The Tennessee Titans spent the early hours of Wednesday morning finalizing trades for two of their biggest name players, sending receiver DeAndre Hopkins to the Kansas City Chiefs and linebacker Ernest Jones to the Seattle Seahawks.
Those calls led to more trade calls ahead of the NFL's Nov. 5 trade deadline.
Sources say several teams called Tennessee with one specific player in mind: Two-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons. Despite the interest, those teams were all told the same refrain: Not happening.
In today’s NFL, with more trade-happy general managers than ever, it never hurts to ask. Those calls can happen this time of year when teams catch wind of teams willing to trade their top players. The list is extremely short of players leaguewide who would not be available if another team was willing to give up, say, two first-round picks and possibly more.
In addition to the Titans, several other struggling teams have been getting called about their top defenders. The responses, however, have been similar to calls for Simmons.
The Browns do not plan to trade superstar end Myles Garrett, despite teams calling after they traded Amari Cooper to the Buffalo Bills, sources say. The Las Vegas Raiders also do not plan to trade Maxx Crosby after they dealt Davante Adams, sources say.
Could the Rams have traded Cooper Kupp if they did not win two in a row to improve to 3-4 and Sean McVay shut down talks by saying he expects Kupp to stay? We’ll never know. But teams called and the Rams at least heard them out.
Last week, NFL.com took a look at several key names involved in trade discussions. Here are several others based on conversations around the league:
- Cleveland Browns edge Za’Darius Smith: With a lack of pass-rush options, Smith is among the top players available. If Cleveland, currently 1-6, continues to struggle, he becomes more of an option. Several teams have inquired about the veteran. Others on Cleveland’s roster who could come up in trade talks include defensive end Ogbo Okoronkwo and cornerback Greg Newsome.
- New York Jets WR Mike Williams and CB Brandin Echols: Many thought Williams would have been dealt already, but with a big catch last week, Williams could also stay on the roster and help. The team has plans to use him in a way to maximize his abilities. The Jets also aren’t just going to give him away after already paying a majority of his $10 million salary. Few cornerbacks of note would be available in a trade, but the Jets have had interest from teams in Echols as a low-cost option.
- New England Patriots edge Josh Uche and WR K.J. Osborn: For the second consecutive year, Uche’s name is floating around the trade market with his low base salary of $1.3 million only adding to his value. He has two sacks this season in limited time. While Kendrick Bourne is the receiver who has garnered most of the trade rumors, it would take a large deal to pry him from New England. A more likely trade possibility as a veteran option is Osborn, who is on a one-year deal and has thrived elsewhere.
- Denver Broncos edge Baron Browning: A converted off-the-ball LB who had 4.5 sacks last year, Browning’s playing time has dwindled in Denver and he’s in a contract year. He could be available. Denver has depth at the position. Linebacker Jonathan Cooper could draw interest, as well.
- Jacksonville Jaguars OL Brandon Scherff: The Jaguars have already dealt one veteran this season -- sending Roy Robertson-Harris to the Seahawks -- leading teams to do work on others. Scherff, who is in the final year of his contract, has garnered interest if the 2-5 Jags can’t start a turnaround. Multiple teams have lost left tackles, so it wouldn’t be a surprise if Cam Robinson also garnered interest.
- Carolina Panthers WRs Diontae Johnson and Adam Thielen: Both veterans will sit out Sunday's game against the Broncos, Johnson with a rib injury and Thielen still on injured reserve because of a hurt hamstring. But both should be back soon and are logical trade targets. After the trades of Adams, Cooper and Hopkins, and the Rams’ apparent disinterest in dealing Kupp, Johnson might be the best and most high-profile receiving option available. Carolina has gotten calls, although it won’t just give away one of its best players. Thielen is 34 years old, but had 103 catches just last season and is another option.