While the NFL trade deadline is typically not as flashy or explosive as the MLB trade deadline, there are still some top players that might wind up on different teams in the middle of the season.
The circumstances a team faces after playing almost half of the season can change drastically from what they were prior to Week 1. If things are going quite poorly, being sellers at the deadline could present some surprise trade options for other organizations.
Some teams will be in a situation where things are going so well that adding more talent into the mix makes the most sense. When a potential Super Bowl run feels like a real possibility, adding more pieces is a must.
Here are ten players to watch during the next week.
A.J. Green
The longtime Bengal star wideout is going through a struggling season. Trying to break in a rookie quarterback on a team that is heading towards another top draft pick might not want to be where Green ends his career. With a strong recent performance, teams might be willing to take a chance and see if he can return to his all-pro ways.
Dwayne Haskins
Haskins has been benched and is clearly not the future in Washington. A team with a veteran quarterback for Haskins to sit behind could try to tap into his potential. If not, he will struggle to become a formidable NFL quarterback.
Sam Darnold
The Jets have not helped Darnold grow the way they would have liked when he was drafted, but that doesn’t mean that he does not have the potential. Similar to Haskins, the ideal situation for Darnold is to sit behind a veteran quarterback and learn the ropes and hopefully take over in a year or two.
Todd Gurley
The Atlanta Falcons have been a huge disappointment this year and there is no way they will be in the conversation for the playoffs. They have some veterans like Matt Ryan and Julio Jones who could bring back more in a trade but would likely upset the fanbase. Gurley might be the best return that doesn’t turn Atlanta against their team.
Ryan Kerrigan
The Washington Football Team is in the middle of their rebuild and the one bright spot has been their defensive line. With a couple of young edges, the team will look for any return for a player who will not be a part of the next winning team.
David Njoku
Njoku has seen his usage diminish greatly over his time in Cleveland and he has not panned out as planned. He still has talent that a team needing a big target would love to have him as a red-zone threat.
Alshon Jeffery
Jeffery is a talent who is being wasted on a team that is struggling. Rather than keep a player around when the team needs to start looking to the future, the wide receiver could make a huge difference for a contender.
John Ross
Ross did not pan out the way the former first round pick was hoping. Struggling with injuries and being prone to drops, the Bengals will likely be moving on after this season. Another team in the NFL could see his speed and want to take a chance.
Kenny Stills
Stills is on a Houston team that is performing far below expectations and is the odd man out of that rotation. He is making too much money to sit as a backup and could be a more focal piece as the WR2 on a contending team.
Justin Simmons
The Denver Broncos face a rough road ahead if they want to make the NFL playoffs. Rather than let their star safety walk for free this year, trading him to recoup the loss could help the team continue rebuilding.
