As the NFL trade deadline looms closer, excitement grows among fans and analysts alike. With the deadline set for 4 p.m. on November 4, a significant number of teams are eyeing potential roster changes to bolster their playoff hopes. Last season, the league saw 18 total trades, with eight occurring on the deadline day. This year, seven trades have already been completed, signaling a busy market ahead.
A mix of teams looking to strengthen their rosters for a postseason push and those in rebuilding mode seeking future assets could contribute to a flurry of activity. Trade deals not only help contenders fill gaps, but they also allow struggling teams to offload players in exchange for young talent or draft picks. Here are 10 players who may find themselves donning new uniforms before the trade deadline.
First on the list is Mark Andrews, the tight end for the Baltimore Ravens. With the Ravens facing a disappointing 1-5 record, they have begun to make moves to free up cap space by trading players like pass-rusher Odafe Oweh. As Baltimore prepares for its bye week, Andrews, who is in the final year of his contract, could be a prime candidate to be traded as the team looks to gain a foothold in its rebuild. With fellow tight end Isaiah Likely returning to full health, Andrews’s departure may be in the cards.
Moving down to Miami, edge rusher Bradley Chubb could be on the move. The Dolphins are in dire need of cap relief, and teams across the league are seeking to increase their pass rush capabilities. Chubb, a two-time Pro Bowl selection, has already shown his value this season, tallying four sacks in six games after a challenging previous season due to a torn ACL. With a favorable contract situation heading into the offseason, Chubb could attract a fair amount of interest from teams who want to enhance their defensive line.
In New Orleans, linebacker Demario Davis continues to make a mark, ranking 12th in the league with 51 tackles despite being 36 years old. While the Saints have been slow to part with their veteran pieces, their ongoing rebuild might force them to reconsider their stance on Davis. Potential trade talks could arise given that the San Francisco 49ers have experienced significant defensive injuries, including the loss of All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner for the remainder of the season. Davis could prove essential to their hopes of securing a playoff spot.
Cincinnati Bengals edge defender Trey Hendrickson is another player worth monitoring. After a summer filled with contract disputes, Hendrickson has rebounded with a strong start in 2024, recording four sacks in six games. However, he is unlikely to remain with the Bengals beyond this year, and with Cincinnati aiming for a playoff run, trading Hendrickson may not be feasible. Nevertheless, his value could entice other teams looking for a stronger pass rush.
Meanwhile, DeAndre Hopkins of the Baltimore Ravens has also emerged as a potential trade candidate. Though he hasn’t yet been a starter this season, Hopkins boasts an impressive 19.8 yards per reception with two touchdown catches. He was traded last season from Tennessee to Kansas City, where he made an immediate impact leading the Chiefs to the Super Bowl. As trade discussions heat up, other contenders might see Hopkins as a valuable addition to their roster.
Another intriguing tight end is David Njoku from the Cleveland Browns. Although his productivity has waned, a lot of that has been attributed to the Browns’ struggles at quarterback. With the team integrating rookie Harold Fannin Jr. into their offensive schemes, Njoku’s status as an expendable player is increasing. Teams such as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Los Angeles Chargers, and Indianapolis Colts could benefit from adding a player of Njoku’s caliber to their offensive arsenal.
On the edge-rushing front, Jaelan Phillips, also from the Miami Dolphins, stands out. Despite injury setbacks, Phillips is a dynamic pass rusher. With teams like the 49ers, Eagles, and Lions in dire need of additional edge protection, Phillips is an attractive option for franchises looking to secure their playoff ambitions.
Wyatt Teller, a guard from the Cleveland Browns, represents another intriguing trade piece. With the Browns’ disappointing season, moving the three-time Pro Bowl selection could give them salary cap relief. Given how rare talented interior offensive linemen are, teams like the Eagles, Cowboys, and Seahawks could pounce on the opportunity to acquire Teller and bolster their line.
Kayvon Thibodeaux from the New York Giants enjoyed a breakout 2023 season with 11.5 sacks and 50 tackles. However, with the addition of rookie Abdul Carter and veteran Brian Burns, Thibodeaux is now part of a rotation rather than a centerpiece in the defense. Contending teams, particularly those in need of pass-rushing talent, have eyes on Thibodeaux’s potential. Yet, a trade within the division seems unlikely.
Lastly, Riq Woolen of the Seattle Seahawks rounds out this list. Woolen’s performance has dipped compared to his early career seasons, and with the Seahawks boasting depth in their cornerback unit, the team could explore a trade. With teams like the Lions, Eagles, and Bills in need of cornerback help, a fresh start for Woolen might prove beneficial for all parties involved.
As the trade deadline approaches, the coming weeks may lead to significant roster changes in multiple franchises as they aim to enhance their playoff chances or begin rebuilding for the future.
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