NFL Trade Deadline: Top 10 Players Who May Be Up for Grabs
As the NFL trade deadline approaches on Tuesday, the situation regarding which players are genuinely on the market remains somewhat unclear for teams looking to make a move.
A lot of trades have already occurred ahead of the deadline. In recent weeks, notable names such as Davante Adams, Amari Cooper, DeAndre Hopkins, Joshua Uche, Cam Robinson, and Diontae Johnson have changed teams. Despite the league extending the deadline by a week this year, few teams seem willing to part ways with key players to enhance their draft picks or alleviate salary cap issues. Additionally, players like Darius Slayton (New York Giants) and Christian Kirk (Jacksonville Jaguars), who appeared to be potential trade targets, have been sidelined by injuries, reducing their market appeal.
With these considerations, here are the ten players who might still be up for trade as the deadline approaches.
1. Azeez Ojulari, OLB, New York Giants
Initially seen as a backup in a talented pass rush, Ojulari has positioned himself as a primary asset as the trade deadline nears. He has recorded five sacks in his last four outings, showcasing his potential. While he may not fit every team’s scheme due to his size (6-3, 240 pounds), his effort and skill make him an excellent candidate for any team looking to strengthen their defense, especially with a significant free agency payday on the horizon. Given the Giants’ strategy to maintain general manager Joe Schoen and coach Brian Daboll through 2025, trading Ojulari might help accelerate their roster overhaul.
2. Za’Darius Smith, DE, Cleveland Browns
Following the trade of Cooper, many are watching Smith as the next player likely to exit Cleveland. The three-time Pro Bowler is in the final year of his contract and, at 32, may not fit into the Browns’ future plans considering their tight salary cap situation. Nevertheless, he continues to perform well, with five sacks this season, making him an appealing target for numerous teams, particularly potential suitors like the Detroit Lions.
3. Jonathan Jones, CB, New England Patriots
For teams seeking a steady option in the secondary, Jones might attract considerable attention. Despite allowing a career-high 116 passer rating against him through the first eight games, he maintains a reliable presence and seldom permits large gains. That said, acquiring him from the Patriots could be challenging, as defensive coordinator DeMarcus Covington recently stated that he does not expect Jones to be traded.
4. Arden Key, OLB, Tennessee Titans
With recent trades involving Hopkins and linebacker Ernest Jones IV, general manager Ran Carthon appears to be recognizing the need for change in Tennessee. If he continues to offload veteran players unlikely to feature in future seasons, Key, a gifted edge rusher who has tallied four sacks over his last three games, could be a strategic trade piece. Key is also under contract for $6.5 million, providing teams with a chance to acquire him without significant financial risk.
5. Chase Young, DE, New Orleans Saints
The Saints are in a tough financial situation and are facing future changes. While at 2-7 they may struggle to find options to improve their salary cap and gather long-term assets, moving Young could be beneficial. After being traded from the Washington Commanders to the San Francisco 49ers last year, the 25-year-old has not yet regained his prior acclaim but still has shown promise, evidenced by a strong performance early in the season.
6. Dalvin Tomlinson, DT, Cleveland Browns
While he may not attract as much attention as Smith, Tomlinson brings valuable skills as a strong interior defender capable of controlling the line and affecting the passing game. Given the growing investment in this position across the league, Tomlinson could be an interesting target as he remains under contract through 2026.
7. Mike Williams, WR, New York Jets
Considering acquiring Williams with the hope he will fulfill a significant role for a playoff team involves some uncertainty, as the former Los Angeles Chargers star has only recorded 12 receptions for 166 yards in this season so far.
Despite being pushed down the depth chart, the 6-foot-4, 218-pound player remains a formidable challenge for contested catches and red zone situations. The Jets recently bolstered their playoff prospects with a victory over the Houston Texans, which may lead them to reconsider trading Williams, especially now that Allen Lazard is sidelined with a chest injury.
8. Kendrick Bourne, WR, New England Patriots
While K.J. Osborn may be a more easily attainable option among the Patriots’ wide receivers, Bourne could be the real gem for any team looking to compete for a championship. At 29 years old, he has shown to be a reliable target, recording four catches for 41 yards on Sunday, marking his best performance since recovering from a torn anterior cruciate ligament last season. Although New England might hesitate to let go of one of the few dependable targets for quarterback Drake Maye, the limited receiver market could escalate the interest to a level that the Patriots find appealing.
9. Calais Campbell, DT, Miami Dolphins
At the age of 38, this six-time Pro Bowler is exceeding expectations, currently ranking fourth in pass rush win rate among all interior defensive linemen after eight weeks, according to ESPN. However, with the Dolphins struggling at 2-6, it might be wise for both Campbell and the franchise to part ways. He still brings significant value for a team in contention, especially in what could potentially be his last NFL season. Additionally, Miami could gain some draft compensation as they pivot away from a season that is quickly slipping away.
10. Adam Thielen, WR, Carolina Panthers
At 34 years old and having missed the last six games due to a hamstring injury, one might wonder why Thielen is on this list. The answer is straightforward: he possesses the experience and skill to adapt to a new offense midseason and provide valuable support for a team seeking playoff success. If he can maintain his health, Thielen could be a prime candidate to move on from the Panthers, acting as a reliable safety valve for a quarterback, similar to how he excelled in 2023 with 103 receptions for 1,014 yards.