NFL Trade Rumors: Grading the Best and Worst of the Deadline's Deals

Yesterday’s NFL trade deadline had way more action than anyone could have predicted.

Fueled by a few upstart teams looking to continue their surprising dominance this season, and in the future, as well as one team just looking to get something going on offense, we saw three big trades go down within about 24 hours.

Let’s break these trades down and find out who won and who lost in each deal.

Bengals’ Carson Palmer to Raiders for 2012 First-Round Pick and Conditional 2013 Draft Pick

The Raiders needed to swing a deal for a QB before the deadline. They lost incumbent starter Jason Campbell to a broken collarbone for the season, and would not make the playoffs with backups Kyle Boller or Terrelle Pryor.

The team is 4-2 and could seriously challenge for the AFC West title if Palmer plays up to his ability.

Oakland hasn’t made the playoffs since 2002, and I think it’s completely worth it to give up a first rounder this year and a second rounder (first round if they make the AFC Championship game) next year in exchange for a postseason trip.

Obviously, if he doesn’t lead them there, it’s a complete waste.

The Bengals absolutely got the best end of this deal. Palmer was "retired" and widely expected to never play football again because of Mike Brown’s reluctance to trade him.

Now, they have two huge draft picks that they can continue their incredible rebuilding effort with.

Raiders Grade: B, Bengals Grade: A+

Broncos’ Brandon Lloyd to Rams for 2012 Conditional Fifth-Round Pick

I don’t understand this trade for either side, although I will try to break down the reasons for it getting done.

Lloyd obviously wasn’t a fit in John Fox’s system, and he has a history of being a malcontent when a team isn't performing.

However, the Broncos are about to start an inexperienced QB in Tim Tebow and they could use all the help possible to make that transition easier.

The Rams season is over. They are 0-5 and look like one of the worst teams in the league.

They are only giving up a fifth-round pick, but they have not offered Lloyd a new contract.

Essentially, this is a waste of a draft selection if they do not resign Lloyd and only use him as a rental during this waste of a season.

Broncos Grade: C-, Rams Grade: F+

Eagles’ Ronnie Brown to Lions for Jerome Harrison and Undisclosed 2013 Draft Pick

This is a great trade for both sides.

Brown is going to be a fit for the Lions in Jahvid Best’s possible absence and the two will make a good platoon when they are both healthy.

The Lions sorely lacked a powerful runner like Brown, who can run between the tackles and handle short-yardage situations.

Jerome Harrison is going to be a great fit as an Eagle again because he already knows the playbook and should be backing up LeSean McCoy right away.

He was rotting away on the Lions' bench and has been a healthy scratch most games.

The draft pick just sweetens the deal for Philadelphia, and this was one of the best trades I have ever seen happen.

Eagles Grade: A+, Lions Grade: A