NFL Trade Deadline 2014: Date, End Time and Teams in Need of a Shake-Up

Don't look now, but the NFL trade deadline is nearly here. For those who weren't aware that the league's end date is set for Oct. 28 this year, you likely aren't alone.

Not typically seen as one of the most exciting trade deadlines in professional sports, the NFL could see some changes to notable franchises at the end of October. With the midway point in the season coming up soon for every team, moves might be on the horizon.

A dud of a trade deadline last season caused Andrew Brandt of Sports Illustrated to share his thoughts compared to other sports:

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It’s rare when an opportunity to create conversation around the NFL falls short compared to other major sports leagues. There’s more “buzz” around the NBA (late February) and MLB (late July) deadlines than there is for the NFL. …

As with many things, the NFL trading deadline—this year and all years—is more smoke than fire. Even when players are moved, the impact appears limited at best. Football and trading don’t appear to be a consistently workable complement.

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But this year will be different, right? Several franchises are on the cusp of a playoff berth but simply need one player to put them over the top. The only problem is acquiring said player from a franchise willing to deal him.

Prior to the (hopefully) eventful deadline, here's a look at the exact date, cutoff time and teams that need to make a deal to improve the franchise.

Trade Deadline Date: Tuesday, Oct. 28

End Time: 4 p.m. ET

New York Giants Should Search for Veteran Wide Receiver

USA TODAY Sports

As fast as the turnaround was for the New York Giants, the team's most recent loss set it back yet again. Not only was the defeat deflating, the Giants also likely lost Victor Cruz for the season due to a torn patellar tendon, via Dan Graziano of ESPN.com.

Not all hope is lost for the Giants at 3-3, but Eli Manning certainly needs some help in the receiving corps. Coach Tom Coughlin discussed the significance of Cruz to the team's offense, per Art Stapleton of The Record:

Stapleton also shared his own thoughts on the experienced wideout:

Allowing Hakeem Nicks to walk in the offseason and the loss of Cruz has left the team depleted. Possible suitors are tough to predict, but it's obvious the Giants are in need of a leader in the passing game.

Sure, Rueben Randle and Odell Beckham can make a huge dent with Eli Manning under center, but neither offers the reliable target that Cruz was for New York. In a year where the team still has hopes of making the playoffs, adding a stopgap at receiver seems crucial to reach that goal.

New Orleans Saints Need Help at Depleted Safety Spot

Scott Cunningham/Getty Images

In the offseason, the New Orleans Saints made a huge addition with Jairus Byrd to improve an already great defense.

Unfortunately, neither of those held up, as Byrd is lost for the season and the Saints are 2-3 behind horrid defensive play. Rafael Bush has registered 22 tackles and one for a loss, but he hasn't been the cog the Saints need at the position.

Tom Mantzouranis of Sports Illustrated offered his take on the replacement:

Much like the Giants, this is not a position the team needs to boost for the long-term future. Byrd's potential return next season would fill the spot, but to compete with the likes of the Carolina Panthers and Atlanta Falcons the Saints need to make a move.

If another franchise has an expendable free safety, New Orleans should think seriously about pushing to bolster the position. The team might be out of the playoff picture for now, but improving the defense might push the Saints back into the NFC South chase.

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