The NFL trade deadline is almost here, and while it’s often more about rumors than actual deals, last year proved otherwise. The Washington Commanders shook things up by moving their star pass rushers. Meanwhile, the Minnesota Vikings found a temporary replacement for Kirk Cousins in Joshua Dobbs, and the Seattle Seahawks snatched Leonard Williams.
This year, it feels like the October trade market is heating up faster than ever. We’ve already seen big moves, with stars like Davante Adams, Amari Cooper, and Cam Akers finding new homes. But plenty of other big names could still be on the move. Some are itching for a change of scenery, while others are in the final year of their contracts and won’t be re-signed by their current teams.
So, who could be next to go? Below, we break down the top three trade targets at each position who might get dealt before the November 5 deadline. Remember, just because a player is on this list doesn’t mean their team is actively shopping them—it’s just speculation based on what makes sense.
Quarterbacks (QB)
Justin Fields (Steelers), Gardner Minshew (Raiders), Bryce Young (Panthers)
Fields, now with the Pittsburgh Steelers, has completed 66.3% of his passes for 1,106 yards, five touchdowns, and just one interception, helping lead the team to a 4-2 record. There’s been speculation about Fields moving again despite his recent success. After being benched for Aidan O’Connell in Las Vegas, Gardner Minshew is another option. Minshew, a borderline starter, could be valuable for teams needing depth. Lastly, Bryce Young, the former No. 1 overall pick, has struggled with the Panthers, leading some to wonder if Carolina might cut their losses and trade him despite mortgaging their future for him.
Running Backs (RB)
Miles Sanders (Panthers), Khalil Herbert (Bears), Alexander Mattison (Raiders)
Sanders has seen his role diminish in Carolina, with Chuba Hubbard emerging as the primary back. Sanders has totaled just 98 yards on 30 carries this season. Khalil Herbert, with only eight carries in 2024, would benefit from a fresh start after recording over 740 scrimmage yards in two of his three full NFL seasons. Mattison could also be available, as the Las Vegas Raiders might move him in favor of giving Zamir White a more prominent role in their backfield.
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Wide Receivers (WR)
Tee Higgins (Bengals), DeAndre Hopkins (Titans), Diontae Johnson (Panthers)
Higgins has 16 receptions for 160 yards and two touchdowns in his last two games as the Bengals fight to recover from a slow start. Although it’s unlikely, if Cincinnati continues to struggle, a team offering solid compensation and a new contract for Higgins could make a trade happen. The Titans might deal Hopkins, despite his playing through a torn MCL, as they sit near the bottom of the standings. Diontae Johnson is another potential trade chip for the Panthers, with 29 catches for 340 yards and three touchdowns in what may be his last season in Carolina before hitting free agency.
Also Read: One Trade All 32 NFL Teams’ Should Make Before The Deadline
Tight Ends (TE)
Daniel Bellinger (Giants), Harrison Bryant (Browns), Austin Hooper (Ravens)
Bellinger hasn’t logged a reception since Week 3, as the Giants have shifted focus to rookie Theo Johnson. Harrison Bryant, who signed with the Raiders in the offseason, could be available, especially since the team has prioritized Brock Bowers. Hooper, a veteran, has struggled to produce in 2024 and may be an option for teams seeking a late-round value addition.
Offensive Tackles (OT)
Cam Robinson (Jaguars), Walker Little (Jaguars), Andrus Peat (Saints)
The Jacksonville Jaguars have already made one trade involving their defense, and either Robinson or Little—both in the final year of their contracts—could be next. Teams might find Little the more attractive trade target, as Jacksonville may not offer him a long-term deal despite his promising performance. Peat, a versatile reserve lineman for the Raiders, could also draw interest from teams looking to shore up their O-line depth.
Offensive Guards (OG)
Nate Davis (Bears), Daniel Brunskill (Titans), Will Clapp (Chargers)
Davis, who signed a three-year deal with the Bears, was a healthy inactive last week, signaling Chicago might be open to moving him. Brunskill has been demoted in Tennessee and logged just 24 offensive snaps this season after playing all five O-line positions earlier in his career. Clapp, currently a backup for the Bills, has 21 starts to his name and could be a depth option for teams dealing with injuries.
Defensive Linemen (DL)
D.J. Jones (Broncos), Adam Butler (Raiders), Quinton Jefferson (Jets)
Jones signed a three-year deal with Denver in 2022 and will become a free agent after this season. He has registered two sacks in each of the past two seasons and could attract contenders looking for interior depth. Butler, a veteran in the final year of his deal, and Jefferson, a backup for Cleveland, are likely to draw attention from teams seeking help on the defensive front.
Also Read: 5 Worst Quarterback Trades In NFL History
Edge Rushers (EDGE)
Haason Reddick (Cardinals), Josh Uche (Patriots), Za’Darius Smith (Browns)
Reddick, still holding out and now represented by Drew Rosenhaus, is angling for a trade and a new contract, which makes the Detroit Lions an ideal fit for him. The Patriots could trade Uche, who recorded 11.5 sacks last season, while Smith could attract teams seeking pass-rush help due to his strong performance in Cleveland’s defensive rotation.
Linebackers (LB)
E.J. Speed (Colts), Devin Lloyd (Jaguars), Jamin Davis (Commanders)
Speed is breaking out this year, leading the league with 44 solo tackles through six games, and will hit free agency at the season’s end. Lloyd has struggled in Jacksonville but could benefit from a fresh start, while Davis, a former first-round pick, has been playing defensive end for Washington but was a healthy inactive in Week 6, signaling his availability.
Cornerbacks (CB)
Jaycee Horn (Panthers), Greg Newsome II (Browns), Jonathan Jones (Patriots)
Horn, despite his injury history, would draw significant NFL trade interest if Carolina decides to move him. Newsome, a key contributor for Cleveland, is playing on his fifth-year option in 2025, and Jones, a veteran with New England, is in the final year of his deal and could be a valuable addition to a contender’s secondary.
Safeties (S)
Budda Baker (Cardinals), Trevon Moehrig (Raiders), Andre Cisco (Jaguars)
Baker, a six-time Pro Bowler, could be moved by a struggling Arizona Cardinals team. Moehrig, on the final year of his rookie contract, is coming off a career-high three interceptions and eight passes defended in 2023. Cisco, another young talent, recently called out his teammates’ effort and could be part of Jacksonville’s trade activity leading up to the deadline.
Also Read: Two Crucial Trades The Jacksonville Jaguars Should Make Before The 2024 NFL Trade Deadline
