The NFL's trade deadline (Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET) looms and plenty of big names have warranted discussion.
But this year's deadline has also led to some internal conversations among teams wondering how effective in-season trades can be. In other words, is it worth it?
For teams pushing to go deep into the playoffs, is a depth piece enough of a need to send away a draft pick? That internal struggle seems to be picking up this year in what could be a slightly lower wattage trade deadline than in year’s past.
Teams have made 12 trades since the start of the regular season, and the average from 2011-2024 was 10.9 from kickoff through the deadline. Time will tell if teams reach the 2019 and 2022 marks of 19.
Here is a snapshot of where things stand ahead of Tuesday's deadline:
- The Tennessee Titans have been a frequent recipient of trade calls, with most of the focus on defenders such as Arden Key, Dre'Mont Jones and T'Vondre Sweat. Wide receiver Calvin Ridley also has emerged as a potential trade target, sources say. Several playoff-bound teams have a need at WR, and Ridley, still just 30, could be had for the right price. He is currently battling a hamstring issue, which could complicate things, as could his $23 million due this year, of which most comes in his base salary. There are ways to handle a big salary, though, and trades can always happen if both sides want to do a deal.
- The Dallas Cowboys have been in just about every trade article known to man, and this one is no exception. While they might not pull off another blockbuster like when they dealt Micah Parsons at the end of August, they are in the market for a pass rusher, sources say. Arden Key, the Dolphins' Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb, and the Raiders' Malcolm Koonce are among the edge rushers who could be traded. Dallas also appears to be open to trading 2023 first-round DT Mazi Smith, who has only played in five games this season.
- San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings has become a curiosity on the trade market, with some of the teams that tried to trade for him prior to training camp interested again. He recently deleted his IG page, which led to head coach Kyle Shanahan getting asked if he was available. Shanahan said, “I would be very surprised if Jauan wasn't on our team throughout this year.” A trade of Jennings isn’t off the table, but with Brandon Aiyuk still coming back from last year's season-ending knee injury, it’s not considered likely. Teams will continue to call, though.
- Similar to the Titans, the New York Jets and New Orleans Saints have also gotten plenty of calls for their top players. Breece Hall, Quinnen Williams and Jermaine Johnson II have drawn headlines for the Jets, while it's Chris Olave, Alvin Kamara and Rashid Shaheed for New Orleans. All would require a high price -- perhaps too high for what acquiring teams would want to pay. An offer a team can’t refuse would likely be necessary, with neither Saints GM Mickey Loomis nor Jets GM Darren Mougey conducting anything close to a fire sale. More likely, it'll be closer to players such as Michael Carter II (who was sent to Philadelphia last week) and veteran DT Davon Godchaux who could be traded.
- The Las Vegas Raiders remain open to dealing wide receiver Jakobi Meyers, but given that he is on an expiring contract and Las Vegas wants to finish the season strong, it remains up in the air if it will happen. There is some interest, but is there enough?
- Some quick final notes: The Pittsburgh Steelers remain interested in a WR; the 49ers remain interested in a front-seven player; the Chiefs are in the market for a defensive tackle; the Patriots could add a running back; the Lions want a defensive end; the Ravens are looking at front-seven additions; the Eagles could add another edge rusher; Seattle could add on the offensive line; and the Bills could add on the defensive line with Ed Oliver out indefinitely.