We might not see talks heat up until players report back to their teams for training camp next month, but it’s not uncommon for NFL trades to occur during the summer. There are several strong trade options teams should keep an eye on in the coming weeks.
Commanders DE Chase Young
Somewhat strangely, the Commanders did not pick up the fifth-year option for former No. 2 overall pick Chase Young after a slow recovery from his 2021 ACL tear—and there has been much talk this offseason about Young being dealt to another team after appearing in just three games last season. If available, the 24-year-old pass rusher should draw plenty of interest. The 2020 Defensive Rookie of the Year can be an all-around impact player off the edge, and he could be especially scary as somewhat of a No. 2 option in a duo with someone like T.J. Watt (the Steelers have been rumored as a landing spot for Young—keep in mind that Alex Highsmith had 14.5 sacks for Pittsburgh last season, but you can never have enough great edge defenders).
Panthers WR Terrace Marshall Jr.
In our 2023 fantasy football draft guide (free for Fantasy Consigliere members), the Interesting Stat to Know for the Panthers is: “After averaging just 4.6 yards per target as a rookie, Terrace Marshall Jr. averaged 10.4 yards per target last season.” Marshall is drawing rave reviews this offseason, and the Panthers might not want to trade an emerging player. However, Carolina also signed Adam Thielen and DJ Chark at receiver during free agency, and they drafted Ole Miss receiver Jonathan Mingo in the second round. With Laviska Shenault Jr. also being someone that new Panthers head coach Frank Reich wants to utilize on offense, there’s a chance TMJ is available in a crowded group. A team like the Eagles could be an exceptional fit with Marshall as another big-play threat in their offense.
Bears RB Khalil Herbert
Bears running back Khalil Herbert showed flashes as a runner during his rookie campaign in 2021, and he quietly put up 731 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns on just 129 carries—for 5.7 yards per carry, which ranked best among running backs—for Chicago last season. He’s averaged 5.0 yards per carry through two NFL seasons (on 232 carries), and the play on tape matches the efficient numbers. But the Bears signed veteran running back D’Onta Foreman and then added impressive Texas running back Roschon Johnson in the third round of the draft, and it sounds like Johnson in particular might fit what the Bears want to do on offense. Herbert must improve his pass protection (he said he’s worked on it this offseason), which Bears head coach Matt Eberflus said is the No. 1 job for a running back. It’s possible Chicago won’t quite trust Herbert over Johnson and Foreman, in which case a talented ball-carrier could be available for a Day 3 pick.
Jets WR Denzel Mims
For whatever reason, Denzel Mims has been unable to work his way into consistent playing time for the Jets since being taken in the second round of the 2020 draft—despite showcasing a promising skillset as an outside receiver and the ability to pick up chunk yardage. There has been a lot of “free Mims” talk the past three years, and it’s seemed like the Jets have been unwilling to trade the Baylor product while simultaneously not putting him on the field much. To be fair to New York, they might need to see more from Mims in practice or they might still believe in his upside and therefore do not want to trade him. That said, the Jets now have Garrett Wilson, Allen Lazard, Mecole Hardman, Randall Cobb, and Corey Davis all at receiver. It might be now or never time for Mims in NY, and a trade is a definite possibility this summer.
Cardinals S Budda Baker & LB Isaiah Simmons
The Cardinals are projected to be the worst team in football this season, and new general manager Monti Ossenfort might not mind acquiring even more draft capital—they already have an extra first (from the Texans), two extra thirds, and an extra fifth—for next year as he looks to rebuild a roster in a very bad spot. Star safety Budda Baker previously requested a trade while in search of a new contract, so he’s an obvious name with trade talks potentially heating up during training camp. But I’d also be asking about versatile linebacker Isaiah Simmons if I were a team looking to bolster my defense. Simmons is ultra-athletic and can be a major boost in the right position.
Jets QB Zach Wilson & 49ers QB Trey Lance
The No. 2 and No. 3 picks in the 2021 NFL Draft might not actually be available for trade, but teams like the Commanders and Falcons—who have second-year quarterbacks (Sam Howell and Desmond Ridder) they believe in—might want to consider gambling on the former top prospects depending on how training camp is going. The plan for the Jets might be for Zach Wilson to sit and learn a year or two behind Aaron Rodgers and then hopefully be ready to take over—he’ll still be just 24 this August. And the Niners might not want to “give up” on the young Trey Lance after giving up so much draft capital to acquire him—even with Brock Purdy looking like the franchise quarterback moving forward. Overall, the Jets and Niners might want to practice patience with Wilson and Lance, but that shouldn’t stop other teams from checking in about the cost to acquire a former top-three pick.