Modest or exuberant, exchanges during the season reshape the squad. Teams that are not performing are downsizing while those with ambitions are raising the stakes. And sometimes certain little surprises slip into the flow of news.
Roy Robertson-Harris got the ball rolling by moving from the Jacksonville Jaguars to the Seattle Seahawks. Davante Adams followed suit for the first bling-bling transfer before the trade deadline on November 5, 2024. Since then, things have heated up, with Amari Cooper and DeAndre Hopkins also changing creameries.
Rumors and desires to leave are rife in this part of the season. Between fantasies and clear opportunities, here are 6 potential exchanges.
The market for receivers
It's not uncommon to see receivers get traded before the deadline. If a single receiver does not transform the face of a franchise, adding the right targets allows you to take it to a higher level. Teams with ambitions pounce on good deals. Sellers can expect to fetch a tidy sum for good players.
Mike Williams (WR, Jets)
With the arrival of Davante Adams to the Jets, Mike Williams is the little lame duck. The receiver remains on a slide and a stand game with the New York franchise. Physically, he now seems dulled by time and injuries. Without being the first on the market, Mike Williams remains a credible option for a team wanting experience and size.
Prediction: San Francisco 49ers
The Bay team lost Brandon Aiyuk for the season. She is also looking for a solution in the redzone. Why hesitate?
Cooper Kupp (WR, Rams)
The Rams are reportedly ready to trade their star receiver. According to recent information from Dianna Russini, Los Angeles would call to “trade” its star for a second round. Cooper Kupp, 31, still has more than just nice leftovers, if his body leaves him alone. The best offensive player of the year 2021 is slowly returning from injury. The amount of his contract which will end in 2026 could also be a brake.
Prediction: Dallas Cowboys (or LA Chargers)
Jerry Jones loves anything that sparkles. Sportingly, combining CeeDee Lamb and Cooper Kupp is a good idea to revive a purring American team.
Adam Thielen (WR, Panthers)
The Panthers are already playing nothing. Adam Thielen would like to. At 34 years old, there is not much time left for the recipient to seek the holy grail. The veteran reached the 1,000 receiving yard mark again last year and can be a viable option in the slot. With his age, his contract and his recent hamstring injury, the trade will be very easy and inexpensive.
Prediction: Pittsburgh Steelers
In one outing, Russell Wilson showed that he still knows how to distribute the ball. George Pickens offers him possibilities in depth. Adam Thielen is a perfect complementary option.
Good deals and surprises
It's not just the receivers in life. There are also clever or daring exchanges.
Joshua Uche (EDGE, Patriots)
Joshua Uche checks all the boxes for the perfect potential trade target. The Patriots are at their worst, with only one victory for six defeats. The 26-year-old has a contract that ends in 2025, easy to exchange for a small compensation. And finally, he performs specifically to chase the quarterback. A skill sought after by many teams.
Prediction: Indianapolis Colts
A place is available in the AFC playoff race. The Colts are well placed but are struggling a little to win their duel to defeat the quarterbacks. Josh Uche would be an answer in the rotation.
Myles Garrett (EDGE, Browns)
Cleveland began a downsizing operation by sending Amari Cooper, its star receiver, to the Buffalo Bills. In a season that is off to a bad start, with only one victory in seven days, Kevin Stefanski must now do without Deshaun Watson. All the lights are green to press the huge red “reset” button. This trade potential is reminiscent of that of Khalil Mack (Raiders to Bears) in 2018. First two draft rounds, that's at least what Myles Garrett is worth today.
Prediction: Green Bay Packers
To exist in an NFC North by all means, the Packers must strengthen themselves on the defensive line. Myles Garrett would do more than that, rocking the cheeseheads in another dimension.
Matthew Stafford (QB, Rams)
This exchange proposal is still in its larval stage. However, the Rams see their window closing. No matter, they got what they came for. Matthew Stafford, in the twilight of his career, could still attract some desire. If his market value is not the same as in 2021, now is the last chance to recover an acceptable consideration for Los Angeles.
Prediction: Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders are one of the few franchises with a need at the position and a budget windfall flexible enough to make the transaction. If Las Vegas thinks it's ready to win in two years, we need to pull the trigger.
