The NFL trade deadline is less than a month away. With five weeks already in the books, teams are beginning to gauge which direction they might go as we approach the cutoff date. Potential “buyers” are scouring the market for upgrades while “sellers” are looking to unload players in favor of future draft picks. With the rumor mill ramping up, let’s take a quick look at all eight current division leaders across the league and the best possible trade target for each of them:
Buffalo Bills — WR Davante Adams (Raiders)
Starting with a bang. The Bills have an obvious need at receiver, and one of the best wideouts in the game is likely available. Davante Adams recently expressed his desire to move on from Vegas and listed the Jets and Saints as his preferred destinations. Well, New York is in a tailspin after firing HC Robert Saleh, and Saints QB Derek Carr (Adams’ former teammate) is nursing an oblique tear. The Bills would be an ideal landing spot for the former All-Pro. Josh Allen has done his best leading a young offense, but opposing defenses don’t fear any of Buffalo’s receiving options. A true No. 1 would put the Bills back into contention and would also keep Adams away from their biggest competition in the AFC East.
Baltimore Ravens — WR DeAndre Hopkins (Ravens)
Receiver is a major need across the top teams in the league. Baltimore hasn’t had a true No. 1 WR at all during Lamar Jackson’s tenure. Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem like they’re going to be adding one mid-season. Reports have indicated that the Ravens are out on the Davante Adams sweepstakes. Additionally, two other available options are players within the division — Cleveland’s Amari Cooper and Cincinnati’s Tee Higgins. It’s highly improbable that an AFC North foe would come to the aid of the Ravens. But, the 1-4 Titans could be of service to Baltimore. DeAndre Hopkins is no longer a superstar, but he’s as sure-handed as they come and a proven player. Having somebody Jackson can rely on in the short-to-intermediate range would be invaluable as the Ravens gear up for the postseason.
Houston Texans — CB Marshon Lattimore (Saints)
Houston boasts one of the most talented rosters in football. But, no team can have enough talented corners. The Saints have flirted with the idea of trading Marson Lattimore in the past. They drafted Kool-Aid McKinstry in the second round, and have two other quality starters in Paulson Adebo and Alontae Taylor. A Saints team looking to cut costs could send the 28-year-old Lattimore elsewhere. For the Texans, it’s the perfect fit. Lattimore has struggled to stay on the field recently but has elite cover skills. Pairing him with Derek Stingley Jr. would give Houston a formidable CB duo.
Kansas City Chiefs — WR Christian Kirk (Jaguars)
The Chiefs desperately need a boost offensively. Vegas’ Davante Adams is the ideal candidate, but there’s no chance the Raiders are helping out the back-to-back Super Bowl champions who they also share a division with. Jacksonville’s Christian Kirk is a more realistic option and would be a great fit on this KC offense. The Jaguars are going nowhere, and Kirk has an expensive contract with two years left. The 27-year-old is a sound route runner and can make tough catches over the middle. He’d waste no time becoming a top option for Mahomes while Rashee Rice is on the mend.
Washington Commanders — WR Tee Higgins (Bengals)
To the surprise of many, the Commanders currently lead the NFC East with a 4-1 record. Jayden Daniels is even better than the team could have ever expected, and HC Dan Quinn seems to have brought some consistency to the franchise. Instead of playing it safe, the Commanders could go big-game hunting and grab Daniels another weapon to pair alongside Terry McLaurin. Cincinnati’s Tee Higgins would fit right in. Higgins’ 6-foot-4 frame makes him a perfect match for Daniels who is extremely accurate when targeting receivers downfield. Higgins and the Bengals haven’t been able to agree to a long-term deal, and it seems like a breakup is in the cards.
Minnesota Vikings — CB Jaycee Horn (Panthers)
One of two remaining unbeaten teams, the Vikings are 5-0 led by QB Sam Darnold and a stingy defense. The NFC North is the most competitive division in football with all four teams currently above .500. To fend off their rivals, the Vikings could look to improve on both sides of the ball. Adding another weapon alongside Justin Jefferson and Aaron Jones is tempting, but we’re looking at the defense. The secondary has played exceptionally well, though we’re not sure how long that will last. Adding a blue-chip player like Jaycee Horn would put Brian Flores’ defense over the top. The Panthers need as many picks as they can get, and Horn is their best trade asset.
Atlanta Falcons — EDGE Khalil Mack (Chargers)
After a rough start, the Falcons are beginning to round into form as QB Kirk Cousins gets more acclimated to his new club. The defense, led by safeties Jessie Bates and Justin Simmons, could still use some work. The team thought adding Matthew Judon would transform the pass rush, but he hasn’t made a significant impact. Atlanta ranks dead last with just 5 sacks as a team on the year. The Chargers aren’t going to be overly eager to sell, but it might behoove them to send off one of their pass rushers. Khalil Mack is 33 years old and will be a free agent at the end of the year. Grabbing a one-year rental coming off a 17.0 sack season would be a boon for the Falcons.
Seattle Seahawks — EDGE Haason Reddick (Jets)
The Seahawks could see their division lead evaporate quickly with a Thursday matchup against the 49ers this week. Their biggest need, by a long shot, is the offensive line. Geno Smith has been sacked more than any quarterback besides Deshaun Watson. However, finding a starting caliber offensive lineman on the trade block is less likely than Mr. Irrelevant leading his team to the Super Bowl (sound familiar?). Seattle is not remaking this offensive line until the offseason. However, they could plug some holes defensively. The pass rush is decimated by injuries. Boye Mafe started hot but has been out since Week 3. Derick Hall and Byron Murphy II are out for Thursday’s game against San Francisco, and Uchenna Nwosu was placed on IR earlier this week. Could Seattle call New York about a certain disgruntled edge rusher? Haason Reddick isn’t budging on his new deal, and the Seahawks practically have nobody on their books past next season. Seahawks get a premier pass rusher, Reddick gets a lucrative extension, and the Jets get some draft compensation for their troubles. A win-win-win for all sides.
