The NFL regular season is soon approaching, yet there are plenty of players with unresolved contract situations around the league.
San Francisco 49ers star WR Brandon Aiyuk is the most notable example, as the two sides remain very far apart in contract discussions. As a result, Aiyuk requested a trade earlier in July.
In addition to Aiyuk, who are the players most likely to be traded in the NFC this season? We recently identified one NFL player who could be traded on each team. Today, let’s take a look at each NFC team’s biggest trade candidate.
Top Trade Candidates in the NFC 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’s failed to find much consistency.
Arizona has already decided to decline the fifth-year option on Collins’ rookie contract, which likely means that 2024 will be his 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 burst onto the scene during his rookie season with the Atlanta Falcons, rushing for 1,035 yards and three touchdowns. 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, Jase McClellan, during the 2024 NFL Draft, which could mean Allgeier will be on the move this season.
Carolina Panthers: Terrace Marshall Jr., WR
Terrace Marshall Jr. was viewed by some as the steal of the 2021 NFL Draft. But after being selected in Round 2 by the Carolina Panthers, he’s failed to produce during his first three seasons.
The 24-year-old WR is heading into the final year of his rookie contract and is seemingly stumbling down Carolina’s depth chart. Another team will likely be willing to take a chance on him, 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 NFL career with the Chicago Bears. He’s averaged 4.9 yards per carry, but the Bears have continued to invest in the RB position in recent years.
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Chicago selected Roschon Johnson in 2023, then, this offseason, signed D’Andre Swift to a relatively big deal in free agency. Therefore, the Bears could opt to trade Herbert and receive some compensation during the final year of his rookie deal.
Dallas Cowboys: DeMarcus Lawrence, EDGE
While Micah Parsons is clearly a foundational piece on the edge for the Dallas Cowboys, DeMarcus Lawrence isn’t getting any younger and is heading into the final year of his three-year contract with the team.
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.
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 be moved this upcoming season, since 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 No. 13 overall in 2023, and it’s possible he will replace Smith moving forward.
Smith has enjoyed plenty of success in Green Bay, but if the Packers were to trade him this season, they would potentially save a total of $37.5 million.
Los Angeles Rams: Tutu Atwell, WR
Although Tutu Atwell finally showed some promise last season, he could be the odd man out at wide receiver for the Los Angeles Rams. Atwell is likely the fourth WR on Los Angeles’ current depth chart. Combined with the fact that he’s heading into the final year of his rookie contract, the Rams could look to make a move.
Minnesota Vikings: Lewis Cine, S
Although several former Georgia Bulldogs defensive players 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 him for a chance elsewhere.
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. However, 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.
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.
San Francisco 49ers: Brandon Aiyuk, WR
The entire situation involving the 49ers and Aiyuk has become quite odd. Aiyuk has made it clear publicly that he’s unhappy with his current contract situation and has even listed which other teams he would like to play for.
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 he 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 Seattle’s other pass rushers on the roster, the franchise could opt to trade him 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 final pick in Round 1 in 2021. Yet, 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.
Washington Commanders: Jonathan Allen, DL
The Washington Commanders are embracing a new coaching regime and a new franchise quarterback in 2024. Therefore, they could look to move on from one of the long-time starters on the defensive side of the ball.
Jonathan Allen’s current contract has two years remaining, and the Commanders could save over $32 million by trading him this season.
