The NFL trade market has been flush with wide receivers, as several pass catchers have been dealt in blockbuster deals during the 2024 season. With a few days to go before Tuesday’s Nov. 5 deadline, the fireworks at that position might not be done just yet.
Jets WR Mike Williams, Giants WR Darius Slayton, Panthers WR Adam Thielen and Patriots WRs K.J. Osborn and Tyquan Thornton have all garnered interest on some level in the trade market, sources say. There’s a good chance at least one is dealt before Tuesday's 4 p.m. ET deadline, and there could be more.
Davante Adams was acquired by the Jets, Amari Cooper went to the Bills and Diontae Johnson most recently landed with the Ravens.
But there are still several WR-needy teams who haven’t gained a new pass-catcher -- including the Steelers, who appear to have been in search for help at the position for months. Pittsburgh, sources say, had eyes on Jaguars wide receiver Christian Kirk before his season ended with a fractured collarbone in Week 8.
Williams has been in trade discussions since the Jets acquired Adams on Oct. 15, and it remains up in the air whether the Jets would deal the big-bodied wideout. That said, he’s had just two catches for 21 yards in three games, even with Allen Lazard going on injured reserve this past week.
Slayton is another interesting one, especially coming off a four-catch, 108-yard performance in Week 8. But at just 27 years old, he’s also someone the Giants could decide to keep and pay next year.
With Tuesday's 4 p.m. ET trade deadline looming, all eyes are once again on the pass catchers. Here is a glimpse at other situations to monitor, according to sources:
- Sunday’s results could go a long way in determining who is active in the trade market and who isn’t. The Browns won last week and Jameis Winston had the offense rolling. Could another win get Cleveland thinking it could turn things around? They aren’t alone in this conundrum. The Miami Dolphins (2-5), Jacksonville Jaguars (2-6) and New York Giants (2-6) are all teams who are right back in it with a win and a pulse. A win on Sunday might make selling less likely.
- The Browns continue to receive calls on pass rusher Za’Darius Smith, who has five sacks on the season and has drawn interest from several teams, including the Lions. But it’s not a given that they trade the 32-year-old veteran. The Browns could decide to keep him and his base salary of $1.21 million (the rest of his salary was paid earlier as part of a restructure). There are other veterans in Cleveland who have drawn interest, as well.
- If the Browns don’t deal Smith, Azeez Ojulari of the Giants becomes even more attractive, and he’s been the subject of several calls. In the final year of his deal, Ojulari could be this year’s version of Montez Sweat, whom the Bears traded for last year as a way to get an early start on free agency (Chicago then signed him to a mammoth extension). With the Giants already paying Brian Burns and having Kayvon Thibodeaux’s fifth-year option decision coming up this offseason, getting value for Ojulari makes sense with the right deal. He’s currently tied 10th in the NFL with six sacks and has big-time potential.
- Broncos edge rusher Baron Browning is another player who has been at the center of trade calls, as the young pass rusher has played in just four games this season. But teams see the upside despite the injury concerns and have been inquiring on him. It’s unclear if Denver would be willing to trade him, but that hasn’t stopped teams from calling.
- Panthers edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney might not be on the move, as it once seemed. Holding a two-year contract, the 31-year-old disruptor would be of interest as more than just a one-year rental. Yet, at this point, it appears more likely than not he stays in Carolina.
- Several teams have asked about the status of Saints' star cornerback Marshon Lattimore, who is out Sunday with a hamstring injury. For the second straight season, Lattimore is a curiosity around the league regarding his status. While the Saints might move him for the right deals, rival general managers all know Saints executive vice president/GM Mickey Loomis is not usually someone who will sell off parts.
- Could the Patriots… buy? They could. Similar to what the Bears did last year, New England could use the trade deadline to beef up its young talent base and start free agency early. They’ve already called on several players on the market and despite most assuming they’ll sell (which is possible), they could also buy in the right situation with a player who would be part of the Patriots' future.