Updated NFL Trade Block

By
Logan Ulrich
-

If you’ve played franchise mode in Madden at any point over the past couple of decades, you’re familiar with the trade block. It’s essentially a bulletin board for teams to list players they’re willing to part with in exchange for other assets. It’s a mainstay in fantasy football leagues, too. 

Courtland Sutton

There is no official trade block in the NFL — at least not that the public has been made aware of. Instead teams regularly inquire about opposing players all over the depth chart and have internal systems to monitor who might be available. 

But if there was a trade block, it might look a little something like this: 

Quarterback

There’s no telling what Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is thinking. I don’t think Dallas is shopping Lance but I also don’t think they’d be averse to flipping him for a profit as he enters the final year of his rookie contract. As a reminder, the Cowboys gave up a fourth-round pick last year for Lance during the preseason. Lance’s value is still hard to gauge given he’s barely played, so his reps this preseason will be important. The ones he got last summer with San Francisco weren’t encouraging but you can still justifiably use the word “potential” when discussing Lance. 

Mills is entering the final year of his rookie contract and has shown he can be a competent placeholder in the past. The Texans are set with veteran backup Case Keenum and could look to cash in Mills for a pick instead of hoping they get lucky with the compensatory formula. 

There is a new regime and coaching staff in Tennessee with no allegiances to Willis that targeted Mason Rudolph as an upgrade at No. 2 on the depth chart. There’s a good chance both sides would welcome a fresh start. 

Zappe was cut last preseason and went unclaimed before landing back with the Patriots, so there probably isn’t much trade interest in him right now. Still, he’s worth noting given he has starting experience and it seems likely he’ll be squeezed out of the Patriots’ refurbished quarterback room after they not only drafted Drake Maye No. 3 overall, but added QB Joe Milton in the sixth round. 

Running Back

I don’t think Broncos HC Sean Payton is content with the current state of his backfield. While on the surface adding a fifth-round pick and an undrafted rookie might not seem to move the needle, it’s notable the Broncos added Audric Estime and Blake Watson to a room that already included Williams, Perine and 2023 UDFA standout Jaleel McLaughlin. Williams is in a contract year and Perine is due $3 million non-guaranteed. Perine is a camp cut candidate, while Williams could have some trade value to another team if the Broncos elect to go with the younger options. 

Panthers HC Dave Canales has claimed he’s going to run the ball so much that he needs a deep running back room that currently features second-rounder Jonathon Brooks, Sanders, 2023 leading rusher Chuba Hubbard, kick returner Raheem Blackshear and former first-rounder Rashaad Penny. Realistically, the biggest obstacle to a trade might be Sanders’ $4 million guaranteed salary. Another team would want the Panthers to take on a significant portion of that before entertaining a trade.  

Pierce seemed to be a poor scheme fit for Texans OC Bobby Slowik after a strong rookie season, so he’s one to watch for a change of scenery. The Texans don’t have great running back depth, however.

Carter and Demercado will compete to be the No. 3 back who plays on passing downs. Both flashed just enough last year to potentially spark low-level trade interest. Edmonds is competing for his job with two other young players in Tampa Bay, while Spiller is left over from the previous regime in Los Angeles and is on shaky ground.  

Wide Receiver

The Broncos have said they’re not trading Sutton, who remains absent from voluntary OTAs due to a desire for a new contract with two years remaining on his deal at about $13 million per year. He caught 10 touchdowns last year so he remains a productive player, and his salary likely means the Broncos aren’t leaving huge offers on the table for him right now. 

However, there’s enough depth at receiver, particularly if some young players show they’re ready for a bigger role sooner than expected, that I would not rule out the Broncos changing their mind and trying to learn a lesson from missing out on maximizing WR Jerry Jeudy‘s trade value last year. Put another way, if a team got desperate for receiver help and offered the Broncos a third-round pick, they should jump at it. 

The Titans’ offseason moves have made it pretty clear that Burks is not a big piece of their plans moving forward. The signings of Calvin Ridley and Tyler Boyd have pushed Burks to fourth on the depth chart, at best. He wasn’t ready to contribute as a rookie but injuries gave him no shot to show if he had progressed last year, so he might be worth a dart throw from another receiver-needy team. He’ll cost just $4.6 million over the next two seasons. It feels like the Titans would be happy with a fifth-round pick while sending back another late-rounder in addition to Burks. 

You could have a similar conversation about Johnston even though he’s been in the NFL a year less than Burks because of how bad his rookie season was and the new regime taking over in Los Angeles with zero allegiances to him. Ultimately it’s probably too early to talk about Johnston as a trade candidate but that day could be coming soon. Fortunately for Johnston, Chargers HC Jim Harbaugh likely hasn’t forgotten his career day for TCU against Michigan in the CFP two years ago.  

Slayton is hoping for a new contract and skipping OTAs, which has caused him to be floated in trade rumors. It would clear about $4 million in cap space for the Giants and free up a role for 2023 third-round WR Jalin Hyatt. 

Atwell had a terrific opening month last year as a speed threat for the Rams but his role shrank dramatically as the season went along. He’s in the final year of his contract, and if the Rams have a chance to cash out early instead of hoping for a comp pick, that could be compelling. 

Woods’ esteemed career is on its last legs. He’s owed $1.5 million guaranteed in 2024 out of $6.5 million total. I don’t see Houston paying that, particularly after their offseason upgrades at receiver.  

Marshall, Brown, Eskridge and Gray are former Day 2 picks who have failed to make much of an impact for the teams that drafted them and are either nearing the end of their rookie contracts or facing pressure for a roster spot. Parker and Campbell just signed with the Eagles this offseason but Philadelphia took similar players on Day 3 of the draft in Johnny Wilson and Ainias Smith. If the rookies are ready to play, it makes sense to shop the veterans, though for all of these players being cut is the most likely outcome. 

Tight End

Washington invested in second-round TE Ben Sinnott and veteran TE Zach Ertz for new OC Kliff Kingsbury, so there will be some collateral damage to options already on the roster. Bates is more of an inline guy which could make his job more secure compared to Turner, who’s a receiving-forward tight end. 

The Texans spent a mid-round pick at tight end as well, so it will be interesting to see what that means for Jordan. He’s flashed great athleticism but is undersized for what most teams want from a full-time starter. 

Cincinnati drafted two tight ends after bringing back Hudson and Sample while also signing Mike Gesicki. Unless they keep five (unlikely) or stash a rookie on injured reserve (quite possible) someone is going to lose their job here and end up elsewhere. 

The Colts are another team with a ton of depth at tight end. If young players like Jelani Woods or Will Mallory are ready to contribute, the collateral damage could be Indianapolis shopping a veteran like Alie-Cox or Granson who is entering his contract year. 

Offensive Tackle

There aren’t a lot of trades for offensive linemen, tackles especially, compared to other positions because there’s a perpetual shortage and teams are loath to part with quality depth. That’s been the case for the Jaguars and Little even though there’s not a clear path for him to the starting lineup. To be fair to Jacksonville, Little has made 14 starts over the past two seasons despite not being a “starter.” However, he’s entering the final year of his rookie contract and remains a projected backup. It’ll be interesting to see if that changes how the Jaguars approach his situation. 

Christensen is entering his contract year and is also not projected to be in the starting lineup. The former third-round pick started six games at left tackle as a rookie, all 17 games at left guard in 2022 and one game at left guard in 2023 before being lost for the season. He’s behind Ikem Ekwonu and Damien Lewis at both positions right now. While Carolina could be reluctant to part with depth up front given how their offensive line injury woes contributed to an awful season for QB Bryce Young, they have other viable backups at tackle and guard after signing Yosh Nijman in free agency. Christensen could have some sneaky value as a trade chip. 

The Cardinals have rebuilt their tackle position in the past two offseasons and could have a top three on the depth chart that excludes either Beachum or Daley. Beachum has been in the league a long time but would be an upgrade for some teams as a swing tackle. Daley has been traded before. 

Radunz and Borom are both in the final year of their rookie contracts, have some starting experience even if it didn’t go particularly well and are playing for different decision-makers than the ones who drafted them. That combination of factors makes them potential trade candidates. Carman and Niang are also in contract years and have so far failed to impress even if they’re playing for the same regimes, which make them candidates for a fresh start. 

Interior Offensive Line

Cleveland is going to compete to start with how much personnel the Ravens have lost at guard this offseason. However, he’s not guaranteed anything and the Ravens have traded players who have lost competitions to start at guard in the past. 

Feliciano might have become expendable with some of San Francisco’s additions on the interior of the offensive line this offseason. He’s played a long time and that experience will be valued by teams. 

Stromberg was just drafted in the third round last year but appeared in just four games and now the people who drafted him are mostly gone. Washington signed two centers this offseason which is not a good omen for Stromberg. 

With all of Arizona’s offseason additions to their offensive line, a veteran like Wilkinson or Brown could get pushed out. Wilkinson can also play tackle while Brown has played all three interior positions. 

Cleveland added veteran C Brian Allen this offseason and now has three on the roster including Wypler and starter Ethan Pocic. Wypler had some fans pre-draft last year so there could be some intrigue in the former sixth-rounder. 

Edge Rusher

Jackson has flashed but hasn’t seized a consistent role in his first two seasons. The 49ers’ offseason shopping at the position could indicate they’re starting to lose patience with Jackson. 

Tampa Bay declined Tryon-Shoyinka’s fifth-year option, making 2024 a contract year, and drafted OLB Chris Braswell in the second round. The former first-rounder is a candidate for a fresh start elsewhere. Turner has accomplished even less than Tryon-Shoyinka and also had his option declined. 

Collins transitioned from inside linebacker to edge rusher last year with mixed results. Both he and Thomas are leftover draft picks from the previous regime in Arizona, which has been shipping out other players. 

The Browns and Eagles both like to be deep at pass rusher. Both teams have players who could be good enough to contribute on other teams even if they don’t make the roster. 

Interior Defensive Line

The Jaguars’ shift from former DC Mike Caldwell to new DC Ryan Nielsen will have implications all over the defense, including roles for the defensive linemen. It’s not that Robertson-Harris isn’t a fit for Nielsen’s scheme — he’s a great fit — it’s that there’s a lot of overlap between him, Arik Armstead, second-round DT Maason Smith and even former No. 1 pick Travon Walker. Robertson-Harris makes the most sense to trade of that bunch at 31 years old and could have value to another team as a rotational lineman. It would also help clear up a logjam on the interior for the Jaguars. 

The Browns are deep at defensive tackle as well as edge rusher, and it’s also possible a tackle who won’t make their team is good enough to contribute to another squad and bring back some trade value. Harris, Hurst and Jefferson all have a little bit of pass-rushing juice left. 

The Seahawks have a stacked front and new HC Mike Macdonald is going to have some tough choices ahead. The Ravens usually kept five defensive linemen. Even if Macdonald keeps six, he’s facing some tough cuts unless injuries clear up the picture. 

Onwuzurike is entering the final year of his rookie contract and hasn’t had the impact the Lions were hoping for. Since then, they’ve added other options at interior pass rusher, so a fresh start could be in order. 

Mathis was a surprise Day 2 pick a couple of years ago but missed his entire rookie season and was buried on the depth chart in 2023. He’s a pure nose tackle and could be more compelling for another team now that the Commanders have cleaned house in the front office and coaching staff. 

Leal has flashed before but failed to stand out significantly last year and now faces a crowded depth chart. As a former third-round pick, he stands out among the bubble players the Steelers have up front who would draw trade interest. 

Green Bay’s defensive coordinator change should have relatively little collateral damage in terms of players who no longer fit the new scheme but Slaton is the exception. He’s a pure nose tackle who had a cleaner projection in former DC Joe Barry‘s system than for new DC Jeff Hafley, who prioritizes players who can create disruption over players who can eat up blocks. 

Linebacker

A recent trend I’ve run into when putting together articles like this is it’s hard to generate a lot of off-ball linebackers who could realistically draw trade interest. In fact, if we look at the past three years of transactions dating back to the 2022 offseason, there have been the same number of trades involving non-pass rushing linebackers (five) as there have been kickers (also five), per data from Spotrac. 

It’s a product of the modern NFL and how the position has largely been de-emphasized. There just aren’t a lot of special linebackers anymore, and a team that needs reinforcements can find them on the street rather than having to resort to a trade more often than not. 

Case in point: Morrow stands out as someone who has started 40 games over the past three seasons for three different teams. If the Bills end up healthy at linebacker and young players are ready to contribute, Morrow could be expendable. But any team that needs help at linebacker is equally likely to find a comparable player in free agency without having to trade. 

Cornerback

The headliner here is Lattimore, and we’ll have some more content on him coming out soon. The short summary is he’s a legitimate candidate to watch in a post-June 1 trade and is a potential rare NFL summer blockbuster move. 

There are a lot of other options to watch at cornerback, though, including some big names. Bradberry had a rough 2023 season and is turning 31 in August. It’s doubtful the Eagles could find anyone to take on the salary they still owe Bradberry but it’s possible they could get a taker to free up a roster spot after double-dipping in the draft. 

Stokes, Elam and Farley are all former first-round picks who haven’t yet panned out for their teams. Stokes and Farley just had their fifth-year options declined after three injury-riddled seasons. Of the two, Stokes seems to be more in the Packers’ plans, but both players are on thin ice if they can’t hold off competition. Elam has another year before the Bills have to make a call on his option and will get a chance to compete for a starting job. If he can’t put it together, though, he’s also a candidate for a fresh start. 

There are a bunch of teams who have enough depth at cornerback that they could end up making a trade from the back end of the roster. King was a surprise cut by the Texans coming out of the preseason, spent some time with the Steelers, then returned to Houston again. The Texans have been trying to upgrade from him as the slot corner for a while though. 

Seattle drafted two cornerbacks this year, and both Jackson and Brown have flashed in spot duty in the past couple of years. That could earn them a look from another team. The 49ers also have a lot of depth and young players competing for spots. Second-rounder Renardo Green could make someone like Lenoir or Yiadom expendable if he’s ready to play and both those players have flashed in spots. Thomas is a former third-rounder entering a contract year. 

The Ravens double-dipped at cornerback again this year, meaning the 2022 fourth-round double-dip of Williams and Armour-Davis is likely on thin ice and has been put on notice. The Rams signed veterans Tre’Davious White and Darious Williams, which could mean their patience for guys like Kendrick and Durant is running low. Arizona invested significant resources in the secondary this offseason which could push out rookies from last year who played prominent roles like Thomas and Clark. 

Wright and Robinson are third-round picks from 2021 who haven’t found their footing and might have to do it elsewhere at this point. 

Safety

Baker obviously stands out on this list. I don’t know that he’d have a ton of trade value given the flooded safety market this offseason. Justin Simmons hasn’t been able to find work so far coming off a Pro Bowl and second-team All-Pro nod at 30. Baker is 28 and due $15.1 million in the final year of his deal. However, the lack of extension so far after Baker lobbied for one last offseason makes this worth keeping an eye on. 

Grant has the advantage of being one of Falcons GM Terry Fontenot‘s first draft picks but as he enters his contract year he’ll be playing for his third defensive coordinator and still hasn’t found his footing. Safety is a spot the Falcons could upgrade. 

New Commanders DC Dan Quinn will be shaking things up on defense and added Jeremy Chinn and fifth-rounder Dominique Hampton to the safety room. It’ll be interesting to see what that means for the incumbents, including 2023 second-round Quan Martin who was drafted to play nickel after playing safety in college. Washington drafted over him too with second-round CB Mike Sainristil.

Houston drafted S Calen Bullock in the third round which likely means someone from last year’s room won’t make the roster despite the Texans re-signing everyone this offseason. 

Looking for the latest NFL Insider News & Rumors?

Be sure to follow NFL Trade Rumors on TWITTER and FACEBOOK for breaking NFL News and Rumors for all 32 teams!

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR

Leave a Reply