One move each NFC North team should make before trade deadline
After six weeks of the season, most NFL teams know if they’ll be buyers or sellers before the trade deadline.
Here’s one move each team in the NFC North should make before the Nov. 5 trade deadline at 4 p.m. ET.
Chicago Bears: Trade for Cleveland Browns G Joel Bitonio
The No. 1 priority in Chicago must be protecting rookie Caleb Williams, but in a crucial developmental season, he is the second-most-sacked QB (20).
The Bears, one of many teams who should take advantage of Cleveland’s yard sale, must inquire about Bitonio, who likely won’t be a part of Cleveland’s long-term plans at 33.
Less than a week ago, Matthew Schmidt of Sports Illustrated suggested Cleveland should move the former All-Pro guard at the deadline, emphasizing he could leave the franchise empty-handed if he walked in 2026 free agency.
Bitonio, who has been selected to six consecutive Pro Bowls, would fit perfectly on the line and provide experience the current line lacks. He’s the definition of an ironman, only missing two games since 2017.
In a deal with Buffalo on Tuesday, the Browns received a 2025 third-round pick and a 2026 seventh-rounder for wide receiver Amari Cooper and a 2025 sixth-round pick. Chicago could easily acquire Bitonio for a third- or fourth-round selection, given his age. At that price, it would be a no-brainer for the Bears.
Detroit Lions: Trade for New York Jets LB Haason Reddick
The Lions (4-1) experienced an organizational renaissance after drafting edge-rusher Aidan Hutchinson second overall in 2022. However, a Week 6 leg injury suffered against the Dallas Cowboys almost certainly will sideline the NFL’s leader in sacks (7.5) for the remainder of 2024. Detroit needs a replacement who can play at or near Hutchinson’s level.
Reddick is a perfect match, as he is fresh off consecutive Pro Bowl seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, in which he totaled 27 sacks. He has been feuding with the New York Jets about a new contract, and the Lions have the money to fulfill his financial demands.
It wouldn’t be an easy deal to orchestrate, however. NFL insider Josina Anderson recently revealed that when the Eagles sent Reddick to the Jets this past offseason, the deal included a stipulation that would discourage the Jets from trading him out of the conference.
Nonetheless, if the Lions are willing to sacrifice a second-round pick or a third-round pick and change, New York might have no option but to cut its losses with one of the league’s finest pass-rushers.
Green Bay Packers: Acquire New York Giants LB Bobby Okereke
Despite starting 4-2, the Packers haven’t played consistently well on defense.
Former 2022 first-round selection Quay Walker is a liability at middle linebacker, allowing the fourth-most passing yards at his position this season (175) as the nearest defender, according to Next Gen Stats via NFL Pro.
Luckily for Green Bay, the New York Giants (2-4) have had a tumultuous start to the season and probably will be in selling mode, making star linebacker Bobby Okereke potentially available for trade.
