Trade candidates for all 32 NFL teams
The NFL trade deadline is set for October 31st, which is the Tuesday following the completion of Week 8 of the 2023 season. Teams are now entering the final week in which they can add to their rosters via trade. Multiple players are already finding themselves at the center of trade rumors circling the NFL […]
The NFL trade deadline is set for October 31st, which is the Tuesday following the completion of Week 8 of the 2023 season. Teams are now entering the final week in which they can add to their rosters via trade.
Multiple players are already finding themselves at the center of trade rumors circling the NFL scene. We, as a staff here at A to Z Sports, decided to collectively list the most likely trade candidate from every NFL roster.
Arizona Cardinals:
- S Budda Baker
The Cardinals were seen as many to be tanking this season, and their 1-5 record may seem to vindicate that thought process on the surface. Their level of effort and grit through the first six weeks of the season has told a very different story. Still they find themselves at 1-6 at the bottom NFC West. Their status likely has them considering the best way to set themselves up for a successful offseason. And one player who could net them the largest return is S Budda Baker. He has been on the IR with a hamstring injury for the majority of the regular season. As well as requesting a trade prior to the season.
– Destin Adams
Atlanta Falcons:
- RB Cordarrelle Patterson
"The Falcons have quite the RB duo in rookie Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier. Behind them on the Falcons depth chart is yet another talented player in Cordarrelle Patterson. Because he is buried on their depth chart, he's only seen one carry this entire season so far. Patterson is a versatile player who would add a solid pass catcher to any backfield in the NFL. He is also a 4x all pro as a returner which adds another element that could make him attractive via trade across the NFL."
– Destin Adams
Baltimore Ravens:
- WR Rashod Bateman
"Rashod Bateman, who the Baltimore Ravens picked in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, put together a promising rookie campaign with 515 receiving yards. He has not had much to go his way since then, and he is having quite a sluggish third season with Baltimore. Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson has notched a lowly 52.6 passer rating when targeting the former Minnesota wideout this season. As was the case with Kadarius Toney and Elijah Moore, two other players who were selected over the first two rounds of the 2021 NFL Draft, it may be time for Bateman to find a new home in the NFL."
– Steve Zavala
Buffalo Bills:
- CB Kaiir Elam
"Elam has been a healthy scratch after the loss of Tre'Davious White for the season. While Buffalo needs all the bodies they can get, they could package Elam and a 4th round pick for a better prospect at the position. With Christian Benford going late in the same draft and showing that he's the man for the job over Elam, Buffalo could be sellers at the trade deadline and part ways with Elam. While he shined during a few games last season, he just can't find his way consistently on the field with the team looking at giving Ja'Marcus Ingram a shot over him in some situations"
– Adam Zientek
Carolina Panthers:
- Edge Brian Burns
"Arguably, the top talent being floated ahead of the NFL's trade deadline is Panthers edge rusher Brian Burns. The Panthers currently are the only team yet to win a game this season. To add insult to injury, they don't possess their first-rounder for next season. After trading it to the Chicago Bears as a part of their trade to land the number 1 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, which they would use to select QB Bryce Young. If the Panthers decide to be sellers at the deadline to attempt to recoup draft assets, Burns would certainly net them the largest return."
– Destin Adams
Chicago Bears:
- CB Jaylon Johnson
"The Bears had an option to extend Johnson going into the season this summer but elected not to follow through with the negotiations. Johnson instead entered into the final season of his rookie deal and is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent once the season ends. Contending teams needing a boost in the secondary such as the San Francisco 49ers and the Philadelphia Eagles should be more than interested in adding Johnson. If the 24-year-old is no longer in Chicago's long-term plans in the secondary, Poles would be wise to deal him away before he's forced to offer an extension or lose him entirely."
– Kole Noble
Cincinnati Bengals:
- RB Chris Evans
"Don’t expect the Bengals to be sellers unless controversy happens. Cincinnati’s front office has always been on record against making other teams better regardless of how the season is going, so names like Tee Higgins just aren’t going to be moved. A player that could make sense, though, is running back Chris Evans. For whatever reason, he just can’t seem to find the field at all, but is young enough for some GM to maybe take a swing for a late-round pick."
– John Sheeran
Cleveland Browns:
- WR Donovan Peoples-Jones
"After improving each of his first three years, Peoples-Jones has just six catches through the team’s first five games. DPJ did not have a catch against the 49ers and is not being targeted despite being a regular. In a contract year, it would make sense for the Browns to get rid of him before losing him in free agency for nothing since they’re unlikely to resign."
– Brandon Little
Dallas Cowboys:
- WR Michael Gallup
"Michael Gallup hasn't been on the same page as Dak Prescott since his injury at the end of the 2021 NFL season. In Week 6, he had just three catches in 10 targets. With Jalen Tolbert waiting for more playing time, it could make sense for the Cowboys to move on while they can get something in return. That being said, wide receiver is a position where depth is hard to find. I don't see the Cowboys moving for that reason. That's unless they go out there and get an upgrade at the position as they're expected to be buyers."
– Mauricio Rodriguez
Denver Broncos:
- WR Jerry Jeudy
"Jerry Jeudy seems like the most likely player to be traded ahead of this year's trade deadline. The Broncos are rumored to have multiple players available as they attempt to add draft capital as this season seems to be going off the rails as they sit at 2-5. Jeudy has been a part of rumors in the past as the first-round pick hasn't met the expectations that were placed on him after being drafted. This year feels different, though, as many around the league truly believe that he will be dealt this time around."
– Destin Adams
Detroit Lions:
- LB James Houston
"Let's just rip this first one off like a band-aid. Houston has been in trade rumors for quite a while now. I'm talking going back to August before the cut down. There's a reason for this. The rest of the NFL sees a young kid that could be a great pass rusher for the rest of his career. The Lions see that too, but I'm not sure they see much else out of him. This is not me saying that he can't do it, but right now, it looks like Houston is a bit one-dimensional. He can pass rush, but what else can he do?"
– Mike Payton
Green Bay Packers:
- Edge Preston Smith
"Green Bay extended Smith last year, so they wouldn't save much cap space now — around $600k, plus $2.6 million next year. But the savings would be more expressive in 2025 and 2026. The most important point here is that Preston Smith will soon be 31 years old, so his career timeline isn't that adjusted to the rest of the Packers roster. And Green Bay has an intriguing group of young pass rushers, including Rashan Gary and rookie first-rounder Lukas Van Ness. If the Packers are able to flip him for a mid-round pick, it could be a smart move to give young players more playing time. And Preston, as a good run defender, maybe a valuable piece for a contender."
– Wendell Ferreira
Houston Texans:
- QB Davis Mills
"The Houston Texans seem to have found their franchise QB in C.J. Stroud. He is off to a hot start to his NFL career and is the current favorite to win the NFL's Offensive Rookie of the Year. Behind Stround on the Texans depth chart is former starter Davis Mills and veteran Case Keenum. Multiple teams across the NFL could use a reliable backup QB or even a starter for the rest of the season. Mills could possibly be the best option for a team to trade for to fit that bill. Mills is no longer in the Texans long-term plans now that Stroud has taken the reigns of their QB job, but he has shown himself to be a more than serviceable QB in the NFL."
– Destin Adams
Indianapolis Colts:
- TE Mo Alie-Cox
"At some point in the coming weeks, the expectation is that the Colts will take TE Jelani Woods off the IR. And when that happens, the Colts will have a decision to make. Their TE room is crowded, and to bring Woods back, they will likely have to move off of one TE. The simple move would be just to release rookie Will Mallory and hope he makes it back to their practice squad. But If they choose to roll with the youth in the room, they could likely find a team to trade a day three pick for starter Mo Alie-Cox."
– Destin Adams
Jacksonville Jaguars:
- Edge K'Lavon Chaisson
"The Jacksonville Jaguars edge room is filled with former first-round picks. They seem to see both Josh Allen and Travon Walker as their starters going forward. This leaves former first-round pick K'Lavon Chaisson as the odd man out. NFL teams are always looking to add talented edge rushers. And while Chaisson hasn't lived up to his first-round pick status, the raw talent is still there, which could entice teams into trading for the 24 year old edge rusher."
– Destin Adams
Kansas City Chiefs:
- RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire
"The former 2020 first-round draft pick has slid behind Isiah Pacheco and Jerick McKinnon in the pecking order. He also looks like the third-most effective running back on the team to the naked eye. Sure, he knows the system in Kansas City, but a fresh start is eventually coming for No. 25. It’s just a matter of whether the Chiefs want to accelerate that, and if they do, they’d be wise to find a trade partner. He’s still an effective pass-catching back, and the right running backs coach could even turn around that aspect of his game."
– Charles Goldman
Las Vegas Raiders:
- WR Hunter Renfrow
"Hunter Renfrow was signed to a two-year $32 million deal but has yet to see really any production this season. It’s not even his fault, too. Renfrow isn’t seeing the field as much as he would like and is seventh in targets on the team. So, when he is on the field, he has been targeted nine total times. Renfrow brings the ability to play the slot and still has great route running. He just needs a change of scenery."
– Justin Churchill
Los Angeles Chargers:
- RB Isaiah Spiller
"When the Chargers drafted Isaiah Spiller in 2022, many crowned him the team's next starter after Austin Ekeler. His role with the team since, though, has been minimal at best. And even in recent weeks, when Ekeler was sidelined, Spiller hasn't been able to carve out a large role on this team. He has only nine carries on the year. While the Chargers aren't going to get a big return for Spiller, a change of scenery could be best for the running back who is still only 22."
– Destin Adams
Los Angeles Rams:
- WR Demarcus Robinson
"The Rams have already traded one WR this season in Van Jefferson, but another trade at this spot could make some sense. Deep threat Demarcus Robinson has not caught a pass all season with the Rams. And now that Cooper Kupp is back, he is going to have even fewer opportunities. Robinson is at his best when a team utilizes his speed to take the top off the defense, and a contender could use that element for the low price of a late-round pick swap."
– Destin Adams
Miami Dolphins:
- WR Robbie Chosen
"Miami is in terrific shape for its roster, so it's hard seeing where they would give up anyone at this point. Everyone fits a role right now, and with injury concerns on the offensive line and in the secondary, they can't afford to give up anyone noteworthy right now even if they wanted to. If I was to speculate on anyone, it might be at WR, where the team has significant depth, especially after the acquisition of Chase Claypool. If someone wanted to pluck Robbie Chosen from them for a late-round pick swap, that's something that wouldn't be crazy to envision. Otherwise, the Dolphins likely aren't going to part with anyone on their 53-man roster."
– Craig Smith
Minnesota Vikings:
- Edge Danielle Hunter
"Danielle Hunter has been the Viking’s most valuable defender. The veteran has 8 of the team’s 18 sacks on the season. However, Hunter is set to enter free agency after the season, and a contender could use his pass-rushing ability. The Vikes probably prefer to keep Hunter around, but sitting at 3-4, it makes more sense to see what he could bring back."
– Bryce Lazenby
New England Patriots:
- WR Kendrick Bourne
"Kendrick Bourne has been a shining spot despite the Patriots offensive struggles this season. His ability to get open and make plays differs from some of the other veterans on the team. Head coach Bill Belichick has used the phrase "starting over" this season, and with the consistent downfall that is happening this season, a rebuild could be what the team needs. While Bourne is a top target, the Patriots could definitely look to trade him in an attempt to build the team for next season."
– Sophie Weller
New Orleans Saints:
- QB Jameis Winston
"The Saints are getting rookie Jake Haener back this week after he served his suspension. If the team is impressed Haener and believes he can be a longtime backup, it could make veteran Jameis Winston available. With Derek Carr as the clear starter for the team, getting any draft assets for Winston, who is a free agent after this year, to a QB-needy team could make a lot of sense."
– Destin Adams
New York Giants:
- WR Sterling Shepard
"The Giants season hasn't gone the way they planned it, to say the least, which would typically point them to being a seller at the trade deadline. I personally would be shocked if they traded Barkley with the RB market as low as its ever been. But a veteran WR like Sterling Shepard could make sense for a WR needy team around the league. The Giants have gone with younger WRs over him this season, so a change of scenery could be best for both parties here."
– Destin Adams
New York Jets:
- Edge Carl Lawson
"Lawson reworked his deal this year when there were whispers he would be cut as a cap casualty. With the emergence of Jermaine Johnson and the continued ascension of Bryce Huff, Lawson often finds himself as the odd man out. Lawson was even a healthy scratch for the Broncos game. He is still a very good player, but he is a rare surplus for the Jets at defensive end."
– Mike Antoniou
Philadelphia Eagles:
- WR Quez Watkins
"Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Quez Watkins could be a potential trade candidate. With the addition of Julio Jones and Olamide Zaccheaus’ ability to step up, there might not be a place left for Watkins on the active roster once he’s cleared to return from injured reserve (hamstring). Sure, 34-year-old Jones will have to prove himself, but if he does, then Watkins will only bury himself deeper on the depth chart, which means a new home would give him a better chance at seeing more playing time. Prior to his injury setback, Watkins had caught 4 passes for 21 yards in three games."
– Kelsey Kramer
Pittsburgh Steelers:
- CB Levi Wallace
"Wallace has been up and down this year, but he did have his best game of the season on prime time vs the Raiders on SNF. He had two interceptions, four pass breakups, and six tackles, all of which were season-highs. Pair that with the fact that he’s in his prime at 28 years old, and he could be of use to a zone-heavy defense willing to part ways with a mid-day three selection as Joey Porter Jr. looks to increase his game reps."
– Rob Gregson
San Francisco 49ers:
- RB Elijah Mitchell
"Severely reduced role with CMC as the lead back. Has only carried the ball 18 times for 49 yards this year. Missed two games with a knee injury after only playing in five in 2022. Has credit in the bank with Shanahan after leading the team in rushing as a rookie, and a trade would leave them with backups who are shaky in pass protection, but he’s been outplayed by second-year back Jordan Mason, and if they could get an offer of a 5th I think that might be difficult for them to turn down."
– Nicholas McGee
Seattle Seahawks:
- CB Tre Brown
"The Seahawks were one of the hardest to find a player to name a trade candidate. I doubt they become sellers, but with the team likely finding their long-term corners in Devon Witherspoon and Tariq Woolen a player like Tre Brown could make sense. Brown already has two interceptions and four pass deflections this season and could net a larger return than some would realize if a CB needy team made the call."
– Destin Adams
Tampa Bay Buccaneers:
- QB Kyle Trask
"Yep, it’s time to have this discussion. It’s clear Baker Mayfield is the guy moving forward, and it’s clear Trask simply doesn’t have what it takes to be a starting quarterback in the NFL. Therefore, the Bucs need to try and get as much as they can for the former second-rounder. A seventh-round pick in return would even be considered a win. The Bucs also have a capable player in John Wolford, who is very familiar with Dave Canales’ offense. So, the Bucs’ QB cupboard isn’t bare with Trask out of the picture."
Tennessee Titans:
- WR DeAndre Hopkins
"Things haven't gone to plan for the Tennesee Titans this season as they sit at 2-4 coming off their bye week. To make things worse, their starting QB Ryan Tannehill reaggravated his ankle injury that sidelined him for extended time last season. The Titans have to have tough conversations with themselves during their bye week on if they should be sellers at the trade deadline. A name coming up a lot is RB Derrick Henry, and while I see why that is the case, I have a hard time seeing the Titans parting with one of their franchise legends. Especially with the state of the RB market being so low, which would likely impact their possible return in a trade. A player I think could be moved is first-year Titan DeAndre Hopkins. Hopkins likely won't want to stick around for a possible rebuild in Tennessee, so if the Titans can get draft assets in return for the WR at the deadline, I think it would be wise for them to pull the trigger."
– Destin Adams
Washington Commanders:
- Edge Chase Young
"Another big name being that all eyes will be on in the coming weeks is Commander's edge rusher, Chase Young. The potential of him being traded has been floated around ever since the Commanders elected not to pick up the fifth-year option on his contract. This tells some around the league that they are not certain that Young is in their long-term plans going forward. I think a lot of teams around the league would be happy to add Young's services. The question is how much the Commanders would need to part with the former number two overall pick."
– Destin Adams
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