
The 33-year-old was a vital cog in the Los Angeles Rams’ Super Bowl success last term and he could be the defensive difference maker for the Bills this year.
Russell Watson – Denver Broncos
It is fair to say that the Denver Broncos passing statistics over the past few years have been dismal, but that will change this time around.
Acquiring quarterback Russell Wilson from the Seattle Seahawks is a shrewd move and should boost the Broncos’ hopes of progressing to the playoffs.
Seattle has ranked second overall in team passing grades since 2015 and having Wilson on board immeasurably improves the Broncos’ offensive unit.
Whether that will be enough to make them Super Bowl contenders is debatable, but at least they are now in the conversation.
Davante Adams – Las Vegas Raiders
After Aaron Rodgers agreed to another year with the Green Bay Packers, it seemed a foregone conclusion that Davante Adams would sign a long-term deal.
However, the Packers sprang a massive surprise by trading Adams to the Las Vegas Raiders for 2022 first and second-round pick.
His exit from Green Bay not only severely impacts their hopes of winning the Super Bowl, but has also significantly boosted the Raiders’ chances.
Adams has been the highest-graded wide receiver in the regular season for the past two years – if he transfers that form to Las Vegas, they could be fun to watch.
Khalil Mack – Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers are prominent in the betting for the 2022 Super Bowl after strengthening their defensive unit in the off-season.
Khalil Mack was the NFL’s highest-graded edge defender two seasons ago, before injuries limited his impact the following year.
His link-up with Nick Bosa should make the Chargers much stronger defensively and they could be a force to be reckoned with this season.
While there is no guarantee Mack will rediscover his 2020 form, signing him on a two-year contract makes him a low-risk acquisition.
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