These NFL players have the highest chance of being swapped before the 2020 NFL Trade Deadline on Tuesday November 3rd.
Detroit Lions RB Kerryon Johnson
Due to the signing of future Hall of Famer Adrian Peterson along with rookie second round draft pick D’Andre Swift, Johnson has been the odd man out in the Lions crowded backfield. It was undoubtedly surprising that Detroit signed Peterson this past offseason, but many believe it was due to Johnson’s recent injury struggles the past two seasons. Nevertheless, Johnson is only 23 years old, extremely talented and could be a steal for a team in dire need of a running back.
Teams to Watch: Cardinals, Seahawks, Rams, Eagles, 49ers, Bears
Cleveland Browns TE David Njoku
Ever since being selected in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft, David Njoku has had an inconsistent pattern of production as a member of the Cleveland Browns. This past offseason, Cleveland signed former Falcons TE Austin Hooper to a massive contract in free agency, essentially making Njoku a backup and causing him to request a trade before eventually withdrawing that request (see left).
And then there was Week 7 against the Bengals, where rookie tight end Harrison Bryant caught two touchdown passes and played more snaps than Njoku. He’s far too young and talented to be riding the bench on the Browns. Surely the Browns will try and get a mid to late round draft pick for Njoku.
Teams to Watch: Patriots, Packers, Rams, Cardinals, Colts
New York Giants WR Golden Tate III
With the Giants record at a mediocre (1-6) in 2020, veteran wide receiver Golden Tate’s name has once again popped up in trade rumors as the deadline approaches. Tate is still a productive wide receiver that could really help add some offensive firepower to a team making a playoff push. Tate also is due around $10 million in salary next season, so it’s likely the Giants would cut him anyway rather than pay that price; they might as well get something in return for him.
Teams to Watch: Saints, Packers, Bears, 49ers, Ravens, Eagles
Cincinnati Bengals DE Carlos Dunlap
Ever since being demoted to third string this season, veteran DE Carlos Dunlap has not been shy about requesting a change of scenery. In fact, he recently tweeted out (then quickly deleted) that his house was up for sale in another effort to force his way out of Cincinnati:
~6000 sqft city view with huge balcony. 4 bedroom. 4.5 bathroom. In one of the best school districts for sale. Do your market analysis and make me offer. Serious inquiries only with proof of funds!
Owner is willing to sell furnished or unfurnished!
— Carlos Dunlap (@Carlos_Dunlap) October 25, 2020
There’s no debating that Dunlap’s production has decreased as he’s gotten older, but his veteran presence could provide crucial pass rushing depth for a playoff contender. He is certainly going to be traded or released after all this drama.
Teams to Watch: 49ers, Seahawks, Packers, Lions, Rams, Cardinals
***UPDATE: Dunlap was traded to the Seattle Seahawks on 10/28/20 for a 6th round draft pick.
Patriots Cornerback Stephon Gilmore
I know this one may seem like a long shot, but the formerly dominant Patriots have lost three straight games in lackluster fashion. New England heads to Buffalo this weekend to face off against the first place Buffalo Bills, where they are expected to lose their fourth consecutive game. Gilmore recently put his New England home on the market, adding fuel to the rumors that the Patriots could trade him if they decide to become “sellers” (give up on contending the rest of the season).
Compared to the current cornerback market, Gilmore is significantly underpaid at this position and the two sides have shown minimal desire to get a long term deal done. Gilmore’s play also has dropped off a bit this season, as he is now 30 years old and we know Bill Belichick is never hesitant to trade an aging player who he thinks is on the “back nine” of their career. Although the reigning NFL defensive player of the year will generate a lot of interest around the league, there’s almost zero chance that Belichick will trade him within the AFC conference or to Tom Brady and the Buccaneers.
Teams to Watch: Bears, Seahawks, Packers, 49ers, Lions, Cardinals, Eagles, Saints, Packers
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