NFL Trade-Block Big Board Ahead of Week 8

The 2019 NFL trade deadline is on the immediate horizon. After 4 p.m. ET on Oct. 29, teams won't be able to make trades until the start of the new league year, leaving just one week of action before the cutoff.

The trade market has already heated up, as players like Jalen Ramsey, Marcus Peters, Gareon Conley and Austin Corbett have been dealt recently. There will likely be more activity in the coming days.

Who are the top players who might be traded in the final week? That's precisely what we'll examine here. As was the case all season long, players were gauged on both on-field ability and the likelihood of availability.

The Selection Process

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To get to our top 10 trade targets, we're starting with an initial list of 15 players who are or could be on the trade block. These players were then weighted in order of trade availability and talent level. Points were assigned in each category—from one to 15—and the combined totals were used to determine the top 10.

There are some additions to this week's list based on recent trade rumors. For example, the Atlanta Falcons have placed pass-rusher Vic Beasley Jr. on the block, according to ESPN's Jordan Schultz.

Players like Melvin Gordon III and C.J. Beathard are coming off the list. The Los Angeles Chargers will likely need Gordon if they're going to get back into the AFC West race, while the quarterback market has cooled considerably thanks to the strong play of guys like Teddy Bridgewater, Kyle Allen and Gardner Minshew II.

This week's initial-15 list in no particular order is:

• Trent Williams, OT, Washington Redskins
• Vic Beasley Jr., DE, Atlanta Falcons
• Giovani Bernard RB, Cincinnati Bengals
• A.J. Green, WR, Cincinnati Bengals
• Artie Burns, CB, Pittsburgh Steelers
• Adrian Peterson, RB, Washington Redksins
• Kenyan Drake, RB, Miami Dolphins
• DeVante Parker, WR, Miami Dolphins
• Tyler Eifert, TE, Cincinnati Bengals
• Solomon Thomas, DE, San Francisco 49ers
• Austin Hooper, TE, Atlanta Falcons
• Chris Harris Jr., CB, Denver Broncos
• Patrick Peterson, CB, Arizona Cardinals
• Giovani Bernard, RB, Cincinnati Bengals
• Leonard Williams, DE, New York Jets

10. Chris Harris Jr., CB, Denver Broncos

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ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Tuesday the Denver Broncos traded wideout Emmanuel Sanders to the San Francisco 49ers. The Atlanta Falcons also dealt wideout Mohamed Sanu to the New England Patriots.

That's why cornerback is one of the positions most in demand, which is why the Broncos might still find value by dealing Chris Harris Jr.

A Harris deal feels less likely both because Denver has already traded one significant piece this week and because it gave Harris a pay raise in the offseason to keep him. Still, the Broncos appear to be in seller mode, so it's hard to believe the veteran can't be had for the right price.

According to Benjamin Allbright of KOA 850 AM, the Philadelphia Eagles have already expressed interest in Harris. Expect other cornerback-needy teams to do so before the deadline, as well.

Potential Destinations: Philadelphia Eagles, Kansas City Chiefs

9. Patrick Peterson, CB, Arizona Cardinals

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In terms of talent, Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson is up there with the best of them. He's an eight-time Pro Bowler and a legitimate difference-maker in the secondary.

However, Peterson ranks near the bottom here because the Cardinals are still in contention at 3-3-1 and have shown no interest in dealing him.

"I don't know why the questions persist," general manager Steve Keim told Arizona Sports 98.7 FM last week, per the team's official website. "I have addressed it multiple times, last week or a couple of weeks ago—we are not trading Patrick Peterson."

It's impossible to say never when it comes to trades, of course, which is why Peterson still makes the list. Expect cornerback-needy teams like the Eagles to at least make calls before Tuesday.

Potential Destinations: Philadelphia Eagles, Oakland Raiders

8. Kenyan Drake, RB, Miami Dolphins

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Miami Dolphins running back Kenyan Drake may not be at the top of many fan wish lists. He's rushed for just 174 yards on 3.7 yards per carry this season. However, he does add value as a pass-catcher—he has 174 more yards on 22 receptions—and is only 25 years old.

According to Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald, the Dolphins have fielded several calls about Drake.

Teams interested in adding a pass-catching back or intrigued by Drake's potential—he's averaged 4.6 yards per carry in his career—could offer a late-round pick. Teams that need running-back depth, like the Cardinals, could also look into acquiring him.

Arizona recently showed interest in veteran backs like Spencer Ware and Jay Ajayi, according to the team's official website.

Potential Destinations: Arizona Cardinals, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

7. A.J. Green, WR, Cincinnati Bengals

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Wide receiver A.J. Green continues to be sidelined with an ankle injury. The Cincinnati Bengals continue to lose football games without him. At some point, Green's value on the trade market has to outweigh his value to Cincinnati's 2019 season.

The question is whether the Bengals can deal Green without getting him on the field. According to Schefter, he isn't expected to play until after the trade deadline. Any team that acquires him would be gambling on his recovery from offseason surgery and ability to play this season, as he's scheduled to become a free agent in the offseason.

Though both the Patriots and the 49ers have dealt for wide receivers this week, there are still plenty of receiver-needy teams that could show interested in the seven-time Pro Bowler. The Indianapolis Colts, for example, have struggled to find a reliable No. 2 wideout opposite T.Y. Hilton.

Potential Destinations: Indianapolis Colts, Carolina Panthers

6. Tyler Eifert, TE, Cincinati Bengals

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Green isn't higher on the big board because he has yet to show he's healthy. The same cannot be said about Bengals tight end Tyler Eifert.

Eifert landed on injured reserve with a broken ankle after just four games last season. However, he's suited up for all seven games this year, catching 17 passes for 118 yards and a touchdown. While he hasn't played at the level of his Pro Bowl campaign of 2015, Eifert remains a capable pass-catcher and a big red-zone threat.

A team like the Seattle Seahawks—who recently placed Will Dissly on injured reserve—could show interest in Eifert. According to NFL Media's Ian Rapoport, the Seahawks should be in the market for a tight end ahead of the deadline.

Potential Destinations: Seattle Seahawks, New England Patriots

5. Leonard Williams, DE, New York Jets

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New York Jets defensive lineman Leonard Williams offered a good look at what he can do Monday night. In the third quarter against the New England Patriots, Williams pressured Tom Brady, made contact and forced an interception that briefly gave the Jets some momentum.

Schefter reported earlier this month that "multiple teams" have shown interest in the 2015 first-round pick.

While Williams hasn't developed into a premier pass-rusher, he's a versatile down lineman who can play multiple positions and roles for a defense. Teams that have struggled to anchor against the run, like the Cardinals, should inquire about his availability before the deadline.

Potential Destinations: Arizona Cardinals, Los Angeles Chargers

4. DeVante Parker, WR, Miami Dolphins

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There hasn't been as much trade chatter about Dolphins wideout DeVante Parker as teammate Kenyan Drake. However, Parker is arguably the more attractive trade option. He's one of the few legitimate playmakers on the Dolphins offense, catching 18 passes for 284 yards and three touchdowns in six games.

The market for wide receivers is hotter than it is for running backs, which also adds to Parker's value.

Schefter mentioned the Carolina Panthers as a team that could be in the market for a receiver before the deadline. If a  team like Carolina does come calling, don't be surprised if the Dolphins listen. They've already traded away Laremy Tunsil, Minkah Fitzpatrick and Kenny Stills in 2019.

Potential Destinations: Carolina Panthers, New York Jets

3. Vic Beasley Jr., OLB, Atlanta Falcons

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Like Leonard Williams, Vic Beasley Jr. has not developed into a top-tier pass-rusher since being drafted in 2015. However, he has shown that ability—he had 15.5 sacks in 2016—and is just 27 years old.

Teams that are looking to boost their pass rush or are willing to bet on his upside should give Atlanta a call. Given that he's reportedly on the trade block, it won't be a shock if more than a few pick up the phone. The Falcons should be inclined to move him, as they're not likely to push for the postseason and are scheduled to lose Beasley to free agency in the offseason.

One team to keep an eye on is the Oakland Raiders. According to Schefter, Oakland is looking at linebackers and pass-rushers ahead of the deadline.

Potential Destinations: Oakland Raiders, Detroit Lions

2. Austin Hooper, TE, Atlanta Falcons

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The Falcons don't appear to be actively shopping tight end Austin Hooper like they are Beasley. However, they could still be willing to deal him for the right price.

"I don't think Atlanta will hang up on teams calling about Austin Hooper," Albert Breer of SI.com recently wrote.

Any team that needs a top-tier tight end should kick the tires on a Hooper trade. He was a Pro Bowler in 2018 and is in line for an even better season in 2019. He had 71 receptions, 660 yards and four touchdowns last season but already has 46 catches, 526 yards and four scores this year.

It wouldn't be a surprise if the Patriots—who are still trying to replace Rob Gronkowski at tight end—were one of the teams to come calling.

Potential Destinations: New England Patriots, Cleveland Browns

1. Trent Williams, OT, Washington Redskins

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Redskins offensive tackle Trent Williams has been at or near the top of the big board all season long. From a talent perspective, he should be. He's a seven-time Pro Bowler and one of the game's best offensive linemen.

The Redskins stubbornly refuse to deal him. According to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo, the Cleveland Browns have repeatedly tried to acquire him but have been rebuffed every time.

Of course, Washington may be holding out until the deadline in order to maximize Williams' trade value, which would make sense. Refusing to trade Williams might send a message, but it does little to benefit the franchise as a whole. For the right offer, Williams could almost certainly be had before the trade deadline.

Potential Destinations: Cleveland Browns, Los Angeles Chargers