The Cardinals Enter Their Bye Week With No Trades

The Cardinals enter their much-anticipated bye week right as the trade deadline came to a close. Many fans were expecting to see some trades come to fruition, only to be disappointed by the lack of action in what seemed to be one of the more active deadlines in recent memory. Fans saw four notable wide-receivers dealt this year mid-season, as well as some defensive talent. Which may leave some fans wondering, “What gives?”

Here’s a list of the players that were traded before the leagues deadline:

There are a few players here that the Cardinals could have benefited from. First, let’s dive into those players and how they would have benefited the Cardinals, then we will discuss why the deals weren’t made.

S Ha Ha Clinton-Dix

What better way to build confidence in your star cornerback who is “desperate” to leave than to bring in a playmaker next to him. This move would have brought more depth and star power to a secondary that’s craving the chance to make plays. However, it might be a good thing that this deal did not go down. Had the Cardinals added Clinton-Dix, they may have stayed in Nickel Defense for the remainder of the season, allowing more and more rushing yards.

DJ Swearinger and Haha Clinton Dix were probably the two best safeties in the NFC over the first 8 weeks of the season. They will now start side by side in the #Redskins' secondary.

— Grant Paulsen (@granthpaulsen) October 30, 2018

WR Golden Tate/Demaryius Thomas

This topic is one that fans are probably most upset with. Golden Tate was traded for a hefty price considering he will end his contract at the end of the season, but you may have been able to sell Tate on resigning with the team as the future #1 receiver. Demaryius Thomas is another receiver that would help your shaky wide-receiver room. Many would say that he has only benefited from playing with Peyton Manning, but he too had Mike McCoy for a coordinator at some point in his career. The front office must have felt that they would much rather draft their next receiver and keep him at a lower salary, N’Keal Harry anyone?

New #Eagles WR Golden Tate is capable of lining up at any of the WR positions (inside or outside). Also still runs well. Fits a huge need.

— Adam Caplan (@caplannfl) October 30, 2018

CB Eli Apple

I’m sure Cardinal fans didn’t care much about this move. But I believe the Cardinals could have benefited from adding Eli Apple as well. The former 10th overall pick in the 2016 draft was in need of a big scenery change. This is evident, as Apple led the team in tackles in his first game with the Saints. Had the trade happened, the Cardinals would have also had insurance in case Patrick Peterson still wanted to get out of Arizona.

Why didn’t the Cardinals make any trades?

To me, the lack of moves before the deadline is indicative of the teams’ desire to stay put. Had they wanted to rebuild, you would have seen Deonne Bucannon, Haasan Reddick, and maybe even Patrick Peterson go to this highest bidders. Had they thought they could turn the season around (they can’t), you would have seen Keim and company relieve themselves of next years draft picks. This choice speaks volumes to the idea that Michael Bidwill and Steve Keim are certain that this team will be dramatically performing better next season.

But remember, it could always be worse:

When #Bills fans are hoping for a trade at the deadline and instead get news that Nathan Peterman will start on Sunday pic.twitter.com/NvXoC1tNzE

— Joe Buscaglia (@JoeBuscaglia) October 30, 2018