While the summer months are considered downtime in the NFL world, teams never really sleep. Always looking to improve, 32 organizations will scan their depth charts, find flaws, and look for ways to add talent. More often than not, it comes in the form of a trade.
Last summer, 12 trades were made before rosters were trimmed down to 53. Seven more would follow before a snap of regular season football was played. While the Khalil Mack deal was the highlight move of the preseason, all it takes is one solid player to change a roster. Some teams might need one piece to go from bubble team to playoff lock.
Mack’s internet-breaking trade probably won’t duplicate itself soon. It’s hard to imagine a game-changing player be shipped off before the first week of football. Then again, several names could be on the move pretty soon.
With bad attitudes, contract disputes and cap space always playing a role, anyone could be up for grabs. Here’s a look at several names that could be playing for a new team come September 5.
Philadelphia Eagles WR Nelson Agholor
The Philadelphia Eagles are looking like the complete roster in the NFL heading into 2019. With a solid defense and now Carson Wentz under center until 2024, Philadelphia is ready to be in contention for the long haul.
That said, they need to dump some cap space. Wide receiver is apparently the position to drop, and Nelson Agholor probably is the odd man out. With the additions of JJ Arcega-Whiteside and DeSean Jackson, the former first-rounder is likely the fifth receiver on the totem pole. Sure, he’s productive, but his career inconsistencies could mean he’s looking for a chance of scenery.
Agholor’s best season came in 2017 where he collected 768 yards and eight touchdowns. Who was the quarterback in Philly he had success with? Nick Foles. Who was the coach who helped the duo connect? John DeFilippo. Who needs a wide receiver for the foreseeable future? The team both are on in Jacksonville.
While the Jaguars would be an excellent fit but the Arizona Cardinals and New York Jets could use veteran talent at the position. The Eagles would be foolish not to listen to offers. Agholor’s days in the City of Brotherly Love might be numbered.
Cleveland Browns RB Duke Johnson Jr.
This a deal that seems destined to happen. While the Cleveland Browns have insisted they won’t trade Duke Johnson Jr., this could all be a ploy to raise the price. The team has two top-level running backs in Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt this season. Most organizations are lucky to have just one.
Johnson is an ideal change-of-pace back. Averaging five yards per carry last season, the former Hurricane was used primarily on third down. Where he shined was as a pass catcher out of the backfield. In four seasons, Johnson has collected over 2,100 receiving yards and eight touchdowns when targeted through the air, according to Pro Football Reference.
Multiple teams could use a pass-catching back to help add depth to their offense. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers would be a perfect fit to pair with Ronald Jones for the future. The former USC Trojan rushed for an abysmal 1.9 yards per carry last season. Peyton Barber also is entering a contract year.
Other teams like the Houston Texans, Atlanta Falcons, and Oakland Raiders would love a back with hands like Johnson. The Browns have no use for him in a crowded backfield. For the right price, Johnson shouldn’t get comfy staying with a team he’s ready to move on from.
Atlanta Falcons DE Vic Beasley Jr.
The Atlanta Falcons are ready to return to the postseason just two years removed from a Super Bowl appearance. Falcons owner Arthur Blank stated he used the franchise tag on Grady Jarrett to make him a Falcon “for life.”
That’s going to cost some money. With Atlanta using a first-round pick on Takk McKinley just two seasons ago, Vic Beasley should become a fun name to watch moving forward.
In his sophomore season, Beasley broke out as one of the league’s up-and-coming pass rushers. Leading the NFL with 15.5 sacks, everyone thought the former Clemson star was the next great Falcon defender. The past two seasons, he’s registered just five sacks per season.
With the addition of veteran Adrian Clayborn, Atlanta has the depth to move on from the struggling defensive end. There’s still promise for Beasley to turn his career around as he’s only 26 and can correct the mistake. With Beasley missing OTA’s, this could be a sign the team is ready to move on.
The Oakland Raiders would love a veteran pass rusher as the team registered a league-low 13 sacks last year. There’s promise in Arden Key to become a situational pass rusher while the team just invested a first-round pick in Clelin Ferrell. If either struggle in the preseason, the Raiders should give Atlanta a call.
Other teams such as the Miami Dolphins, Arizona Cardinals, and Jacksonville Jaguars could use a player with Beasley’s skills. For the right return, Atlanta will likely float with the idea.
Washington Redskins OT Trent Williams
If Washington Redskins does move on from Williams, there are two significant indications we can expect.
- The team is willing to suffer a year for a high draft pick.
- He’s not coming cheap.
Considered a top three tackle by many, Williams has been one of the league’s top blindside protectors since entering the league in 2010. At 30-years-old, he’s still one of the most polished offensive linemen in the NFL and graded out last season as the 12th best tackle by Pro Football Focus.
Unfortunately, with rankings like that, contracts are going to be discussed. Williams is looking for a new deal while Washington is content with his contract. According to a report by NBC Washington, Williams vowed he’d “never return to Washington.” That could mean the damage is done and he’s already out the door.
The Houston Texans need to be the first team to make a call to grab him. Why? Hmm, maybe because franchise quarterback Deshaun Watson was sacked a league-high 62 times last season? Perhaps because two rookies are playing book ends this season and neither should start right now? Maybe because this is the first signal-caller Houston has ever had who’s good?
Pick a reason. Houston should be the only team calling for Williams. They have the cap space to pay him and a need at both tackles. Bill O’…I mean Jack Easterby… whoever is pretending to be the general manager, call Washington.
Houston Texans OLB Jadeveon Clowney
Houston is in a ton of trouble right now, and Jadeveon Clowney’s contract is just one spot. With no GM for the foreseeable future and a wrecked offensive line, the Texans were the only team in the AFC South to take a step backward.
Thankfully, the team’s defense has been the bread and butter under Bill O’Brien. Luckily no one is upset with the contract right? Oh, right, about that. Clowney has yet to come to terms with the organization since Houston slapped him with a franchise tag. While a solid pass rusher, the two are meeting on different ends with it comes to zeros. Clowney wants top-level pass rusher money when he’s yet to have a double-digit sack season.
An east trade would be for Houston and Washington to swap players. One receives a pass rusher while the other gets a left tackle. Washington would likely need to throw in a late-round pick, but a deal could be made for both parties to come out winners.
The Buffalo Bills, Baltimore Ravens, and New York Jets all could be beautiful trading partners as well. Houston needs to figure out their GM issues but can’t afford to let Clowney pull a Le’Veon Bell. Either sign him or trade him, simple as that. I bet that trade is the more likely option.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers TE Cameron Brate
With a new coach and new scheme in town, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers could be looking to move on from an offensive player. With the team probably still a season or two away from becoming a contender under Bruce Arians, any player who doesn’t fit the mold could be on the block.
Arians loves running a two tight end set but also isn’t opposed going with a flex option. The Bucs have a young breakout candidate in OJ Howard and could use just one tight end set to succeed. Cameron Brate is a talented second option and deserves a chance to start after scoring 20 touchdowns the past three seasons.
Let’s see, who is a team that could use a tight end? Well, there’s one team that just lost their Hall of Fame player to retirement and loved targeting that position. He and that quarterback were best friends in that offense and won three Super Bowls together. Do I need to say more?
The New England Patriots are desperate for a new playmaker after failing to acquire Michael Roberts from the Detriot Lions. Another team like the Oakland Raiders, Tennessee Titans and Cincinnati Bengals all could afford Brate’s contract and use him for the next six seasons. Brate needs to be a full-time starter. For a mid-round pick, maybe Tampa would bite.
Minnesota Vikings CB Trae Waynes
What’s one thing Minnesota Vikings GM Rick Spielman loves more than winning? Yes, drafting cornerbacks in the first round, that’s right. Since taking over in 2012, Spielman has used three picks on cornerbacks to secure his secondary. Throw in depth behind them, and Minnesota has an outstanding problem on their hands.
Xavier Rhodes is a two-time Pro Bowler who signed a contract extension in 2017, so he’s staying. Mackensie Alexander had a tremendous season in the slot while last year’s first-round pick Mike Hughes progressed well before a torn ACL injury. Holton Hill and Kris Boyd are solid depth players. With all that in mind, Trae Waynes is likely on the chopping block.
Several teams could use a cornerback with Waynes’ size, speed, and skills. The San Fransisco 49ers have a need at cornerback with Richard Sherman regressing and third-round pick Ahkello Witherspoon looking like a miss. Sure, the team grabbed Pro Bowler Jason Verrett, but he’s played in five games the past three seasons.
Other teams like the Houston Texans, Oakland Raiders and Kansas City Chiefs all make sense to be trading partners with Minnesota. Teams were interested in the cornerback during the offseason according to multiple reports. With Minnesota having to pay players in the future, Waynes is likely heading for free agency. The team should at least try to get something out of him.