The 2021 NFL trade deadline had a chance to be a busy day with all the speculations going around.
There was a strong possibility that the league’s landscape would drastically change after 4 PM E.T. of November 2, 2021.
However, the first two days of November went relatively quiet, and only five transactions went through the commissioner’s office.
That’s less than the seven trades that occurred during October.
NFL trade deadline is so boring compared to other sports
— Zach Hicks (@ZachHicks2) November 2, 2021
Teams opted to stay put because it pays to have an able backup if any starter gets injured.
Likewise, the meager cap space became a roadblock to finalizing deals as well.
However, this does not mean that teams did not undergo countless talks about certain players.
Negotiations ensued, but both parties couldn’t reconcile their difference regarding the final terms.
NBA trade deadline is better than NFL trade deadline.
Most boring deadline ever. pic.twitter.com/b3TAEsRDgR
— Leo ⚡️🔸 (@YoL3O) November 2, 2021
Therefore, the transactions faltered even if the talks were getting more serious.
If not for those issues, these players would most likely join another team to complete the season.
3. Marlon Mack – Running Back, Indianapolis Colts
It’s not his fault that Jonathan Taylor and Nyheim Hines made him expendable.
Two years ago, the University of South Florida alumnus had 1,091 yards and eight touchdowns.
This season, a torn Achilles tendon limited him to one game.
Now that he’s healthy, Mack is still not cracking the Colts’ backfield rotation because Taylor and Hines have been better.
Marlon Mack Fantasy Managers waiting to see if he gets traded. pic.twitter.com/I3OJ0BdHbq
— Calvin Fournier 🥶 (@CalvinFournier) November 1, 2021
Any team that is in dire need to boost their run game could use his services.
But no other franchise is pulling the trigger because they’re apprehensive about what’s left in his tank.
Bringing in a running back can also be tricky in a pass-happy NFL.
Finally, there’s no sense trading for him at the deadline because he will be a free agent anyway by the end of the season.
With the way things are going, Indianapolis will not resign him, allowing him to test the waters without strings attached.
2. Marcus Maye – Safety, New York Jets
Two seasons ago, the Jets traded Jamal Adams to the Seattle Seahawks.
They could have repeated history if they dealt Maye elsewhere.
He recently returned from an ankle injury that sidelined him for three games.
Unfortunately, high-caliber safeties are not the focus of Robert Saleh’s defensive schemes, and it would have been wise to trade him.
Why is Marcus Maye still with the Jets?
On the Live Tailgate Trading Deadline special, @ConnorJRogers, @LegerDouzable, @mmargaux8 and I discussed why he wasn’t moved, and how Maye still remains a stable option for the Jets' defense. 👇
— Ralph Vacchiano (@RVacchianoSNY) November 3, 2021
At least they could get players or draft picks in return because teams will be lining up to get Maye.
He’s one of the few gems in the Jets defense, and they’re better off trading him.
Sadly, a deal for him did not push through, putting the team in danger of losing him in free agency without getting anything in return.
Giving Maye the franchise tag for the second straight year will only intensify the clamor for trading him.
Perhaps a long-term deal is in place because the Jets still see him as the leader of their defense.
1. Odell Beckham Jr. – Wide Receiver, Cleveland Browns
The Browns initiated discussions about trading Beckham Jr. to the New Orleans Saints.
The deal looked like a win-win situation for both teams because the Browns get to release an underperforming player since returning from an ACL injury.
He and Baker Mayfield are yet to get on the same page that Odell Sr. criticized the quarterback for avoiding his son during pass plays.
Meanwhile, the Saints are searching for a top-flight receiver because Michael Thomas will the entire season due to another ankle injury.
"I will defend OBJ here. Let him go. He's been a good soldier and hasn't been disruptive."
— @ColinCowherd supports Odell Beckham Jr. amid trade rumors: pic.twitter.com/mvnl56JMP9
— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) November 2, 2021
However, the two-time Second-Team All-Pro is going nowhere, and head coach Kevin Stefanski thinks Mayfield and Beckham Jr. can still develop their chemistry.
Unfortunately, the wideout’s remaining salary was the only hindrance for New Orleans to finalize the trade.
Beckham Jr. will likely be at The Big Easy, lining up next to Tre’Quan Smith, Marquez Callaway, and Deonte Harris if not for that roadblock.
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