2023 NFL Trade Deadline Tracker: Leonard Williams, Kentavius Street on the Move
October 30, 2023
The 2023 NFL trade deadline is fast approaching, with teams having until 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday to make any final in-season deals. As teams look to bolster their rosters for a Super Bowl run or acquire compensation for players with uncertain futures, several notable trades have already taken place. Here is a recap of the trades that have occurred ahead of the deadline.
Atlanta Falcons Acquire DL Kentavius Street from Philadelphia Eagles
The Atlanta Falcons have acquired defensive lineman Kentavius Street from the Philadelphia Eagles. Street has recorded four total tackles in eight games, playing only 17% of the Eagles’ defensive snaps. In addition to Street, the Eagles are also sending a 2025 seventh-round pick to the Falcons. In return, the Eagles will receive a 2024 sixth-round pick from the Falcons. This trade provides the Falcons with familiar and affordable depth on their defensive line, as Street previously played for Falcons defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen during his time with the New Orleans Saints.
Seattle Seahawks Acquire DT Leonard Williams from New York Giants
The Seattle Seahawks have bolstered their defense by acquiring defensive tackle Leonard Williams from the New York Giants. Williams has been a standout player for the Giants, recording 21 total tackles and 1.5 sacks in seven games this season. As part of the trade, the Giants will receive a 2024 second-round pick and a 2025 fifth-round pick from the Seahawks. This move by the Seahawks indicates their commitment to improving their defense as they currently lead the NFC West with a 5-2 record. Williams, who signed a lucrative contract extension during the 2021 offseason, is widely considered one of the league’s best interior defensive linemen.
The Impact of These Trades
These trades highlight the strategic moves that teams are making ahead of the trade deadline. The Falcons’ acquisition of Kentavius Street provides them with much-needed depth on the defensive line following the season-ending knee injury to defensive tackle Grady Jarrett. While Street may not reach Jarrett’s level of play, he brings familiarity with Falcons defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen’s system and can help mitigate the impact of Jarrett’s absence.
On the other hand, the Seahawks’ acquisition of Leonard Williams strengthens their already formidable defense. Williams’ track record as a standout interior defensive lineman adds a valuable piece to the Seahawks’ roster as they vie for a playoff spot and a deep postseason run.
Advice for Teams Approaching the Trade Deadline
The trade deadline provides teams with an opportunity to reassess their rosters and make strategic moves that can alter the trajectory of their seasons. For teams in contention for a playoff spot, strategic acquisitions can provide the necessary boost to make a deep postseason run. On the other hand, teams that are unlikely to make the playoffs may consider trading high-value players for future draft picks or other assets to build for the future.
It is crucial for teams to carefully evaluate their current roster, identify areas of strength and weakness, and determine the assets they are willing to part with in pursuit of their goals. The trade deadline presents a unique opportunity for teams to make calculated moves that can have a significant impact on their success. However, it is important for teams to balance short-term gains with long-term sustainability to ensure continued success in the future.
In conclusion, the 2023 NFL trade deadline has seen significant trades that have the potential to reshape the fortunes of the teams involved. The acquisitions of Kentavius Street by the Atlanta Falcons and Leonard Williams by the Seattle Seahawks demonstrate the teams’ commitment to improving their respective rosters and positioning themselves for success. As the trade deadline approaches, it will be intriguing to see if more significant trades are made and how they will impact the playoff race.
<< photo by Bree Evans >>
The image is for illustrative purposes only and does not depict the actual situation.
