The NFL regular season is soon approaching, but there’s still plenty of time between now and the trade deadline for teams to further shape their rosters. With training camps underway, we examine one potential trade candidate on every AFC team this season.
Top Trade Candidates in the AFC This NFL 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. Given the flashes that he’s 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 selection. Despite his draft status, Elam has failed to impress Buffalo’s coaching staff, starting 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 as a result, Elam’s time might soon be up in Buffalo. Another team could be intrigued by Elam’s potential and think a fresh start could help turn his career around.
Cincinnati Bengals: Tee Higgins, WR
It’s no secret that Tee Higgins is frustrated with the Cincinnati Bengals after he received the franchise tag this offseason. Bengals fans likely want the team to work out a new deal with the rising star wide receiver, but 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 many injuries at quarterback last season. Therefore, they decided to invest heavily in the position this offseason by signing 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 QB who was a fifth-round pick in 2023.
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.
However, Sutton is 28 years old and might not be in the franchise’s long-term plans.
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’ WR 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, he’s failed to solidify a starting role, 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 Round 2 of the 2022 NFL Draft. Moore was supposed to be an explosive weapon in Kansas City’s offense, but he’s struggled to find a consistent role.
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There is likely another NFL team that still believes Moore has potential. Despite the disappointing start to his career in Kansas City, he would likely benefit from a change of scenery.
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 2023, Koonce could be traded before he signs elsewhere in free agency.
Los Angeles Chargers: Joey Bosa, EDGE
Joey Bosa’s name still carries weight, but he’s 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 years. This is why the Chargers could choose to cut their losses and trade him in 2024.
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.
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 in the 2024 NFL Draft and could decide to trade veteran JuJu Smith-Schuster. By trading him this season, New England would save over $15 million.
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, but New York added two more running backs in the 2024 NFL Draft. This could mean that second-year RB Israel Abanikanda could be on the move.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Cameron Heyward, DL
There’s 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.
Tennessee Titans: Malik Willis, QB
It’s clear that the Tennessee Titans are ready to embrace Will Levis as the team’s franchise QB. Despite selecting Malik Willis in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft, Tennessee has seemingly seen enough from the 25-year-old.
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.