As the NFL offseason heats up, trade discussions are intensifying ahead of free agency, which begins on March 15, 2024. National NFL reporter Dan Graziano and analyst Ben Solak have compiled a list of the top 15 players most likely to be involved in trades this month. This ranking considers each player’s potential impact on a new team, factoring in on-field performance and contract situations.
While the list does not reflect the likelihood of trades, it provides a comprehensive look at who could be on the move. For example, quarterback Kyler Murray ranks higher than Spencer Rattler due to his potential contributions, even though Rattler may be more likely to be traded.
Top Trade Candidates
1. **Brian Thomas Jr., WR, Jacksonville Jaguars**
– **Contract:** Two years remaining at $4.9 million, plus a fifth-year option for 2028.
– **The Buzz:** Selected in the first round two years ago, Thomas struggled last season, prompting the Jaguars to acquire Jakobi Meyers. Although there has been no indication that a trade is imminent, teams are monitoring his situation closely.
– **Predicted Chance of Getting Traded:** 20%
– **Potential Fits:** Patriots, Bills, Steelers, Raiders
2. **De’Von Achane, RB, Miami Dolphins**
– **Contract:** One year remaining, worth about $5.9 million.
– **The Buzz:** With the Dolphins reportedly in a rebuilding phase, teams are inquiring about their star players. However, it is more likely that the Dolphins will extend Achane rather than trade him.
– **Predicted Chance of Getting Traded:** 10%
– **Potential Fits:** Chiefs, Texans, Vikings
3. **Jaylen Waddle, WR, Miami Dolphins**
– **Contract:** Three years left totaling approximately $57.3 million, with $16.6 million guaranteed for 2026.
– **The Buzz:** Rumors circulated about a potential trade at the deadline, but the Dolphins view Waddle as a key player moving forward.
– **Predicted Chance of Getting Traded:** 10%
– **Potential Fits:** Steelers, Chiefs, Raiders, Ravens
4. **Maxx Crosby, Edge, Las Vegas Raiders**
– **Contract:** Four years remaining at roughly $29 million per year, with $30 million fully guaranteed for 2026.
– **The Buzz:** Despite a tumultuous end to last season, Crosby’s value remains high. General Manager John Spytek expects him to stay with the Raiders unless he expresses a desire to leave.
– **Predicted Chance of Getting Traded:** 60%
– **Potential Fits:** Bears, Patriots, Commanders
5. **A.J. Brown, WR, Philadelphia Eagles**
– **Contract:** Four years at $28.25 million annually, with $29 million guaranteed in 2026.
– **The Buzz:** Brown has openly expressed dissatisfaction with the Eagles’ offensive strategy. If the situation escalates, Philadelphia may consider moving him.
– **Predicted Chance of Getting Traded:** 60%
– **Potential Fits:** Patriots, Bills, Ravens
6. **DK Metcalf, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers**
– **Contract:** Four years at $28.75 million annually, with no guarantees.
– **The Buzz:** Following a suspension, Metcalf’s trade value may have changed. The Steelers are assessing how he fits into their new offensive scheme under Mike McCarthy.
– **Predicted Chance of Getting Traded:** 25%
– **Potential Fits:** Patriots, Commanders, Bills
7. **Kyler Murray, QB, Arizona Cardinals**
– **Contract:** Two years remaining at about $39.4 million annually, with $36.8 million guaranteed for 2026.
– **The Buzz:** The Cardinals are open to trading Murray but face challenges due to his substantial guaranteed salary.
– **Predicted Chance of Getting Traded:** 5%
– **Potential Fits:** Dolphins, Jets, Vikings
8. **Sam LaPorta, TE, Detroit Lions**
– **Contract:** One year remaining at approximately $5.8 million.
– **The Buzz:** LaPorta is viewed as a key player for the Lions, who are looking to extend multiple 2023 draft picks.
– **Predicted Chance of Getting Traded:** 10%
– **Potential Fits:** Chiefs, Ravens, Texans
9. **Renardo Green, CB, San Francisco 49ers**
– **Contract:** Two years left at $3.04 million, with no guarantees.
– **The Buzz:** Green is still young and has shown promise, but his fit in the 49ers’ new defensive scheme is uncertain.
– **Predicted Chance of Getting Traded:** 80%
– **Potential Fits:** Cowboys, Falcons, Eagles
10. **Spencer Rattler, QB, New Orleans Saints**
– **Contract:** Two years remaining at $2.27 million, with no guarantees.
– **The Buzz:** After a rocky start with the Saints, Rattler’s potential for development could attract teams looking for a young quarterback.
– **Predicted Chance of Getting Traded:** 70%
– **Potential Fits:** Dolphins, Chiefs, Rams, Raiders
11. **Minkah Fitzpatrick, S, Miami Dolphins**
– **Contract:** One year remaining at $15.6 million.
– **The Buzz:** As he approaches 30, Fitzpatrick’s trade value may hinge on the Dolphins’ new direction under Jeff Hafley.
– **Predicted Chance of Getting Traded:** 65%
– **Potential Fits:** Bills, Cowboys
12. **Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Miami Dolphins**
– **Contract:** Three years at about $47 million annually, with $54 million guaranteed for 2026.
– **The Buzz:** After being benched last season, Tagovailoa’s future in Miami is uncertain. The Dolphins may need to consider cutting him to mitigate financial losses.
– **Predicted Chance of Getting Traded:** 5%
– **Potential Fits:** Vikings, Falcons, Cardinals
13. **Tanner McKee, QB, Philadelphia Eagles**
– **Contract:** One year remaining at $1.9 million.
– **The Buzz:** McKee is viewed as a developmental quarterback, and his future with the Eagles could lead to trade discussions if they seek value now.
– **Predicted Chance of Getting Traded:** 20%
– **Potential Fits:** Dolphins, Jets, Vikings, Chiefs
14. **Nate Hobbs, CB, Green Bay Packers**
– **Contract:** Three years at approximately $9.9 million per year, with no guarantees.
– **The Buzz:** Given his struggles with injuries, the Packers may look to trade Hobbs for additional draft picks.
– **Predicted Chance of Getting Traded:** 50%
– **Potential Fits:** Lions, Dolphins, Panthers, Bills
15. **Kayvon Thibodeaux, Edge, New York Giants**
– **Contract:** One year remaining at $14.75 million.
– **The Buzz:** With a surplus of defensive talent, the Giants may explore trading Thibodeaux rather than extending him.
– **Predicted Chance of Getting Traded:** 70%
– **Potential Fits:** Chargers, Bengals, Bears
As the NFL prepares for a busy offseason, teams will be closely monitoring these players and the potential trades that could reshape their rosters. The landscape of the league could change dramatically in the coming weeks, making this an exciting time for fans and franchises alike.
