NFL Trade Deadline: 5 Biggest moves feat. Christian McCaffrey to 49ers

The 2022 NFL trade deadline has officially passed at 4:00 PM ET on Tuesday, November 1. All 32 NFL teams will now need to wait until next offseason before entering into any additional trade negotiations. While the trade deadline can be an exciting time every year, it has been particularly active this season.

Many elite players were dealt at the trade deadline this year as many teams are looking to make a final push towards the playoffs. Other teams have also made moves to improve their outlook for the future. Here are the five biggest deals that went down prior to the 2022 NFL trade deadline.

#5 - Chase Claypool to the Chicago Bears

Pittsburgh Steelers WR Chase Claypool

Chase Claypool was one of the names expected to be moved prior to the 2022 NFL trade deadline. The Pittsburgh Steelers have a ton of depth at wide receivers, including Diontae Johnson and George Pickens. Therefore, Claypool was worth more in a trade than on their roster. They cashed in on the wide receiver, receiving a second-round draft pick from the Chicago Bears.

The Bears have been in desparate need of upgrading their wide receivers. They are one of the weakest in the league at this position, severely hurting the development of Justin Fields. They took a step forward by adding Claypool. He will likely be paired with Darnell Mooney in their starting lineup. Claypool recorded 121 receptions for 1,733 yards and 11 touchdowns across his first two seasons.

#4 - Calvin Ridley to the Jacksonville Jaguars

Atlanta Falcons WR Calvin Ridley

Calvin Ridley is one of the more surprising players to be dealt ahead of the 2022 NFL trade deadline. He is currently serving a gambling suspension and will miss the entire season and possibly more. The Atlanta Falcons decided to move on from him, sending him to the Jacksonville Jaguars in exchange for a very complicated return of draft picks.

The Jaguars appear to be looking towards the future and building the best offense possible around young quarterback Trevor Lawrence. While they added Christian Kirk and Zay Jones during the offseason, they still needed a true top wide receiver. They got one at the trade deadline. In his last full season in 2020, Ridley recorded 90 receptions for 1,374 yards and nine touchdowns.

#3 - Roquan Smith to the Baltimore Ravens

Chicago Bears LB Roquan Smith

Roquan Smith was rumored to be a potential trade candidate prior to the start of the 2022 season. The Bears initially chose to hang on to their superstar linebacker, but then sent him to the Baltimore Ravens prior to the trade deadline. They reportedly received a second- and fifth-round pick in 2023 as well as linebacker A.J. Klein in return for Smith.

Smith has been one of the best linebackers in the NFL since entering the league in 2018. He has exceeded 100 total tackles every season, while totaling seven interceptions and 16.5 sacks. He has also led the league in total tackles this season, entering Week 9. The Ravens significantly improved their defense at the 2022 NFL trade deadline by adding Smith.

#2 - Bradley Chubb to the Miami Dolphins

Denver Broncos EDGE Bradley Chubb

When the Denver Broncos announced they were listening to offers for edge rusher Bradley Chubb, many teams expressed interest. Chubb is just 26 years old and one of the most talented pass rushers in the league. Players with these qualities are always in high demand.

The Miami Dolphins landed one of the most valuable players at the 2022 NFL trade deadline. They officially sent two draft picks and Chase Edmonds in exchange for Chubb and a draft pick. Chubb has already recorded 5.5 sacks during the 2022 NFL season. His output could potentially increase significantly in the Dolphins' aggressive defensive scheme.

#1 - Christian McCaffrey to the San Francisco 49ers

San Francisco 49ers RB Christian McCaffrey

While he has had an extensive injury history, Christian McCaffrey is still one of the best running backs in the NFL when healthy. He's one of only three players in NFL history to record 1,000 rushing yards and 1,000 receiving yards in the same season.

The Carolina Panthers are officially entering a rebuild, starting with firing head coach Matt Rhule. They then proceeded to trade McCaffrey to the San Francisco 49ers for four draft picks. This move makes the 49ers instant Super Bowl contenders. McCaffrey should thrive in one of the most favorable running back systems in the entire NFL.