With the trade deadline on November 5th, teams have already started to evaluate their squads and look to make some moves.
The likes of Davante Adams and Amari Cooper have already been traded, to the Jets and Bills respectively, but who is the next big player to make the next big move?
- 1 - Tee Higgins, WR, Cincinnati Bengals
After the Cincinnati Bengals poor start to the season, it is no surprise that they are in the trade market. Despite being at 2-4, the Bengals could string a few wins together and force themselves into playoff contention, and receiver Higgins would be a key part in that scenario.
However, it would be hard to ignore proposed trades for Higgins even if this was the case, as teams would be required to give up substantial draft capital for him. At age 25, Higgins has been an important piece in the recent success of the Bengals, alongside QB Joe Burrow and fellow wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase, and would be a great pickup for whoever gets him.
Speaking of; it appears the Pittsburgh Steelers, Washington Commanders and Kansas City Chiefs look to be keeping an eye on Higgins, and if push comes to shove – we could see Higgins in new colours.
- 2 - Haason Reddick, LB, New York Jets
After being traded to the New York Jets from the Philadelphia Eagles, Reddick hasn’t played a single snap for his new team, after holding out for a big contract extension, which he is in the final year of. However, after the Jets couldn’t reach a contract agreement, Reddick refused to play, and has continued to do so to this day
So, a trade for the linebacker feels like a no brainer, for a team that can, and wants to, pay him the big bucks. Reddick has proven himself as a defensive powerhouse in previous seasons; in 2022 with the Eagles, Reddick had 16 sacks and led the league in forced fumbles whilst on his way to runners-up in the Super Bowl.
On October 15th, the Jets permitted Reddick to seek a trade, and the most likely candidates seem to be the Detroit Lions, Atlanta Falcons and the Pittsburgh Steelers.
- 3 - Mike Williams, WR, New York Jets
After the recent acquisition of Davante Adams, Williams looks to be on his way out. He missed practice on Wednesday (16th October) and the Jets cited personal reasons, although it would not be a reach to presume that his absence stems from trade talks.
Williams has had a decent start to the 2024 season with Aaron Rodgers at the helm, with 17 targets and 145 receiving yards. However, his production is sure to decrease after the Jets’ blockbuster trade.
Three teams have emerged as favourites for the 30-year-old pass catcher – the Los Angeles Chargers, New Orleans Saints and (once again) the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Saints are in desperate need of a receiver after being hit with injuries to Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed, and were reportedly in for Davante Adams, thus the veteran Williams would provide a good consolation prize.
The Steelers are on the lookout for a receiver and have been for a short while after missing out on Brandon Aiyuk in the offseason after he opted to remain in San Fransisco. With the Steelers in the market for depth in the receiver room, headed by George Pickens, they should be viewed as a viable option for Williams.
Williams spent his entire career, until this season, with the Chargers and already has a rapport with that offense and quarterback Justin Herbert. The Chargers are also in need of weapons, so this move makes a lot of sense, with this being the most familiar option for Williams.
- 4 - Budda Baker, S, Arizona Cardinals
Whilst this one is slightly less plausible than the others on this list, a move for Baker could be a good, long-term option for the Cardinals, who have fallen, and may continue to fall, out of playoff contention.
Baker, 28, becomes a free agent after this season, and as his production, whilst still up there with the best in the league, has dropped season on season with Cardinals, so this could be the best opportunity to cash in on Baker.
So, teams like the Lions and Eagles, who are pushing for the NFC title, could be in a perfect position to try and acquire the six-time Pro-Bowler.
- 5 - Deandre Hopkins, WR, Tennessee Titans
With a record of 1-4, the Titans have struggled since losing Derrick Henry and Ryan Tannehill’s production, and unfortunately for Titans fans, the signing of Hopkins hasn’t worked out the same way.
Recently, Hopkins has struggled with poor quarterback play, so, pairing him up with an already elite signal caller could be what he needs, and whilst his best years are most likely behind him, he would be an asset to any team.
The five-time Pro-Bowler could be on his way to the Kansas City Chiefs, who after injuries to their top two receivers in Rashee Rice and Marquise Brown, Hopkins could flourish in Andy Reid’s system with Patrick Mahomes at the helm.
