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USA Today Sports Media Group

Sport

Pat Yasinskas

10 players who could be traded before Tuesday’s deadline

There has been a whirlwind of trades in the NFL recently and they’ve involved some big-name players. The Patriots picked up receiver Mohamed Sanu. The 49ers added receiver Emmanuel Sanders. The Rams traded for cornerback Jalen Ramsey, and the Ravens added defensive back Marcus Peters.

But that’s not going to be the end. There will be more trades before the NFL trade deadline at 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday. Playoff contenders are looking to add missing pieces, and losing teams are trying to stock up on draft picks.

Here’s a look at 10 players who could be traded before the deadline.

10. Trent Williams, OT, Washington Redskins

Williams has held out the entire season so far. So, it’s a no-brainer that the Redskins should trade him, especially when there are reports that the Cleveland Browns and possibly other teams are very interested. However, Washington personnel head Bruce Allen won’t listen, according to NFL Network. If true, that’s stupid on Allen’s part. He could get a good draft pick or picks for Williams, and that’s exactly what he should be doing. This is a lost season for the Redskins, and they’ll have a new coach next year. They might as well get that new coach as many draft picks as possible to start the rebuilding process. And it’s not as if Williams’ contract is scaring away potential trade partners. He’s scheduled to make $12.5 million in 2020, and that’s not a bad price for an upper-level tackle.

9. Kenyan Drake, RB, Miami Dolphins

It’s not difficult to see what the Dolphins’ strategy is. They’ve written off this year and are trying to accumulate as many good draft picks as possible for next year. Given that philosophy, it’s likely they’ll make at least one trade before Tuesday’s deadline. Drake, 25, could be gone because he’s one of Miami’s most marketable players. He’s a solid No. 2 running back, and that’s a role some potential playoff teams could be looking to beef up down the stretch.

8. Demaryius Thomas, WR, New York Jets

After doing virtually nothing (12 catches for 150 yards) for the Jets, it could be time for Thomas to join his third team of the season. Thomas first was with New England. But the Patriots traded him to the Jets after they thought they were going to have Antonio Brown. Thomas isn’t the same player he was when he had five consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons for the Broncos from 2012 through 2016. But he still could help a team as a third receiver.

7. O.J. Howard, TE, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Bucs repeatedly have said they’re not shopping the 2017 first-round pick, and general manager Jason Licht and coach Bruce Arians are about as honest as they come. But they’re still in a business where it’s wise to never say a player is on the market because that could drive down his value. Even if the Bucs aren’t actively shopping Howard, that could change with one phone call that includes an attractive offer. The Patriots reportedly made an offer for Howard previously, but the Bucs turned it town. New England could come calling again with a sweeter pot, or another team could jump in. I still think it’s possible Howard gets traded. Why? Despite enormous physical talent, he’s not fitting in Arians’ system, and the Bucs are wasting him. Howard has only 13 catches for 176 yards with no touchdowns. He’s averaging just three targets a game. If the Bucs aren’t going to use him more, they should be able to get a good draft pick for him. Besides, they can do without Howard because they have another good tight end in Cameron Brate.

6. A.J. Green, WR, Cincinnati Bengals

Green has missed the entire season so far with an ankle injury. But he recently returned to practice and is expected to be able to play soon. That could happen with another team. Green likely wouldn’t mind a fresh start. Even though he has six 1,000-yard receiving seasons, he’s been held back by poor coaching and the inconsistency of quarterback Andy Dalton. The Bengals have a massive rebuilding job in front of them and can use all the draft picks they can get. Plus, Green is in the last year of his contract. If the Bengals don’t trade him now, he’ll just walk away as a free agent next year.

5. Melvin Gordon, RB, Los Angeles Chargers

The Chargers should have traded Gordon back in the offseason when there were several legitimate suitors. But they held onto Gordon, who then held out and didn’t return until Week 4. Since Gordon’s return, he’s averaged just 2.3 yards per carry, hasn’t scored a rushing touchdown and has been outperformed by Austin Ekeler. Gordon’s in the final year of his contract and has clearly fallen out of favor with the organization. The Chargers should grab anything they can get for him. A fresh start also might be the best thing for Gordon.

4. Chris Harris, CB, Denver Broncos

It’s well known throughout the league that the Broncos are willing to trade just about anyone except Von Miller. Harris is a logical candidate for a playoff contender that is looking to solidify its secondary. He’s a solid veteran with 20 career interceptions. The only problem could be his contract. Harris is in the last year of his contract and is making $9.8 million. Any team trading for him would have to pick up the prorated portion of his salary. That’s a pretty steep price for a rental player.

3. Vic Beasley, DE, Atlanta Falcons

A 2015 first-round pick, Beasley has been quiet since he recorded 15.5 sacks in 2016. He has only 1.5 sacks this season, and the Falcons apparently are shopping Beasley. That makes sense because Beasley is in the last year of his rookie contract and the Falcons would love to at least get a draft pick for him before letting him walk as a free agent. The market for Beasley supposedly hasn’t been too hot. But that could change as the deadline gets closer. The Raiders could be a logical landing spot. If Beasley can regain his previous form, he could give the Raiders the kind of pass-rusher they’ve lacked since trading away Khalil Mack last year.

2. Patrick Peterson, CB, Arizona Cardinals

There are tons of rumors that Peterson is available via trade. The Cardinals have said they’re not trading Peterson. But they may be saying that just to keep his value high. Peterson, 29, still has some good years ahead of him. He could help any team. But one team to keep an eye on is Tampa Bay. The Bucs are coached by Bruce Arians, who previously coached Peterson in Arizona. The Bucs need more skill and a veteran leader in their secondary, so this could be a natural fit.

1. Cam Newton, QB, Carolina Panthers

He is the face of the franchise. But, since he’s been out with a foot injury, second-year pro Kyle Allen has led the Panthers to four straight wins. Is that enough to convince the Panthers that Allen is their future? Maybe. Allen isn’t as prolific as Newton was in his heyday, but he doesn’t make many mistakes. Allen hasn’t thrown an interception, and he’s become popular in the locker room. Newton has far more talent than Allen, but this would be a good time for the Panthers to unload Newton. He appears to be wearing down physically. Besides the foot, he had major offseason surgery on his throwing shoulder. Still, he’s only 30, and just four years removed from an MVP season. He could have decent trade value, and it would be wise for the Panthers to unload him now, rather than after the season because they can get a draft pick or two for him. Newton’s contract would not be prohibitive for a team desperate for a quarterback (Chiefs, Steelers, etc.) A new team would only have to pick up the prorated remainder of Newton’s $16 million salary. If Newton stays with the Panthers this year, he’ll probably be cut in the offseason. Newton is still under contract for 2020, but he’s scheduled to make $21 million. The Panthers could free up $19 million by releasing him after the season. There’s one other subtle factor at work. Newton was drafted by former owner Jerry Richardson. New owner David Tepper systematically has been weeding out those in the organization with deep ties to Richardson.

Pat Yasinskas has covered the NFL since 1993. He has worked for The Tampa Tribune, The Charlotte Observer and ESPN.com and writes for numerous national magazines and websites. He also has served as a voter for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

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