The Jacksonville Jaguars put up a tough fight against the Green Bay Packers, but the 2-6 team will still likely trade veterans like Brandon Scherff at the trade deadline. A first-round pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, the Iowa product spent the first seven years of his career establishing himself as one of the league’s best guards, making five Pro Bowls and earning First-Team All-Pro honors in 2020. While he has slowed down and is no longer an elite player, Scherff remains a solid starter, entering Week 8 with the 34th-best PFF grade out of 75 eligible guards.
Reliable blocking is hard to find, and NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero report that multiple teams have contacted Jacksonville about a potential Brandon Scherff trade. Set to become a free agent at the end of the season, Scherff likely wouldn’t command a major return, but the Jaguars should welcome all the draft picks they can get. Looking around the league, the Baltimore Ravens, Chicago Bears, and New Orleans Saints make the most sense as potential destinations.
Jaguars Receiving Calls For Brandon Scherff, Could Trade 5-Time Pro Bowler
The Baltimore Ravens have one of the most talented rosters in football, but their Week 8 loss to the lowly Cleveland Browns shows they still have some work to do. While Cleveland only recorded three sacks in their 29-24 win, Lamar Jackson spent a sizable portion of the game dodging unblocked rushers. Jackson is perhaps the most athletic quarterback in the league, but you never want to see your quarterback face consistent pressure. While the Ravens have solid answers at tackle and center, a Brandon Scherff trade could fix their biggest weakness.
Baltimore began the 2024 offseason by losing starting guards Kevin Zeitler and John Simpson to the New York Jets and Detroit Lions, respectively. With limited resources, the Ravens had no choice but to trust the players already on the roster to fill these voids. So far, that hasn’t gone according to plan, as Patrick Mekari, Daniel Faalele, and Andrew Vorhees have all struggled when given opportunities, and trade candidate Ben Cleveland can barely make the field. Brandon Scherff is no longer a superstar, but the trade candidate is still an adequate starter, which will be a huge upgrade.
Other Fits
First-overall pick Caleb Williams should develop into a franchise quarterback, but the rookie is going through some ups and downs as he acclimates to life in the NFL. After losing a heartbreaker to the Washington Commanders, the 4-3 Bears find themselves in the basement of the NFC North and must act now if they want to salvage their season. Brandon Scherff should be atop their trade wish list, as the longtime veteran can keep Williams upright and serve as a worthy starter opposite Teven Jenkins. With Nate Davis possibly gone, Scherff could be a clear upgrade for a team that could use better blocking.
At 2-6, most teams would accept this isn’t their year and not trade for a short-term rental. However, the New Orleans Saints are not most teams. General manager Mickey Loomis does not believe in rebuilding, and head coach Dennis Allen will lose his job if they can’t turn the ship around. Playing in a weak NFC South and with Derek Carr set to return, the Saints could trade for Brandon Scherff to try and recapture the magic of the season’s first two games.
Main Photo: Nathan Ray Seebeck – USA Today Sports
