The NFC’s top team has made a significant addition to its secondary.
There are more moves to come throughout the NFL.
Teams have until Tuesday’s trade deadline at 4 p.m. EDT to strengthen their rosters for the second half of the season.
Several established veterans could be switching teams, just as there were numerous trades this time last year.
The Philadelphia Eagles wasted no time in upgrading at safety, acquiring two-time All-Pro Kevin Byard from the Tennessee Titans earlier this week. Byard’s addition is crucial for a position weakened by injury and the departure of C.J. Gardner-Johnson in free agency.
“While I believe I’m a great player, it’s not just about that,” Byard stated on Wednesday. “It’s about what I can contribute now that I’m here. I had a fantastic career in Tennessee, but now I’m a Philadelphia Eagle and that’s what counts — moving forward, making plays, and winning games.”
“This being my eighth season, I feel really good, especially coming off a bye week. I’m feeling incredibly refreshed right now. This team has a fantastic culture, and I’m excited to contribute to that. It feels great to wake up with a record of 6-1.”
Here are five players who could find themselves in different uniforms:
DERRICK HENRY
The struggling Tennessee Titans (2-4) have already traded one defensive star, so it wouldn’t be surprising if they dealt away their best offensive player as well. Henry’s production has declined on an underperforming offense. He has rushed for 425 yards, averaging 4.3 yards per carry, and scored three touchdowns. At 29 years old, Henry will be a free agent after this season, making him an appealing half-season rental.
The potential leading suitors for Henry include the Baltimore Ravens (5-2) and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-3). Baltimore lost running back J.K. Dobbins in Week 1, with Lamar Jackson as their leading rusher followed by Gus Edwards.
The Buccaneers currently have the fourth-worst rushing offense in the league, with only one team averaging fewer yards per carry. Henry would be a sensible addition for Tampa Bay, even though the team wants to build around younger players. With the NFC South wide open and the two-time reigning division champions in the mix, the move makes sense.
Despite Jerry Jones’ insistence that Dallas isn’t making calls, don’t discount the Cowboys (4-2). The Eagles (6-1) could also strike yet another deal with the Titans. Acquiring wide receiver A.J. Brown from Tennessee in 2022 helped elevate Jalen Hurts to the position of MVP runner-up.
CHASE YOUNG
The Washington Commanders (3-4) may be ready to part ways with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2020 draft. They have already declined to pick up Young’s fifth-year option. Young has accumulated five sacks in six games, but Washington has already rewarded defensive tackle Daron Payne with a big contract and has defensive lineman Montez Sweat due for a new deal.
If the Commanders decide to trade Young, potential destinations could include the Miami Dolphins (5-2), the Detroit Lions (5-2), and the Jacksonville Jaguars (5-2).
BRIAN BURNS
Burns, a two-time Pro Bowl edge rusher, is in the final year of his contract with the winless Carolina Panthers (0-6). After trading numerous picks to secure the No. 1 pick and select Bryce Young this season, the Panthers need to accumulate more draft capital.
With four sacks this season, Burns would be a significant addition for teams like the Miami Dolphins, Detroit Lions, Buffalo Bills (4-3), Jacksonville Jaguars, and even the San Francisco 49ers (5-2). The Panthers had the opportunity to trade Burns last year before the deadline but chose not to, and it hasn’t translated into success for them.
JUSTIN SIMMONS
Among several players on the Denver Broncos (2-5) who could be on the move, the three-time, second-team All-Pro safety stands out. With Denver going nowhere, trading veterans for draft capital would make sense.
Simmons is not only a reliable, versatile player, but also a strong leader in the locker room, making him an ideal fit for contending teams. The Seattle Seahawks (4-2), Cincinnati Bengals (3-3), and Pittsburgh Steelers (4-2) could show interest in acquiring him.
MARQUISE BROWN
“Hollywood” Brown has already been traded once from the Baltimore Ravens to the Arizona Cardinals last year. However, he hasn’t been able to replicate his production from 2021 with the Ravens, primarily due to only having 11 games with Kyler Murray last season.
This season, Brown has recorded 32 catches for 383 yards and three touchdowns. His speed would be a valuable addition to any offense in need of a deep threat. The Kansas City Chiefs (6-1) appear to be the best fit, but the Los Angeles Chargers (2-4) and even the Carolina Panthers could also be interested in acquiring him.
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Olivia Carter revs up excitement in the world of NASCAR. As a dedicated motorsports enthusiast, she covers race results, driver profiles, and the latest developments in the NASCAR world, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.