Brian Burns, Jerry Jeudy and potential trade candidates for every NFL team as deadline looms

The NFL trade deadline is rapidly approaching, and teams are scouring the league in search of the missing piece that could elevate their rosters. Last season, we witnessed numerous moves involving big-name players before the deadline. The San Francisco 49ers made a blockbuster deal for superstar running back Christian McCaffrey. The Miami Dolphins acquired Bradley Chubb, the Baltimore Ravens acquired Roquan Smith, and the Minnesota Vikings acquired T.J. Hockenson. Could we see similar activity this year? With the deadline set for October 31 at 4 p.m. ET, our writers at The Athletic have identified one trade candidate from each of their respective teams. These players have the potential to be shipped elsewhere and could have a significant impact for their new teams.

Arizona Cardinals: Christian Kirk
Kirk has been a key contributor for the Cardinals this season, leading the team in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns. However, the Cardinals are currently in a rebuilding phase and may be willing to make moves if they continue to struggle. Kirk is in the final year of his rookie contract and could be a valuable trade asset.

Atlanta Falcons: Jaylinn Hawkins
Despite starting 22 games in his career, Hawkins has been forced into a backup role due to the Falcons’ offseason additions. He has had limited playing time this season and could be expendable if the Falcons receive a trade offer. Rookie DeMarcco Hellams has shown promise and could potentially fill Hawkins’ role.

Baltimore Ravens: James Proche
Proche, a two-time Pro Bowl special teams player, has seen his role decrease with the addition of several wide receivers in the offseason. He has only recorded two receptions for eight yards this season and could be an attractive trade option for a team in need of a return man and versatile offensive threat.

Buffalo Bills: Kaiir Elam
Elam, a 2022 first-round pick, has had a rough start to his sophomore season. He lost the starting cornerback battle and was a healthy scratch for the first four weeks. He struggled in his first appearance against the Jacksonville Jaguars, and there may be an opportunity for the Bills to improve at other positions through a trade involving Elam.

Carolina Panthers: Brian Burns
The Panthers held on to Burns at last year’s trade deadline, but with the team struggling and Burns yet to sign a long-term contract, a trade could be a possibility. However, the offers may not match the Rams’ offer from last year due to Burns’ contract situation.

Chicago Bears: Jaylon Johnson
The Bears likely do not want to trade Johnson, but if they do not see a contract extension in his future, it would make sense to explore trade options. The Bears have drafted several cornerbacks in recent years, indicating they may be preparing for a transition in the position. If a team is in need of a talented cornerback, Johnson could be a valuable trade asset.

Cincinnati Bengals: Irv Smith Jr.
While the Bengals are philosophically opposed to trading players at the deadline, Smith Jr.’s fit with the team has not been ideal. He has battled a hamstring injury and has been replaced by Tanner Hudson, who has performed well in his absence. If a team is in need of tight end depth, Smith Jr. could be a potential trade option.

Cleveland Browns: Donovan Peoples-Jones
The Browns may be more likely to be buyers than sellers at the deadline, but if their passing game continues to struggle and a receiver-needy team shows interest, Peoples-Jones could be available. He is in the final year of his rookie deal, and the Browns have drafted his likely replacement in Cedric Tillman.

Dallas Cowboys: Chauncey Golston
While the Cowboys do not have a player who makes much sense to be traded, Golston could be a potential trade candidate due to the team’s depth on the defensive line. He has played a limited role this season and could be expendable if the Cowboys are looking to make trades to bolster their roster.

Denver Broncos: Jerry Jeudy
The Broncos are in a rebuilding phase and have already made trades to reshape their roster. Jeudy, the 15th overall pick in the 2020 draft, has been a productive receiver and could fetch a valuable return in a trade. The Broncos need more draft capital to continue revamping their roster.

Detroit Lions: Romeo Okwara
The Lions are expected to be buyers at the deadline, but if a team in need of pass-rush help approaches them, Okwara could be a potential trade option. He is just returning from injury and has shown potential in the past, making him an attractive target for teams in need of a pass rusher.

Houston Texans: Whitney Mercilus
Mercilus, a 30-year-old outside linebacker, has not been making a significant impact for the struggling Texans. If a team is seeking defensive help, Mercilus could be available for a trade.

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John Smith

ohn Smith is your NFL insider, providing in-depth coverage of football’s biggest league. With a passion for the game and a keen eye for statistics, John delivers game analysis, player profiles, and breaking news to keep readers updated on all things NFL.