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Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell. Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images

One move each NFC North team should make before trade deadline

By Joshua Eaton | Last updated 10/16/24

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.

NEW: In other #Jets headlines.

I'm told the #Eagles will get a 2026 2nd-round pick from the #Jets if Haason Reddick gets traded to an NFC team, per multiple sources.

That's the other "condition" involved in the trade for Reddick to the #Jets that was newly reported in the… https://t.co/HTCGEV1yUS
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) October 15, 2024

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.

Bleacher Report's Brad Gagnon predicted before the season that the Giants would be in a bad position record-wise and draft position-wise, forcing them to trade a player such as Okereke and begin a rebuild.

Through six weeks, the former half of Gagnon's prediction is spot-on. If the latter half of his prediction comes to fruition, it could provide a golden opportunity for Green Bay to add a valuable player to its defense.

Minnesota Vikings: Acquire Cleveland Browns CB Greg Newsome II

Minnesota is 5-0 for the first time since 2016, mostly due to a stellar defense and the surprisingly good play of QB Sam Darnold. The Vikings boast the best pass rush in the NFL, generating a league-leading 18.8 pressures per game, according to Next Gen Stats via NFL Pro.

Despite their defensive success, they lack a franchise cornerback. Byron Murphy Jr. has been one of the league's worst starting cornerbacks, allowing the most yards per game by any player as the nearest defender in the league (75), according to Next Gen Stats via NFL Pro. Opposite of Murphy is Stephon Gilmore, who's in his 13th season and on the downside of a productive career.

The Browns are entering a full-blown rebuild after a 1-5 start and will likely make all but a few of their players available. They have two star cornerbacks to offer Minnesota: Denzel Ward, who would be a $40.9 million dead cap hit if traded, and Greg Newsome II, who will enter the fifth year of his rookie contract in 2025.

Bleacher Report's NFL Scouting Department recently linked the Washington Commanders with a potential trade for the latter defender to fill a void in their secondary.

However, the fourth-year cornerback's market should be fairly competitive. To solidify its secondary for the remainder of this season and beyond, Newsome should be atop Minnesota's list of trade targets.

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