2022 NFL Trade Block Big Board Entering Week 6
The first five weeks of the 2022 NFL season have been a wild ride. We've seen shocking upsets, surprising finishes, several key injuries and plenty of parity—there is only one undefeated team and no winless teams remaining.
While unpredictability has reigned supreme, we're finally getting an idea of which teams are potential contenders and which are eying high 2023 draft picks. Both ends of the spectrum are likely to be relevant as we approach the Nov. 1 trade deadline.
Between now and then, we'll check in weekly to determine the top potential trade targets based on factors like salary-cap situations, contract status, projected player roles, team performance, roster depth and any relevant trade buzz.
We'll also examine logical landing spots based on factors like team needs, positional value, cap space and where teams reside in the standings.
The Selection Process
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To create our top 10 list, we have gathered 15 names that could realistically land on the trade block or become coveted trade targets based on the aforementioned criteria.
One big change to the initial list this week involves former Atlanta Falcons linebacker Deion Jones. The six-year veteran fell out of the top 10 last week because we thought his impending return from injured reserve (shoulder) would land him on the Falcons' active roster. Atlanta (2-3) has managed to remain relevant in the NFC South.
Instead, the Falcons traded Jones to the Cleveland Browns on Sunday for a late-round pick swap. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Browns got Jones and a 2024 seventh-rounder for a 2024 sixth-round selection.
Replacing Jones on the list is Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi. The 1-4 Steelers are likely looking at a lost season, and Ogunjobi is a quality defender playing on a one-year deal. If the Steelers continue stumbling, they could flip Ogunjobi for future draft capital.
Once we established the top 15 players, we ranked them on their talent level, positional value and their likelihood of being traded. This week's honorable mentions, in no particular order, are:
- Kamu Grugier-Hill, LB, Houston Texans
- Austin Hooper, TE, Tennessee Titans
- Michael Schofield, G, Chicago Bears
- Daron Payne, DT, Washington Commanders
- Nelson Agholor, WR, New England Patriots
10. Larry Ogunjobi, DT, Pittsburgh Steelers
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The Pittsburgh Steelers added defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi late in the offseason as a one-year rental. Unfortunately, the year isn't going as they might have hoped.
At 1-4 and with a tough stretch looming—the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Miami Dolphins and Philadelphia Eagles are up next—Pittsburgh could easily be 1-7 at the trade deadline. If so, impending free agents like Ogunjobi could become prime trade bait.
Ogunjobi was a star for the Cincinnati Bengals a year ago, finishing with 49 tackles, 12 tackles for loss and a career-high seven sacks. With a base salary of only $1.5 million, his contract shouldn't be difficult to move.
The Detroit Lions, who have the league's worst defense, should be quick to call the Steelers about Ogunjobi if they hope to stay in the playoff mix. Detroit's prolific offense has too often been offset by bad defense, and the Lions have allowed the second-most rushing yards per carry (5.5).
The Los Angeles Chargers have been even worse than the Lions against the run, allowing a a league-high 5.8 yards per carry through the first five weeks. If Pittsburgh is willing to trade Ogunjobi within the conference, this pairing would make perfect sense.
For both the Lions and the Chargers, Ogunjobi's ability to bring an interior pass rush would be a bonus—Chargers pass-rusher Joey Bosa is on injured reserve with a groin injury. Financially, he'd be a fit as well. L.A. has $6.3 million in cap space available, while Detroit has $3.4 million.
Best Fits: Detroit Lions, Los Angeles Chargers
9. Robbie Anderson, WR, Carolina Panthers
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Carolina Panthers wide receiver Robby Anderson is another new addition to our list. With Panthers owner David Tepper finally pulling the plug on head coach Matt Rhule this week, a full-on rebuild could be coming to Carolina.
"Teams will now be calling the Panthers trying to trade for some of their players as they hope Carolina will look to stockpile picks as they rebuild," Fox Sports NFL Insider Jay Glazer tweeted on Monday.
Trading Anderson would save just over $1 million off the 2022 cap but would clear his $22 million cap hit from the 2023 books. The question is whether a team would take on Anderson's contract, seeing as the 29-year-old last posted a 1,000-yard campaign in 2020. His $1 million base salary is at least reasonable.
Greg A. Bedard of Boston Sports Journal reported in March that the New England Patriots had "some interest" in acquiring Anderson in the offseason. If New England believes it can stay in the playoff hunt, that interest could be renewed. The Patriots have $2.5 million in cap space available.
The Indianapolis Colts also could use receiver help and might find a fit for the speedy Anderson. Rookie Alec Pierce has started to show some promise over the last two weeks (12 catches, 161 yards), but their depth behind him and Michael Pittman jr. is lacking. The Colts offense is averaging a modest 5.6 net yards per pass attempt.
Indianapolis has $7.4 million in cap space available.
Best Fits: New England Patriots, Indianapolis Colts
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8. Mason Rudolph, QB, Pittsburgh Steelers
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Pittsburgh Steelers first-round rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett took over for Mitch Trubisky in Week 4, and he was named the starter ahead of last week's matchup with the Buffalo Bills. Pickett will presumably remain the starter moving forward, which leaves no defined role for No. 3 quarterback Mason Rudolph.
Rudolph, who is playing on a one-year, $5.1 million contract, could become trade bait for a quarterback-needy team. He's never been a high-level starter, but he has gone 5-4-1 across his 10 career starts.
The New England Patriots could have some level of interest in Rudolph. Mac Jones is dealing with an ankle sprain, and backup Brian Hoyer (concussion) is on injured reserve. Seventh-round rookie Bailey Zappe helped deliver a win in Week 5, but New England could still benefit from proven veteran depth.
The Carolina Panthers may also be in the quarterback market, as Baker Mayfield is dealing with a high ankle sprain. A source told ESPN's Adam Schefter that Mayfield will be out for "at least a couple of weeks."
With Sam Darnold (ankle) still on injured reserve, the rebuilding Panthers could use a fill-in signal-caller. The only healthy quarterback on the roster is PJ Walker, who has two career starts on his resume.
Carolina has $9.2 million in cap space.
Best Fits: New England Patriots, Carolina Panthers
7. Denzel Mims, WR, New York Jets
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New York Jets wide receiver Denzel Mims still hasn't appeared in a game this season, as the 3-2 Jets continue to rely on other young players like Elijah Moore, Garrett Wilson and running back Breece Hall.
Since the Jets are currently in the playoff mix, they might look to retain Mims for insurance purposes. That's why he's dropped a few spots here since last week. However, the Jets did field trade calls for Mims before the season, according to SNY's Connor Hughes,
According to Hughes, the Jets wanted a fourth-round pick for Mims back in August. But at this point, it might make more sense for them to seek a player at a different position who can contribute right away.
The 4-1 Minnesota Vikings—who were one of the teams interested in Mims, per Hughes—could use additional depth behind standout Justin Jefferson. Adam Thielen is their only other wideout with at least 200 receiving yards through five weeks. Jefferson, Thielen and K.J. Osborn are the only wideouts with more than 13 receiving yards on the season.
Minnesota has only $1.7 million in cap space available, but that's enough for Mims, who has a $1.5 million cap hit this season.
The Chicago Bears, who have nearly $7.0 million in cap space, could also be in the receiver market. They're looking to get a read on second-year quarterback Justin Fields, but they lack quality receivers aside from Darnell Mooney.
"Expect the Bears to be active in the receiver market in a few weeks before the trade deadline," CBS Sports' Jonathan Jones said on air last month.
The Bears took a flier on N'Keal Harry this offseason. Taking a flier on another young receiver at the deadline would make perfect sense.
Best Fits: Minnesota Vikings, Chicago Bears
6. Kenny Golladay, WR, New York Giants
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Kenny Golladay of the New York Giants is another receiver who has fallen down our list since last week. The 4-1 Giants are dealing with receiver injuries, and Golladay isn't healthy himself.
Golladay (knee), Wan'Dale Robinson (knee) and Kadarius Toney (hamstring) all missed Sunday's win over the Green Bay Packers. New York already lost Sterling Shepard for the year to a torn ACL. Though Golladay isn't at 100 percent, the Giants may want to see how its injuries play out before dealing a receiver.
With that said, the Giants do appear willing to move Golladay if the injury concerns are alleviated. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Giants are willing to pay a chunk of the $31.4 million in dead money remaining on Golladay's deal to unload him.
"The Giants could trade Golladay to an interested party, and likely the only way it would work is if New York pays the bulk of his contract in exchange for a late-round pick, sources say," Rapoport wrote. "That is a possibility."
The Los Angeles Rams could be interested in Golladay, though his $13 million base salary would be difficult for them to absorb. The offseason acquisition of Allen Robinson II (107 yards and one touchdown) isn't paying off, and L.A. doesn't have a reliable second option opposite Cooper Kupp.
Golladay was a Pro Bowler in Detroit with Matthew Stafford as his signal-caller.
The Colts could also use receiving help, though again, Golladay's salary could be a problem. If Indy could clear enough cap space, Golladay could be a fine fit next to Alec Pierce and Michael Pittman Jr.
Best Fits: Los Angeles Rams, Indianapolis Colts
5. Sidney Jones IV, CB, Seattle Seahawks
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Seattle Seahawks cornerback Sidney Jones IV is moving up the list largely because he doesn't seem to have a role in Seattle. While Jones dealt with a concussion early in the season, he's been a healthy scratch in two of the past three weeks.
If Seattle isn't going to utilize Jones, another team could.
Jones was an 11-game starter last season and allowed an opposing passer rating of only 84.3 in coverage. He's playing on a reasonable one-year, $3.6 million deal that should be easy enough for Seattle to move. Good cornerbacks at fair price points typically aren't easy to find at the trade deadline.
The Baltimore Ravens should put in a call to Seattle immediately. While Baltimore's pass defense fared better against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 6 (190 yards allowed), it still ranks dead last in the NFL. Baltimore has also allowed an average of 6.5 net yards per pass attempt this season.
With $2.4 million in cap space, Baltimore could take on Jones' $1.6 million base salary.
The Detroit Lions could use a boost in their secondary, too. They rank 29th in net yards per pass attempt (7.4) surrendered.
Best Fits: Baltimore Ravens, Detroit Lions
4. Clelin Ferrell, Edge, Las Vegas Raiders
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Las Vegas Raiders pass-rusher Clelin Ferrell remains high on our list due to his likely availability. The 2019 fourth overall pick hasn't played a big role as of yet this season.
Ferrell played only 33 percent of the defensive snaps during Monday's loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. He has just one quarterback pressure on the season and has only 1.5 sacks since the start of the 2021 campaign.
The Raiders aren't likely to get much in return for Ferrell, but they could save roughly $4.8 million by trading him. That might be enough reason for the 1-4 Raiders to flip him.
While Ferrell doesn't offer much in the way of recent production, his untapped potential is intriguing. The Clemson product logged 4.5 sacks as a rookie and 21 quarterback pressures in 2020.
The Cleveland Browns might be willing to take a chance on Ferrell. They're clearly in buying mode after their acquisition of Deion Jones and lack depth behind Jadeveon Clowney and Myles Garrett. Despite having two big names on the edge, Cleveland has logged only nine sacks so far this season.
The Arizona Cardinals have been even worse at getting after opposing passers. Ironically, Arizona's pass rush was hurt by Chandler Jones' decision to sign with Las Vegas in free agency. The Cardinals have a league-low six sacks on the season.
Cleveland leads the NFL with $34.6 million in cap space. Arizona has just $5.1 million available.
Best Fits: Cleveland Browns, Arizona Cardinals
3. D'Ernest Johnson, RB, Cleveland Browns
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While the Cleveland Browns may be deadline buyers, it should surprise no one if they trade away third-string running back D'Ernest Johnson.
Johnson had a breakout campaign as a role player and spot-starter last season, finishing with 534 rushing yards, 137 receiving yards and three total touchdowns. Cleveland brought him back on a one-year, $1.2 million contract this offseason.
However, Johnson has barely been seen this season, playing only one offensive snap and logging zero carries. It's clear that as long as Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt are healthy, Johnson won't be a part of the offensive game plan.
As a potential starter, Johnson should intrigue a few teams. The Los Angeles Rams are one, since they're getting almost nothing from their ground game. The Rams are averaging only 3.2 yards per carry as a team, and Cam Akers (3.0 YPC) has been one of 2022's biggest busts.
The Rams have $4.9 million in cap space available.
The Miami Dolphins might also want to consider Johnson. While Miami added Raheem Mostert and Chase Edmonds during the offseason, its ground game continues to underwhelm.
Miami, which has now lost two in a row, is averaging only 3.9 yards per carry. The Dolphins, who have $7.8 million in cap space, could use a spark in the backfield. Johnson could provide it.
Best Fits: Los Angeles Rams, Miami Dolphins
2. Robert Quinn, Edge, Chicago Bears
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Chicago Bears pass-rusher Robert Quinn remains high on our list even though he hasn't been particularly impressive thus far this season.
The 32-year-old has only one sack and five quarterback pressures heading into Thursday's game against the Washington Commanders. Last season, though, Quinn tallied 18.5 sacks and 34 quarterback pressures.
Teams haven't been particularly pass-heavy against Chicago this season, which has limited Quinn's opportunities. The Bears have had the second-fewest passes thrown against them (143) in the NFL this season.
Quinn's $12.8 million base salary isn't outlandish, and there's a real chance that he could regain his 2021 form with a different squad.
The Cleveland Browns should consider adding Quinn to their rotation, especially since they're one of the few teams that could afford to add him outright. The Los Angeles Chargers are another team that should consider Quinn, although they currently have only $6.3 million in cap space.
The Chargers have logged 11 sacks this season, but they recently placed star sack artist Joey Bosa on injured reserve with a groin injury. Adding Quinn before the trade deadline might help them keep up with the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC West.
Best Fits: Cleveland Browns, Los Angeles Chargers
1. Christian McCaffrey, RB, Carolina Panthers
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Carolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey jumps to the top of our list following Matt Rhule's dismissal on Monday.
According to Jeff Howe of The Athletic, the Panthers "don’t intend to move the face of their franchise" just because Rhule is out. However, if trading McCaffrey landed Carolina the draft capital it needs to finally find a franchise quarterback, doing so would make plenty of sense. It just might not be easy from a financial standpoint.
McCaffrey is in the first year of a four-year, $64.1 million extension that he signed in 2020. While the deal has a $1 million base salary in 2022, Carolina would likely have to restructure McCaffrey's contract to trade him or find a way to absorb the $27.1 million in dead money remaining.
If the Panthers do trade McCaffrey without restructuring his contract, $18.4 million of his dead-cap charge would be on their books for 2023. While eating that money isn't appetizing, it may be necessary.
"The Panthers will have to eat salary to move guys like CMC and Robbie Anderson and the expectation around the industry... is that they will be very willing to do just that," Jason La Canfora of the Washington Post tweeted.
The Buffalo Bills, who reached out to Carolina in the offseason, per Joe Person of The Athletic, could be one potential suitor. Adding McCaffrey would be a financial challenge for the Bills, who have only $1.7 million in cap space. However, this is the sort of win-now move that could push them into the Super Bowl.
The Los Angeles Rams made similar moves—trading for Von Miller and signing Odell Beckham Jr.—last season. It wouldn't be a shock to see general manager Les Snead make a play for McCaffrey at the deadline this year. Snead has never been afraid to swing for the fences on the trade market, and L.A. could desperately use more backfield help.
Best Fits: Buffalo Bills, Los Angeles Rams
Advanced statistics from Pro Football Reference. Contract and cap information via Spotrac.
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