2024 NFL Trade Block Big Board Entering Week 8

Kristopher Knox@@kris_knoxCorrespondent IOctober 23, 20242024 NFL Trade Block Big Board Entering Week 80 of 11

Panthers WR Diontae JohnsonMatt Kelley/Getty Images

The NFL’s November 5 trade deadline is now less than two weeks away, and the action has already begun.

Last week, we saw wide receivers Davante Adams and Amari Cooper dealt, along with running back Cam Akers, within a matter of hours. On Wednesday, the Kansas City Chiefs agreed to acquire wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins from the Tennessee Titans, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

We can expect more trades on the near horizon.

This is because teams now know whether reaching the playoffs in 2024 is a realistic goal or a pipe dream. One-win teams like the New England Patriots, Carolina Panthers and Cleveland Browns probably have no delusions about making the postseason.

Teams playing for the future should be willing to move pricey contracts and/or impending free agents. Potential buyers and their specific needs, however, will likely dictate how the trade market unfolds.

Which players are most likely to be available and provide value? Here’s our updated trade board, based on factors such as player upside, past production, positional value, contract status and any relevant recent buzz.

The Selection Process1 of 11

Browns OT Jack ConklinScott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Each week, we begin the board-building process by examining 15 players who have already been the focus of trade speculation or who would be realistic trade candidates based on contract status, roster situations and/or team records.

Players are then ranked on talent, positional value and likely availability to reach our top 10.

We have quite a few changes this week, and not simply because Adams, Cooper and Hopkins are off the market. So is New York Jets pass-rusher Haason Reddick, who ended his holdout over the weekend and will play, at least through the rest of the season.

“We will continue to work towards a long-term extension with the Jets,” agent Drew Rosenhaus said, per ESPN’s Rich Cimini.

New to the list this week are Cleveland Browns pass-rusher Za’Darius Smith, Browns offensive tackle Jack Conklin, New Orleans Saints edge-rusher Chase Young, New England Patriots pass-rusher Josh Uche and Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Sebastian Joseph-Day.

All five play for non-contenders in positions that will hold value on the trade market. We’re also adding Los Angeles Rams wideout Cooper Kupp. According to Dianna Russini, Mike Silver and Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic, the Rams are open to moving Kupp and paying some of his salary to facilitate a deal.

We’ve removed Houston Texans receiver Robert Woods, Tennessee Titans receiver Treylon Burks, and Las Vegas Raiders tight end Harrison Bryant, whose value is slipping behind other trade targets. We’ve also removed New York Jets receiver Mike Williams, who may already have a landing spot waiting.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers agreed to “table” trade talks regarding Williams until after their game on Sunday night.

Our Week 7 honorable mentions, in no particular order, are:

Zach Wilson, QB, Denver Broncos
Jack Conklin, OT, Cleveland BrownsJosh Uche, Edge, New England Patriots
Daniel Brunskill, OL, Tennessee TitansBryce Young, QB, Carolina Panthers
10. Za’Darius Smith, EDGE, Cleveland Browns2 of 11

Jordon Kelly/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The Browns already started their sale when they sent Cooper to the Buffalo Bills. They can now fully focus on building for the future too, as Deshaun Watson’s season-ending Achilles injury has effectively ended their 2024 campaign.

Teams are reportedly trying to see how much Cleveland is willing to sell. According to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, teams have been “fishing” for star pass-rusher Myles Garrett, though he’s unlikely to be moved.

“Guys such as Za’Darius Smith or Jack Conklin would have value to others and could be more realistic targets,” Breer wrote.

Teams need pass-rushers, so Smith makes our top 10. However, he ranks relatively low because trading him now would actually raise Smith’s 2025 cap hit in Cleveland. That’s a problem for the Browns, who are projected to be $41 million over the cap.

Cleveland is on the hook for Watson’s $72.9 million cap hit next season, whether he plays or not, which means saving cap room will be a priority. However, the Browns should also be looking to reload with rookie contracts, and Smith would undoubtedly bring valuable draft capital.

The Detroit Lions, who lost pass-rusher Aidan Hutchinson to a season-ending leg fracture, should be interested if Smith can be had. The Atlanta Falcons, who have generated a mere six sacks through seven games, should also be interested.

Potential Suitors: Atlanta Falcons, Detroit Lions

9. Sebastian Joseph-Day, DT, Tennessee Titans3 of 11

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The Titans continue to tumble. With Will Levis not looking like the long-term answer at quarterback, they should be interested in stockpiling draft picks and making a run at another signal-caller in 2025.

Defensive tackle Sebastian Joseph-Day could bring valuable draft capital back to Tennessee. The 29-year-old is proving to be a terrific value on his one-year, $4 million contract. Joseph-Day has appeared in all six games for the Titans, with four starts.

Despite playing just 43 percent of the defensive snaps, Joseph-Day has recorded 15 tackles, two sacks and three tackles for loss.

The San Francisco 49ers would be the most sensible suitor here. Joseph-Day signed with San Francisco last December and appeared in all three playoff games for the 49ers, including Super Bowl LVIII.

The 49ers also have a need at defensive tackle after losing Javon Hargrave to a season-ending triceps tear.

Joseph-Day also played for the Los Angeles Chargers in 2023 and in 2022. Former Chargers defensive line coach Jay Rodgers holds the same position in Atlanta. The Falcons could eye Joseph-Day to help boost a defensive front that has underwhelmed against both the pass and the run (4.4 yards per carry allowed).

Potential Suitors: Atlanta Falcons, San Francisco 49ers

8. Jonathan Jones, CB, New England Patriots4 of 11

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The Patriots are clearly looking to build for the future. They’ve already handed the keys to rookie quarterback Drake Maye, and the rest of the season will be spent developing the former North Carolina signal-caller.

New England won’t be looking to put a contender around Maye until 2025 at the absolute earliest. Moving impending free agents, like 31-year-old corner Jonathan Jones, could make plenty of sense ahead of the deadline.

Jones hasn’t played particularly well this season—he’s allowed an opposing passer rating of 121.0 in coverage—but to be fair, New England’s defense has stunk as a whole for most of the season. We’re still talking about an experienced starter at a premium position.

The Chiefs, who are clearly buying, would be wise to take a long look at Jones after losing starting corner Jaylen Watson to injury on Sunday. According to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport, Watson could be done for the year with a fractured ankle.

“He’ll have more imaging done today to determine if a return this season is possible. But tough reality for an up-and-coming corner,” Rapoport posted on X.

The Washington Commanders could also kick the tires on Jones. Washington is a contender at 5-2, but it ranks just 23rd in net yards per pass attempt allowed.

Potential Suitors: Kansas City Chiefs, Washington Commanders

7. Chase Young, EDGE, New Orleans Saints5 of 11

Cooper Neill/Getty Images

The Saints got off to a promising 2-0 start, but their 2024 campaign has since been derailed by multiple injuries. With players like Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed, Derek Carr and Taysom Hill out, New Orleans isn’t equipped to compete, and the players know it.

Thursday’s 33-10 home loss to the Denver Broncos was an embarrassing display of poor effort and even worse tackling. There’s still a slight chance New Orleans can get healthier and rebound, but it may be time to punt on the rest of the season.

And if New Orleans begins rebuilding in 2025, it may have to do so with budget contracts and rookie deals. The Saints are projected to be $97.6 million over the cap next offseason.

Trading pass-rusher Chase Young, who is on a one-year, $13 million deal, would provide no 2025 cap relief. However, it would net the Saints some valuable draft capital. Young has tallied 1.5 sacks and 13 quarterback pressures in seven games this season.

The Lions are a logical landing spot for any available edge-rushers, and they should be interested if Young is available.

The Dallas Cowboys, who are dealing with the injuries of DeMarcus Lawrence and Micah Parsons, should also be interested. Cowboys defensive line coach Jeff Zgonina coached Young with the Commanders in 2022 and 2023.

Potential Suitors: Dallas Cowboys, Detroit Lions

6. Cooper Kupp, WR, Los Angeles Rams6 of 11

Brandon Sloter/Getty Images

Kupp would be one of the biggest names on this year’s trade market if the Rams are willing to move him.

It seems that L.A. is open to sending him to a contender—for a price.

Dianna Russini @DMRussiniThe Rams have called multiple teams about trading former Super Bowl MVP Cooper Kupp sources tell @mikesilver, @jourdanrodrigue, and me.
The Rams have indicated a willingness to take on some of the ’24 salary and are seeking a 2nd round pick.

However, we’re willing to wait before moving Kupp to the very top of our list. He’s been out since Week 2 with an ankle injury, and it’s worth seeing how healthy he is before determining whether a second-round pick is a great value.

Kupp is expected to return on Thursday night to face the Minnesota Vikings.

While Kupp can be a difference-maker when healthy, he’s still a 31-year-old receiver who has struggled to stay on the field since the end of his 2021 All-Pro campaign. Kupp’s contract is also a factor here. While the Rams may be willing to pay some of his 2024 salary, he’ll have two years and $31.4 million in base salary remaining after this season. Those are fair figures, but his injury history must be taken into account as well.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are an obvious potential landing spot in the wake of Chris Godwin’s season-ending ankle injury. Tampa needs receiver help, and offensive coordinator Liam Coen coached Kupp as the Rams’ offensive coordinator in 2022.

The Chiefs could also use a receiver of Kupp’s caliber even after adding Hopkins. Marquise Brown and Rashee Rice are both done for the regular season—Brown could return in the playoffs—while JuJu Smith-Schuster is battling a hamstring injury.

According to Russini, the Rams and Chiefs discussed a Kupp deal before Kansas City opted for Hopkins. The Chiefs still have nearly two weeks to revisit that option.

Potential Suitors: Kansas City Chiefs, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

5. Budda Baker, S, Arizona Cardinals7 of 11

Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images

The Arizona Cardinals haven’t been as bad as some potential sellers we’ve examined. However, the Cards probably aren’t challenging for a Super Bowl in 2024. General manager Monti Ossenfort has admitted that the team could make moves before November 5.

“As with anything that we do, it’s got to be a situation that makes sense for us. The cost of it, not doing the deal opposed to doing the deal. Those are all conversations we’ll continue to have and see if it makes sense for us to go down a road,” Ossenfort said, per Donnie Druin of SI.com.

Impending 2025 free agent and six-time Pro Bowler Budda Baker remains Arizona’s most valuable (and realistic) trade chip.

While the 28-year-old may be getting past his playing prime, he’s still a dynamic and often disruptive defensive playmaker.

The Baltimore Ravens should be interested in Baker, as their safety rotation took a hit when Geno Stone departed for the rival Cincinnati Bengals in free agency. Secondary play has been arguably Baltimore’s biggest liability this season.

The Seattle Seahawks could also make a move for Baker. Seattle got back over .500 this past week but it also placed starting safety Rayshawn Jenkins on injured reserve with a hand injury.

Potential Suitors: Baltimore Ravens, Seattle Seahawks

4. Walker Little, OT, Jacksonville Jaguars8 of 11

Chris Leduc/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The Jacksonville Jaguars picked up their second win of 2024 on Sunday, but for them, getting back on a playoff path feels unlikely.

Jacksonville’s two wins have come in a shootout against the Indianapolis Colts and in London against the lowly Patriots. A loss to the Green Bay Packers this weekend should have Jacksonville looking to the future.

Regardless of Jacksonville’s immediate direction, now is the perfect time to cash in offensive tackle Walker Little. The 25-year-old started 11 games for the Jags in 2023 but has largely played behind Cam Robinson and Anton Harrison this season.

It’s worth noting that Robinson suffered a concussion in Week 7, so the Jaguars may want to hang onto Little until the deadline. However, Little has played just 88 offensive snaps this season and may be viewed as expendable if/when Robinson is cleared to play.

Little is an impending 2025 free agent, and injuries should be ramping up the tackle market entering November.

The Philadelphia Eagles recently placed left tackle Jordan Mailata on injured reserve with a hamstring ailment. The New York Giants recently placed left tackle Andrew Thomas on season-ending injured reserve following foot surgery.

The Eagles and Giants faced off in Week 7, and pass protection was a problem for both teams. Philly allowed five sacks, while New York allowed eight. Both teams should see if Little can be had.

Potential Suitors: New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles

3. Greg Newsome II, CB, Cleveland Browns9 of 11

Brooke Sutton/Getty Images

As previously noted, the Browns are cooked in 2024, and they’re facing a dire financial situation in 2025. They should be very eager to land draft capital and find cap relief. Moving 24-year-old cornerback Greg Newsome II could provide both.

Newsome has been a reliable starter, when healthy, since joining Cleveland as a 2021 first-round pick. He’s set to play on the fifth-year option in 2025, though, and trading him would clear next year’s $13.4 million salary from the books.

Good, young corners typically bring a premium price on the trade market. That won’t be lost on the Browns, who should be aiming to land their next quarterback of the future in the 2025 draft.

The Browns will have to pay Deshaun Watson in 2025 and 2026 regardless of his status, but there’s no guarantee that he’ll be healthy next year. There’s no guarantee that Cleveland wants him back under center either.

Because of Jaylen Watson’s injury, the Chiefs should already be on the phone with Cleveland about Newsome’s availability. Kansas City is chasing history—no team has ever won three consecutive Super Bowls—and replacing Watson should be a priority.

The Buccaneers should also take a look at Newsome, if he can be had. The Buccaneers are firmly in the NFC playoff mix but recently placed cornerback Jamel Dean on injured reserve with a hamstring injury.

Potential Suitors: Kansas City Chiefs, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

2. Diontae Johnson, WR, Carolina Panthers10 of 11

Matt Kelley/Getty Images

Panthers head coach Dave Canales said in early October that he didn’t “see” his team trading No. 1 receiver Diontae Johnson. However, the 2024 outlook for Carolina has gotten progressively worse since then, and the Panthers are coming off a 40-7 blowout loss to the Commanders.

The Panthers should be interested in moving the impending free agent, especially given the evolving receiver market.

According to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, “many around the league” are “keeping an eye” on Johnson.

With Adams, Cooper and Hopkins off the table, Johnson’s value should be extremely high. The 28-year-old has caught 30 passes for 357 yards and three touchdowns this season despite playing for one of the league’s most inconsistent offenses.

Requiring Johnson, who was traded for cornerback Donte Jackson in the offseason, could make sense for Pittsburgh—depending, of course, on how things play out with Williams.

According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Steelers had a “strong interest” in Adams before he landed with the Jets.

While Johnson hasn’t played under new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith or with quarterback Russell Wilson, he has played alongside Pittsburgh pass-catchers George Pickens, Calvin Austin III and Pat Freiermuth.

The Chargers could also be interested in adding Johnson if they can’t land Williams. According to Rapoport, Los Angeles has “been calling” about reacquiring the receiver from New York.

Potential Suitors: Los Angeles Chargers, Pittsburgh Steelers

1. Azeez Ojulari, EDGE, New York Giants11 of 11

Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images

Giants pass-rusher Azeez Ojulari remains in our top spot for the second successive week. New York may look to add to its offensive line so it can better protect (and evaluate) quarterback Daniel Jones before the offseason. However, the 2-5 Giants should be willing to move impending free agents like Ojulari.

With 2022 first-round pick Kayvon Thibodeaux and offseason trade acquisition Brian Burns forming the foundation of New York’s new pass rush, Ojulari may be viewed as expendable in the offseason anyway.

The 24-year-old has done plenty to boost his trade stock in recent weeks. He got to Jalen Hurts on Sunday, recording his third sack in the past two games. He has four on the season to go with four tackles for loss and six quarterback pressures.

Detroit, naturally, should be interested in acquiring Ojulari before the trade deadline.

The Bills could also be interested. While their defense has recorded 19 sacks through seven games, A.J. Epenesa leads the team with only four. Buffalo’s play for Cooper also shows that the franchise is going all-in on the 2024 campaign, and it may not be finished.

“We still got a few weeks before the deadline. If we feel there’s something else that we need, or that can help us get over the top, we have been all-in all along,” general manager Brandon Beane told The Pat McAfee Show (h/t ProFootballTalk’s Michael David Smith).

The Bills are buyers, and they have a connection with the Giants. Head coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen were both with Buffalo before taking over New York’s front office in 2022.

If Ojulari can be acquired, the Bills might be the first ones to know.

Potential Suitors: Detroit Lions, Buffalo Bills