With the NFL trade deadline rapidly approaching, teams are keeping an eye out for moves that will shake up rosters. Here is the count of the top 10 players who may be changing and the teams most likely to pursue them:
10. Brandin Echols, CB, New York Jets
Brandin Echols has been a mainstay in the Jets secondary this season, helping fill the holes due to injured starters and depth. With Sauce Gardner and D.J. Reed both due for extensions soon, Echols is due for free agency this offseason and, thus, a trade candidate. His skill set could be useful for teams needing slot coverage.
- Why He Could Be Traded: Jets’ salary cap concerns, Echols pending free agency.
- Possible Teams: Seattle Seahawks, Minnesota Vikings, New Orleans Saints.
9. Miles Sanders, RB, Carolina Panthers
With Chuba Hubbard emerging as the Panthers’ lead back and rookie Jonathon Brooks set to return, there hasn’t been much of a role for Sanders to play. The Panthers could deal away Sanders to gain some draft capital, and his experience makes him a valuable insurance policy for teams looking to add depth at running back.
- Why He Could Be Traded: Carolina has a crowded backfield and a diminished role.
- Possible Teams: Los Angeles Chargers, Indianapolis Colts, Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
8. Robert Spillane, LB, Las Vegas Raiders
Spillane has been a good leader in the Raiders defense, but the team is focused on youth in Divine Deablo and the like, thus making him expendable. Teams needing a veteran with a decent tackling record could find Spillane a worthy addition as a linebacker.
- Why He Could Be Traded: Raiders’ youth movement and Spillane’s looming free agency.
- Possible Teams: Buffalo Bills, Philadelphia Eagles, Los Angeles Chargers.
7. Adam Thielen, WR, Carolina Panthers
While a hamstring injury has shelved him this season, Thielen is still a very intelligent route runner and trusted target. He could be useful during playoff pushes for a team looking to add some veteran depth at receiver.
- Why He Could Be Traded: The Panthers’ rebuilding plan and Thielen’s veteran status.
- Possible Teams: New England Patriots, Green Bay Packers, Los Angeles Rams.
6. Calais Campbell, DT, Miami Dolphins
Calais Campbell is redefining expectations with one of the highest pass rush win rates for an interior lineman at age 38. While productive in Miami, Campbell could become a significant asset for a contending team, and Miami would benefit from draft picks in exchange.
- Why he might be traded: Dolphins woes and the allure of Campbell to contenders.
- Possible Teams: San Francisco 49ers, Dallas Cowboys, Buffalo Bills.
5. Kendrick Bourne, WR, New England Patriots
Quietly, for some time, Kendrick Bourne has been one of the more reliable pieces of New England’s offense since coming back from ACL surgery. Given that New England might be entering into a rebuild, the value of Bourne could equal draft capital, and this makes him a tempting option for teams in need of a sure-handed receiver.
- Why He Could Be Traded: Patriots potential rebuild and Bourne’s market value.
- Possible Teams: Green Bay Packers, Kansas City Chiefs, Baltimore Ravens.
4. Mike Williams, WR, New York Jets
Mike Williams has been unable to find his rhythm with the Jets, managing only 12 catches for 166 yards. After the Jets recently acquired Davante Adams, Williams’ role has reverted to the backend, and he becomes a very likely trade candidate to a team looking for a big-bodied red-zone threat.
- Why He Could Be Traded: Reduced role with Jets after recent signings.
- Possible Teams: Pittsburgh Steelers, Los Angeles Chargers, New Orleans Saints.
3. Za’Darius Smith, DE, Cleveland Browns
Five sacks this season for three-time Pro Bowler Za’Darius Smith, a productive complement to Myles Garrett; however, the Browns are looking at salary-cap issues, and with the end of Smith’s contract, Cleveland could ship him to a contender, with rumors that Detroit is interested.
- Why He Could Be Traded: Browns salary cap woes and Smith’s looming deal.
- Possible Teams: Detroit Lions, Atlanta Falcons, Baltimore Ravens.
2. Chase Young, DE, New Orleans Saints
Chase Young showed flashes of his potential with the Saints, but he hasn’t quite gotten back to his Defensive Rookie of the Year form. The trade value of Young could mean adding future assets to a team that’s struggling against both financial and roster constraints while they look toward a rebuild.
- Why He Could Be Traded: Saints long-term outlook and Young’s high trade value.
- Possible Teams: Detroit Lions, Atlanta Falcons, Minnesota Vikings.
1. Azeez Ojulari, OLB – New York Giants
Recorded five sacks in the last four games, Ojulari demonstrated himself to be a highly dominating edge rusher. He may not fit every scheme, but his frantic pace of drive and emerging play make him an attractive trading candidate. With Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux securely rooted into the future of the Giants, Ojulari could give the team some much-needed draft picks while helping to beef up another’s pass rush.
- Why He Could Be Traded: Giants’ commitment to other edge rushers and Ojulari’s trade value.
- Potential Teams: Cincinnati Bengals, Atlanta Falcons, Arizona Cardinals.
NFL Trade Deadline: Conclusion
With these players potentially available, NFL fans are in for a wild trade deadline as teams look to shore up their rosters with the hope of a playoff push. The unique skill sets and experience each of these players would bring could drastically change any roster’s dynamic, making them obvious and valuable targets for any contender.
Also Read: The NFL’s New Generation of Coaches: How Youth Is Reshaping the League
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