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The NFL trade deadline is fast approaching, and with seven in-season trades already in the books, the deals are likely to continue flowing between now and 4 p.m. on Nov. 4.
Eighteen trades took place last season, with eight coming on deadline day, and that total exceeded the previous season by three.
A number of teams with contender aspirations still have holes on their rosters and will likely try to plug them in hopes that such fortification can place them closer to their goals. Meanwhile, some struggling teams are eager to offload talent in exchange for building blocks for the future.
Here’s a look at 10 players who could change addresses within the next several weeks.
Mark Andrews, TE, Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens’ season has quickly spun out of control as they enter their bye week with a 1-5 record. Baltimore has started offloading pieces in exchange for cap space, such as pass-rusher Odafe Oweh. Tight end is a spot where Baltimore has some depth with Isaiah Likely now healthy again. Could Andrews, who is in the final year of his contract, be on the move?
Bradley Chubb, edge, Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins need to clear cap space, and multiple teams need help pressuring the quarterback after injuries and/or retirements dealt them a blow. The two-time Pro Bowl selection missed the entire 2024 season while recovering from a torn ACL, but already has four sacks in six games as one of the few bright spots for Miami. With a potential out on his contract after this season, Chubb could be a pretty attractive target.
Demario Davis, LB, New Orleans Saints
Although 36, Davis remains a highly impactful player, ranking 12th in the league with 51 tackles. The Saints are rebuilding but have hesitated to part with veteran franchise cornerstones, including Davis. The draft picks and cap savings could help, however. And Davis could improve a team such as the San Francisco 49ers, who are riddled with injuries and just lost All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner for the season.
Trey Hendrickson, DE, Cincinnati Bengals
Hendrickson spent the entire offseason and much of the preseason at odds with the Bengals over his contract. The sides reached a compromise and the 2024 NFL sacks leader has four of them in six games. It’s highly unlikely Hendrickson returns to Cincinnati next season, so the Bengals could try to get something for him now. They did just trade for Joe Flacco in hopes of keeping things afloat for a playoff run, however, so they might try to hang onto Hendrickson.
DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Baltimore Ravens
The 33-year-old Hopkins hasn’t started a game for the Ravens, but he’s averaging 19.8 yards per reception, has two touchdown catches and can still win those 50-50 balls. Hopkins was moved at the deadline last season, going from Tennessee to Kansas City, and helped the Chiefs reach the Super Bowl. Could he do so for another team this season?
David Njoku, TE, Cleveland Browns
The Pro Bowl tight end’s production has dipped, but some of that could have to do with the struggles the Browns have experienced at quarterback. However, the team also seems to be working rookie Harold Fannin Jr. into the mix, which makes Njoku, who is in the final year of his deal, expendable. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Los Angeles Chargers, Indianapolis Colts and others could certainly use a boost from someone of Njoku’s caliber.
Plenty of teams could use another pass-catching tight end like David Njoku. (Kirby Lee / Imagn Images)
Jaelan Phillips, edge, Miami Dolphins
He hasn’t played a full season since 2022, but when healthy, the former first-round pick is highly impactful as a pass rusher. A number of top teams — 49ers, Philadelphia Eagles, Detroit Lions, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Kansas City Chiefs, to name a few — find themselves in need of edge-rushing help.
Wyatt Teller, G, Cleveland Browns
The disappointing Browns could save some money against the cap by trading off the three-time Pro Bowl selection, who has voidable years left on his deal after this season. Talented interior linemen are hard to come by and teams like the Eagles, Dallas Cowboys and Seattle Seahawks could use the help.
Kayvon Thibodeaux, edge, New York Giants
Thibodeaux looked like a force in 2023 when he racked up 11.5 sacks, 50 tackles and three forced fumbles. He played in just 12 games last season and now finds himself as a rotational pass rusher behind Giants rookie Abdul Carter and veteran Brian Burns. The 49ers, Buccaneers, Chiefs and Lions rank among teams in need of a pass rusher. The Commanders do as well, but the Giants aren’t likely to trade within their division.
Riq Woolen, CB, Seattle Seahawks
Woolen hasn’t performed at the same level as he did during his first three NFL seasons, and the Seahawks have plenty of talented defensive backs in Shaquille Griffin, Josh Jobe, Devon Witherspoon (when healthy) and Derion Kendrick. There are teams like the Lions, Eagles and Buffalo Bills that are hurting for playmakers at the cornerback position. Perhaps a change of scenery could do Woolen some good.
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