With the trade deadline less than a week away, NFL front offices are constantly working the phones to improve their squads. What veterans could we see switching teams before the clock hits zero? Here are six trades that we would love to see before next week’s deadline:
DE Chase Young to the Cincinnati Bengals
It feels like ages ago when the Saints started the season 2-0. Now they’ve dropped six in a row and haven’t been competitive since starting QB Derek Carr was injured three weeks ago. You can expect massive changes across this roster heading into next season. That likely includes a search for a new head coach and franchise quarterback. A few veterans could be intriguing options for other teams. That includes Chase Young who signed a one-year deal in the offseason. Young hasn’t quite lived up to the potential of being a former No. 2 overall pick, but he’s still 25 years old and has impressive physical traits. The Bengals desperately need defensive upgrades and could send a mid-to-late draft pick to the Saints in return.
WR Adam Thielen to the Houston Texans
The Panthers aren’t done wheeling and dealing. After sending Diontae Johnson to the Baltimore Ravens, Carolina will likely look to move another veteran wideout before the deadline. Adam Thielen won’t garner the same noise as Johnson, given his age. However, the 34-year-old Thielen is still a productive player. He recorded 103 receptions for a dismal Panthers team a season ago. Thielen has been out with an injury since Week 3 but is set to return to the field within the next week or two. The Texans’ receiver room has been decimated by injuries. Stefon Diggs was lost for the season last week after tearing his ACL. Nico Collins has been on IR since Week 5. Thielen would provide a reliable target for second-year QB C.J. Stroud as the Texans prepare for a postseason run.
DE Za’Darius Smith to the Detroit Lions
The Browns pulled off an upset victory over the Ravens last week, but remain well outside of the playoff picture. With pass rushers at a premium, Cleveland’s Za’Darius Smith will garner some attention as the deadline approaches. Smith has collected 5.0 sacks through eight games in ’24 and has been named a Pro Bowler thrice in the past five seasons. He signed a two-year extension in the offseason, but most of his salary in 2025 is tied with roster bonuses that aren’t guaranteed. The contending team that is most desperate to add a legitimate edge rusher is the Detroit Lions. The Lions lost Aidan Hutchinson for the season to a fractured tibia. Any team that has Super Bowl aspirations needs a consistent pass rush. Smith could provide that to a Lions team that looks to be the favorite in the NFC.
WR Mike Williams to the Pittsburgh Steelers
Mike Williams has been a massive disappointment for his new team. After signing with the New York Jets in the offseason, it was thought that Williams would make a big impact as one of Aaron Rodgers’ top targets. It hasn’t panned out that way, as Williams has just 11 receptions for 160 yards and 0 TDs through eight games. Needing help at receiver, the Jets acquired Davante Adams two weeks ago, forcing Williams down the depth chart. The 6-foot-4 big-bodied wideout could use another change of scenery. Pittsburgh would be a suitable landing spot. The Steelers desperately need wide receiver help, and Williams projects to be a good fit with the gunslinging Russell Wilson. However, Williams might not be the only Jets receiver on the move before the deadline…
WR Davante Adams to the San Francisco 49ers
Wouldn’t this be something? The Jets traded for Davante Adams before their Week 7 matchup versus the Steelers. Adams was reunited with his former QB and the Jets looked like a team ready to start stringing together wins. Instead, the Jets are 0-2 with Adams including a blowout loss to Pittsburgh and an embarrassing defeat at the hands of the lowly New England Patriots. New York sits at 2-6 and doesn’t appear to be a contender. Adams hasn’t transformed the offense. He has seven receptions (on 15 targets) for 84 yards and zero scores through two games. Moving him this quickly would be shocking, but it could be a move that’s beneficial for all sides. The Jets are going nowhere, and it could behoove them to wipe their hands clean of this failed era. The 49ers desperately need a receiver with Brandon Aiyuk lost for the season. And, Adams gets to play for a contending team that is likely playoff-bound. A win-win-win for everybody involved (well, except for Jets fans).
QB Anthony Richardson to the Las Vegas Raiders
The Colts made headlines this week with the announcement of a QB change. Former No. 4 overall pick Anthony Richardson is now the backup to 39-year-old Joe Flacco. Richardson has struggled with accuracy throughout the season, completing just 44-percent of his passes. Flacco led the team to two wins with Richardson on the mend earlier this season. The Colts are 4-4 and looking to make a playoff push, but the move was still shocking. Richardson is just 22 years old and teams will surely call Indianapolis to check his availability. While the Colts might not be overly eager to trade the young QB, the decision to bench him indicates the franchise isn’t overly enthused by his development. A QB-needy team could potentially strike a deal with the Colts. There might not be a team in the league more desperate for a quarterback with upside than the Las Vegas Raiders. And, the Raiders already have an extra mid-round pick via the Davante Adams deal.
