A.J. Green, Melvin Gordon, Robby Anderson, Josh Norman and more rumoured to be trade targets
Tuesday 29 October 2019 16:53, UK
As we approach the NFL's trade deadline, there has been a flurry of moves around the league. Who else could be on the move?
Over the last couple of weeks, we have seen the biggest blockbuster of the season - and the end of a long-running saga - as Jalen Ramsey got his wish and was traded from the Jacksonville Jaguars to the Los Angeles Rams, soon after the Rams had shipped Marcus Peters to Baltimore.
After Week Seven, there were a pair of receiver moves as the New England Patriots traded for Mohamed Sanu from the Atlanta Falcons and San Francisco acquired Emmanuel Sanders from Denver. The league's final undefeated teams both added firepower on the outside, while Gareon Conley, Quandre Diggs and Michael Bennett were also on the move.
Then, in the last 24 hours, we have seen two players heavily rumoured to be traded finally find new teams, as Kenyan Drake was traded to the Cardinals and Leonard Williams made a New York switch from the Jets to the Giants.
With the trade deadline coming to a close on Tuesday, October 29 at 4pm Eastern time (8pm GMT), which players could find themselves on new teams by the end of the day?
Gordon appeared to be going the Le'Veon Bell route as he sat out training camp, preseason and the first four weeks of the season seeking a new contract as his runs out at the end of the year.
However, he returned to the field in Week Five and has managed just 112 yards rushing on 44 carries (averaging 2.5 yards) as the offense has performed so badly in recent weeks that they fired offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt. Will Gordon be around to learn the new offense or will the team try and move on?
If a team does go after him, they will only be getting a half-season 'rental' unless they are willing to offer a up a new contract for the 26-year-old alongside the trade price.
Green is a 31-year-old, seven-time Pro Bowl wide receiver playing on an 0-8 team with no hope for this year and one that might take some time to compete again. Surely, it is time for Cincinnati to move on?
He has missed all of the season so far with an ankle injury, but as he prepares to return in the next couple of weeks, teams needing outside help could make a last-ditch bid for Green - despite the team saying they want to keep hold of him.
You will already sense the theme here - playmakers on bad teams are hot commodities at the trade deadline as contenders look to push themselves over the top.
Anderson, 26, has established himself as an excellent deep threat since joining the Jets as an undrafted free agent in 2016, and could be a target for any team seeking a field-stretcher.
Howard has been heavily linked with the New England Patriots as their tight end struggles have been clear to see since Rob Gronkowski's retirement.
Their enquiry was reportedly shot down, but if the Bucs fall to 2-5 on Sunday and receive a tempting enough offer, could they depart with their 2017 first-round pick?
Williams, who has made the Pro Bowl in seven straight seasons, is not happy with the way Washington handled a medical issue a couple of months ago. He wants out.
With the Redskins sitting at 1-7, will they find a suitable offer and let Williams go? With just two years left on his contract, the NFL Network reported on Monday that Washington are considering offers for the 31-year-old but the price may be high.
ESPN sources reported the Falcons put pass-rusher Beasley on the trade block, and after losing six straight games and generating a league-worst seven sacks all season, we may well see a fire sale in Atlanta.
Sanu gave the Falcons a second-rounder, and 27-year-old Beasley should be an attractive option too - in 2016, he managed 15.5 sacks. However, he has a weak trade market with teams worried that those stats have steeply declined since.
This one is a long shot. Cardinals general manager Steve Keim said just a couple of weeks ago: "We are not trading Patrick Peterson". The eight-time Pro Bowler played extremely well on his return from suspension last week, but at 3-4-1 and a with rookie QB, does it really make sense for them to hold him?
Shad Khan said the Jaguars wouldn't trade Jalen Ramsey, and then he was offered two first-round picks. It would take a huge bid and would be a shock to the league, but don't be surprised if plenty of teams make the call.
If a team needs corner help, Denver's Harris could be a more viable option, especially after the Broncos let Sanders go. At 2-6, their season all but over and more veterans - like Harris - could be heading out the door.
The 30-year old is one of the best cover corners in the league, and might be cheaper than expected considering his age.
Unlike Williams, where they are holding on for as long as possible, Washington are actively looking for a buyer for Josh Norman, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.
However, it is a lot harder to sell a 31-year-old corner who is no longer performing at his best than a solid left tackle. While we shouldn't be surprised that Washington are looking to move him, it is hard to imagine they are able to recoup anything of value in return.
