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Potential Trade Block Stars: 16 NFL Players to Keep an Eye on Before the 2024 Deadline

 

NFL Trade Candidates: 16 Players Likely to be Up for Grabs Before the 2024 Deadline


As the NFL trade deadline approaches in less than three weeks, some of the year’s most significant trades might already be set.

 

This past Tuesday, two AFC East teams made headlines by acquiring prominent wide receivers. The New York Jets brought Davante Adams back to play alongside Aaron Rodgers, while the Buffalo Bills signed Amari Cooper. These transactions already addressed two of the biggest names rumored to be on the trading block.

This doesn’t rule out further trades before the November 5 deadline, but with few teams likely engaging in a full-on sell-off, it might be challenging to see additional stars swapped. This was echoed by Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell, who indicated that his team wouldn’t pursue high-profile players like Maxx Crosby from the Las Vegas Raiders or Trey Hendrickson from the Cincinnati Bengals to fill the gap left by injured Pro Bowl defensive end Aidan Hutchinson.

 

“If anything, we’re looking for more of a rotational player,” Campbell stated.

Nonetheless, several notable players may still be available for trade prior to this year’s deadline. Here are 16 individuals potentially on the trading block:

 

James Conner, RB, Arizona Cardinals

The Arizona Cardinals hinted at a shift in their backfield by selecting Trey Benson in the third round of this year’s NFL draft. With the team’s standing at 2-4 and Conner facing free agency after the season, transitioning now could be wise. The 29-year-old Conner might not attract a huge market, but he is a tough runner capable of managing a significant workload.

 

Travis Etienne Jr., RB, Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jaguars, having received a vote of confidence from owner Shad Khan, appear to be maintaining their current roster. Etienne continues to serve as the primary running back, despite second-stringer Tank Bigsby gaining more yards this season. While Etienne has had two consecutive 1,000-yard seasons and is valuable as a receiver, a recent hamstring injury could complicate any potential trade, compounded by his guaranteed salary of $6.1 million for 2025 after exercising his fifth-year option.

 

Diontae Johnson, WR, Carolina Panthers

The Panthers’ ongoing struggles with their passing game, which led to Andy Dalton starting over Bryce Young, aren’t due to Johnson’s performance. He has tallied 24 catches for 306 yards and three touchdowns since the quarterback change. As a result, the Panthers might hesitate to part with Johnson, who has been instrumental in improving the offense. Coach Dave Canales hinted at continuity, expressing disbelief over any trade possibilities. However, at 27, Johnson could be valuable for a playoff-bound team as a rental, and if the Panthers don’t see him as a long-term asset, they may want to trade him to enhance their draft position.

 

Christian Kirk, WR, Jaguars

Initially surprising during the offseason, Kirk’s four-year, $72 million deal now seems more justified due to his role as a reliable pass catcher. With emerging rookie Brian Thomas Jr. likely taking on a larger role, Kirk might become expendable, especially with Evan Engram returning to health. Kirk’s base salary of $14.5 million leaves room for negotiation to restructure, as he has no guaranteed money for the final year of his contract next season.

 

Darius Slayton, WR, New York Giants

Trading one of the few remaining offensive weapons for Daniel Jones could seem illogical. However, with rookie receiver Malik Nabers close to returning from a concussion, the Giants might consider moving Slayton to recapture some draft picks. His eight-catch, 122-yard performance versus the Seattle Seahawks showcased his talent, and while he may not be a primary option on another team, his affordable base salary of $2.5 million for 2024 makes him an attractive choice for contenders.

 

Jalin Hyatt, WR, Giants

If the Giants choose not to trade Slayton, they might consider moving Hyatt, who has seen little action this season. The 2023 third-round pick has only one reception this season and may struggle for snaps among a crowded receiving group. However, Hyatt’s impressive speed, indicated by his 18.9 yards-per-catch average in his final collegiate season, could draw interest from teams seeking to enhance their passing attack.

Mike Williams, WR, New York Jets

It’s been a tumultuous week for the 6’4″, 218-pound wideout. Following a game-sealing interception in a loss to the Bills, Aaron Rodgers was critical of Williams for running the wrong route. Shortly after, the Jets revamped their receiving lineup by acquiring Adams. Reports emerged that Williams could be shopped as a surplus player, and interim coach Jeff Ulbrich commented on the team’s changing dynamics.

 

Finding a way for players to connect with quarterbacks can be a thrilling, albeit challenging, situation. Rebuilding trust with Rodgers during a struggling 2-4 season presents difficulties, suggesting Williams and the Jets might be better suited to part ways. However, the idea of trading him to another AFC team could deter the Jets. At 30 and recovering from a torn ACL, he could still be an appealing option for a team in need of a boost for their passing game.

Cam Robinson, OT, Jaguars

The future of Robinson with the Jaguars has often been uncertain, yet he stands as the longest-serving starter on the team as he enters his eighth season. With the 2023 first-round draft choice Anton Harrison potentially poised to take over as left tackle if he switches from the right side, the prospect of re-signing Robinson post-season appears slim. Given that capable pass protectors are rare and highly sought after, the Jaguars could easily find interested buyers if they decide to part ways with him.

 

Walker Little, OT, Jaguars

Little, a second-round draft pick in 2021, has yet to secure a permanent position on the Jaguars’ offensive line aside from starting 11 games last season as a substitute. Primarily playing left tackle, he’s also filled in at left guard and has taken snaps at right tackle. This versatility is a significant advantage, particularly for any team facing injuries on the offensive line that might seek his talents.

Emmanuel Ogbah, OLB/DE, Miami Dolphins

Coach Mike McDaniel anticipates Tua Tagovailoa’s return following his third documented concussion. However, with the Dolphins currently at 2-3, their season could quickly unravel. If that happens, Miami should explore strategies to strengthen a roster that has star players yet lacks depth. Ogbah, soon to be 31, stands as a viable candidate to trade for draft picks. This 6’4″, 275-pound player is more likely to generate steady pressure than to amass high sack counts, but he’s strong against the run and fits into various defensive setups.

Azeez Ojulari, OLB, Giants

The timing may not be optimal, given the Giants’ reliance on Ojulari to step in for Kayvon Thibodeaux, who is sidelined with a wrist injury for at least the next three games, including one just days before the trade deadline. Yet, selling high on Ojulari—who might not be essential for a defense leading the NFL with 26 sacks—could be wise. At just 24 years old, he recorded two sacks and six pressures on 26 pass rush attempts against the Bengals, as detailed by Next Gen Stats. He could represent an excellent budget-friendly option at a position where demand consistently exceeds supply.

 

Haason Reddick, OLB/DE, Jets

When it comes to raw talent, the two-time Pro Bowl selection is arguably the top name on this list, having achieved 27 sacks over the last two seasons. However, a critical question remains regarding Reddick and the Jets: What is needed to resolve his holdout and bring him back to the field? Since joining Gang Green via trade from the Philadelphia Eagles in March, Reddick has not budged in his demand for a long-term contract, losing $4.8 million in game checks and accruing more in fines. With both Reddick’s new agent, Drew Rosenhaus, and the Jets indicating a desire to reconcile, a long-awaited resolution might be on the horizon. However, owner Woody Johnson has allowed Reddick’s team to seek a trade, and interest is likely from various teams due to the potential reward involved.

 

Josh Uche, OLB, New England Patriots

Uche faced trade speculations last season, but the Patriots opted to retain him and re-sign him for one year at $3 million during the offseason. The new management that brought him back might now be more open to trading him as the franchise shifts its focus towards the future. At 26 years old, Uche is still playing only 38% of the team’s defensive snaps and likely won’t return to his 11.5-sack success from 2022. However, his affordable salary and proven record at pressuring quarterbacks could make him a cost-effective option for teams looking for a more budget-friendly addition to their roster.

Jonathan Jones, CB, Patriots

At age 31 and in the final year of his contract, Jones seems to be out of sync with the rebuilding timeline of the Patriots, who have now relied on promising second-year player Christian Gonzalez as their primary cornerback. Nevertheless, many teams will likely be drawn to an experienced and tactical coverage player like him.

Budda Baker, S, Cardinals

Letting go of one of the few key players on the Cardinals’ undermanned defense would certainly attract attention. Yet, general manager Monti Ossenfort has consistently focused on a long-term strategy for restructuring Arizona’s roster, making it wise to consider offers for Baker, who is 28, especially given the team’s need for improvements. The six-time Pro Bowl selection (including once as a special teams player) remains a strong playmaker in the secondary, making him a compelling option for any team looking to enhance their defensive unit during the season.

 

Andre Cisco, S, Jaguars

Cisco seems to be reaching his limit with the Jaguars after expressing disappointment over the team’s performance, stating there was “a lot of quit” during their latest defeat. If his sentiments didn’t resonate well in the locker room or with management, transitioning to a different team to complete his contract may make sense. Although the fourth-year safety hasn’t performed at his best this season amid Jacksonville’s defensive struggles, his ball-hawking ability (with eight turnovers since 2022) could be valuable for a playoff contender.