The NFL’s trade deadline is quickly approaching. In an unusual season, could we see an unusually high amount of activity at the deadline? There are established players in uncertain scenarios with their current teams, who could possibly be traded.
NFL teams mostly utilize the draft and free agency to upgrade rosters, but in-season, the trade deadline provides the best option for doing so.
In-season trades in the NFL are more rare than in the NBA or MLB, but in the right scenarios, teams can still match up in trades.
The trade deadline is set for Nov. 3, so let’s take a look at five stars who should be moved prior to that all-important date.
AJ Green, Cincinnati Bengals
There was a time in AJ Green’s career where it would’ve been unfathomable for the Bengals to trade him. For seven straight years, from his rookie season in 2011 to 2017, Green was a Pro Bowler.
But it seems as if his time with the organization should be coming to an end — whether it actually does or not.
Green appears to be unhappy in his current role, and for good reason. He has just 22 catches on 45 targets this season, and no touchdowns.
The Bengals are all-in on a youth movement, with a young quarterback-receiver duo of Joe Burrow and Tee Higgins. Burrow is 23 and Higgins is just 21.
At 32 years old, Green may not fit in the Bengals plans anymore. Watch for him to be moved ahead of the NFL trade deadline.
Marcus Maye, New York Jets
The New York Jets already traded Marcus Maye’s partner at safety, Jamal Adams, to Seattle.
The Jets’ roster turnover has continued, as the team released Le’Veon Bell last week.
The Jets are 0-6, and there’s frankly no reason to keep Maye on the roster at this point.
Maye, 26, will be a free agent after this season. And as a prospective free agent who will have options to go elsewhere, the Jets could face the possibility of losing Maye for nothing in return if they hold on to him through the NFL trade deadline.
Kenny Stills, Houston Texans
The Houston Texans lost once again this week in heartbreaking fashion to the Tennessee Titans.
Stills, like Maye in the previous slide, will be a free agent after this season.
Stills is also on a struggling team that could be in contention for the No. 1 overall pick in next year’s NFL Draft.
Houston needs weapons for Deshaun Watson, but Stills isn’t signed long-term, and could be used as a trade chip at the deadline.
Dwayne Haskins, Washington Football Team
To say Dwayne Haskins had a short leash in Washington would be an understatement.
Haskins absolutely has struggled with turnovers and overall effectiveness, but the 2019 first round pick has played in just 13 NFL games before Washington seemingly gave up on him.
One aspect working against Haskins is the fact that the regime that drafted him is gone. Ron Rivera is not tied to Haskins, as Rivera proved by pulling the plug on the second year quarterback.
Haskins has been away from the team recently due to an illness, but reportedly it is not related to Covid-19.
By moving Haskins to third on the depth chart, Washington signaled that he has fallen out of favor. Haskins may not be traded, but it’d be a surprise if Rivera reversed course and went back to him at this point.
Ryan Kerrigan, Washington Football Team
To round out this list, we went with one of Haskins’ teammates in Washington, Ryan Kerrigan.
While it’s the same team as Haskins, the rationale is different.
Washington is 1-5, which places them last in their division. Kerrigan can still be an impact player for a contender, but he’ll be a free agent after this season.
At 32, Kerrigan won’t be in Washington’s long-term plans, so given their record it would make sense to get something in return for him at the NFL trade deadline.
