The first week of the 2024 NFL season has wrapped up, and teams are already identifying areas that need reinforcement. The Cleveland Browns, for instance, faced a tough opener as they missed both of their starting tackles, leading to a dominant performance by the Dallas Cowboys’ defense. Meanwhile, the Green Bay Packers have a bigger problem to address after losing starting quarterback Jordan Love to an MCL sprain, and he could be sidelined for three to six weeks. While quality free agents are still available, many teams may also turn to the NFL trade market to address these early-season gaps. Some teams will look for solutions by trading for talent to stay competitive.
Let’s explore five potential NFL trade targets heading into Week 2. These players are selected based on factors like their potential upside, previous performance, current cap situation, contract status, and any relevant trade rumors circulating around them.
NFL Trade Selection Process
To start building the trade block for the season, we first evaluate players who have either been mentioned in trade rumors or who could logically become trade candidates. Factors like contract status, roster situations, and team outlook play critical roles in this evaluation.
As the season progresses, it’s too early to determine which teams will be sellers by the November 5 trade deadline. However, based on Week 1 performances, teams like the Carolina Panthers and New York Giants appear to be potential contenders for next year’s No. 1 overall pick.
Players are then ranked according to past production, potential, positional value, and likelihood of being traded, leading to a five-player list. This week, we added Las Vegas Raiders tight end Harrison Bryant, who is on a one-year deal, and Washington Commanders cornerback Emmanuel Forbes Jr., who might benefit from a change of scenery.
After removing New York Jets receiver Allen Lazard and Browns backup quarterback Jameis Winston to make space, the Browns should retain their quarterback depth, given their struggling offensive line performance in Week 1.
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NFL Trade Block: Key Players To Watch
5. Robert Woods, WR, Houston Texans
Houston Texans wide receiver Robert Woods remains a prominent trade candidate. At 32 years old, Woods’ role with the Texans appears limited. Last season, he played 14 games, starting 11, but only managed 40 receptions for 426 yards and a single touchdown. With the Texans focusing their offense on younger players like Nico Collins, Stefon Diggs, and Tank Dell, Woods’ opportunities could diminish further this year. In Houston’s Week 1 victory over the Indianapolis Colts, Woods was on the field for just 12 offensive snaps.
Given his reduced role, the Texans might look to trade Woods to strengthen another position while saving $6.5 million in cap space. Potential destinations include the Los Angeles Rams, where he played from 2017 to 2021 and where he could fill the gap left by Puka Nacua’s likely extended stint on IR. The Atlanta Falcons might pursue Woods after their disappointing passing performance in Week 1, where they managed only 137 yards and one touchdown. Falcons offensive coordinator Zac Robinson, who worked with Woods as a Rams coaching assistant, might advocate for his addition.
4. Darius Slayton, WR, New York Giants
New York Giants receiver Darius Slayton is also on the trade radar. At 27, Slayton finds himself behind a younger and potentially more dynamic group of receivers. Despite playing 72% of the offensive snaps in Week 1, Slayton had only three receptions for 26 yards. The Giants’ 28-6 loss to the Minnesota Vikings in Week 1 highlighted their struggles, possibly leading them to consider trading veterans like Slayton if their season continues to falter. Slayton has topped 700 receiving yards in four of his five seasons, making him an appealing option for teams looking for a reliable receiver.
The Rams could explore acquiring him to address the gap left by Nacua’s injury. The Pittsburgh Steelers might also see value in Slayton, especially considering their lack of depth behind No. 1 target George Pickens. In Week 1, Pickens led with 85 receiving yards, while the remaining wideouts combined for only eight yards, underscoring the Steelers’ need for additional receiving talent.
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3. Budda Baker, Safety, Arizona Cardinals
Budda Baker, who is a Pro Bowl safety for the Arizona Cardinals, is another player to watch. Although Baker requested a trade last offseason, he agreed to a pay raise instead. The Cardinals could consider moving him if their season does not meet expectations. Baker’s value remains high, and if the team’s performance declines, they could secure a substantial return for him.
The Detroit Lions, with $31.1 million in cap space, could be a potential destination, as they might want to extend Baker and add a high-caliber safety to their defense. Similarly, The Washington Commanders could use their $26.6 million in cap space to pursue Baker and strengthen their secondary, which currently lacks talent.
2. Azeez Ojulari, EDGE, New York Giants
Azeez Ojulari, EDGE rusher for the New York Giants, could be another trade target if the team’s season continues to unravel. The 2021 second-round pick has struggled with injuries and had a limited role in Week 1, recording just one tackle in 24 defensive snaps. Ojulari’s rookie season saw him accumulate eight sacks, and he added 5.5 sacks in 2022, demonstrating his potential. However, his recent injury issues and limited playtime might make him expendable.
The Arizona Cardinals could be interested in adding Ojulari to their pass rush, especially after losing B.J. Ojulari to a torn ACL. The Cincinnati Bengals, lacking a high-end complement to Trey Hendrickson, might also consider trading for Ojulari. The Bengals managed just one sack in Week 1, highlighting their need for additional pass-rushing support.
1. Haason Reddick, EDGE, New York Jets
Haason Reddick tops our NFL trade watch list due to his ongoing contract dispute with the New York Jets. Reddick, seeking a new deal, has requested a trade and did not report for the Jets’ game against the San Francisco 49ers. His absence has already cost him $5 million in fines and nearly $800,000 per missed game check. Despite this, Reddick remains a highly valuable asset, having recorded double-digit sacks in each of the past four seasons.
The Arizona Cardinals, where Reddick spent his first four NFL seasons, might be interested in re-acquiring him. Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon, who was Reddick’s defensive coordinator with the Philadelphia Eagles, could be eager to bring him back. The Detroit Lions, with $26.1 million in cap space, could also pursue Reddick to pair him with Aidan Hutchinson, enhancing their defensive line as they aim for a Super Bowl run.
