With the midseason mark approaching, so is the trade deadline. Teams will have until Nov. 5th’s 4 p.m. ET cutoff to make any acquisitions. As usual, plenty of the teams are coming to the realization that they’re either buyers or sellers. There’s plenty to be bought or sold, so let’s jump right into notable players supposedly on the block.
NFL Trade Candidates
Adam Thielen, Carolina Panthers WR
Top destinations: San Fransisco, Tampa Bay, Washington
With the Carolina Panthers holding off on re-inserting Adam Thielen into the starting lineup this week, folks around the NFL are theorizing that he could be dealt before next Tuesday’s deadline. While he hasn’t produced much this season, Thielen is still a seasoned veteran who knows how to get open. Playoff contenders with injuries at that position could take a shot at Thielen, who can be a quarterback’s best friend out of the slot. Trading for him would likely be a half-year rental.
Travis Etienne Jr., Jacksonville Jaguars RB
Top destinations: Dallas, Kansas City, San Fransisco
Since being picked in the first round of 2021, Travis Etienne Jr. has enjoyed mixed success running behind an inconsistent offensive line. His promise was shown in 2023, accounting for nearly 1,500 scrimmage yards and 12 total touchdowns although his 3.8 yards per carry left production on the field. Through injuries and poor play, Etienne Jr. has struggled to gain his footing in 2024. With no possible extension looming on the final year of his contract, Jacksonville could be looking to deal him. For any team looking to either add an RB1 or diversify the workload of their running back room, Etienne Jr. could be a target.
Jonathan Jones, New England Patriots CB
Top destinations: Baltimore, Washington, Indianapolis
With New England at 2-6, rumors are swirling that they’ll be sellers. The latest name to hit the trade block has been cornerback Jonathan Jones, who’s entering the last year of his contract. He’s been regarded as a strong-man coverage cornerback in recent years and that has still rained true in 2024. For any team looking to sure up their cornerback room before the playoffs, Jones is a solid option. Defenses will be able to plug and play him nearly immediately, however, he’ll likely start out in the rotation before he fully familiarizes himself with the scheme.
Budda Baker, Arizona Cardinals S
Top destinations: Buffalo, Washington, Minnesota
It’s not often you see elite talent get traded, but that’s certainly a possibility for Arizona Cardinals‘ star safety, Budda Baker. Although he’s had an off year through advanced metrics, Baker is still one of the best at his position. While he can step back and play a center-fielder-esque role, he has no problem sticking in the slot and being a playmaker around the line of scrimmage. His elite talent comes with a stiff price tag of 14.2m per Spotrac, though he’ll likely ask for slightly more while he negotiates his new deal in the 2025 offseason. Any contender looking to give their defense a contending boost should consider Baker.
Azeez Ojulari, New York Giants LB
Top destinations: Arizona, Detroit, Philadelphia
Azeez Ojulari has been a high-quality rotational pass rusher for the New York Football Giants and with four sacks through eight weeks, is on pace to have a career season. While he’s been pushed into action with starter Kayvon Thibodeaux sidelined, he’s become a true threat to opposing quarterbacks. With it being a passing league, there are plenty of potential playoff teams that could be looking for a pass rush boost come December. Since Ojulari’s contract is expiring, whoever trades for him would likely have to cough up some future guarantees in a new contract.
Main Image: Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images
