While the NFL trade deadline has never been able to live up to its NBA and MLB counterparts, last season gave us a lot of high-profile deals. Christian McCaffrey to the San Francisco 49ers. Bradley Chubb to the Miami Dolphins. Calvin Ridley to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Roquan Smith to the Baltimore Ravens. T.J. Hockenson to the Minnesota Vikings.
There were plenty of fireworks as contending teams made moves for a Super Bowl run, while teams in tougher positions sold off high-end talent for draft picks. This year, we could see similar things happen in a wide open NFL landscape.
Buyers
Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens have endured two brutal losses: a three-point OT loss to the Indianapolis Colts and a fourth-quarter collapse to the Pittsburgh Steelers last week. Despite that, the team has played well overall and there’s enough talent on the roster to make a run. What stood out in Week 5 was several bad drops and poor play by their wide receivers. Lamar Jackson is having a very good season, but he needs help.
Trade Candidates: Raiders WR Davante Adams, Titans WR DeAndre Hopkins, Broncos WR Jerry Jeudy, Cardinals WR Marquise Brown, Bengals WR Tyler Boyd
Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins offense is operating at an outrageously high level, but the defense still leaves something to be desired. Getting Jalen Ramsey back from injury will surely help. Adding another very talented piece on that side of the ball could be the difference between a first round playoff exit and a Super Bowl.
Trade Candidates: Commanders EDGE Chase Young, Vikings EDGE Danielle Hunter, Panthers EDGE Brian Burns, Bears CB Jaylon Johnson, Raiders CB Amik Robertson
Sellers
Minnesota Vikings
This one is rather obvious. After making the playoffs last season, the Vikings have started 1-4 and their best player, Justin Jefferson, is out for at least the next four games. Their only victory came against the winless Carolina Panthers. The team is borderline bad and should be looking to rebuild as soon as possible.
Trade Candidates: QB Kirk Cousins, RB Alexander Mattison, WR Justin Jefferson, EDGE Danielle Hunter, SS Harrison Smith
Tennessee Titans
The Titans haven’t been terrible, but the team doesn’t look like a real contender for anything close to a Super Bowl berth. Ryan Tannehill is on the last year of his contract and Derrick Henry‘s big contract comes down significantly after 2023. Both players could be shopped around if Tennessee falls to 2-4 following their London game.
Trade Candidates: QB Ryan Tannehill, RB Derrick Henry, WR DeAndre Hopkins, DL Denico Autry, FS Kevin Byard
