The regular season is quickly approaching in the NFL as teams continue to adjust their rosters. With the draft and free agency now behind us, new signings or potential trades are still possible.
As training camp and the preseason get underway, teams will be able to better evaluate their rosters and adjust accordingly. With that being said, which player on each NFL team could potentially be on the move this year?
Top Trade Candidates This NFL Season
Arizona Cardinals: Zaven Collins, LB
The Arizona Cardinals selected linebacker Zaven Collins with the No. 16 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. Although Collins has played a multitude of roles in Arizona, he has failed to find much consistency.
Arizona has already decided to decline the fifth-year option on his rookie contract, which likely means that 2024 will be Collins’ final season with the team. Given his struggles with the Cardinals, a change of scenery via trade could make sense for Collins this year.
Atlanta Falcons: Tyler Allgeier, RB
Tyler Allgeier bursts onto the scene during his rookie season with the Atlanta Falcons. He rushed for 1035 yards and added three touchdowns on the ground. Despite Allgeier’s success, Atlanta decided to select Bijan Robinson in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
Now that Robinson has cemented himself as the top running back in Atlanta’s backfield, Allgeier could be on the move. The Falcons added another running back in Jase McClellan during the 2024 NFL Draft, which could mean Allgeier will be on the move this season.
Baltimore Ravens: Isaiah Likely, TE
Mark Andrews is regarded as one of the best tight ends in the NFL, but the Baltimore Ravens have a hidden gem sitting behind him in Isaiah Likely. When Andrews has missed time due to injury, Likely has stepped up and showcased his potential.
Likely is heading into the third season of his four-year rookie contract with the Ravens. Given the flashes that he has shown, it’s fair to wonder if another team would be interested in trading for Likely and signing him to a massive extension in 2025.
Buffalo Bills: Kaiir Elam, CB
The Buffalo Bills selected cornerback Kaiir Elam in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft with the No. 23 overall section. Despite his draft status, Elam has failed to impress Buffalo’s coaching staff, as he has started just eight games in his first two seasons.
It appears as though the Bills are ready to move in a different direction at cornerback and Elam’s time might be up soon in Buffalo. Another team could be intrigued by Elam’s potential and think a fresh start could help turn his career around.
Carolina Panthers: Terrace Marshall Jr., WR
Terrace Marshall Jr. was viewed by some as the steal of the 2021 NFL Draft. Yet after being selected in the second round by the Carolina Panthers, Marshall has failed to produce during his first three years in the NFL.
The 24-year-old wide receiver is heading into the final year of his rookie contract and is seemingly stumbling down the depth chart in Carolina. Another team will likely be willing to take a chance on Marshall, betting on his size and potential, which were coveted back in 2021.
Chicago Bears: Khalil Herbert, RB
Khalil Herbert has impressed when given opportunities throughout his three-year career with the Chicago Bears. He has averaged 4.9 yards per carry in the NFL, yet the Bears have continued to invest in the running back position in recent years.
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Chicago selected Roschon Johnson in the 2023 NFL Draft. This offseason, the Bears signed D’Andre Swift to a relatively big deal in free agency. Therefore, the team could opt to trade Herbert and receive some compensation during the final year of his rookie deal.
Cincinnati Bengals: Tee Higgins, WR
It’s no secret that Tee Higgins is frustrated with the Cincinnati Bengals after that he received the franchise tag this offseason. While Bengals’ fans likely want the team to work out a new deal with the rising star wide receiver, it seems unlikely at this point.
Cincinnati selected Jermaine Burton in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft, which could signal that Higgins’ time with the Bengals is coming to an end.
Cleveland Browns: Dorian Thompson-Robinson, QB
The Cleveland Browns dealt with a lot of injuries at quarterback last season. Therefore, the team decided to invest heavily in the position this offseason. The Browns signed two experienced backup quarterbacks, Jameis Winston and Tyler Huntley.
This could mean that Dorian Thomspon-Robinson’s time in Cleveland is coming to an end. “DTR” still has three seasons remaining on his rookie contract, and another team could find value in trading for the athletic quarterback who was a fifth-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Dallas Cowboys: DeMarcus Lawrence, EDGE
While it’s clear that Micah Parsons is a foundational piece on the edge for the Dallas Cowboys, DeMarcus Lawrence isn’t getting any younger. Lawrence is heading into the final year of his three-year contract with the Cowboys.
Dallas could actually save $10 million by trading Lawrence, which would free up more snaps for the Cowboys’ young pass rushers. Dallas selected Marshawn Kneeland in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, potentially signaling the end of Lawrence’s tenure.
Denver Broncos: Courtland Sutton, WR
It feels like Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton has been involved in trade rumors for several years. As the Broncos continue to walk on the treadmill of mediocrity, Sutton is one of the lone bright spots for the organization.
Yet Sutton is 28 years old and might not be in the franchise’s long-term plans.
Detroit Lions: John Cominsky, EDGE
The Detroit Lions are incredibly deep at the edge position, with Aidan Hutchinson and Marcus Davenport leading the team’s talented group. Therefore, John Cominsky could potentially be moved this upcoming season, as he will potentially take a backseat to Davenport and others.
Green Bay Packers: Preston Smith, EDGE
After signing Rashan Gary to a massive contract extension, the Green Bay Packers could look to move on from Preston Smith this season. The Packers selected Lukas Van Ness with the No. 13 overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft, as he could potentially replace Smith moving forward.
Although Smith has enjoyed plenty of success in Green Bay, the 32-year-old pass rusher could be on the move. If the Packers were to trade Smith this season, they would potentially save a total of $37.5 million.
Houston Texans: Robert Woods, WR
While Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud is rightfully getting most of the attention, the team’s roster is loaded with talent at wide receiver. This means veteran Robert Woods could likely be on the move this upcoming season. Houston traded for Stefon Diggs and signed Nico Collins to a massive contract extension.
Indianapolis Colts: Alec Pierce, WR
While Michael Pittman Jr. and Josh Downs have shown plenty of potential for the Indianapolis Colts, Alec Pierce has failed to do the same. Which is likely why the Colts selected Adonai Mitchell in the 2024 NFL Draft. Pierce is likely fourth on Indianapolis’ wide receiver depth chart and could be on the move this season.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Chad Muma, LB
When the Jacksonville Jaguars selected linebacker Chad Muma in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft, he was supposed to be a core piece of the team’s defensive front. Yet Muma has failed to solidify a starting role in Jacksonville, starting just four games in his first two seasons. Given the lack of linebacker depth around the NFL, Muma could be traded this season.
Kansas City Chiefs: Skyy Moore, WR
Following Tyreek Hill’s departure, the Kansas City Chiefs selected Skyy Moore in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Moore was supposed to be an explosive weapon in Kansas City’s offense, yet he has struggled to find a consistent role.
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There is likely another team around the NFL that still believes Moore has potential. Despite the disappointing start to his career in Kansas City, Moore would likely benefit from a change of scenery and being traded by the Chiefs.
Las Vegas Raiders: Malcolm Koonce, EDGE
During his first two seasons with the Las Vegas Raiders, Malcolm Koonce was relatively underwhelming. He recorded just two sacks in his first two seasons but burst onto the scene in 2023.
Malcolm Koonce sacks Patrick Mahomes for his 3rd sack of the day on Christmas Day 2023. Koo ce had 5 tackles, 1 assist and finished with the beforementioned 3 sacks. #Raiders #RaiderNation pic.twitter.com/pLcn5gU9d4
— Raiders History (@Oaklraiders1976) June 6, 2024
Now the Raiders are in a tough situation as Koonce is heading into the final year of his rookie contract. Given that Las Vegas selected Tyree Wilson with the No. 7 overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft, Koonce could be traded before he signs elsewhere in free agency.
Los Angeles Chargers: Joey Bosa, EDGE
While Joey Bosa’s name still carries weight, he has struggled to stay on the field in each of the last two seasons. Despite being paid like one of the best defensive players in the NFL, Bosa has recorded just nine sacks over the last two seasons. This is why the Chargers could choose to cut their losses and trade him in 2024.
Los Angeles Rams: Tutu Atwell, WR
Although Tutu Atwell finally showed some promise last season, he could be the odd man at wide receiver for the Los Angeles Rams. Atwell is likely the fourth wide receiver on Los Angeles’ current wide receiver depth chart. Combined with the fact that Atwell is heading into the final year of his rookie contract, the Rams could trade him this season.
Miami Dolphins: Jeff Wilson Jr., RB
The Miami Dolphins have built the deepest running back room in the NFL. Thanks to the emergence of De’Von Achane and the addition of Jaylen Wright, Jeff Wilson Jr. just continues to fall down Miami’s depth chart. Therefore, Wilson will likely be traded in 2024.
Minnesota Vikings: Lewis Cine, S
Although several former defensive players for the Georgia Bulldogs have found success in the NFL, Lewis Cine is not one of them. Despite being selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, Cine has struggled to stay on the field due to injuries. The Vikings could opt to cut their losses and trade Cine to give him a chance elsewhere.
New England Patriots: JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR
As the New England Patriots begin the Drake Maye era, they will likely embrace a youth movement at wide receiver. The Patriots added two wide receivers in the 2024 NFL Draft and could decide to trade veteran JuJu Smith-Schuster. New England would save a total of over $15 million by trading Smith-Schuster this season.
New Orleans Saints: Alvin Kamara, RB
New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara is reportedly in search of a massive contract extension despite his declining play. Kamara is 29 years old, and it’s hard to envision the Saints signing him to a new deal. New Orleans could opt to move on from their long-time starter and embrace the duo of Jamaal Williams and Kendre Miller.
New York Giants: Azeez Ojulari, EDGE
The New York Giants have built quite an elite pass-rushing duo with Kayvon Thibodeaux and Brian Burns. Yet that could mean Azeez Ojulari’s days in New York are coming to an end. Ojulari has failed to find consistency with the Giants and could be traded during the final year of his rookie contract.
New York Jets: Israel Abanikanda, RB
Similar to the Dolphins, the New York Jets have invested heavily in the team’s backfield. Not only has Breece Hall established himself as a star running back, but New York added two more running backs in the 2024 NFL Draft. This could mean that second-year running back Israel Abanikanda could be on the move in 2024.
Philadelphia Eagles: James Bradberry, DB
There might not be a more obvious candidate on this list than Philadelphia Eagles cornerback James Bradberry. After a tremendous performance in 2022, Bradberry was arguably one of the worst cornerbacks in the NFL last season.
Now the Eagles have added multiple cornerbacks this offseason, in both free agency and the 2024 NFL Draft. As a result, Bradberry has made the move to safety, but it sure seems like his days in Philadelphia are numbered.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Cameron Heyward, DL
There is no denying that Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman Cameron Heyward will be remembered as an all-time great in franchise history. Yet the Steelers could opt to trade him as he heads into the final season of his final contract. Heyward had just two sacks last season, and Pittsburgh would save $16 million by trading him in 2024.
San Francisco 49ers: Brandon Aiyuk, WR
The entire situation involving the San Francisco 49ers and Brandon Aiyuk has become quite odd. Aiyuk has made it clear publicly that he is unhappy with his current contract situation and has even listed which other teams he would like to play for.
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While Aiyuk’s relationship with the Niners is certainly damaged, the right amount of money would heal all wounds. It remains to be seen if the two sides can come to an agreement, which means the idea that Aiyuk could be traded in 2024 is certainly plausible.
Seattle Seahawks: Darrell Taylor, EDGE
Despite starting just 13 games during his three seasons with the Seattle Seahawks, Darrell Taylor has developed into a promising pass rusher. As he heads into the final year of his rookie contract, the Seahawks will have a tough decision to make.
Due to the other pass rushers on Seattle’s roster, the franchise could opt to trade Taylor and receive some draft compensation before he walks in free agency.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, EDGE
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected edge rusher Joe Tryon-Shoyinka with the No. 32 overall pick in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Despite his draft status, Tryon-Shoyinka has failed to live up to expectations. The Buccaneers have already declined his fifth-year option and could opt to trade him in 2024.
Tennessee Titans: Malik Willis, QB
It’s clear that the Tennessee Titans are ready to embrace Will Levis as the team’s franchise quarterback. Despite selecting Malik Willis in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft, Tennessee has seemingly seen enough from the 25-year-old quarterback.
Willis failed to impress during his three career starts in Tennessee. His performance was honestly embarrassing, but he could greatly benefit from a change of scenery to a more stable situation with a veteran quarterback ahead of him on the depth chart.
Washington Commanders: Jonathan Allen, DL
The Washington Commanders are embracing a new coaching regime and a new franchise quarterback in 2024. Therefore, Washington could look to move on from one of the long-time starters on the defensive side of the ball. Jonathan Allen has two years remaining on his current contract, and the Commanders could save over $32 million by trading him in 2024.