2024 NFL Trade Block Big Board Entering Week 2

Kristopher Knox@@kris_knoxCorrespondent ISeptember 11, 20242024 NFL Trade Block Big Board Entering Week 20 of 11

Texans WR Robert WoodsCarmen Mandato/Getty Images

The first week of the 2024 NFL season is complete, and the opening slate revealed a few needs that teams should look to address in the coming weeks.

The Cleveland Browns, for example, played without either of their starting tackles in Week 1 and were promptly dismantled by the Dallas Cowboys defense. The Green Bay Packers, meanwhile, are set to be without starting quarterback Jordan Love for three-to-six weeks because of an MCL sprain, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.

While some quality veterans remain in the free-agent pool, some teams will inevitably look to the trade market to fill holes.

Here, you’ll find the 10 top trade targets entering Week 2, based on factors such as player upside, past production, cap situation, contract status and any relevant trade-related buzz.

The Selection Process1 of 11

Jaguars QB Mac JonesTodd Kirkland/Getty Images

As we did last season and ahead of Week 1, we began the board-building process by examining 15 players who have already been the subject of trade speculation or who would be logical trade candidates due to contract status, roster situations and/or team outlook.

While it’s way too early in the season to know which teams will be sellers at the November 5 trade deadline, we can make a few educated guesses. Based on Week 1, the Carolina Panthers and New York Giants already look like two teams that could be vying for next year’s No. 1 overall pick.

Those players were then ranked based on past production, upside, positional value and their likelihood of being traded to get to our top 10.

New to the list this week are Las Vegas Raiders tight end Harrison Bryant, who is playing on a one-year deal, and Washington Commanders cornerback Emmanuel Forbes Jr., who may benefit from a change of scenery.

To make room, we’ve removed New York Jets receiver Allen Lazard and Browns backup quarterback Jameis Winston—based on the putrid Week 1 performance of its offensive line, Cleveland would be wise to hang onto its quarterback depth.

Our Week 2 honorable mentions, in no particular order, are:

Damien Pierce, RB, Houston Texans
Miles Sanders, RB, Carolina PanthersMac Jones, QB, Jacksonville Jaguars
Jonathan Jones, CB, New England Patriots
Amari Cooper, WR, Cleveland Browns
10. Emmanuel Forbes Jr., CB, Washington Commanders2 of 11

Scott Taetsch/Getty Images

The Commanders made Forbes the 16th overall pick in last year’s draft, but the second-year corner may already need a new home to thrive.

Forbes struggled mightily as a rookie, allowing an opposing passer rating of 103.0 in coverage. This season was supposed to bring the 23-year-old a fresh opportunity, but it doesn’t feel as if Washington’s new regime truly believes in him.

After being called for two penalties on the same play in Week 1, Forbes was pulled from the lineup. Twice. At this point, it might be best for the Commanders to find another starting corner and see what they can get for Forbes in a trade—although his health could complicate matters.

According to Nicki Jhabvala of the Washington Post, Forbes was spotted in the X-ray room with an undisclosed injury after Sunday’s game.

A few teams might be willing to take a flier on the young Mississippi State product, who did flash a lot of playmaking potential in college.

The Browns might be a logical suitor, given their willingness to take chances on former high draft picks who haven’t panned out elsewhere—they added Kadarius Toney to their practice squad.

The Los Angeles Chargers, who are rebuilding under new head coach Jim Harbaugh, might also be willing to kick the tires on Forbes. Harbaugh, presumably, wants to build a dynamic defense in L.A., and his team doesn’t currently boast a surplus of cornerback depth.

Potential Suitors: Cleveland Browns, Los Angeles Chargers

9. Treylon Burks, WR, Tennessee Titans3 of 11

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Like Forbes, Tennessee Titans receiver Treylon Burks is a former first-round pick who might require a fresh start in a new environment. The 2022 first-round pick struggled to become a consistent and dependable contributor over his first two seasons, and things don’t seem to be changing in 2024.

In Tennessee’s season opener, Burks carried the ball twice for one yard and recorded a two-yard reception. While he doesn’t appear poised to become a significant piece of the Titans’ offensive game plan, he has untapped potential that other franchises might covet.

Burks was, after all, the 27th-ranked prospect on the Bleacher Report Scouting Department’s final 2022 draft board.

The Carolina Panthers, who are still struggling to put a strong supporting cast around second-year quarterback Bryce Young, would provide a logical landing spot. Panthers wide receivers coach Rob Moore held the same position in Tennessee over the past two years.

The rebuilding New England Patriots might also be interested in Burks’ upside. The Patriots showed that they can play competitive football during Sunday’s surprising victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. However, the Patriots’ wide receiver group still leaves plenty to be desired.

Tyquan Thornton led all Patriots wideouts with a mere 27 receiving yards in Week 1.

Potential Suitors: Carolina Panthers, New England Patriots

8. Harrison Bryant, TE, Las Vegas Raiders4 of 11

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It would be premature to suggest the Raiders cannot contend in 2024. However, their 22-10 loss to the rival Chargers in Week 1 certainly was not encouraging.

On a positive note, rookie tight end Brock Bowers (six catches, 58 yards) looked and played like an NFL star in the making. It’s already clear that Bowers will be featured heavily in Luke Getsy’s offense, and Las Vegas has a strong No. 2 tight end in Michael Mayer.

With Harrison Bryant also on the roster, Las Vegas has a surplus of receiving tight ends. Bryant, who had 791 yards and 10 touchdowns in four seasons with Cleveland, should draw some interest if offered on the trade market.

A reunion in Cleveland would actually make a ton of sense in the wake of David Njoku’s Week 1 injury. According to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport, Njoku is “feared” to have suffered a high-ankle sprain against Dallas.

High-ankle sprains can lead to extended absences, and bringing back Bryant could help Cleveland soften the blow.

The Cowboys are dealing with their own tight end injury, as Jake Ferguson suffered a bone bruise and a minor MCL sprain, according to ESPN’s Todd Archer.

Dallas has 2023 second-round pick Luke Schoonmaker at tight end, though the Michigan product barely saw the field as a rookie and only played 19 offensive snaps in Week 1. Adding Bryant could help give the Cowboys a bit more insurance at a critical position.

Potential Suitors: Cleveland Browns, Dallas Cowboys

7. Kaiir Elam, CB, Buffalo Bills5 of 11

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The Buffalo Bills might want to move off of cornerback and 2022 first-round pick Kaiir Elam while he still has some trade value.

Elam appeared in 13 games as a rookie but only played in three games last season. It doesn’t appear as if he’s headed toward an expanded role in 2024. The Florida product was a non-factor in Buffalo’s opener, even though the defense struggled against the Arizona Cardinals.

While Elam did play 33 percent of the special-teams snaps against Arizona, he didn’t record a single rep on defense.

Acquiring Elam would be a bet on upside, given his limited resume. However, the 14th-ranked prospect on the B/R Scouting Department’s 2022 board does have some intriguing potential.

The Los Angeles Rams might consider taking a flier on Elam. While the Rams only surrendered 200 passing yards to the Detroit Lions in Week 1, they have already lost cornerback Derion Kendrick for the season to a torn ACL.

The Commanders might also want to take a look at Elam, given Forbes’ lack of development and the team’s ongoing issues in pass defense. Washington allowed the most passing yards in the league last season and surrendered 280 passing yards and four passing touchdowns in Week 1.

Potential Suitors: Los Angeles Rams, Washington Commanders

6. Zach Wilson, QB, Denver Broncos6 of 11

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The trade market for quarterbacks might emerge sooner than later, which is why Zach Wilson is replacing Jacksonville Jaguars backup Mac Jones on our board this week.

As we noted last week, Jones is the only quarterback behind Trevor Lawrence on Jacksonville’s active roster. The Jags could bring back C.J. Beathard, but his release with an injury designation prohibits an early timeline—
Beathard is expected to be eligible to rejoin Jacksonville seven weeks after being released.

Wilson, another first-round disappointment from the 2021 draft class, is behind both Bo Nix and Jarrett Stidham on the Denver Broncos depth chart. While Nix didn’t exactly have a stellar NFL debut, Wilson could be viewed as an expendable trade chip.

Like Jones, Wilson had some impressive moments during the preseason that could stir up trade interest.

Two teams stand out as logical suitors at this point. The Packers won’t have Love for the immediate future and might need a new quarterback to navigate the next few weeks. According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the Packers “have not reached out and are not expected” to pursue a veteran signal-caller at this time. That stance could change, however, depending on how backup Malik Willis fares in Week 2.

The Giants might also want to consider their quarterback options after another disastrous performance by Daniel Jones (22-of-42, 186 yards, 2 INTs). New York has an experienced backup in Drew Lock, but it needs to start considering its long-term options.

By releasing Jones with a post-June 1 designation next offseason, the Giants could save $30.5 million in 2025 cap space.

Potential Suitors: Green Bay Packers, New York Giants

5. Robert Woods, WR, Houston Texans7 of 11

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Houston Texans wideout Robert Woods remains on our list, largely because the 32-year-old is a potentially expendable trade chip.

While Woods didn’t have a headlining role in Houston’s offense last season—he appeared in 14 games with 11 starts but caught only 40 passes for 426 yards and a touchdown—he may see the field even less this year.

The Texans are poised to lean heavily on Nico Collins, Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell, while Woods serves as depth. He played a mere 12 offensive snaps during Houston’s Week 1 win over the Indianapolis Colts.

If Houston finds an opportunity to improve its roster at another position, Woods could be dangled as part of a trade package. Moving him would also save $6.5 million in cap space.

A reunion with the Rams, who employed Woods from 2017 to 2021, would be sensible. Los Angeles may be without star receiver Puka Nacua for some time.

“Nacua’s PCL injury will land him on IR, Sean McVay clarifies, so he’ll miss at least four games. It’s a new, more significant injury to the same ligament he’d previously injured,” NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo posted on X.

The Atlanta Falcons might also want to consider Woods after a lackluster passing performance in Week 1 (137 yards, 1 TD). Falcons offensive coordinator Zac Robinson spent three seasons alongside Woods as a Rams coaching assistant.

Potential Suitors: Atlanta Falcons, Los Angeles Rams

4. Darius Slayton, WR, New York Giants8 of 11

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Giants receiver Darius Slayton is in a situation similar to Woods. He’s stuck behind a younger group of receivers and may not fill a significant role in 2024.

While Slayton did play 72 percent of the offensive snaps in Week 1, he finished with a mere three receptions for 26 yards. New York may also look to ship out impending 2025 free agents like Slayton if its struggles continue.

The Giants barely looked competitive during their 28-6 loss to the Minnesota Vikings in Week 1. They could quickly reach a point where they’re clearly playing for next year. Slayton, who topped 700 receiving yards in four of his five seasons, could be an attractive in-season trade chip.

The Rams might want to kick the tires on the 27-year-old, especially if it appears that Nacua will remain on IR longer than the four-game minimum.

The Pittsburgh Steelers should consider adding a veteran receiver like Slayton to a group that lacks depth behind No. 1 target George Pickens. In Week 1, Pickens led the Steelers with 85 receiving yards, while Calvin Austin III and Van Jefferson—the only other wideouts to log receptions—combined for eight yards.

Pivoting from Russell Wilson (calf) to Justin Fields at quarterback late in the week probably didn’t help Pittsburgh’s passing chemistry. Yet, the fact remains that the Steelers could use another capable pass-catcher in their lineup.

Potential Suitors: Los Angeles Rams, Pittsburgh Steelers

3. Budda Baker, S, Arizona Cardinals9 of 11

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The Cardinals might be more relevant in the NFC playoff race than most expected. They fell just short in a thrilling 34-28 battle with the Buffalo Bills in Week 1, and with Kyler Murray fully healthy, they could have a rebound season in 2024.

Along the way, Arizona might look to extend Pro Bowl safety Budda Baker, who requested a trade last offseason but ultimately agreed to a pay bump instead.

“I don’t know [if] there’s a hard and fast rule about before the season starts and once the season starts [talks are] over,” Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort told Arizona Sports’ Wolf & Luke. ” I think those are always case-by-case. Love that both Budda and James [Conner], what they bring to our team as captains, both on the field, off the field, what they do for us, both high-level performers.”

If the Cardinals’ season starts to go south, however, they could likely get a massive return for Baker.

Detroit could be interested in acquiring and extending Baker since it has $31.1 million in cap space available. The Commanders might also want to look at adding Baker, given their overall lack of talent in the secondary.

Potential Suitors: Detroit Lions, Washington Commanders

2. Azeez Ojulari, EDGE, New York Giants10 of 11

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As previously mentioned, the Giants could soon be looking at another lost season and may consider selling off pieces who could leave in 2025 free agency.

We’re only one game into the year, but it sure feels like New York’s 2022 playoff campaign was more of a fluke than last season’s 6-11 run. Jones will undoubtedly bear the brunt of the criticism for the Giants’ disappointing opener, but the team as a whole looked just as disjointed as it did a year ago.

There’s another factor to consider in the case of pass-rusher Azeez Ojulari. The 2021 second-round pick has simply fallen out of the game plan. Ojulari had eight sacks as a rookie and another 5.5 sacks in 2022, and he recorded 56 quarterback pressures in 35 games over the last three seasons.

However, Ojulari also landed on injured reserve in each of the past two seasons and did not see a prominent role in Week 1—he recorded one tackle while playing a mere 24 defensive snaps.

The Cardinals should probably be interested in adding a pass-rusher, even though they did record two quarterback takedowns in their opener. Arizona had just 33 sacks last season and has already lost pass-rusher B.J. Ojulari to a torn ACL.

The Bengals should also consider adding pass-rushing help. Cincinnati lacks a high-end complement to Trey Hendrickson and recorded just a single sack—registered by Dax Hill on a cornerback blitz—in its Week 1 loss.

Potential Suitors: Arizona Cardinals, Cincinnati Bengals

1, Haason Reddick, EDGE, New York Jets11 of 11

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Pass-rusher Haason Reddick remains in our No. 1 spot because his contract standoff with the New York Jets continues. Reddick wants a new deal and has requested a trade, and he did not report ahead of Monday night’s game against the San Francisco 49ers.

According to Schefter, Reddick has already accumulated $5 million in NFL-mandated fines for skipping the offseason and is now missing game checks worth nearly $800,000 each. It seems incredibly unlikely that Reddick will blink before the Jets do.

While Reddick would probably demand a new contract before agreeing to any specific trade, he should still have value on the market. The 29-year-old recorded double-digit sacks in each of the past four seasons and logged 27 sacks and 49 quarterback pressures over the past two.

The Cardinals should be interested in bringing back Reddick, who spent the first four seasons of his career in Arizona. It’s worth noting that head coach Jonathan Gannon was Reddick’s defensive coordinator with the Philadelphia Eagles during his first Pro Bowl campaign in 2022.

With $26.1 million in cap space available, the Cardinals could afford to give Reddick a new contract.

The Lions could do the same, and they should be interested in adding a high-end complement opposite Aidan Hutchinson. Detroit’s defense looked solid against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, but with their Super Bowl window just opening, the Lions shouldn’t be afraid to add more difference-makers if the opportunity to do so arises.

Potential Suitors: Arizona Cardinals, Detroit Lions