The 2021 NFL season is quickly pushing forward. We are headed into Sunday’s slate of games for week eight. The NFL trade deadline will be upon us a few days later. Therefore, the rumors are beginning to circulate and pick up steam. I reviewed multiple team needs and scenarios. I found five fun trades that I would love to see happen.

Allen Robinson to the Baltimore Ravens

If I told you Allen Robinson would have the worst season of his career in 2021, you would not believe me. It is true, Robinson’s caught 23 receptions for 250 yards and one touchdown. Let’s not forget, he has been subject to poor quarterback since entering the league in 2014. According to NFL Nex Gen Stats, Robinson ranks dead last in average separation per target with 1.7 yards. This must improve to help any quarterback.

Adding the eight-year veteran to this Ravens offense sounds like a winner. He would offer Lamar Jackson a big-framed possession receiver with great ball skills. Robinson brings inside/outside alignment versatility. Factor in Raven’s difficult-to-defend rushing attack, Robinson will have one on one opportunities to win and salvage this season. This is a trade that makes the most sense ahead of the NFL trade deadline. Ravens send a 2022 third-rounder to Chicago for Allen Robinson.

Andre Dillard to the Miami Dolphins

The Miami Dolphins have one of the lesser talented rosters in football. The scapegoat is their second-year quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. Therefore, Miami’s brass believes trading for Deshaun Watson is the magical medication for their variety of ailments. Regardless of which quarterback is their starter going forward, improving their offensive line woes is high on the priority list.

The rumor mill has Eagles’ young offensive tackle Andre Dillard available on the trade registry. Per Sports Info Solutions, between Jacoby Brissett and Tua Tagovailoa, the Dolphins OL have allowed 107 pressures and 17 sacks. Dilliard has stepped into duty in the absence of Lane Johnson. He has given one sack on the season and 14 pressures, per PFF. Dillard’s 75.8 pass-blocking grade is higher than any of the Dolphins OL. Protecting your long-term investment at quarterback (whomever that may be) is too important to ignore. Therefore, sending a draft pick for Andre Dillard ahead of the NFL trade deadline should not be second-guessed. Dolphins send a 5th rounder to the Philadelphia Eagles for Andre Dillard.

Odell Beckham Jr to New Orleans Saints

Since being traded from the Big Apple to the Cleveland Browns, Odell Beckham has struggled with consistency. Either injuries or a disconnect with quarterback Baker Mayfield has caused the dip in production and explosive plays. Rumblings of OBJ being a trade target/candidate is not surprising. The 4-2 New Orleans Saints recently sent a seventh-round pick in 2024 for their former running back Mark Ingram.

The Saints offense is missing a big-time playmaker for Jameis Winston. Star wideout Michael Thomas is not available and no one knows when he will be. Nonetheless, Odell Beckham Jr would instantly elevate this offense passing attack. Winston is playing solid and protecting the football. With Boom and Zoom in the running back room, a true number one receiver to take advantage of single coverage would be great. Figuring out the salary cap and making the money work for both sides is key. I will let the teams handle the checkbooks. Saints send a third-rounder to the Cleveland Browns for OBJ.

Brandin Cooks to the Los Angeles Chargers

After the aforementioned Mark Ingram trade, Houston Texans wide receiver Brandin Cooks tweeted his frustrations. This could signal another trade for the Texans. Cooks has been severely underrated his entire career. The Los Angeles Chargers should go “all in” for their second-year signal-caller Justin Herbert. They are coming off an embarrassing loss and offensive performance against the Baltimore Ravens two weeks ago.

Adding Cooks to this vertical passing attack gives Herbert another deep target for defenses to account for. Possibly, this can open the short and intermediate region for Keenan Allen. Herbert’s game is predicated on the deep ball. Cooks makes it difficult to take away Herbert’s favorite target Mike Williams. With the Chiefs struggling to find their footing this season, it is time to go for the jugular and take this division back. Chargers send a fourth-rounder to the Houston Texans.

Melvin Ingram to the Dallas Cowboys

The former Los Angeles Charger signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers before the season. Reportedly, Melvin Ingram wants out of Pittsburgh due to a reduction of playing time. Is he the same player from his prime? No, but he is more than capable of pressuring the quarterback. This season, Ingram has one sack, 15 hurries, 12 hits, and 20 pressures.

The Dallas Cowboys currently have eleven sacks on the season. Their defensive line needs to create more pressure on opposing quarterbacks with their front four. This allows Micah Parsons to be their defensive chess piece. Ingram can step in and set the edges on early downs. Also, offering an inside/outside pass-rushing threat. The Cowboys have a Super Bowl-winning offense with the ability to defeat you through the air or on the ground. Defensively, adding more pressure will shorten the secondary’s time to cover. Cowboys send their fifth-rounder to the Pittsburgh Steelers for Melvin Ingram.

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