With the NFL transferring its commerce deadline again to Nov. 5 — simply previous the midway mark of the season — we’ve already seen groups making strikes. There was a run on broad receivers with Davante Adams, Amari Cooper, DeAndre Hopkins and Diontae Johnson all in new places, however some lingering questions stay. Who’s going? Who’s staying? Are the groups that already made trades going to maintain taking swings?
On this commerce deadline roundup, The Athletic’s reporters present their insights on the newest information from 25 groups across the league. Here’s what they’re saying.
The Falcons took management of the NFC South on Sunday by beating the Buccaneers for the second time this season. However they’ve a evident weak spot. The Falcons are final within the league with six sacks. 9 NFL gamers have greater than that. That they had zero sacks and 0 QB hits in Tampa on Sunday. That is removed from a brand new drawback. Since 2020, the Falcons have the fewest sacks within the league (116).
The Falcons have already got tried the commerce market as soon as to deal with their pass-rushing issues, sending a third-round pick to the Patriots for Matthew Judon in August. Judon had 15 1/2 sacks within the final full season he performed in New England, however he has just one 1/2 by means of eight video games in Atlanta. Getting some extra assist by Tuesday would make a variety of sense. — Josh Kendall | Read more
If GM Eric DeCosta makes another move following the Diontae Johnson deal, it’ll seemingly be to deal with the defensive aspect of the ball. Including a move rusher may be the most important precedence, however you possibly can simply make a case for a defensive again. The Ravens haven’t persistently impacted the opposing quarterback, and an addition — whether or not it’s an edge rusher or defensive again — might solidify a move protection that’s ranked because the league’s worst. Baltimore has depth issues alongside the inside of its defensive position, too.
The Ravens might have as many as 11 picks within the 2025 NFL Draft, so parting with mid-round draft capital shouldn’t be a serious difficulty if there’s a commerce that is sensible. There’s one problem: The Ravens have simply over $3 million of salary-cap area remaining this yr, and DeCosta has mentioned repeatedly that they’ll be very selective about including contracts to future caps. — Jeff Zrebiec | Read more
The Payments made huge headlines following their acquisition of wide receiver Amari Cooper two weeks in the past. They’ll head into the upcoming commerce deadline no worse than 6-3 and with not less than a 2.5-game lead within the AFC East. The Payments have each purpose to be consumers on the deadline in the event that they discover a deal that strikes them. They might use offensive line depth and assist at edge rusher, security, and defensive deal with.
Offensive line is probably the most urgent of the Payments’ remaining wants. The unit has been miraculously wholesome from the start of the 2023 season by means of the primary eight video games of 2024, together with playoffs. However with the quantity of wear and tear and tear that place brings annually, it could be exceptional if the Payments completed the complete yr with out struggling a single harm to their beginning offensive line. The acquisition value for a fringe starter seemingly wouldn’t be vital. — Joe Buscaglia | Read more
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NFL trade deadline predictions: Who’s staying put and who’s moving on?
The Panthers moved the player most expected to go after they dealt Diontae Johnson to the Ravens. If Panthers GM Dan Morgan turns this into a fireplace sale, veteran Adam Thielen might be subsequent. Thielen has missed the previous 5 video games with a hamstring difficulty and is 34, so the return — like that on Johnson — could be negligible. Dave Canales likes how Thielen has helped set the tradition within the constructing. The Panthers seemingly will maintain on to Thielen and have him proceed to mentor their younger receivers.
As for Bryce Young, his return would seemingly be higher within the offseason when groups are formulating their quarterback plans moderately than attempting to make a plug-and-play transfer at an necessary place. Younger, whose rookie deal makes him a great worth even when he’s a backup, might enhance his commerce worth with extra begins, like this week vs. the Saints. — Joe Particular person | Read more
With two second-round picks within the 2025 NFL Draft, Bears basic supervisor Ryan Poles can entertain conversations about the very best gamers out there on the commerce market with a watch on the trenches. He didn’t hesitate to trade a second-rounder for defensive finish Montez Sweat final yr. Sweat is an distinctive participant in a main place. The actual query for Poles, although, is whether or not the Bears are higher off retaining each picks and utilizing them within the draft. That may take some projection. One of many second-round picks is from the Panthers: the ultimate piece of the blockbuster deal for the No. 1 decide in 2023. The Bears might have the primary decide within the second spherical in 2025. — Adam Jahns
In the event you’re searching for the Bengals to interrupt with their historical past and change into energetic on the commerce deadline, go look elsewhere. Identical to practically yearly, Cincinnati doesn’t have plans to make strikes with the commerce deadline approaching subsequent Tuesday. Listening to that the Bengals received’t deal on the deadline as a result of that’s not what they do infuriates the membership’s followers. Watching the Chiefs, Ravens and Payments all surrender minimal property so as to add receivers to enhance their assaults solely followers the flames.
The large names related to the Bengals in commerce talks — Tee Higgins and Trey Hendrickson — are two who’ve overtly requested trades this yr after expressing displeasure with their contract conditions. The Bengals nonetheless very a lot see a path to creating the playoffs in a mediocre AFC, so there isn’t any shot both of these two could be shipped. — Paul Dehner Jr. | Read more
If the Browns make a transfer, I believe the 2 more than likely gamers to be traded are veteran defensive linemen Za’Darius Smith and Dalvin Tomlinson. Smith as a result of he’s nonetheless a great participant at a premium place; Tomlinson as a result of he’s nonetheless a strong participant, and the Browns have depth at defensive deal with. There’s not a variety of edge depth on the present roster, and Smith has been a full-time starter, however in transferring Smith the Browns could be acknowledging that they’re trying to the long run.
Each Smith and Tomlinson have movable contracts, as they don’t have any assured cash previous this season. The buying workforce would solely be on the hook for the remaining base wage for the remainder of 2024. These trade-friendly contracts imply the Browns might ask for one thing not less than semi-significant in return, and that’s what it could take to push a speculated commerce to the end line. — Zac Jackson | Read more
Making a transfer earlier than the Nov. 5 commerce deadline might give the Cowboys a much-needed spark. Nonetheless, that appears extremely unlikely. Dallas’ present plan is to depend upon its youthful gamers to step up after which getting a lift from the return of injured gamers Micah Parsons, DaRon Bland, DeMarcus Lawrence, Brandin Cooks and Marshawn Kneeland.
That doesn’t imply the Cowboys don’t have wants. Those that instantly leap out are two positions that weren’t addressed effectively sufficient within the offseason: working again and defensive deal with. Add offensive line assist, a move catcher and a security to the wants record. — Jon Machota | Read more
The Broncos have received 5 of their previous six video games and are presently slotted into the No. 5 spot within the AFC discipline. In addition they have some wants — most notably on the playmaker positions round rookie QB Bo Nix — they may tackle in a deadline deal, bolstering the roster for a postseason run. However the Broncos appear intent on permitting their younger gamers to develop in these significant video games. That would result in occupying a vendor’s place — not solely to restock a draft cabinet that was emptied after trades for Russell Wilson and Sean Payton but additionally to make sure there may be not a logjam at positions the place the Broncos need their younger gamers to emerge.
If the Broncos are consumers, they’ll seemingly desire a playmaker. Panthers WR Adam Thielen or Giants WR Darius Slayton might be prospects. In the event that they promote, LB Baron Browning, TE Greg Dulcich and backup QBs Jarrett Stidham and Zach Wilson might be in play. — Nick Kosmider | Read more
I talked to a couple basic managers simply to attempt to get an thought of what are the Lions going to do? I had one man inform me they’re going to in all probability verify on Trey Hendrickson in Cincy, however the Bengals don’t ever actually transfer their gamers, although, in order that’s going to be robust. Tennessee’s Arden Key has performed very well this season. The New York Giants’ Azeez Ojulari is an effective choice — once more, sneaky, not an enormous, huge splashy identify. Inexperienced Bay is taking calls on Preston Smith. — Dianna Russini from the “Scoop Metropolis” podcast | Listen here for more
The Packers aren’t recognized for making in-season splash strikes. They did so this offseason in signing working again Josh Jacobs and security Xavier McKinney throughout free company — each acquisitions have been resounding successes — however the Packers appear to be within the combine with big-name gamers on the commerce deadline extra so than crossing the end line with them. Don’t count on this season to be a lot completely different, if in any respect. Given their roster of expertise, you may not see the Packers talked about within the combine as a lot.
Defensive finish Preston Smith and offensive lineman Andre Dillard have been talked about within the media as prospects to be moved, but when they moved Smith, they’d seemingly have so as to add a move rusher to interchange him.
The Packers haven’t made noise on the deadline beneath their present basic supervisor after they’ve had evident wants, so that they seemingly received’t make noise this time round, both. — Matt Schneidman | Read more
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What every NFL team should do at the trade deadline: Buy, sell or stand pat?
Texans receiver Stefon Diggs is out for the year due to a torn ACL suffered in Week 8. The broad receiver and workforce captain is on a one-year deal; he’ll change into a free agent as he works his method again. Even with Diggs out, don’t count on Houston to be aggressive on the commerce deadline. Reasonably, that is considered as a possibility for Robert Woods, Xavier Hutchinson and John Metchie III to step up. — Russini | Read more
The Chiefs have made two trades forward of the deadline that ought to erase any doubts about their dedication to going for a 3rd straight Tremendous Bowl title. Final week, they acquired veteran DeAndre Hopkins from the Titans to shore up their injury-riddled wide receiver corps. This week, they made a deal with the Patriots so as to add move rusher Joshua Uche to their stout protection.
Hopkins and Uche joined receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster and working again Kareem Hunt as gamers added to the roster after coaching camp. Hopkins proved he will help draw consideration away from tight finish Travis Kelce in his Chiefs debut on Sunday, and Uche, 26, might thrive alongside fellow move rushers Chris Jones, George Karlaftis and Charles Omenihu. — Nate Taylor | Read more
The Raiders traded away Davante Adams last month and have misplaced 4 straight video games, so clearly in terms of Tuesday’s commerce deadline, they will … promote, promote, promote! Nah. That doesn’t actually make sense. They’re simply the worst workforce within the AFC West and barring a miraculous turnaround, the Raiders received’t sniff the playoffs this yr. Which is why the Raiders ought to stand pat. And, in keeping with workforce sources, that’s precisely what they’re anticipated to do.
The Raiders don’t have many gamers who would garner vital draft capital, but additionally proprietor Mark Davis, basic supervisor Tom Telesco and coach Antonio Pierce nonetheless don’t view this as a full-scale tear down regardless of their present struggles. There stays inside optimism that, in the event that they nail subsequent offseason, they may change into a aggressive workforce once more as quickly as 2025. — Vic Tafur and Tashan Reed | Read more
I believe the Chargers ought to be focusing on two major positions: receiver and cornerback. They might use a pass-catching tight finish, however I don’t see a viable candidate available on the market. Even with wideouts Quentin Johnston and DJ Chark on their method again, I believe the Chargers might use extra depth and expertise on this place group for the second half. At cornerback, the Chargers are navigating accidents and could be clever so as to add a veteran at this spot.
5 trades to think about: Rams CB Tre’Davious White for a seventh-round decide; Jets WR Mike Williams for a conditional seventh-round decide; Jets CB D.J. Reed for a fourth-round decide; Patriots WR K.J. Osborn for a seventh-round decide; Giants WR Darius Slayton for a sixth-round decide. — Daniel Popper | Read more
While head coach Sean McVay said trading Cooper Kupp is “not a transfer that we need to make” earlier in October with reference to commerce conversations involving the star receiver, there are nonetheless a few gamers who now discover themselves the odd man out because the Rams get wholesome gamers again or shuffle their personnel.
McVay confirmed that cornerback Tre’Davious White, who has been a wholesome scratch since Week 5 after a shaky begin to the yr, has permission to hunt a commerce and that the protection will roll with their present starters at cornerback.
Reserve offensive lineman Joe Noteboom is again from an ankle harm however rookie undrafted free agent Justin Dedich is enjoying effectively as a fill-in left guard, and starter Steve Avila might be again in November. Receiver Tutu Atwell obtained productive snaps when Kupp and Puka Nacua had been out with accidents. They had been each again final week however Nacua re-injured his knee Thursday at practice and his standing going ahead was unknown as of Thursday night. Demarcus Robinson is the clear No. 3 when they’re each wholesome. The Rams might nonetheless make some strikes, however will in all probability keep pat on something splashy. — Jourdan Rodrigue | Read more
As in 2022, after they acquired tight finish T.J. Hockenson from the Lions, the Vikings (5-2) might half with some draft picks forward of the deadline to safe a most well-liked goal. Reasonably than compete for a cornerback just like the Jets’ D.J. Reed in free company, Minnesota might deal a late-round decide for him now and prolong him the way in which they did with Hockenson.
The identical technique might make sense for gamers like Bengals defensive deal with B.J. Hill or Panthers offensive lineman Brady Christensen. Another choices are Cowboys defensive deal with Osa Odighizuwa, Colts guard Will Fries and Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs. All are free agents-to-be on sputtering groups that may see draft picks as extra priceless for the long run. — Alec Lewis | Read more
It’s no shock that the Patriots can be sellers. They’re 2-6 and within the early phases of a rebuild. The one query now’s how a lot they’ll promote as they purpose to stockpile draft picks. After sending Matthew Judon to the Falcons before the season, they dealt Joshua Uche to the Chiefs earlier this week.
Cornerback Jonathan Jones, who’s within the closing yr of his contract, might be somebody New England seems to be to maneuver. Similar for broad receivers Kendrick Bourne and K.J. Osborn. Not one of the gamers the Patriots would take into account buying and selling would draw greater than a Day 3 decide, however they nonetheless might be worthwhile transactions for a Pats workforce whose high focus must be on constructing a greater workforce down the highway. — Chad Graff | Read more
Two of the Giants’ most possible commerce candidates, broad receiver Darius Slayton and edge Azeez Ojulari, had sturdy performances Monday night time towards Pittsburgh.
Slayton had the seventh 100-yard receiving recreation of his profession, recording 108 yards on 4 receptions, reeling in two deep balls of 35-plus yards. Slayton has at all times been a strong vertical risk, and loads of offenses across the league might use somebody along with his ability set and monitor report of reliability. If the Giants traded Slayton, they might create $1.8 million in cap financial savings and will in all probability count on a Day 3 decide in return for him.
Ojulari is now two shy of matching his career-high eight sacks, set in his tantalizing rookie season. Just about each contender might use a ready-made move rusher. So what might the Giants get for him? An government cited in a narrative by Dan Duggan speculated a few late Day 3 decide. — Charlotte Carroll | Read more
Late within the fourth quarter of a 23-20 Monday night time loss to the Payments in Week 6, Aaron Rodgers launched one up for Mike Williams. The receiver slipped and the ball was picked off by Payments nook Taron Johnson. After the sport — and a day in a while “The Pat McAfee Present” — Rodgers went into element about what went improper. Particularly: Williams ran the improper route. Within the wake of the Jets’ commerce for All-Professional wideout Davante Adams, there was little room left for Williams. Two days after the Bills game, the Saints, Steelers and Chargers referred to as the Jets a few commerce for Williams, in keeping with league sources. — Zack Rosenblatt and Russini | Read more
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Groups with such excessive expectations are usually consumers right now of the yr. However basic supervisor Howie Roseman might have already taken his largest swings. The Eagles spent lavishly in free company on Saquon Barkley, Bryce Huff and C.J. Gardner-Johnson. They reached long-term extensions with A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, Jordan Mailata, Landon Dickerson and Jake Elliott. They traded for Jahan Dotson in coaching camp. Is there little else (or little out there) to accumulate?
Since his September hunch, Bryce Huff has 1.5 sacks and a deal with for loss. Nolan Smith (who was additionally absent within the backfield in September) has 2.5 sacks and two tackles for loss in his final three video games. Each edge rushers, who cut up roles in base and nickel packages, are actually adequately supplementing Josh Sweat — probably the most secure member of the place group with three sacks and 4 tackles for loss in 2024. — Brooks Kubena | Read more
Monday’s recreation was a closing likelihood for Calvin Austin III and Van Jefferson to point out they’ll reply one of many Steelers’ most urgent query marks. Each receivers produced a few of the most impactful performs of their seasons, persevering with to thrive with Russell Wilson at QB. Which may make the Steelers extra assured of their broad receiver group.
In the meantime, exterior choices are working out. Pittsburgh’s desires of touchdown Brandon Aiyuk, Davante Adams or Cooper Kupp are useless. DeAndre Hopkins got dealt to the Chiefs and Amari Cooper to the Bills. Jaguars receiver Christian Kirk is now out for the season with a collarbone harm.
So who’s left? The Jets’ Mike Williams, Giants’ Darius Slayton or Panthers’ Adam Thielen might make sense. Possibly the Raiders’ Jakobi Meyers or Titans’ Tyler Boyd (a College of Pittsburgh product)? The Steelers should resolve how badly they want an improve and what they’re keen to pay. — Mike DeFabo
Defensive finish may take advantage of sense for a commerce contemplating the intersection of want and out there gamers. Till Yetur Gross-Matos (knee) returns, the one two defensive ends behind Nick Bosa and 32-year-old Leonard Floyd are neophytes Sam Okuayinonu and Robert Beal Jr. Each have potential, however they’d be overmatched if both of the starters went down with harm. Gross-Matos is also prone to cut up time between defensive deal with and defensive finish when he’s again.
In the meantime, there might be all types of prospects on the commerce market from longtime veterans like Za’Darius Smith (Browns), Calais Campbell (Dolphins) and Jadeveon Clowney (Panthers) to youthful gamers like Azeez Ojulari (Giants).
The 49ers might even decide up a former participant. Arden Key (Titans) might be out there. Heck, with the Saints at 2-6, the 49ers might deal a compensatory third-round decide for Chase Young for the second straight season. — Matt Barrows | Read more
John Schneider’s purpose annually is to discipline a championship-caliber roster, and his in-season strikes have lengthy mirrored that view. This season isn’t any completely different, as the final supervisor has already made two offers to deal with drawback areas on coach Mike Macdonald’s new protection. However not like earlier seasons, Seattle may be reaching its inflection level earlier within the yr.
The Seahawks (4-4) — who, per the model of The Athletic’s Austin Mock, have a 17 p.c likelihood to win the division — are residence underdogs towards the Rams on Sunday. The loser will discover itself final within the NFC West. Falling to 4-5 simply a few days earlier than the commerce deadline would convey into query whether or not the Seahawks ought to proceed to behave like consumers, and whether or not Schneider’s view of the workforce was warranted. — Michael-Shawn Dugar
Quite a few league sources informed The Athletic they’ve heard minimally about Washington this deadline cycle or that the workforce is hooked up to any particular names. There’s a willingness by the entrance workplace to hear, particularly for a cornerback, in keeping with one other workforce’s front-office government, however there’s little sense that exercise is brewing. Buying and selling one or a number of future excessive draft picks is probably going required to vary perceptions, if not transfer the Commanders nearer to that contender tier.
However making such a commerce comes at a value. That is 12 months 1 of a multi-year plan targeted on sustained competition moderately than chasing rapid gratification. To make a transfer of significance, the Commanders should commerce away future property, specifically draft alternatives. Washington’s 10 picks in 2025 embody 4 within the high 100. Getting star expertise of their prime is at all times a good selection, however a participant with that profile on the commerce market is uncommon. — Ben Standig | Read more
(Prime illustration: Meech Robinson / The Athletic; images of Adam Thielen, Za’Darius Smith and Darius Slayton: Ian Maule, Cooper Neill and Luke Hales / Getty Photos)