NFL trades are always an exciting part of the season, and with the 2024 campaign just around the corner, teams have finalized their 53-man rosters—at least for now. While these initial cuts give us a snapshot of what Week 1 will look like, the real drama unfolds when the games begin. Injuries happen, surprises emerge, and teams either build momentum or face setbacks.
This constant shuffling across the league often leads to some eye-catching trades. With the trade deadline set for November 5, right after Week 9, there’s plenty of time for deals to go down. Teams looking to boost their playoff hopes or plan for the future might make some bold moves.
Let’s Dive Into Some Bold NFL Trade Predictions For The Months Ahead
6) Someone May Target Mac Jones
The 2023 season highlighted the crucial role of a strong backup quarterback. When several top stars were sidelined, teams with reliable backups managed to stay competitive and win games. Those without such backups quickly learned how impactful a solid second-string quarterback can be.
This is why Mac Jones might become a sought-after trade target if a team experiences a quarterback injury this season. The Jaguars acquired Jones for a 2024 sixth-round pick after his disappointing tenure with New England.
Jones showed significant improvement during preseason with the Jaguars, completing 38 of 52 passes for 421 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions. While preseason performance can be misleading, head coach Doug Pederson commended Jones for adapting well to the Jacksonville system and grasping the offense. Jones’ first-round pedigree and recent strong performance could prompt a team needing a quarterback to contact the Jaguars to discuss a potential NFL trade.
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5) Raiders Target For Davante Adams
This summer, there was a flurry of trade rumors surrounding Las Vegas Raiders receiver Davante Adams. The speculation intensified to the point that Adams’ agent had to clarify that the rumors were unfounded and that Adams was expected to remain with the Raiders.
Despite this, trade discussions will likely resurface before the deadline. Adams, who has mostly played with Aaron Rodgers, joined the Raiders with the expectation of teaming up again with his college teammate Derek Carr. With Carr now in New Orleans, Adams has worked with Jimmy Garoppolo and Aidan O’Connell and will soon be under Gardner Minshew.
Netflix’s Receiver show highlighted Adams’ frustration with the quarterback situation. If the offense does not improve in 2024, concerns about his future will remain. According to Player Profiler, Minshew’s catchable pass rate was 23rd in the league.
At 31, Adams has two years left on his contract with the Raiders. Trading him would save the team $17.5 million, and minimal guaranteed money remains. Trade rumors involving Adams will likely become a hot topic again during the season.
4) Kansas City Chiefs Can Target For A Steelers Running Back
The aftermath of free agency often reveals intriguing details about player recruitment. Once a free agent signs with a team, they typically share insights into their recruitment process.
Before choosing Green Bay, Josh Jacobs recently shed light on his free agency journey. He revealed that the Chiefs pursued him aggressively, trying to recruit him to the defending Super Bowl champions. Jacobs felt strongly about not joining the Chiefs due to their rivalry, stating he couldn’t imagine himself in their colors.
Despite the Chiefs’ serious efforts, they didn’t make significant moves to improve their backfield depth. While Isiah Pacheco remains a crucial player, the depth behind him consists of Clyde Edwards-Helaire and part-time fullback Carson Steele.
Even though the running back position has diminished in value, the Chiefs might still seek to add a talented back to enhance their chances of repeating as champions. Potential trade targets include Pittsburgh Steelers running backs Jaylen Warren or Najee Harris. Both are set to become free agents after this season, and the Steelers might not retain both. If the Steelers struggle early in the season, they might be open to trading one of them to the Chiefs for a valuable return.
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3) Texans Target For Jonathan Allen
The Houston Texans are in a prime position to make bold NFL trade moves, as shown by their aggressive acquisition of Stephon Diggs this offseason. With C.J. Stroud only in his second year on a rookie contract, the Texans have the cap flexibility to bring in high-priced veterans. Their recent trades for Diggs and the signing of Danielle Hunter reflect this strategy.
They could push their approach further by pursuing an NFL trade for Washington Commanders defensive tackle Jonathan Allen. Adding Allen would immediately strengthen a weak spot on their defense. With Will Anderson Jr. and Hunter on the edges, Allen would provide more interior power than the current duo of Folorunso Fatukasi and Mario Edwards Jr., who combined for fewer sacks last season than Allen’s 5.5.
For the Commanders, the focus is on building the best offense around Jayden Daniels. After paying Daron Payne and drafting Jer’Zhan Newton in the second round, continuing to spend heavily on defensive tackles might not be the best strategy for a team in rebuild mode.
2) Browns Target For DeAndre Hopkins
Amid a wave of NFL activity—including trades, cuts, signings, and a new contract for Brandon Aiyuk—the Cleveland Browns set themselves up for a potential major trade this season. They restructured Deshaun Watson’s contract, freeing up $36 million in cap space by converting $44.8 million of his 2024 salary into a signing bonus and adding a void year. This move gives them a league-high $51.7 million in cap space.
While this cap space provides flexibility now, much of it will likely roll into next season, when Watson’s cap hit balloons to $72.9 million. The Browns are betting big on Watson, whose tenure has yet to deliver. He has struggled with injuries, and his 42.9 QBR would have ranked 24th in the league had he qualified.
With this newfound financial room, the Browns could make one last significant roster addition during the season. DeAndre Hopkins emerges as a logical target. The 32-year-old posted a 1,000-yard season in 2023, proving he still has plenty left in the tank, but the Titans are rebuilding, and Hopkins is in the final year of his contract.
Moreover, Hopkins already has chemistry with Watson from their time together in Houston. Adding Hopkins to a receiving corps with Amari Cooper and Jerry Jeudy would give Watson no excuse not to return to his Pro Bowl form.
1) Ravens Target For Haason Reddick
The idea of trading Haason Reddick might start to appeal more to the New York Jets as his contract standoff drags on before the season. The Jets are stuck in a tricky situation with the 29-year-old edge rusher. After trading a conditional third-round pick for him in April, Reddick still hasn’t reported, holding out for a new deal.
ESPN’s Rich Cimini reports that the Jets prefer to adjust Reddick’s current contract, which expires at the end of the season, rather than offer an extension. But this isn’t sitting well with Reddick, who turns 30 in September and is looking for long-term security. Without a resolution, a trade to a team willing to extend him could be the best option.
The Ravens should be high on the list of potential suitors. Coming off a strong 2023 season, they need an edge rusher. Trading an unproven player like David Ojabo for Reddick, who can make an immediate impact, could be smart. Jadeveon Clowney left for Carolina in free agency and was second on the team in sacks last season. Reddick could step in as a double-digit sack threat alongside Justin Madubuike.
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