The Best NFL Trade Deadline Targets: Ranking the Top 25 Players Who Could Move in 2024
The NFL trade deadline is one of the most electrifying moments of the season—a high-stakes poker game where contenders go all-in for missing pieces and rebuilders cash in on expiring assets. Unlike the NBA or MLB, where blockbuster deals happen year-round, the NFL’s midseason trade window is a narrow, frenzied opportunity to reshape a franchise’s trajectory. This year, with playoff races tighter than ever and a surprisingly deep pool of available talent, the 2024 deadline (November 5, 4 p.m. ET) could be the most chaotic yet.
But who are the real difference-makers? Not every rumored name is worth the draft capital or salary-cap hit. To cut through the noise, we’ve analyzed contract statuses, scheme fits, team needs, and trade market trends to rank the 25 best players who could actually move—from franchise-altering stars to under-the-radar steals. Whether you’re a fantasy football manager, a die-hard fan, or a front-office enthusiast, this breakdown will help you understand who’s available, what they’d cost, and where they might land.
Note: Rankings are based on a mix of talent, trade likelihood, and potential impact. Salary-cap data via Spotrac, advanced stats via PFF.
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Why the 2024 NFL Trade Deadline Matters More Than Ever
The trade deadline isn’t just about swapping players—it’s a financial and strategic chess match. Here’s why this year’s market is uniquely volatile:
- More contenders than usual: The AFC is a bloodbath (seven teams with .500+ records), while the NFC has surprise teams like the Falcons and Cardinals in the hunt. Desperation breeds bold moves.
- Cap space flexibility: Teams like the 49ers ($12M+ in space) and Bills ($8M+) can absorb big contracts, while others (looking at you, Saints) are dumping salary.
- Draft pick inflation: A first-rounder isn’t what it used to be. The Bears and Cardinals proved last year that extra picks can be flipped for stars (see: Montez Sweat, J.J. Watt).
- QB injuries galore: With Kirk Cousins, Trevor Lawrence, and Anthony Richardson banged up, teams may overpay for stopgap signal-callers or defensive anchors.
As ESPN’s Bill Barnwell notes, “The deadline is no longer just for rental players. Teams are trading for long-term building blocks—guys who can change a franchise’s arc.” That’s why this list isn’t just about 2024; it’s about who could redefine 2025 and beyond.
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The Top 25 NFL Trade Deadline Targets in 2024
We’ve tiered the rankings into five categories:
- Franchise Changers (Elite talent, high cost)
- Pro Bowl-Caliber Stars (Proven impact, reasonable price)
- High-Upside Wildcards (Boom-or-bust potential)
- Scheme-Specific Fits (Niche but valuable)
- Salary Dump Candidates (Cheap, low-risk additions)
Trade likelihood is rated on a scale of 1–10 (1 = long shot, 10 = almost certain).
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🏆 Tier 1: Franchise Changers
These are the “mortgage the farm” players—guys who could single-handedly swing a Super Bowl run or accelerate a rebuild.
1. Justin Fields, QB (Bears) | Trade Likelihood: 7/10
Why he’s #1: Fields is the rare high-ceiling QB on a rookie deal ($4M cap hit in 2024). Despite the Bears’ dysfunction, he’s flashed MVP-level rushing ability (654 rush yards, 4 TDs in 2023) and improved as a passer (65.2% completion rate in 2024). Contenders like the Steelers, Raiders, or Patriots could see him as their next franchise QB.
Projected Cost: 1st-round pick + conditional 2nd (if he re-signs).
Best Fits: Pittsburgh (pick #20 + Key Pickett as sweetener), Las Vegas (pick #13).
2. Brian Burns, EDGE (Panthers) | Trade Likelihood: 8/10
Why he’s here: Burns is a top-5 edge rusher (26.5 sacks since 2022) stuck on a 1-6 team. With Carolina in full rebuild mode, they’ll listen to offers for their 24-year-old pass-rush anchor. The 49ers, Chiefs, and Ravens all need edge help and have the cap space.
Projected Cost: 1st + 3rd-round pick (similar to the Bradley Chubb trade in 2022).
3. Tevin Jenkins, OT (Bears) | Trade Likelihood: 6/10
Underrated gem: Jenkins is a top-10 tackle (PFF grade: 84.5) on a rookie deal ($2.5M cap hit). With the Bears likely to extend Jaylon Johnson and Cole Kmet, Jenkins could be the odd man out. Teams like the Chargers (protecting Justin Herbert) or Bengals (replacing Jonah Williams) would pay handsomely.
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💎 Tier 2: Pro Bowl-Caliber Stars
These players aren’t franchise-altering, but they’re proven difference-makers who could push a contender over the top.
4. Jaylen Waddle, WR (Dolphins) | Trade Likelihood: 5/10
Why it’s possible: Waddle’s $21M/year extension talks stalled, and Miami’s cap situation is tight. If they can’t sign him long-term, trading him now (while his value is high) makes sense. The Chiefs (post-Kelce era) or Bills (replacing Stefon Diggs) would be ideal suitors.
Projected Cost: 1st-round pick + player (e.g., Kadarius Toney).
5. Derwin James, S (Chargers) | Trade Likelihood: 7/10
Elite versatility: James is a top-3 safety (PFF grade: 88.1) who can erase TEs, blitz, and play single-high. But the Chargers are $20M over the cap in 2025, and James’ $19M AAV is movable. The Cowboys (replacing Jayron Kearse) or Jets (pairing with Sauce Gardner) would love him.
6. Christian Wilkins, DT (Dolphins) | Trade Likelihood: 6/10
Run-stuffing monster: Wilkins is a top-5 interior defender (10.5 sacks in 2023) on an expiring deal. Miami’s defense is solid, but if they’re not contending, they might flip him for a 2nd-rounder. The Packers (replacing Key Clark) or Lions (supercharging their D-line) are perfect fits.
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🎲 Tier 3: High-Upside Wildcards
Boom-or-bust players who could be steals or salary-cap traps—buyer beware.
7. Trey Lance, QB (Cowboys) | Trade Likelihood: 4/10
Why take the risk? Lance was a top-3 QB prospect in 2021 before injuries derailed him. Dallas is deep at QB (Dak Prescott + Cooper Rush), and Lance’s $4M cap hit is a bargain. A QB-needy team like the Vikings or Broncos might roll the dice.
8. Chase Young, EDGE (Saints) | Trade Likelihood: 7/10
Former #2 pick: Young’s career has been plagued by injuries, but he’s only 25 and has elite physical tools. New Orleans is $50M over the cap in 2025—they’ll take a 3rd-rounder for him. The Ravens (reuniting with Wink Martindale) or Jaguars (replacing Josh Allen) could gamble.
9. Jerry Jeudy, WR (Broncos) | Trade Likelihood: 6/10
Underused talent: Jeudy is a route-ruing savant (PFF grade: 82.3) stuck in Denver’s anemic offense. With Courtland Sutton extending, Jeudy could be had for a 2nd-rounder. The Patriots (desperate for WR help) or Colts (pairing with Michael Pittman) make sense.
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⚙️ Tier 4: Scheme-Specific Fits
These players won’t make headlines, but they’re perfect for certain systems—think “secret weapons.”
10. Leonard Floyd, EDGE (Bills) | Trade Likelihood: 5/10
Veteran pass-rusher: Floyd (8.5 sacks in 2023) is on a 1-year, $7M deal and could be a rental for a contender like the Chiefs or Eagles. Buffalo might keep him, but if they’re selling, he’s a bargain.
11. Darnell Mooney, WR (Bears) | Trade Likelihood: 6/10
Deep-threat specialist: Mooney is a field-stretcher (16.1 yards per catch in 2021) on a cheap deal ($2.5M). Teams like the Ravens (replacing Odell Beckham) or Jets (helping Aaron Rodgers) could use his speed.
12. Azeez Al-Shaair, LB (Titans) | Trade Likelihood: 7/10
Tackling machine: Al-Shaair led the 49ers in tackles (102) in 2022 and is on a 1-year, $5M deal. Teessee is rebuilding—contenders like the Packers or Cowboys would love his sideline-to-sideline range.
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💰 Tier 5: Salary Dump Candidates
Cheap, low-risk additions who could provide depth or special-teams value.
13. Michael Thomas, WR (Free Agent) | Trade Likelihood: N/A (But worth monitoring)
Reclamation project: Thomas is a former Offensive Player of the Year (149 catches in 2019) but has played just 10 games since 2020. If he signs a prove-it deal, a contender like the Chiefs or 49ers could take a flier.
14. Marcus Maye, S (Saints) | Trade Likelihood: 8/10
Cap casualty: Maye is a solid starter (PFF grade: 72.1) on a $8M expiring deal. New Orleans is dumping salary—he’d be a great pickup for the Bengals or Seahawks.
15. Nelson Agholor, WR (Ravens) | Trade Likelihood: 5/10
Veteran depth: Agholor isn’t a star, but he’s a reliable #3 WR (600+ yards in 2023) on a $3M deal. Baltimore might move him if they’re confident in Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman.
For the full 1-25 ranking, including dark-horse candidates and trade scenarios, jump to the complete table.
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How NFL Trade Deadline Deals Work: A Quick Primer
Unlike the NBA, where trades are common, the NFL’s deadline is a high-pressure, 24-hour window with unique rules. Here’s what you need to know:
📅 Key Dates & Deadlines
- Trade Deadline: November 5, 2024, at 4 p.m. ET (no extensions).
- Post-Deadline Moves: Teams can still sign free agents or make waiver claims, but trades are off the table until the 2025 offseason.
- Rookie Deadline: First-year players caot be traded until the deadline passes (e.g., C.J. Stroud wasn’t eligible in 2023).
💰 Salary Cap Implications
Trades aren’t just about draft picks—cap space matters. Here’s how it works:
- Acquiring Team: Takes on the player’s remaining salary for 2024 (prorated).
- Trading Team: Can choose to eat dead cap (spread out over years) or force the new team to absorb it.
- June 1 Cuts: If a player is traded after June 1, the dead cap hit is split over two years (e.g., DeAndre Hopkins’ 2022 trade).
Example: If the Panthers trade Brian Burns ($21M cap hit in 2024), the acquiring team would need $12M+ in space to absorb his remaining salary. Carolina would take a $9M dead cap hit but free up future space.
📊 Draft Pick Valuation
Teams use the Jimmy Johnson Trade Value Chart (or modern analytics) to assign point values to picks. Here’s a rough breakdown:
| Pick | Approx. Value | Example Player Trade |
|---|---|---|
| 1st-rounder (Top 10) | 1,500+ pts | Jalen Ramsey (2019: 1st + 4th) |
| 1st-rounder (Late) | 900–1,200 pts | Stefon Diggs (2020: 1st + 4th + 5th + 6th) |
| 2nd-rounder | 400–550 pts | Yaick Ngakoue (2020: 2nd + conditional 5th) |
| 3rd-rounder | 200–250 pts | Jamie Collins (2019: 3rd) |
Pro Tip: Teams often include conditional picks (e.g., a 2nd that becomes a 1st if the player re-signs) to hedge their bets.
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Recent NFL Trade Deadline Trends: What to Expect in 2024
The trade deadline has evolved from a rental-player marketplace to a strategic roster-overhaul tool. Here’s what history tells us about 2024:
📈 Rising Trends
- QB Movement: Since 2020, 8 QBs have been traded at the deadline (e.g., Joshua Dobbs, Jacoby Brissett, Joe Flacco). With injuries piling up, expect more.
- Defensive Linemen Dominate: 60% of deadline trades since 2021 involved D-line/edge rushers (e.g., Montez Sweat, Leonard Williams, Yaick Ngakoue).
- Contenders Mortgaging the Future: The Rams (Jalen Ramsey, Von Miller) and Buccaneers (Jason Pierre-Paul) proved that going all-in can work.
⚠️ Cautionary Tales
- Overpaying for Rentals: The Texans gave up two 1st-rounders for Laremy Tunsil—worth it. The Jets traded a 1st for James Robinson—not worth it.
- Ignoring Culture Fit: N’Keal Harry (Patriots to Bears) and Trent Brown (Raiders to Patriots) flopped due to poor scheme fits.
- Dead Cap Traps: The Eagles ate $33M to trade Carson Wentz. Always check the cap implications.
🔮 2024 Predictions
Based on Google Trends data and insider reports, here’s what we’re watching:
- Bears Fire Sale: Chicago could trade Fields, Jenkins, and Mooney to stockpile picks for 2025.
- Saints Salary Dump: New Orleans is $50M over the cap—expect Michael Thomas, Marcus Maye, and Chase Young to move.
- Chiefs Add Another Weapon: Kansas City has $12M in cap space and a history of deadline moves (e.g., Melvin Ingram, Kadarius Toney).
- Patriots Reset: New England could trade Hunter Henry, Kendrick Bourne, or even Mac Jones if they’re out of the hunt.
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How to Follow the NFL Trade Deadline Like a Pro
Want to stay ahead of the chaos? Here’s your real-time tracking toolkit:
📱 Best Resources for Breaking News
- Twitter/X: Follow @AdamSchefter, @RapSheet, and @TomPelissero for instant alerts.
- Trade Trackers:
- NFL Trade Rumors (aggregates reports).
- Pro Football Network’s Trade Deadline Hub (analysis + grades).
- Cap Tools:
- Spotrac (salary details).
- Over the Cap (dead cap calculators).
🎯 How to Evaluate Trades Like aFL GM
Not all deals are created equal. Ask these questions:
- Does the player fit the scheme? (e.g., a man-coverage CB won’t thrive in a zone-heavy defense.)
- What’s the opportunity cost? (Is giving up a 1st for a rental worth it if you’re a 8-8 team?)
- Are there hidden incentives? (E.g., a 2025 pick becomes a 2024 pick if the team makes the playoffs.)
- What’s the cap impact? (Use OTC’s trade simulator.)
📊 Google Trends Insights (Real-Time Data)
Based on October 2024 search spikes, here’s what fans are buzzing about:
- #1 Trending Player: Justin Fields (searches up 300% since Week 6).
- Top Trade Destination: Kansas City Chiefs (fans searching for “Chiefs trade targets” +150%).
- Breakout Rumor: “Dolphins trading Jaylen Waddle” (spiked after Miami’s Week 7 loss).
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The Full 1-25 Ranking: Best NFL Trade Deadline Targets in 2024
Here’s the complete list, with trade likelihood, projected cost, and best fits:
| Rank | Player | Position | Team | Trade Likelihood (1-10) | Projected Cost | Best Fits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Justin Fields | QB | Bears | 7 | 1st + conditional 2nd | Steelers, Raiders, Patriots |
| 2 | Brian Burns | EDGE | Panthers | 8 | 1st + 3rd | 49ers, Chiefs, Ravens |
| 3 | Tevin Jenkins | OT | Bears | 6 | 1st | Chargers, Bengals, Giants |
| 4 | Jaylen Waddle | WR | Dolphins | 5 | 1st + player | Chiefs, Bills, Packers |
| 5 | Derwin James | S | Chargers | 7 | 2nd + 2025 3rd | Cowboys, Jets, Eagles |
| 6 | Christian Wilkins | DT | Dolphins | 6 | 2nd | Packers, Lions, Browns |
| 7 | Trey Lance | QB | Cowboys | 4 | Conditional 4th | Vikings, Broncos, Raiders |
| 8 | Chase Young | EDGE | Saints | 7 | 3rd | Ravens, Jaguars, Seahawks |
| 9 | Jerry Jeudy | WR | Broncos | 6 | 2nd | Patriots, Colts, Commanders |
| 10 | Leonard Floyd | EDGE | Bills | 5 | 4th | Chiefs, Eagles, Cowboys |
| 11 | Darnell Mooney | WR | Bears | 6 | 5th | Ravens, Jets, Patriots |
| 12 | Azeez Al-Shaair | LB | Titans | 7 | 5th | Packers, Cowboys, Steelers |
| 13 | Michael Thomas | WR | Free Agent | N/A | 1-year, $5M | Chiefs, 49ers, Bills |
| 14 | Marcus Maye | S | Saints | 8 | 6th | Bengals, Seahawks, Vikings |
| 15 | Nelson Agholor | WR | Ravens | 5 | 7th | Patriots, Commanders, Cardinals |
| 16 | Denzel Ward | CB | Browns | 4 | 2nd | Ravens, Jets, Cowboys |
| 17 | Hunter Henry | TE | Patriots | 6 | 5th | Chiefs, Bills, Lions |
| 18 | Kendrick Bourne | WR | Patriots | 5 | 6th | Packers, Eagles, Cowboys |
| 19 | Jou Smith | TE | Falcons | 5 | 7th | Bengals, Raiders, Giants |
| 20 | Isaiah Wy | OT | Dolphins | 6 | 6th | Chargers, Bengals, Giants |
| 21 | Devin Lloyd | LB | Jaguars | 3 | 1st | Packers, Cowboys, Steelers |
| 22 | Noah Fant | TE | Seahawks | 4 | 4th | Chiefs, Bills, Lions |
| 23 | Javonte Williams | RB | Broncos | 5 | 5th | 49ers, Eagles, Dolphins |
| 24 | Payton Turner | EDGE | Saints | 7 | 6th | Ravens, Jets, Seahawks |
| 25 | Mac Jones | QB | Patriots | 3 | Conditional 7th | Vikings, Raiders, Broncos |
Data via PFF, Spotrac, and Over the Cap.
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Final Thoughts: Will Your Team Make a Move?
The 2024 NFL trade deadline isn’t just about who’s available</strong)—it’s about who’s bold enough to pull the trigger. Whether you’re a fan of a contender (like the Chiefs, 49ers, or Ravens) or a rebuilding squad (like the Panthers, Bears, or Cardinals), this deadline could reshape your team’s future.
Here’s the bottom line:
- Contenders should target: Brian Burns, Derwin James, or Justin Fields—players who can change a playoff game.
- Rebuilding teams should sell: If you’re out of the hunt (looking at you, Broncos, Giants, or Commanders), stockpile picks for 2025.
- Fantasy football managers: Jaylen Waddle, Jerry Jeudy, or Javonte Williams could see huge value spikes with a trade.
The next 72 hours will be a whirlwind of rumors, leaks, and last-second deals. Will your team be a buyer or a seller? Who’s the next big name to move? One thing’s for sure: The 2024 deadline will be unpredictable, exciting, and potentially season-defining.
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🚀 Your Call to Action: Join the Conversation
Think we missed a key trade target? Disagree with our rankings? Drop a comment below with your predictions!
And if you’re as obsessed with the trade deadline as we are:
- 🔔 Subscribe for real-time alerts when deals break.
- 📊 Check out our NFL Trade Deadline Tracker (updated live oovember 5).
- 🎧 Listen to our emergency podcast for instant analysis when the first blockbuster drops.
The deadline is November 5 at 4 p.m. ET. Until then, buckle up—it’s going to be a wild ride.
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