23 Key Players Shaping the NFL Trade Market

The NFL trade market is heating up as teams prepare for a busy offseason. As the new league year approaches, franchises are making strategic moves. Notably, the Arizona Cardinals are poised to release quarterback Kyler Murray, which will save them $19.5 million in contract guarantees. Meanwhile, the Kansas City Chiefs have made headlines by trading cornerback Trent McDuffie to the Los Angeles Rams for valuable draft picks.

Key Players Shaping the NFL Trade Market

With a lighter free agent class, teams are likely to explore trades for impactful players. Here are 23 key players who may be involved in trades this spring:

Quarterbacks to Watch

• Tua Tagovailoa (Miami Dolphins): With a history of concussions, Tagovailoa’s value may be limited. A trade could be beneficial for Miami to spread his contract over multiple seasons.
• Mac Jones (San Francisco 49ers): Jones has shown promise as a reliable starter. Teams like the Jets or Steelers might pursue him, possibly for a second-round pick.
• Anthony Richardson (Indianapolis Colts): With raw talent but inconsistent performance, Richardson’s future is uncertain. He may benefit from development time as a backup behind an established starter.
• Tanner McKee (Philadelphia Eagles): McKee has potential but has limited experience. The Eagles could seek a mid-round pick in a trade.
• Spencer Rattler (New Orleans Saints): Rattler could attract interest from teams looking for a viable quarterback option, potentially available for a low draft pick.

Star Players Likely to Move

• A.J. Brown (Philadelphia Eagles): Brown’s potential trade would incur significant cap penalties, making it a costly proposition for Philadelphia.
• Maxx Crosby (Las Vegas Raiders): A highly desirable edge rusher, Crosby is expected to attract significant trade interest, especially from teams needing defensive upgrades.
• Michael Pittman Jr. (Indianapolis Colts): His potential cap hit makes Pittman a candidate for trade if the Colts look to restructure.
• DJ Moore (Chicago Bears): Moore may be a trade option if the Bears aim to open cap space, with teams needing a top receiver showing interest.
• Budda Baker (Arizona Cardinals): As a proven leader and effective safety, Baker could be a valuable asset for teams in need of defensive reinforcement.

Defensive Players of Interest

• Tremaine Edmunds (Chicago Bears): With a hefty cap hit, he may not remain on the roster and could be traded to free up cap space.
• Rashan Gary (Green Bay Packers): His large cap hit raises questions about his future with the team, particularly as the Packers assess their finances.
• Jonathan Greenard (Minnesota Vikings): Greenard’s successful sack record makes him a candidate for potential trades amid Minnesota’s financial restructuring.

As the NFL offseason kicks off, expect an evolving trade market where teams will look to strike deals that align with their strategies for the upcoming season. With so many pivotal players potentially on the move, this offseason promises to be one of the most fascinating in recent memory.