Updated NFL trade deadline big board: The 20 most appealing trade chips
The NFL trading season ends Nov. 2 at 4 p.m. ET. Let's examine the 20 most appealing trade chips ahead of the deadline. (We've updated our big board to reflect the latest speculation about which players could be available.)
The big boardThe chipsDeshaun Watson
A trade for Watson could be among the most complex in NFL history. The quarterback hasn't played this season amid 22 lawsuits from women who say he sexually assaulted them or committed sexual misconduct during massage sessions. Ten women also filed criminal complaints. But teams have still explored the possibility of acquiring Watson, most prominently the Miami Dolphins. It's possible a club would send protected picks to the Houston Texans to safeguard itself if the quarterback is suspended or faces criminal prosecution.
Potential landing spots: Dolphins, Panthers
Xavien Howard
Justin K. Aller / Getty Images Sport / GettyHoward pushed for an exit this offseason but eventually came to terms on a reworked deal. However, the cornerback is unlikely to be happy for long, and with the Dolphins' playoff hopes all but dashed at 1-7, they would be wise to sell. Howard would fetch a high pick, which the Dolphins desperately need considering they're projected to send the No. 3 pick to the Philadelphia Eagles.
Potential landing spots: 49ers, Bengals
Allen Robinson
Robinson hasn't played like a No. 1 receiver after the Chicago Bears used the franchise tag on him in the offseason - which he wasn't happy about. He has just 26 catches for 271 yards and one touchdown, and has failed to develop chemistry with rookie quarterback Justin Fields. Long-term contract negotiations are unlikely to be any easier after the season with the wideout underperforming. Chicago could look to sell Robinson now rather than let him walk as a free agent.
Potential landing spots: Patriots, Chiefs
Tua Tagovailoa
Tagovailoa's stock has fallen more than arguably any player's over the last two years. Prior to a major hip injury in November 2019 while at Alabama, he was a possible No. 1 pick. Now, Tagovailoa's future is uncertain with the Dolphins eyeing a trade for Watson, in large part because their sophomore quarterback has looked far from a franchise-caliber player. Perhaps a change of scenery and pairing with an offensive-minded coach will help Tagovailoa reach his potential, but we don't expect suitors to be lining up.
Potential landing spots: Texans, Washington
Brandin Cooks
Despite being stuck in the worst offensive situation of his career, Cooks is having perhaps his best season. His diminutive stature comes with limitations, but Cooks is one of the league's best vertical threats. He's an ideal No. 2 receiver on a team looking to create more explosive plays.
Potential landing spots: Browns, Chargers
Fletcher Cox
Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / GettyIt's hard to tell whether Cox is declining because of his age or a scheme change. The 30-year-old has been one of the best 3-techniques in the NFL over the last several years, but the Eagles have used him in different alignments under first-year coordinator Jonathan Gannon. Either way, he's worth it given his past dominance.
Potential landing spots: Raiders, Browns
Odell Beckham Jr.
It's more likely the Browns look to move on from Beckham in the offseason rather than weaken their offense during a year when they could contend for a Super Bowl. Still, Beckham is undoubtedly a poor fit with the Browns, and that's unlikely to change this season. If a team offers decent value for the star wideout, Cleveland could opt to cut its losses.
Potential landing spots: 49ers, Saints
Marcus Maye
Maye and the New York Jets have been headed for a split since the franchise-tag deadline. This hasn't been his best season, but Maye is still a well-rounded safety who's both come down to play the run and drop back into coverage throughout his career. New York's reported asking price of at least a third-round pick could nix any potential deal, though.
Potential landing spots: Chiefs, Cowboys
Robby Anderson
Anderson has suffered a severe decline in production following his first 1,000-yard campaign. He complained about his usage in Week 5 and then proceeded to drop a slew of passes in Weeks 6 and 7 when the Panthers force-fed him the ball. The talent is still there, but Anderson may benefit from a fresh start, and his club could look to give him one.
Potential landing spots: Browns, Titans
Myles Jack
Sam Greenwood / Getty Images Sport / GettyJack looks checked out, but who can blame him considering the Jacksonville Jaguars' issues? He's still one of the league's most athletic linebackers, and teams ache for 250-pound defenders who can run sideline to sideline. A move to a contender should reignite Jack, who's had a pair of wins to celebrate over the last two years.
Potential landing spots: Ravens, Bengals
Will Fuller
Fuller was one of the top trade chips who didn't end up moving last year, and he returns to the block in 2021 during a vastly different season. He's made only two appearances for the Dolphins and was hardly a factor in those games, but Fuller still has value as a vertical threat. He should be back from a broken finger before long.
Potential landing spots: Packers, Chiefs
DeVante Parker
Parker may never replicate his 1,200-yard campaign from 2019, but he's still efficient against man coverage and wins in contested-catch scenarios. If a shake-up is coming for the Dolphins, Parker could be on his way out. Perhaps another team can take greater advantage of his skill set.
Potential landing spots: 49ers, Falcons
Dante Fowler
Fowler has rebounded from a massively disappointing debut campaign in Atlanta with a far more respectable 2021 season. He has only two sacks, but Fowler's 14.3% win rate makes him a strong complimentary pass-rusher for teams eyeing a boost off the edge. He's on injured reserve, though, which could make a deal tougher to finalize.
Potential landing spots: Chargers, Chiefs
Akiem Hicks
Jonathan Daniel / Getty Images Sport / GettyThe Chicago Bears tried to move Hicks in the offseason but couldn't find a taker for his $10.4-million salary. They may prefer to keep him at this point since the team is under pressure to win, but there are contenders that could use a run-stopper who also occasionally flashes as a pass-rusher.
Potential landing spots: Chargers, Cowboys
Melvin Ingram *TRADED*
Ingram joined the Pittsburgh Steelers on a one-year deal this offseason and has played a key depth role behind T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith. But his inconsistent playing time apparently has the veteran eyeing an exit, and teams in dire need of a pass-rush boost will likely test Pittsburgh's desire to keep him.
The Steelers reportedly traded Ingram to the Chiefs for a sixth-round pick
Kyle Fuller
Fuller hasn't lived up to expectations after signing a one-year deal this offseason. With the Denver Broncos teetering after four losses in five games, Vic Fangio and Co. should look to move the veteran to a contender that needs depth at cornerback.
Potential landing spots: Buccaneers, Bills
Evan Engram
Engram has teased star potential during his time with the New York Giants, but the flashes have been few and far between. And under coordinator Jason Garrett, the 27-year-old is even more misused. Engram has just 20 catches for 171 yards and zero touchdowns this season. With the Giants going nowhere at 2-5, they should get what they can for the tight end.
Potential landing spots: Vikings, Titans
Andre Dillard
Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / GettyRelegated to a reserve role before the season, Dillard has performed surprisingly well when thrust into the starting lineup to make up for other absences. The Eagles drafted Dillard in the first round in 2019, but he was overpowered as a rookie and missed his sophomore campaign with an injury.
Potential landing spots: Ravens, Panthers
Marlon Mack
Mack already asked the Indianapolis Colts for a trade after Jonathan Taylor and Nyheim Hines squeezed him out of a role. He didn't have much of a market in free agency after tearing his Achilles in 2020, so it remains to be seen whether teams come calling at the deadline. Mack has been productive throughout his career, however.
Potential landing spots: Chiefs, Ravens
DeSean Jackson
Jackson could go to his fifth team in six seasons after mutually agreeing with the Rams to seek a trade due to his lack of playing time. The 34-year-old remains one of the NFL's fastest players, but he hasn't played a full regular season since 2016 due to persistent injuries.
Potential landing spots: Chargers, Packers
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