The NFL trade deadline is just two weeks away, and a handful of teams across the league are starting to establish themselves as legitimate contenders, while others are likely willing to sell some of their older veterans for future draft capital. While nobody can ever predict every potential transaction, these five trades could easily happen in the coming days and weeks.
Before we begin, let’s note that Kirk Cousins is not going to appear on this list. While the quarterback could definitely help a contender, all reports indicate that the former fourth-round pick will not waive his no-trade clause. Cousins is one of the few players in the league that actually has full control over his destiny, and he seemingly wants to stay with the Vikings for the remainder of the 2023 season.
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5 Moves That Could Happen Before the NFL Trade Deadline
Jerry Jeudy/Courtland Sutton to the Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers are not contenders, but they desperately need some help at the wide receiver position. Bryce Young is coming off the best game of his young career as the first-overall pick is finally starting to show some signs of life. However, he’ll never reach his ceiling so long as Adam Thielen is his only reliable target. Stefon Diggs and Tyreek Hill worked wonders for Josh Allen and Tua Tagovailoa, respectively, and the Panthers should try and see if either one of these Broncos receivers could provide a similar safety net for Young. Obviously, Jeudy and Sutton are not nearly as good as Diggs and Hill, but they’re better than nothing – although Steve Smith might disagree.
Jaylon Johnson to the Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers have an elite quarterback in Justin Herbert who could guide this franchise to a Super Bowl title if he ever got a competent defense. Unfortunately, that hasn’t happened yet, but it’s not for a lack of trying. The Chargers invested a lot of resources into trying to fix this defense, but it simply hasn’t worked. This team needs a legitimate top cornerback, and Jaylon Johnson could be the man for the job. Johnson can’t possibly be worse for the Chargers than J.C. Jackson, and the woeful 1-5 Bears will probably be more than willing to trade him for a pick in the NFL Draft at the deadline.
Mac Jones to the Las Vegas Raiders*
Obviously, this one only makes sense if Jimmy Garoppolo suffered a serious injury. As of this posting, all we know is that Garoppolo suffered a back injury in Week 6 that required a trip to the hospital. It’s too early to know if he’s done for the season, but that’s obviously not great news. At 3-3, the Raiders find themselves in the thick of the wild card race. The Raiders need to make the playoffs if Josh McDaniels wants to keep his job, and he’s not making the playoffs with Brian Hoyer. Mac Jones had the best year of his career with McDaniels as his offensive coordinator, so perhaps the two would be interested in a reunion. New England, meanwhile, is clearly out on Jones and could use the NFL trade deadline as an excuse to see what they have in Malik Cunningham.
Absolutely perfect pass from Mac Jones.
Drop from DeVante Parker.#Patriots pic.twitter.com/MMUDNGu8V4
— Henry McKenna (@henrycmckenna) October 15, 2023
Budda Baker to the Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions are on fire, entering the leadup to the NFL trade deadline with a 5-1 record and clear control of the NFC North. However, if they want to be legitimate contenders, they should think about upgrading their safety position. C.J. Gardner-Johnson suffered a torn pectoral and is currently on the injured reserve, so the Lions might as well acquire one of the best safeties in football at the NFL trade deadline. Baker spent a decent chunk of the season on the injured reserve, so the Lions will need to make sure there are no lingering health concerns. However, assuming there are no red flags, Baker could be the missing piece to help the Lions make a deep playoff push.
Marquise Brown to the Kansas City Chiefs
Budda Baker isn’t the only big-name Cardinal that could find a new home during the NFL trade deadline. Marquise Brown is one of the most electric deep threats in football, but he isn’t exactly a key piece of Arizona’s rebuilding process. With Michael Wilson flourishing, perhaps the Cardinals will decide to part ways with Brown in exchange for some serious draft compensation. If that happens, it’s hard to think of a better fit than the Kansas City Chiefs. Rashee Rice is improving, but this team still needs a proven outside receiver. Kansas City’s offense is built around speed, and Brown should be able to step in and contribute from Day 1.
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