1 Trade Each NFL Team Should Consider Before the 2024 Season Starts

1 Trade Each NFL Team Should Consider Before the 2024 Season Starts0 of 32

Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland SuttonCarmen Mandato/Getty Images

The dawn of NFL training camp around the league is also the last major catalyst for roster movement before the 2024 season gets underway.

The vast majority of major moves were completed during free agency and the NFL draft. Still, there’s nothing like the daunting task of trimming a roster down from 90 players to 53 to get some last-minute deals done before the season.

Trades around this time of year are typically for a player who might have been released anyway. Other times, they are the resolution to a contract dispute. Here, we’ll take a look at one hypothetical deal that would be worth exploring for all 32 franchises based on roster construction, need and 2024 outlook.

Arizona Cardinals: Trade for CB James Bradberry1 of 32

James BradberryRyan Kang/Getty Images

Cardinals Receive: CB James Bradberry

Eagles Receive: 2025 sixth-round pick

The Arizona Cardinals have to show signs of growth in Jonathan Gannon’s second year as head coach. Specifically, Gannon needs to show that he can build a better defense out in the desert. That’s his specialty, and the Cards were 31st in scoring and EPA allowed per play on defense.

Meanwhile, James Bradberry is coming off a dreadful 2023 season and had a career year when Gannon was the defensive coordinator in 2022.

The veteran and the coach could help each other out by reuniting. Given Bradberry’s contract and the Eagles’ moves to add Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean in the draft, they should be willing to part with him for next to nothing.

Right now, the Cardinals could be starting rookie Max Melton across from Sean Murphy-Bunting. Bradberry would at least allow Arizona to be more patient with Melton’s development this season.

Atlanta Falcons: Trade for Edge Matthew Judon2 of 32

Matthew JudonCooper Neill/Getty Images

Falcons Receive: Edge Matthew Judon

Patriots Receive: 2025 fourth-round pick

The Atlanta Falcons did a whole lot to stock up on offense and make a run at the NFC South in 2024. Kirk Cousins is coming to bring together an offense that has plenty of talent on paper with the likes of Bijan Robinson, Drake London and Kyle Pitts.

But the offense will have to be good, because there’s still some rebuilding to do on the defensive side of the ball. New head coach Raheem Morris is known for his defensive acumen, and he will need it.

The Falcons still have questions in the secondary but building a better pass rush would do a lot to fix that. The Falcons have a good duo on the inside with Grady Jarrett and David Onyemata, but another veteran edge-rusher to go with Arnold Ebiketie, Lorenzo Carter and Bralen Trice on the outside could help quite a bit.

They should make a call to the Patriots about the top defensive player on our first trade block big board of the season. The 31-year-old Judon sat out most of last season with a torn bicep, but he had 15.5 sacks in 2022.

With just one more year left on his contract, the Patriots are too far away from contending to hold on to him without assurances that they will be able to extend his contract. Meanwhile, the Falcons already have a good bit riding on the season.

Baltimore Ravens: Trade for Edge Haason Reddick3 of 32

Haason ReddickAndy Lewis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Ravens Receive: Edge Haason Reddick

Jets Receive: 2026 third-round pick

Haason Reddick has already been traded this offseason, but his stay with the New York Jets has already been a mess. The Jets sent a conditional 2026 third-round pick to the Philadelphia Eagles for the pass-rusher, but he is now holding out for a new contract.

Connor Hughes of SNYtv reported that the Jets had talked with Reddick about a possible in-season extension if they saw production in regular-season games. Reddick appeared to be on board with that plan, per Hughes’ sources, but has apparently “maintained minimal contact with the organization” before deciding to hold out.

Hughes also reported that the Jets aren’t willing to trade or release Reddick if this continues.

That may be what they are saying now, but it would be hard to pass if they were simply given an offer to recoup the 2026 third-round pick they lost in the trade.

As for the Ravens, Reddick would immediately become their most effective pass-rusher. Reddick has had at least 11 sacks in each of the last four campaigns. Baltimore has Justin Madubuike coming back after a breakout season, but Kyle Van Noy led all of their edge-rushers in sacks last season.

This would give them the firepower up front to contend with the powerhouse offenses they will see in the AFC playoffs.

Buffalo Bills: Trade for S Richie Grant4 of 32

Richie GrantKevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Bills Receive: S Richie Grant

Falcons Receive: 2025 sixth-round pick

The Buffalo Bills are going to look quite different in the secondary this season. Both Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer have dealt with various injuries, but they were one of the best safety duos in the league when they were at the top of their games.

The Bills parted ways with both in one offseason and opened up the possibility for a training camp position battle.

Taylor Rapp seems like a smart bet to take over one of the spots. He made four starts last season and he’s the most seasoned vet on the roster right now. Second-round pick Cole Bishop will certainly get a chance to take the other spot in camp.

It might be worth adding another name to the mix before the season, though. Targeting someone like Richie Grant could be a low-risk, high-reward play to fill out the room.

Grant was a second-round pick in the 2021 draft and has been a starter for the Falcons over the last two seasons, but Jessie Bates III and DeMarcco Hellams could be the starting duo after the latter put together a strong rookie campaign.

With Grant playing on the final year of his rookie contract, the Falcons might be willing to part with him for a pick. Perhaps playing in Sean McDermott’s defensive system would help him have a breakout season.

Carolina Panthers: Trade for Edge Josh Sweat5 of 32

Josh SweatCooper Neill/Getty Images

Panthers Receive: Edge Josh Sweat

Eagles Receive: 2025 second-round pick, Edge K’Lavon Chaisson

General manager Dan Morgan has had to clean up a lot of the previous regimes messes in Carolina. That includes trading Brian Burns at less than market value to the New York Giants after the team reportedly rejected a trade offer in 2022 that included two first-round picks.

Ultimately, the Panthers sent Burns to the Giants for a second-round pick, a fifth-round pick and a fifth-round pick swap.

Here, Morgan would be able to rectify the whole situation by acquiring another edge-rusher in his prime. Josh Sweat is slightly older than Burns at 27 but would still be a relatively safe bet for a three- or four-year contract extension.

The Eagles restructured Sweat’s contract to include more guaranteed money this season, but he’s not under contract beyond this season. Jeff Howe and Brooks Kubena of The Athletic reported earlier this offseason that both Haason Reddick and Sweat were on the trade block.

The team traded Reddick to the Jets and signed Bryce Huff. With Nolan Smith expected to make a big leap in Year 2, the Eagles seem to have their pass-rushing duo.

Perhaps an opportunity to get a better pick than they would get through the compensatory formula and another rotational rusher would be enough to deal Sweat.

Chicago Bears: Trade for QB Taylor Heinicke6 of 32

Taylor HeinickeQuinn Harris/Getty Images

Falcons Receive: 2025 sixth-round pick

Bears Receive: QB Taylor Heinicke, 2025 seventh-round pick (via LAR)

The Atlanta Falcons’ decision to sign Kirk Cousins and draft Michael Penix Jr. was one of the most wild storylines from the 2024 offseason. Whether the pair of decisions made sense or not, they render Taylor Heinicke an illogical inclusion on the roster.

Heinicke is well-suited to be a backup in the league. He’s made 29 career starts, going 13-15-1 as a starter with 39 touchdowns to 28 interceptions. He won’t elevate those around him, but he can win a game in a pinch.

But if the Falcons don’t feel like Penix can be the backup right away, then their approach to the offseason really doesn’t make sense.

Meanwhile, the Chicago Bears have an incredibly young quarterback tandem atop the depth chart. Caleb Williams will be expected to do big things as a rookie and second-year player Tyson Bagent is set to be the backup right now.

While the Falcons have a natural mentor in Kirk Cousins, the Bears could use a veteran like Heinicke to compete for the backup spot and aid in Williams’ development. The primary benefit for the Falcons would be getting a draft pick upgrade and cutting $1.2 million in space.

Cincinnati Bengals: Trade Tee Higgins to New England Patriots7 of 32

Tee HigginsJeff Moreland/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Bengals Receive: 2025 second-round pick

Patriots Receive: WR Tee Higgins

The odds that Tee Higgins will be on the Bengals roster in 2025 seem increasingly dim. The team allowed the franchise-tag extension window to come and go with no new contract. Bengals owner Mike Brown has alluded to salary-cap issues when talking about the possibility of a new contract.

All things would point to the Bengals treating Higgins just like they did Jessie Bates III a few years ago. Bates played out a final season with the Bengals on the franchise tag and was ultimately allowed to leave in free agency.

Cincinnati ended up being rewarded a third-round compensatory pick. Bates’ Pro Bowl season with the Falcons was a factor.

The Bengals seem content to do the same thing with Higgins. He is set to play the 2024 season on the franchise tag, but the salary-cap calculus won’t look any better with a Ja’Marr Chase contract extension on the horizon.

The best move for the Bengals might be to trade Higgins now. It would allow them to ship him to a team that isn’t going to be a factor in the playoff race this season and get a higher pick than they will in two years from the compensatory formula.

The Patriots would fit the bill. They have a long way to go before they are contenders but could use a No. 1 receiver to help develop Drake Maye.

Cleveland Browns: Trade Maurice Hurst to Chicago Bears8 of 32

Maurice Hurst Jr.Nick Cammett/Getty Images

Cleveland Browns Receive: 2025 sixth-round pick

Chicago Bears Receive: DT Maurice Hurst Jr.

The Cleveland Browns have very few holes to fill. The 2024 season really depends on Deshaun Watson elevating his play and getting the offense back on the right track. They’ve already made moves to help that happen by trading for Jerry Jeudy and signing D’Onta Foreman for backfield depth.

The Browns have young players in place who should grow into bigger roles on the offense too.

The best thing they might be able to do in camp is take advantage of their incredible depth on defense to net some future draft picks. The Browns only made six picks in the 2024 draft, so it would be nice to collect some picks and have another infusion of rookies in 2025.

Maurice Hurst Jr. might be a dispensable veteran who could bring back a draft pick. Hurst flashed some pass-rushing prowess early in his career with a 9.9 pressure percentage in 2019 and played 39 percent of the snaps for the Browns last season.

However, they have a lot of players vying for playing time on the inside this year with Dalvin Tomlinson, Shelby Harris, Quinton Jefferson and rookie Michael Hall Jr. all looking like locks to make the roster.

Hurst might be more valuable to a team like Chicago. The Bears are trying to build a defensive tackle room with a lot of youth. Hurst could be the veteran who helps players like Gervon Dexter Sr. and Zacch Pickens find their footing in the league.

Dallas Cowboys: Trade for RB Dameon Pierce9 of 32

Dameon PierceLeslie Plaza Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Cowboys Receive: RB Dameon Pierce

Texans Receive: 2025 sixth-round pick

One of the Dallas Cowboys’ biggest acquisitions this offseason was Ezekiel Elliott. That would have been a big deal back in 2019 when Elliott put up over 1,777 yards and earned Pro Bowl honors.

But the Cowboys should know better than anyone that isn’t the version of Elliott they are getting. The 29-year-old averaged just 3.5 yards per carry with the Patriots last season and has had waning production over the last three seasons.

There’s a lot riding on this Cowboys season, and any move they can make on the margins to improve should be explored.

Trading for Dameon Pierce could be one such move. The 2022 fourth-round pick averaged 4.3 yards per carry and posted 1,104 yards from scrimmage as a rookie before losing the backfield to Devin Singletary last season.

The Texans don’t seem to have Pierce in the plans after trading for Joe Mixon, signing Cam Akers and drafting Jawhar Jordan in the sixth round. The Cowboys could make a low-risk move by giving up a Day 3 pick to give him a shot at winning a role in camp.

Denver Broncos: Trade for CB Eric Stokes 10 of 32

Eric StokesDavid Jensen/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Broncos Receive: CB Eric Stokes, 2025 sixth-round pick

Packers Receive: 2025 fourth-round pick

Pat Surtain II was voted as the top cornerback in a poll conducted by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler that included league executives, coaches and scouts. He’s one of the few foundational pieces the Broncos have on defense.

There has been speculation that the Broncos could or should trade Surtain given how much value he could return in a trade. The better option would be to get aggressive in finding a capable cornerback to play alongside him.

The Broncos found out last season that it isn’t too hard to simply target the other cornerback on the field if he’s a weak link. Fabian Moreau and Damarri Mathis were targeted 99 times, giving up 990 yards and four touchdowns.

Denver signed Levi Wallace to address the issue, but the 29-year-old is becoming a journeyman and gave up six touchdowns with the Steelers last season.

Eric Stokes is in the final year of his rookie contract and has a first-round pedigree. Unfortunately, injuries have limited him to 12 games over the last two seasons, and the Packers might jump at the chance to improve their draft stock for next season.

Detroit Lions: Trade for DL Cam Heyward11 of 32

Cam HeywardJustin Casterline/Getty Images

Lions Receive: DL Cam Heyward

Steelers Receive: 2025 third-round pick

The Detroit Lions should be all in on getting to the Super Bowl after making the NFC Championship Game last season. That means taking some big swings when they present themselves.

Pursuing an accomplished veteran like Cam Heyward could be the move that puts them over the top. The Lions came up short against the 49ers in part because they gave up 34 points, 4.7 yards per carry and only sacked Brock Purdy twice.

Adding Heyward to the interior of a defensive line that already has Aidan Hutchinson, Alim McNeill, Marcus Davenport and DJ Reader could be the difference in those big games.

Heyward has been a Steeler for the first 13 seasons of his career, but the 35-year-old skipped a few OTAs in search of a new new contract.

The Steelers have rarely handed out contract extensions once the season starts, so they could be willing to listen to offers. A third-round pick is more than they’ll get if Heyward retires after this season, so it could be enough to get the Steelers to ship off the defensive lineman.

Green Bay Packers Trade T.J. Slaton to Los Angeles Chargers12 of 32

T.J. SlatonMichael Reaves/Getty Images

Packers Receive: LB Daiyan Henley

Chargers Receive: DT T.J. Slaton

Straight up player-for-player trades are somewhat rare, but they can happen when an exchange could help both sides.

As it happens, both the Green Bay Packers and Los Angeles Chargers are working through philosophy changes on defense, and exchanging a linebacker for a defensive tackle could be worth exploring.

The Packers are transitioning from a 3-4 base to a 4-3 under new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley. This will increase the need for off-ball linebackers as the Packers go from essentially needing just two on the field at any time to more looks where they have three ‘backers on the field.

It also makes a traditional nose tackle, like the 330-pound T.J. Slaton, a little tougher to project in the defense. The Packers could trade away Slaton and clear more snaps for Karl Brooks and Devonte Wyatt to take alongside Kenny Clark.

Meanwhile, Daiyan Henley was a third-round pick made by Tom Telesco who is no longer with the Chargers. Their decision to draft Junior Colson could be an indication that the Jim Harbaugh-led regime isn’t sold on Henley.

The 6’1″, 225-pound Henley would form a young, athletic trio with Quay Walker and Edgerrin Cooper.

Houston Texans: Trade for DT Phidarian Mathis13 of 32

Phidarian MathisScott Taetsch/Getty Images

Texans Receive: DT Phidarian Mathis

Commanders Receive: 2025 seventh-round pick

This wouldn’t be an earth-shattering move, but it does address a need that could hurt the Texans down the road if it isn’t addressed. The Texans have made a lot of moves to go from plucky underdog to legitimate contenders.

But tertiary needs like defensive line depth still need some work. For instance, the Texans have acquired Foley Fatukasi and Denico Autry from AFC South rivals to form a good interior duo. But after that is a slightly less impressive tandem of Tim Settle and Mario Edwards.

There isn’t a lot of youth at the position to get excited about. But taking a swing on Phidarian Mathis could change that. He’s a 2022 second-round pick who has struggled to make his mark since being drafted by Washington.

To be fair to Mathis, he suffered a season-ending injury just one game into his rookie season and couldn’t crack an interior rotation that included Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne with the Commanders.

Washington now has Adam Peters calling the shots, and they drafted Jer’Zhan Newton in the second round. That doesn’t bode well for how the organization sees Mathis moving forward. He’s worth a Day 3 pick as a dice roll on draft pedigree.

Indianapolis Colts: Trade for RB Miles Sanders14 of 32

Miles SandersDavid Jensen/Getty Images

Colts Receive: RB Miles Sanders

Panthers Receive: 2025 sixth-round pick

The Carolina Panthers’ decision to sign Miles Sanders in 2023 free agency has not aged well. At all.

Sanders was one of the few running backs who earned a notable contract last offseason, but he did not help a struggling Panthers offense. He averaged just 3.3 yards per carry and was surpassed by Chuba Hubbard in the backfield. The Panthers got a new coaching staff, but they used a second-round pick on Jonathon Brooks.

It all signals a front office that would be willing to give away Sanders just for some of the cap relief they would get from the deal.

It’s a situation that the Colts should look to take advantage of. Shane Steichen helped Sanders have his most productive season in 2022. Sanders earned his big payday with 1,347 yards from scrimmage and 11 touchdowns.

Steichen is now the Colts head coach. Jonathan Taylor is undoubtedly the team’s No. 1 back, but he has dealt with major injuries in each of the last two seasons. Trey Sermon and Evan Hull are the top options behind him.

Sanders is a much more accomplished back and could take some of the strain off Taylor this season.

Jacksonville Jaguars: Trade for CB Marshon Lattimore15 of 32

Marshon LattimoreDerick E. Hingle/Getty Images

Jaguars Receive: CB Marshon Lattimore

Saints Receive: 2025 third-round pick (via MIN)

The Jacksonville Jaguars are attempting to contend in an AFC that has a ton of firepower and elite quarterbacks. That requires an elite secondary that can contend with the likes of Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen and Joe Burrow.

Right now, the Jaguars have Tyson Campbell and Ronald Darby as starting outside corners with not a whole lot behind them. An injury to either of them would pose a serious issue for new defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen.

Nielsen made himself known as a defensive assistant with the New Orleans Saints. It might be time to get on the horn with his former team and see what it would take to bring in Marshon Lattimore.

The Saints restructured Lattimore’s contract in a way that makes it much easier to trade him before the season starts. With Paulson Adebo due for a contract extension in 2025, the Saints might be willing to part with the older, more expensive Lattimore.

L’Jarius Sneed was traded for a third-rounder and a seventh-round pick swap. That could put Lattimore’s value as a third-rounder straight up. The Jags would be on the hook for most of his 2024 cap hit and the remainder of his five-year, $97.6 million contract.

That might be the cost of keeping up with the Joneses in an extremely competitive AFC right now.

Kansas City Chiefs: Trade for OT Jack Conklin16 of 32

Jack ConklinScott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Chiefs Receive: OT Jack Conklin

Browns Receive: 2025 third-round pick, 2025 fifth-round pick

If there’s a contender that should be willing to take a big swing in the trade market, it’s the Kansas City Chiefs. The opportunity to chase a third straight Super Bowl isn’t one that comes along often.

One of the things that could quickly destroy the Chiefs’ repeat chances is their current situation at left tackle. The Chiefs are set to have a competition between Wanya Morris and Kingsley Suamataia to determine the starter.

Morris saw the field as a rookie and experienced a steep learning curve. He picked up a PFF grade of 55.6 with three penalties and two sacks allowed. The Chiefs used a second-round selection on Suamataia, but he’s only 21 years old and might take a while to develop before he’s ready for the lofty task of protecting Mahomes’ blind side.

Ideally, the Chiefs would be able to add a veteran tackle to the mix. That’s tough to do this time of year, but the Browns have a unique situation that could open a window. Jack Conklin has been one of the better right tackles in the league, but an injury forced him out of the lineup last season, and rookie Dawand Jones looked good in his spot.

That could make the healthy Conklin expendable moving forward, and he’d provide stiff competition for Morris, Suamataia and right tackle Jawaan Taylor. Trading for Conklin would likely be costly in terms of draft capital but would create stability on the edges.

Las Vegas Raiders: Trade Davante Adams to the New York Jets17 of 32

Davante AdamsEthan Miller/Getty Images

Raiders Receive: 2025 first-round pick, 2026 second-round pick

Jets Receive: WR Davante Adams

Davante Adams’ agent has said that trade speculation around the wide receiver is “baseless.” Adams has confirmed that he is currently happy with the team in an episode of Netflix’s show, Receiver (h/t Carter Landis of Sports Illustrated).

“My hopes for this offseason is that we can find a way to make this work here in Vegas, to make this team a championship team,” he said. “As long as I’m here, that’s what I’ll do.”

The problem with that statement is that the Raiders aren’t a championship team. There’s reason for long-term optimism. Antonio Pierce seems to have the belief of his players, and they could be elite on defense this season.

But they will still either Aidan O’Connell or Gardner Minshew II at quarterback, and it’s hard to see them emerging from a loaded AFC.

The Jets are in a position where they have to succeed in 2024. The Aaron Rodgers clock is ticking and they have too much invested in him to fail. The Raiders could take advantage of that by dangling his former teammate in trade talks and getting two valuable picks in return.

The additional draft capital would put them in a great position to draft the quarterback of the future in the 2025 draft and develop their younger receiver weapons without Adams dominating the target share.

Los Angeles Chargers: Trade for WR Alec Pierce18 of 32

Alec PierceDylan Buell/Getty Images

Chargers Receive: WR Alec Pierce

Colts Receive: 2025 fourth-round pick

Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh and general manager Joe Hortiz made a pretty emphatic statement when they parted ways with both Mike Williams and Keenan Allen in their first offseason together. Clearly, they are going to lean into a run-heavy identity and try to build a team from the inside out.

There’s something to be said for that, but you still have to have talented wide receivers to compete in the league today.

The Chargers receiver corps is one of the weakest in the league right now. They’ll need Ladd McConkey to step into a big role right away, Quentin Johnston to put his disappointing rookie season behind him and get more consistency from Josh Palmer.

That’s a lot of stuff to hope goes right for one position group. It would help their odds if they reached out to another team to get at least one more realistic option. It would be worth checking in with the Colts about Alec Pierce’s availability after Indianapolis used a second-round pick on Adonai Mitchell in this year’s draft.

Both are bigger-bodied outside receivers who are vertical threats. Pierce has put together two seasons with more than 500 yards, but he needed a lot of targets to get there. The Colts could funnel those targets to Mitchell, and Pierce could compete to be in the Chargers rotation.

Los Angeles Rams: Trade for DT Roy Robertson-Harris19 of 32

Roy Robertson-HarrisCourtney Culbreath/Getty Images

Rams Receive: DT Roy Robertson-Harris

Jaguars Receive: 2025 fifth-round pick

There’s no replacing Aaron Donald. He will be a first-ballot Hall of Famer, and his one-of-a-kind ability to wreck a game can’t be duplicated. However, the Rams have a promising interior disruptor in Kobie Turner, and Braden Fiske profiles as a chore for offensive linemen with his explosiveness.

What the Rams don’t have is a veteran run-stuffer who is going to eat up blocks and force teams to run around him. That’s where a trade could help them as camp gets underway.

Roy Robertson-Harris has been a solid veteran for the Jaguars defensive line, but they acquired Arik Armstead and drafted Maason Smith this offseason. That could leave Robertson-Harris with a smaller role.

A trade would save the Jags $2.5 million against the 2024 cap and get them out of an $8.9 million cap hit for next season. Meanwhile, the Rams would get some much-needed interior depth.

Miami Dolphins: Trade for DL DeMarvin Leal20 of 32

DeMarvin LealRyan Kang/Getty Images

Dolphins Receive: DL DeMarvin Leal

Steelers Receive: 2025 fifth-round pick

The Miami Dolphins showed they want to get better up front on defense when they decided to hire Baltimore Ravens defensive line coach Anthony Weaver to take over the defense. Weaver was instrumental in a Ravens defense that generated a good pass rush with Kyle Van Noy and Jadeveon Clowney as his top rushers last season.

He also helped Justin Madubuike have a breakout season in his fourth season.

That fourth-year leap should encourage the Dolphins to seek out more young, talented defensive linemen who could breakout under Weaver. DeMarvin Leal would be a logical target in that regard.

The 24-year-old has struggled to make an impact in Pittsburgh through two seasons. He has just one sack despite six starts. He was part of the Steelers plan early in the 2023 season, but played fewer than 10 snaps in every game beyond Week 8.

Leal could be energized by a fresh start and the Dolphins need more intriguing players on the interior after losing Christian Wilkins in free agency.

Minnesota Vikings: Trade for CB Michael Jackson21 of 32

Michael JacksonRyan Kang/Getty Images

Vikings Receive: CB Michael Jackson

Seahawks Receive: 2025 fifth-round pick

The Seattle Seahawks have a surplus of cornerback talent. The position group was already solid with Riq Woolen, Devon Witherspoon and Tre Brown. Then they went and added Nehemiah Pritchett and D.J. James in the draft.

It makes a player like Michael Jackson a little more expendable as they look to build this defense to Mike Macdonald’s liking. Jackson was a starter for the Seahawks in 2022 giving up a passer rating of just 75.1.

He fell out of favor with the Seahawks coaching staff in 2023, starting just four games, playing 40 percent of the defensive snaps and giving up a passer rating of 95.1.

Macdonald’s coaching staff might like Jackson, but trading him would free up snaps for younger players and potentially bring back a draft pick.

The Vikings should be among the teams interested in doing it. Brian Flores’ aggressive blitzing scheme requires cornerbacks who can get up and press opposing receivers. The 6’1″, 210-pounder has the size and length to do just that and could be a fit.

New England Patriots: Trade for WR Darius Slayton22 of 32

Darius SlaytonElsa/Getty Images

Patriots Receive: WR Darius Slayton

Giants Receive: 2025 fifth-round draft pick

The New England Patriots have plenty of potential breakout candidates in their wide receiver group. Tyquan Thornton could be a post-hype breakout player. Rookies Ja’Lynn Polk and Javon Baker have high ceilings and DeMario Douglas could certainly build on a strong season.

What they don’t have a lot of is proven production.

Bringing in Darius Slayton would fix that. The Giants receiver has never cracked 800 yards in a season but he’s been remarkably consistent with over 700 yards in four of his five seasons. He’s adept at using his speed to get open and has more experience than most of the names the Patriots are currently depending on.

The Giants have a new potential No. 1 receiver in Malik Nabers and Wan’Dale Robinson could be much more involved this season. Slayton skipped part of the Giants offseason program while seeking a new contract, but the Giants only gave him added incentives for the 2024 campaign.

That might have been enough to get him to camp, but it’s not really a commitment to keeping him around.

New York Giants: Trade for TE Harrison Bryant23 of 32

Harrison BryantLeslie Plaza Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Giants Receive: TE Harrison Bryant, 2026 seventh-round pick

Raiders Receive: 2026 sixth-round pick

The last time the Giants traded for a Raiders tight end it didn’t work out so well. Darren Waller only ended up playing 12 games last season, averaged 10.6 yards per reception and retired this offseason.

The Giants drafted Theo Johnson and still have Daniel Bellinger on the roster, but it might be worth going back to the Raiders to add another option.

This time, the trade would be much more low stakes. The Raiders signed Harrison Bryant to a one-year, $3.3 million contract in March, but couldn’t have factored in drafting Brock Bowers at the time. Drafting the rookie phenomenon out of Georgia probably puts Bryant third in the tight end pecking order right away.

Meanwhile, the Giants might have pursued a free agent tight end a little harder if Waller had announced his retirement before June. Here, both clubs get a chance for a redo. The former Mackey Award winner could help out New York until Johnson is ready to play.

New York Jets: Trade for WR Robert Woods24 of 32

Robert WoodsCarmen Mandato/Getty Images

Jets Receive: WR Robert Woods, 2025 seventh-round pick

Texans Receive: 2025 sixth-round pick

We already discussed a trade that would reunite Aaron Rodgers with Davante Adams, but that’s a little bit of wishful thinking for the Jets at this point. It might be a different story as the trade deadline approaches.

But the Jets are a team with aspirations of contending right now and upgrading the receiving corps is still an objective that should be taken care of.

As it stands, the Jets are putting a lot of eggs in the Malachi Corley basket. The Western Kentucky alum might play a major role as a rookie, but if he needs time to develop the options are less than inspiring outside of Garrett Wilson and Mike Williams.

Another veteran in the room could go a long way in providing consistency. Robert Woods played that role in Houston long enough for the younger guys to phase him out of the offense. He could do the same in New York.

The Texans really don’t need Woods with Stefon Diggs joining Nico Collins and Tank Dell. Getting him off the payroll and picking up a draft pick upgrade wouldn’t be a bad move for Houston.

Meanwhile, the Jets get a veteran in Woods who has spent time in the slot and outside.

New Orleans Saints: Trade for WR Noah Brown25 of 32

Noah BrownCooper Neill/Getty Images

Saints Receive: WR Noah Brown

Texans Receive: 2025 sixth-round pick

The New Orleans Saints have a young star in the making in Chris Olave. They have another promising up-and-comer in Rashid Shaheed. Then it gets dicey.

Fifth-round pick Bub Means, second-year player A.T. Perry and veteran Cedrick Wilson Jr. are all going to compete for that third wide receiver spot. It wouldn’t hurt to add another experienced option into that mix.

Noah Brown is coming off an underrated season in Houston. While he was overshadowed by Tank Dell and Nico Collins, he did contribute 33 receptions for 567 yards and two touchdowns.

Brown excels with the ball in his hands and had the fourth-highest YAC score from ESPN Analytics’ receiver tracking stats. He was also one of the more efficient receivers in the league, averaging 10.3 yards per target and was fourth in yards per reception.

Unfortunately for him, the Texans are going to have a hard time utilizing him. Stefon Diggs arrival, combined with a healthy Dell and Collins returning on a new contract will minimize his role.

He could be a much bigger part of the Saints offense.

Philadelphia Eagles: Trade for Edge Alex Wright26 of 32

Alex WrightCooper Neill/Getty Images

Eagles Receive: Edge Alex Wright

Browns Receive: 2025 fifth-round pick

Just two years ago the Eagles boasted the deepest rotation of outside pass rushers in the league. That depth has deteriorated fairly quickly and the Eagles need to plan ahead to build up the group in 2025 as well.

Brandon Graham is likely a retirement candidate at the end of the season and there’s no guarantee the 36-year-old will remain healthy all year.

Josh Sweat is in the final year of his contract. Depending on how the season goes, he could be a name that is brought up during the trade deadline.

Bryce Huff and Nolan Smith are going to lead the group into the future. Adding more young talent to the room could help in both the long and short term.

Alex Wright is an under-the-radar name to target. He saw just 38 percent of the snaps for the Browns last season, but he racked up five sacks, six tackles for loss and five quarterback hits.

The Browns boast a pass-rushing rotation that includes Myles Garrett, Za’Darius Smith and Ogbo Okoronkwo so finding more snaps for Wright could be difficult. Taking advantage of their depth by adding a pick could be something the Browns would be interested in.

Pittsburgh Steelers: Trade for WR Courtland Sutton27 of 32

Courtland SuttonMatthew Stockman/Getty Images

Steelers Receive: WR Courtland Sutton

Broncos Receive: 2025 fifth-round pick, 2026 fifth-round pick

It’s no secret that the Steelers could use some help at wide receiver. The Steelers offense was a big disappointment last season and most of the culprits have been addressed. They hired Arthur Smith to be offensive coordinator and now have Russell Wilson and Justin Fields to play quarterback.

But the receiving corps still feels like it’s one more legitimate weapon away from being a functional NFL offense. George Pickens is a potential star. Roman Wilson should develop into a good secondary weapon, but another outside receiver who can take some attention away from Pickens would be huge.

Courtland Sutton would be a great fit for the role and even has pre-existing chemistry with Russell Wilson. He played quarterback in Denver the last two seasons and put up a career-high 10 touchdowns with Wilson at the helm last season.

Sutton has been at odds with the Broncos this summer as he seeks a new contract. The 28-year-old has no guaranteed money on his contract next season. He did show up to training camp, but the Broncos unwillingness to commit money to him in the future could be a sign he’s on the way out.

San Francisco 49ers: Trade for OL Jackson Carman28 of 32

Jackson CarmanIan Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

49ers Receive: OL Jackson Carman

Bengals Receive: 2025 sixth-round pick

Jackson Carman was a 5-star prospect coming ouf of high school who wound up becoming a second-round pick in 2021. Given his pedigree, it’s a bit of a shock that he has played in just 22 games and started six in the first three years of his career.

The Bengals have given Carman reps at both guard and tackle and he hasn’t been able to win a spot. It isn’t as though the Bengals haven’t needed offensive line help in the last three years either.

With Carman entering his fourth year, the Bengals have the right to be running out of patience. A change of scenery could be beneficial to all parties involved.

The 49ers would be good scenery for the 6’5″, 328-pound blocker. The Niners have one of the most lineman-friendly systems in the league. Kyle Shanahan’s use of motion, play action and a varied run game constantly put linemen in advantageous positions.

They also happen to need depth at both right guard where 32-year-old Jon Feliciano could start and right tackle where Colton McKivitz will get another chance to start.

Seattle Seahawks: Trade for Edge Zaven Collins29 of 32

Zaven CollinsCooper Neill/Getty Images

Seahawks Receive: Edge Zaven Collins

Cardinals Receive: 2025 sixth-round pick

Zaven Collins is a vestige of the Steve Keim era in Arizona. The linebacker turned edge rusher was supposed to be a dynamic pairing with Isaiah Simmons, but neither were able to translate their versatility to the NFL with the Cards.

Through three seasons Collins has started 39 games in a various roles but has just 5.5 sacks and 166 tackles in three seasons. With Monti Ossenfort serving as general manager and Jonathan Gannon entering his second year as the head coach it’s fair to wonder if they would be willing to deal him.

Mike Macdonald is just getting started with Seahawks, but his work with Kyle Van Noy last season would indicate he could get the most out of Collins. Van Noy has always been a hybrid off-ball linebacker edge-rusher. He had a career-high nine sacks in Macdonald’s defense last season.

The Seahawks have an intriguing mix of need on the edge and linebacker. Jerome Baker and Tyrel Dodson are free agent acquisitions and should start off the ball. Uchenna Nwosue, Boye Mafe and Darrell Taylor are a decent trio off the edge.

Collins could fit in nicely in a hybrid role with a creative coach to tap into his upside.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Trade Joe Tryon-Shoyinka to Buffalo Bills30 of 32

Joe Tryon-ShoyinkaJulio Aguilar/Getty Images

Buccaneers Receive: CB Kaiir Elam, 2025 sixth-round pick

Bills Receive: Edge Joe Tryon-Shoyinka

The Bills drafted Kaiir Elam with hopes that he would be the next great cornerback to play in their system. The Bucs drafted Joe Tryon-Shoyinka to take over for the likes of Shaquil Barrett.

Both franchises have been disappointed by the results.

Elam has been impacted by injuries. He played in just three games last season, but he wasn’t looking any better than he did in his rookie season when he gave up a passer rating of 96.3 when targeted.

The Bills have since traded for Rasul Douglas and watched Christian Benford pass Elam on the depth chart.

Tryon-Shoyinka has been on the field. He just hasn’t made much impact. He’s played in every possible regular season game and made 34 starts but has just 13 sacks to show for it.

The Bucs and Bills could help each other out and give both players a fresh start by striking a deal. The Bucs need corner depth after trading away Carlton Davis III. Meanwhile, the Bills could use more depth among their edge-rushers with Von Miller hitting an age cliff last season.

Perhaps both could revive their careers in new surroundings.

Tennessee Titans: Trade Treylon Burks to Washington Commanders31 of 32

Treylon BurksJohnnie Izquierdo/Getty Images

Titans Receive: 2025 fifth-round pick

Commanders Receive: WR Treylon Burks, 2025 sixth-round pick

The Tennessee Titans made two major additions to their receiving corps when they signed Calvin Ridley and Tyler Boyd in free agency. Those two should team up with Calvin Ridley to give Will Levis plenty of firepower in 2024.

Both additions don’t look good for Treylon Burks’ continued opportunities within the offense. Burks has been one of the most disappointing first-round picks from the 2022 draft class. He had 33 receptions and 444 yards with a score in his rookie season but only had 221 yards in 11 games as a sophomore.

Titans general manager Ran Carthon has praised Burks for his work this offseason, noting that the 24-year-old has “bought in and grown up”.

Yet, there’s just not much growth potential for Burks’ role given who they have on the roster. It would make some sense to simply move on from Burks when Nick Westbrook-Ikhine has been a more consistent fourth receiver.

The Commanders are a team that should be willing to give Burks a shot. They don’t have much after Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson. The Cardinals brought in Burks for a pre-draft visit when Kliff Kingsbury was head coach. He now works as the Commanders offensive coordinator.

Washington Commanders: Trade for WR Brandon Aiyuk32 of 32

Brandon AiyukCooper Neill/Getty Images

Commanders Receive: WR Brandon Aiyuk

49ers Receive: 2025 first-round pick, 2026 second-round pick

We’ll end with a blockbuster that could really accelerate the Washington Commanders rebuild under Dan Quinn. The San Francisco 49ers continue to have a standoff with star wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk and the Commanders are among a handful of teams who could be in the running after the receiver officially requested a trade.

Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk included Washington among the group of teams that were reportedly interested in trading for Aiyuk ahead of the draft. Creating a trio of Aiyuk, Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson would immediately give the Commanders one of the best trios in the league.

The trade would allow Jayden Daniels to reunite with his former teammate. The two had good chemistry in their shared time at Arizona State before Aiyuk went to the NFL and Daniels transferred to LSU.

It isn’t uncommon to see teams give their young quarterback a former teammate. Joe Burrow has Ja’Marr Chase. Tua Tagovailoa has Jaylen Waddle. Jalen Hurts has DeVonta Smith. All three pairings have led to strong production.

The Commanders have an opportunity to give Daniels the same thing and should be willing to make a strong offer to get it done.