When training camp and the preseason get underway, and injuries inevitably hit, the summer is a good time for NFL trades to go down. We’ve seen big trades happen in the past into September, and these are several names that could be on the move in the next couple of months.
RB Duke Johnson Jr.
The most obvious trade candidate this summer is Browns running back Duke Johnson Jr., but Cleveland doesn’t seem willing to budge (though it could just be posturing to get the best return possible in a deal). Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield’s comments about Johnson’s situation couldn’t have gone over well with Johnson and some teammates, and it’s probably best for both sides to go their separate ways before Week 1. If not, Johnson could also be a mid-season trade candidate, as Kareem Hunt will make the backfield more crowded when he returns from his eight-game suspension. The Lions’ Theo Riddick could be a similar back that’s made available for trade.
Potential trade partners: Cowboys, Jaguars, Seahawks, Buccaneers
RB LeSean McCoy
As great of a player as he is, it was a slight surprise when the Bills signed Frank Gore during free agency; while Buffalo has said otherwise, Gore’s presence could potentially make LeSean McCoy expendable. McCoy has never really felt like a fit for the offense the Bills want to build under defensive-minded head coach Sean McDermott, and Gore’s style of always moving forward for positive yardage could lead to him winning the starting job, which McCoy probably wouldn’t respond well to.
Potential trade partners: Buccaneers, Chiefs, Texans
A 49ers RB
San Francisco’s backfield is more stacked than any backfield in recent memory, as they have three guys that would have a big role on any team in the league—Tevin Coleman, Jerick McKinnon, and Matt Breida—along with exceptional depth including Jeff Wilson Jr. and Raheem Mostert (both of whom showed they can be key contributors last season). Assuming everyone is healthy, it almost doesn’t make much sense not to trade one of the five players, as at least one will have to be inactive on gamedays. Breida might be the most likely trade candidate, as his value is probably the second-highest behind Coleman because McKinnon is coming off a torn ACL.
Potential trade partners: Buccaneers, Panthers, Vikings, Jaguars
WR Nelson Agholor
When the Eagles acquired speedy receiver DeSean Jackson earlier this offseason, speculation immediately began regarding former first-round pick Nelson Agholor. The team reportedly intends to keep Agholor despite also adding another receiver (J.J. Arcega-Whiteside) in the second round of this year’s draft, but it won’t be a huge shock if they ultimately decide to move him. It’s worth keeping in mind that Agholor is entering the final year of his rookie deal was selected by Chip Kelly, and current Eagles decision-maker Howie Roseman might not want to extend Agholor despite the former USC Tojan’s major contributions during Philadelphia’s playoff run and Super Bowl victory two seasons ago.
Potential trade partners: Steelers, Chiefs, Chargers, Packers
TE Cameron Brate
Cameron Brate is another obvious trade candidate, as Bruce Arians typically hasn’t targeted his tight ends a ton, and Tampa Bay already has third-year player O.J. Howard locked in as the starter. Brate has touchdown totals of eight, six, and six in his last three seasons, and he’s one of the better players at his position in the league. If no one steps up for the Patriots this summer, a trade for Brate—one the likely nets a nice return for the Bucs—could make sense.
Potential trade partners: Patriots, Raiders, Jaguars
DL Arik Armstead
The Niners are loaded at running back and they are also loaded on the defensive line, and Arik Armstead is probably the most likely player to be made available in a trade. The former No. 17 pick in the draft hasn’t had big sack production (nine total sacks in four seasons), but he stayed healthy for all 16 games and has his best season last year. He’s the most difficult player to gauge for potential trade partner, but teams will be interested.
Potential trade partners: Lions, Giants, Patriots
LB Haason Reddick
Haason Reddick is now transitioning to his third defense in three NFL seasons, so it obviously hasn’t been an ideal start to his career. But he’s still performed on the field, and plenty of teams liked him as a versatile prospect. The Cardinals and new head coach Kliff Kingsbury might listen if another team offers a premium draft pick or a player that can help on the offensive line, as Arizona is going to try to outscore teams in 2019.
Potential trade partners: Jets, Bills, Falcons
CB Janoris Jenkins
Cornerback has a few options that could potentially be traded this summer, including Redskins cornerback Josh Norman. The most likely cornerback candidate might be Janoris Jenkins of the Giants, as it feels like he’s been on the trade market for a while. It can be inconsistent at times, but Jenkins isn’t afraid to get physical and make tackles when he’s at his best, and he can still cover well at age 30.
Potential trade partners: Buccaneers, Raiders, Lions, Cardinals
Eagles would be foolish to trade Agholor, but he would kill it in Pittsburgh.
Agholor can’t catch.
So wrong. That was like 5 years ago, give it up.
Do not count out Ezekiel Elliott being traded. Just saying.
wut