The Player Every NFL Team Should Shop at the Trade Deadline
There are typically two types of teams heading into the NFL trade deadline: those looking to add talent for this season and those looking to add assets for the future. That doesn't mean, however, that deadline buyers won't be willing to part with players as part of the trading process.
With that in mind, we're going to examine the one player on each franchise who should be shopped ahead of Tuesday's deadline. These aren't necessarily the most valuable trade candidates but those whose trades would best fit what franchises are trying to accomplish.
The 1-5 New York Jets, for example, would likely get a lot of value in return for running back Le'Veon Bell. However, that wouldn't fit the team's goal of protecting and developing Sam Darnold over the long-term. The undefeated San Francisco 49ers might be able to part with one of their running backs to acquire a much-needed receiver, but that wouldn't fit their identity as a run-heavy team.
Teams are listed in alphabetical order.
Arizona Cardinals: CB Patrick Peterson
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The Arizona Cardinals aren't interested in trading eight-time Pro Bowl cornerback Patrick Peterson.
"I have addressed it multiple times, last week or a couple of weeks ago—we are not trading Patrick Peterson," general manager Steve Keim told Doug and Wolf, per Darren Urban of the team's official website.
The Cardinals are 3-3-1 and still in playoff contention, so this stance makes sense. However, it would also make sense for Arizona to at least see what it can get for the 29-year-old. Peterson is scheduled to be a free agent after the 2020 season and doesn't figure to be a key factor in what should be the Cardinals' long-term goal.
That goal is developing Kyler Murray into a franchise quarterback. If the Cardinals can get a first-round pick or more for Peterson—the Jacksonville Jaguars just got two for Jalen Ramsey—that could be what's needed to build a top-tier offensive line around Murray.
Atlanta Falcons: OLB Vic Beasley Jr.
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Vic Beasley Jr. has not developed into a consistently dominant pass-rusher for the Atlanta Falcons. He is in the final year of his contract, while the Falcons are staring into a lost season. Atlanta can see what it could get for Beasley—and that appears to be the plan.
According to ESPN's Jordan Schultz, the Falcons put Beasley on the trading block.
Beasley had a 15.5-sack season in 2016, so the potential for him to be a star is there. Atlanta should capitalize on that potential and ship the 2015 first-round pick to a contending team to gain assets for the rebuild that is likely coming.
Baltimore Ravens: RB Gus Edwards
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There doesn't appear to be a huge market for running backs right now, though there are a few potential contenders who could use help at the position—such as the Chicago Bears, who are averaging just 70 rushing yards per game.
While the Baltimore Ravens are a run-first and run-heavy team, second-year running back Gus Edwards could be considered expendable. Baltimore has veteran Mark Ingram II and rookie Justice Hill and may be able to get some defensive help in return for Edwards.
In 11 games last season, Edwards rushed for 718 yards and an impressive 5.2 yards per carry. He's averaging 4.5 yards per tote this season.
With safety Tony Jefferson on injured reserve and linebacker Pernell McPhee headed there, it would be worth it for the Ravens to at least explore Edwards' trade value.
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Buffalo Bills: RB T.J. Yeldon
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The Buffalo Bills also have a depth running back sandwiched between an established veteran and a promising rookie. In Buffalo's case, the tandem of Frank Gore and rookie Devin Singletary appears capable of leading the backfield, while T.J. Yeldon seems to be more of an afterthought.
While Yeldon has had some value as a pass-catcher—he has 10 receptions for 100 yards—he has only 10 touches in the running game. It's likely the Buffalo offense wouldn't suffer if Yeldon were dealt.
Yeldon could have some value on the trade market too, at least among teams that value pass-catching backs. In four seasons with the Jaguars, he averaged just over 42 receptions per year.
Carolina Panthers: TE Ian Thomas
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Last year, the Carolina Panthers used a fourth-round draft pick on former Indiana tight end Ian Thomas. Though he played sparingly when Greg Olsen was healthy, he did start six games and flashed plenty of potential—particularly late in the season.
In Carolina's final five games, Thomas caught 25 passes for 246 yards and two touchdowns. One would assume he'd have a place in the offense this season, but he hasn't. Though he's appeared in all six games, Thomas has yet to produce a catch and has just one target.
The Panthers have a high-end starter in Olsen, who is signed through 2020. Carolina should see what Thomas might bring in a trade based on his 2018 production. Teams who need tight end help—such as the Cleveland Browns and New England Patriots—could be willing to bite.
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Carolina is in the market for a wide receiver. Perhaps a deal could be struck for one of Cleveland's underutilized targets.
Chicago Bears: TE Trey Burton
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The Bears passing game hasn't been clicking in 2019, and tight end Trey Burton has suffered as much as any pass-catcher on the roster. After posting 54 catches, 569 yards and six touchdowns last season, he's caught just 13 passes for 68 yards in five games this year.
If the Bears cannot use Burton, they should see if there's another team out there that can.
For Chicago, this could be a cost-cutting move, as Burton is on a four-year, $32 million contract. He'll have $7.5 million in dead money remaining on the deal after the season, so parting with him in the offseason isn't exactly an enticing option.
There are likely teams out there willing to absorb Burton's contract while giving the Bears something of value in return. The New England Patriots, for example, could use an athletic pass-catching tight end, as they're still searching for a capable replacement for Rob Gronkowski.
Cincinnati Bengals: WR A.J. Green
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The Cincinnati Bengals have shown little interest in trading wide receiver A.J. Green, but there aren't many reasons to rebuke the idea. Green is in the final year of his contract, and Cincinnati isn't going to make a postseason push in 2019.
If anything, the Bengals are likely headed toward a top-five 2020 draft pick.
A full-on rebuild is likely coming, and dealing Green could add to Cincinnati's draft capital.
According to CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora, the Bengals might have gotten a first-round pick for Green earlier this month. That seems less likely now, as he continues to recover from ankle surgery, but it would be foolish for Cincinnati to leave his trade market unexplored.
Cleveland Browns: CB T.J. Carrie
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Cornerback T.J. Carrie has started four games for the Cleveland Browns this season, primarily because the starting duo of Denzel Ward and Greedy Williams has been sidelined with hamstring injuries. According to the team's official website, however, both Ward and Williams were "getting close" to returning last week.
Having depth at cornerback is important, but the Browns have more pressing needs—such as along the offensive line. If Ward and Williams are healthy ahead of the trade deadline, Cleveland should test the market for Carrie.
There is no shortage of cornerback-needy teams, even among contenders. The Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles are just two. Ideally, the Browns would get back an offensive lineman, but even a draft pick could help them solidify their line for the 2020 season.
Dallas Cowboys: C Joe Looney
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The Browns aren't in the market for an interior offensive lineman, but other teams could be. The Patriots, for example, lost starting center David Andrews before the season. This is precisely why the Dallas Cowboys should check out the market for backup center Joe Looney.
Looney started all 16 games in place of Travis Frederick in 2018 after Frederick was diagnosed with Guillain-Barre syndrome. Frederick is now healthy, though, and has started all seven games for Dallas.
While it's great to have offensive line depth, Looney has proved himself a capable starter and therefore has trade value. He's also in the final year of his contract, meaning Dallas may not have him on the depth chart beyond this season.
Denver Broncos: CB Chris Harris Jr.
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ESPN' Adam Schefter reported Tuesday the Denver Broncos traded wideout Emmanuel Sanders to the 49ers, but Denver may get more in trade value out of cornerback Chris Harris Jr.
In addition to the Sanders trade, the Patriots dealt for Falcons receiver Mohamed Sanu. But Harris plays a position that appears to be in even more demand.
The Eagles, for example, tried to land Jalen Ramsey before he was dealt to the Los Angeles Rams—at least according to Philadelphia center Jason Kelce in an interview with SportsRadio 94WIP.
At 2-5, the Broncos are a long shot to make the postseason and should at least consider trading valuable players such as Harris.
Detroit Lions: DT Damon Harrison
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The Detroit Lions run defense has struggled—allowing 139.2 yards per game on the ground—and defensive tackle Damon Harrison Sr. believes he has been part of the problem.
"It really starts with me up front. I have to do a better job in the middle in getting some of those plays I'm used to making that I'm not making this year," he said, per Justin Rogers of the Detroit News.
While Harrison has not been the dominant run-stuffer he's been in the past, he is a talented and respected veteran who could command interest on the trade market. The Lions owe it to themselves to see what sort of interest is there.
A change of scenery might benefit Harrison, and there are some other contenders—such as the Kansas City Chiefs—who have struggled mightily against the run this season. The Detroit run defense is unlikely to get significantly worse.
Green Bay Packers: CB Josh Jackson
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Two drafts ago, the Green Bay Packers used a second-round pick on former Iowa cornerback Josh Jackson. However, Jackson hasn't developed into a reliable starter, and his playing time has decreased this season.
After starting 10 games as a rookie, Jackson has zero starts in seven games in 2019.
The Packers aren't lacking in cornerback depth, but some teams are. And with much demand for the position, several of those teams should be willing to see if they can bring out Jackson's potential.
Green Bay can afford to and should have Jackson on the block.
Houston Texans: TE Darren Fells
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As previously mentioned, teams such as the Patriots and Seattle Seahawks—who recently placed Will Dissly on injured reserve—should be in the market for tight ends at the deadline.
Accordingly, the Houston Texans should at least explore trading Darren Fells. While Fells has been a capable pass-catcher—he has 17 receptions for 186 yards and three touchdowns—Jordan Akins has been the more explosive option.
Akins is averaging 14.2 yards per receptions to Fells' 10.9 and has 213 yards and two touchdowns on 15 grabs.
The Texans could land a wide receiver or help along the offensive line, where things remain a work in progress.
Indianapolis Colts: RB Jordan Wilkins
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The Indianapolis Colts are 4-2 and more likely to be buyers than sellers at the deadline. If they're going to deal a player, though—possibly as part of a trade to help shore up the defense—running back Jordan Wilkins could be expendable.
Wilkins, a 2018 fifth-round pick, has flashed potential. He's averaged 6.4 yards per carry this season and 5.8 yards per carry in his career. However, he hasn't been a consistent piece of the offense since arriving out of Mississippi.
Wilkins has just 81 carries in 22 games, and he isn't a factor in the passing game like fellow backup Nyheim Hines is. Wilkins has three catches this season after 16 last year, while Hines has 19 after he notched 63 as a rookie in 2018.
Jacksonville Jaguars: DT Marcell Dareus
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The Jaguars already traded one notable defender in Jalen Ramsey. They should test the market for another, seeing what kind of return they can get for defensive tackle Marcell Dareus.
There are two reasons to consider dealing Dareus. One if financial, as he has a $22.5 million option for 2020. If the Jaguars don't exercise it, he'll be gone. As is the case for many teams on this list, Jacksonville should see if it can get anything in return before then./
The other reason is that 2018 first-round pick Taven Bryan is waiting in the wings. The former Florida standout has produced just eight tackles and a sack in limited playing time this season, but he is poised to take over for Dareus whenever the Jaguars part with the veteran.
Kansas City Chiefs: OT Cam Erving
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Chiefs offensive lineman Cam Erving has started five games at left tackle in place of Eric Fisher this season. According to Charles Goldman of Chiefs Wire, Fisher could return Sunday against the Packers.
If he is ready to get back on the field, Kansas City should test the market for Erving.
Originally a first-round draft pick by Cleveland in 2015, Erving has started at guard and tackle and played center in 2016. There are teams that could use help at the first two positions—including the Browns, though a trade back to Cleveland seems unlikely.
The Rams are one possibility, as they tried to acquire guard Joel Bitonio from the Browns before dealing for Austin Corbett. The Patriots, who have lost starters David Andrews and Isaiah Wynn to injury, are another—though the Chiefs may not have interest in helping their AFC rivals.
Los Angeles Chargers: RB Melvin Gordon III
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Los Angeles Chargers running back Melvin Gordon III was a popular trade target—at least among those working the rumor mill—until he ended his holdout in Week 4. With the deadline looming, the Chargers should see if they can still get a windfall for him.
Los Angeles may not keep Gordon beyond 2019. Had he substantially boosted the rushing attack, the Chargers might have been inclined to grant him an extension in the offseason, but he didn't. Gordon is averaging a mere 2.3 yards per carry, less than both Austin Ekeler and Justin Jackson.
The offensive line is a bigger issue for L.A. than running back, and if the Bolts can leverage Gordon for help there, they should. Really, getting anything for him would be beneficial if Los Angeles doesn't plan to re-sign him.
Los Angeles Rams: WR Josh Reynolds
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When Rams wideout Cooper Kupp went down with a torn ACL last season, the team turned to Josh Reynolds. He filled in admirably, starting eight games and catching 29 passes for 402 yards and five touchdowns.
With Kupp healthy—and on a remarkable run—Reynolds has been an afterthought. Despite appearing in all seven games, he has just two catches for 34 yards.
If the Rams are not going to use Reynolds, they may be able to trade him to a team that can. The Texas A&M product has proved he can be a factor when given the opportunity, and there are several teams that appear to be in the wide receiver market. The Panthers and Eagles could be among the teams interested in Reynolds.
Miami Dolphins: RB Kenyan Drake
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The Miami Dolphins are playing for the future. They dealt key players Laremy Tunsil, Kenny Stills and Minkah Fitzpatrick and are in danger of getting out-tanked by the Bengals. So, the Dolphins should continue acquiring assets through the trade market.
One player Miami could leverage is running back Kenyan Drake. Though he hasn't been a reliable runner this season—he's averaging just 3.7 yards per carry—has has been one in the past. He averaged 4.5 yards per carry last season and has averaged 4.6 for his career.
According to Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald, the Dolphins have fielded several calls about Drake. If teams are interested in acquiring the former Alabama standout, Miami might as well make a deal.
Minnesota Vikings: CB Trae Waynes
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CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora reported in February the Minnesota Vikings were shopping cornerback Trae Waynes. A trade never materialized, and Waynes has started all seven games for the Vikings.
That doesn't mean, however, the Vikings shouldn't at least see what they can get for Waynes. There is a hot market for cornerbacks, and Minnesota has depth at the position. Xavier Rhodes is entrenched as the No. 1, and there's also 2018 first-round pick Mike Hughes as well as Mackensie Alexander and Kris Boyd.
Given the market for cornerbacks, the Vikings might be able to land a second- or even a first-round pick for Waynes, who is slated to become a free agent in the offseason.
New England Patriots: RB Rex Burkhead
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Even after acquiring Mohamed Sanu, the Patriots could use receiving help. They could also use depth along the offensive line, which was shaky at best against the Jets in Week 7. And New England has a surplus of players at running back.
The Patriots are loaded at the position. From Sony Michel and James White to Rex Burkhead, Brandon Bolden and rookie Damien Harris, they have a running back for virtually any situation they might encounter.
If New England is going to deal a player, Burkhead would be the logical option. He's proved a valuable offensive piece—he has 229 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown—but other backs on the roster are capable of filling the roles Burkhead does. Michel and Bolden are runners, Bolden is a special teams mainstay while White is one of the NFL's premier receiving backs.
Harris has see very limited action on offense, but he's there to help pick up the slack should the Patriots decide to part with Burkhead.
New Orleans Saints: C Nick Easton
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The New Orleans Saints signed center Nick Easton in free agency to help replace retired three-time Pro Bowler Max Unger. However, they then used a second-round pick on former Texas A&M center Erik McCoy, who promptly won the starting job and has been in the lineup since.
Easton is on a four-year, $22.5 million deal, though only $1.5 million of that is guaranteed beyond this season. Still, the Saints could save money by trading him. That would make sense since Easton has appeared in just three games for New Orleans.
The Patriots are a logical landing spot, but other teams could be interested as well. Easton has started at both center and guard, and versatility is a valuable commodity.
New York Giants: CB Janoris Jenkins
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Cornerback Janoris Jenkins has been inconsistent since joining the New York Giants on a five-year, $62.5 million deal in 2016. He's shown flashes of greatness—he has three interceptions already this season—but has also been a liability.
The Giants, who are 2-5 and likely out of the NFC East mix, should see if a team is willing to bite on Jenkins given the market for pass-defenders.
Jenkins is signed through 2020 and is due to earn $14.8 million next year. While only $3.5 million of that is guaranteed, the Giants should still see if they can move him and get something in return.
New York Jets: CB Trumaine Johnson
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Last offseason, the Jets inked cornerback Trumaine Johnson to a five-year, $72.5 million deal. There will still be $12 million in dead money remaining on that deal after 2019, and the Jets should try to get out from under it while they can.
Johnson has not been the shutdown No. 1 corner New York thought it was paying for. He's only started four of his six games this season and is allowing a 75 percent completion rate to opposing quarterbacks, according to Pro Football Focus.
While Johnson hasn't worked out for the Jets, another team may be willing to gamble on him. He played well enough before arriving in New York to get the franchise tag from the Rams in two consecutive years, and there is a shortage of seasoned pass-defenders in the NFL.
Oakland Raiders: DT Corey Liuget
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After spending his first eight seasons with the Chargers, defensive tackle Corey Liuget signed with the rival Oakland Raiders just before the start of the regular season. Oakland worked him into the lineup slowly, keeping him on the sideline until Week 4.
Though Liuget has been active in each of the past three games, he hasn't had a significant impact. He has just three tackles in limited playing time and hasn't added a lot to the interior pass rush.
With Oakland in the market for linebacker and pass-rush help, Liuget could be dealt. The Raiders were competitive before he stepped on the field and likely wouldn't miss him if it means they can address an area of greater need.
Philadelphia Eagles: OT Halapoulivaati Vaitai
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The Eagles need help at cornerback, and it might not hurt to add a reliable wide receiver to the offense either. There's a chance they could address one of those two positions of need by giving up offensive tackle Halapoulivaati Vaitai.
Vaitai has started for Philadelphia in the past, most notably during the team's 2017 Super Bowl run. He played in place of injured left tackle Jason Peters for the last half of that regular season and the postseason.
That should be enough to garner interest from tackle-needy teams, of which there are several—such as the Browns and Chargers. Vaitai is a luxury for the Eagles, who also have rookie first-round pick Andre Dillard to provide depth. Dillard made his first career start in place of Peters in Week 7.
Pittsburgh Steelers: CB Artie Burns
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It's become obvious the Pittsburgh Steelers are no longer high on cornerback Artie Burns. The 2016 first-round pick started all 16 games in his second season but has made just seven starts since. This season, he played sparingly before an injury to Steven Nelson paved the way to a starting role in Week 6.
Though the Steelers remain in contention in the AFC North, dealing Burns would make sense for the future, especially if Pittsburgh can get a mid-draft pick in return. Given the cornerback market, that wouldn't be outlandish.
Pittsburgh traded its 2020 first-round pick to help acquire Minkah Fitzpatrick and dealt its third-round pick as part of the package to move up for Devin Bush. Any picks the Steelers could get for Burns would be valuable because of the flexibility they might provide during next year's draft.
San Francisco 49ers: DE Solomon Thomas
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The San Francisco 49ers remain undefeated thanks in large part to their dominant defense. Trading away pieces from that unit doesn't seem like a smart move on the surface, but if it helps shore up an area of greater need, it could be beneficial.
Defensive end Solomon Thomas is one player San Francisco could afford to trade away. The 2017 third overall pick hasn't lived up to his draft status, and the 49ers are deep along the defensive line.
Though Thomas does have value as a rotational player, he's often on the bench in favor of guys like Dee Ford, Arik Armstead and Nick Bosa. On a team with less quality line depth—such as the Cardinals or Colts—he may be a starter. The 49ers should see if any of those squads are willing to make a deal.
Seattle Seahawks: RB Rashaad Penny
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It may already be time for the Seahawks to acknowledge that drafting Rashaad Penny in the first round last year was a mistake. The former San Diego State standout has not earned a significant role and has just 25 touches this season.
Seattle has a high-end starter in Chris Carson and little reason to keep Penny around other than his draft status. It could be worth shopping him to see if another team is willing to bet on his upside.
This wouldn't be an unprecedented move, as the Browns flipped 2012 first-rounder Trent Richardson for a first-round pick from the Colts in 2013. While Penny wouldn't net a first-rounder in return, he might bring a receiver or tight end from a team rich in pass-catchers.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: TE O.J. Howard
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Though the Tampa Bay Buccaneers haven't utilized tight end O.J. Howard this season—he has just 13 catches for 176 yards—they may not trade him either.
"I really don't expect the Bucs to deal Howard unless they're just overwhelmed by an offer," The Athletic's Greg Auman wrote.
But the Buccaneers should find out if any team is willing to blow them away. Howard was a first-round pick in 2017 and should provide quite a bit in return. Teams such as the Seahawks—who lost Will Dissly to a season-ending injury—and the Patriots would likely love to have him.
While moving Howard would lessen the Buccaneers' offensive firepower, they would still have a capable tight end in Cameron Brate to fill the pass-catching role.
Tennessee Titans: TE Jonnu Smith
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Even at 3-4, the Tennessee Titans are still in the AFC South race. Therefore, trading key personnel ahead of the deadline may not be in their best interest. However, they could be looking to draft a new quarterback in 2020—they benched Marcus Mariota for Ryan Tannehill in Week 6—so acquiring draft capital would be wise.
Backup tight end Jonnu Smith is a prime trade candidate for that reason. While he isn't likely to garner anything more than a mid-draft pick, there are plenty of tight end-needy teams who could be interested in his services.
Smith flashed potential while filling in for an injured Delanie Walker in 2018, catching 20 passes for 258 yards and three touchdowns. He's caught nine passes for 161 yards this season.
Walker has been healthy this season—though he did play only five snaps in Week 7 because of an ankle injury, and Tennessee has Anthony Firkser and MyCole Pruitt as well. It'd be worth it for the Titans to explore the market for Smith, which could include the Browns.
Washington Redskins: OT Trent Williams
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Teams are interested in Washington Redskins offensive tackle Trent Williams. According to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo, the Browns have repeatedly tried to acquire him, but Washington keeps saying no.
This is a stubborn approach that needs to change ahead of the deadline. It's apparent that team owner Dan Snyder and president Bruce Allen want to send a message to Williams, who steadfastly refuses to suit up in part because he "has lost faith in the team's front office and medical staff," per JP Finlay of NBC Sports Washington.
Sending a message is fine, but it doesn't help the Redskins in the long-term. They need to build a quality team around rookie quarterback Dwayne Haskins. If Williams isn't going to be a part of it, Washington must trade him for players or draft picks.
Yes, the team can revisit the idea of trading Williams in the offseason, but with the 2020 draft on the horizon, his value may not be as high then as it is now.
All contract information via Spotrac.
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