5 Possible Trades to Look Out For as the NFL Trade Deadline Approaches

The Panthers have a number of players they might consider trading, with Johnson leading the list. In the last year of his contract and playing for a rebuilding team that surprisingly has limited cap space for 2025, Johnson continues to be an elite possession receiver when paired with a competent quarterback. Since Andy Dalton took over in Week 3, he has averaged five receptions for 65 yards per game.

Both the 49ers and Texans have lost one of their top two receivers to season-ending injuries, while Nico Collins and Deebo Samuel are also nursing injuries but are expected to return soon. Consequently, both teams are likely to pursue trades for Johnson, as well as for Adam Thielen, who has been designated to return from injured reserve and would be more affordable to acquire than Johnson.

The Rams' Thursday night victory over the Vikings appears to have put an end to any speculation about trading Kupp or Stafford. With a record of 3-4, the Rams are just one win behind the other three teams in the NFC West and have played one fewer game than those rivals.

They are surprisingly still in contention for the division title and could even make a push for a wild card spot if they don’t secure the crown in the West. However, that won't stop other teams from inquiring about their aging stars. A loss to the Seahawks this week would leave them with a 1-2 record within the division, complicating their playoff hopes.

While this trade may seem too good to be true, Kupp would be an ideal fit for Tampa Bay. Bucs offensive coordinator Liam Coen previously held the same position with the Rams in 2022 and spent three additional seasons in Los Angeles. The Buccaneers recently lost Chris Godwin to a season-ending ankle injury and will also be without Mike Evans for a few games due to a hamstring issue.

Higgins’ recent injury complicates the possibility of a trade. He missed Week 8 due to a quad issue, and his status moving forward is uncertain. However, trading him still makes sense for the Bengals, especially considering the prolonged inability to reach a contract extension. Higgins has been playing under the franchise tag this season and even requested a trade back in March amid his contract dispute.

 With the Bengals unlikely to improve their offer in the upcoming offseason, it seems Higgins may be finishing his time in Cincinnati. The Bengals could maximize their return by trading him a few months before he departs for free agency.

Slayton has been the focus of trade and release speculation during multiple offseasons. Despite seemingly lacking the full support of his coaches, he has consistently delivered when called upon. Currently, he is on track for 892 yards, which would mark the best statistical season of his career.

The resurgent Broncos have struggled to get significant contributions from their young receiving corps this season. While Troy Franklin and Devaugn Vele remain their top options for the future, adding a veteran like Slayton could help stabilize their production as the younger players develop.

Cleveland has waved the white flag by trading away their top receiver. They are poised to incur the largest dead cap hit in league history this offseason if they decide to cut Deshaun Watson.

Compounding their difficulties, the Browns lack a strong pool of young talent to rely on, having sacrificed numerous picks to acquire Watson. If they are open to trading Amari Cooper, they should also consider all options, including the possibility of moving Myles Garrett for a substantial return. If the Browns want to trade him out of conference, the Eagles and Packers are both playoff contenders with average pressure rates.

While a Garrett trade is unlikely, the Browns could still be active sellers in the EDGE market. Za’Darius Smith has been linked to trade rumors, with Adam Schefter firmly stating that he and Diontae Johnson “are going to be traded before the deadline,” in his view. Smith has recorded five sacks this season and has one year left on the two-year, $23.5 million extension he signed with Cleveland this offseason.

The Chargers are currently in contention for the playoffs, but they have one of the slimmest receiving corps in the NFL. Rookie Ladd McConkey has performed well, but Joshua Palmer has struggled to make an impact, and Quentin Johnston has diminished after a slow start.

Acquiring Thielen could provide valuable short-term assistance for Justin Herbert, especially as the Chargers assess Justin Herbert player odds for the upcoming postseason. Given that the Panthers shouldn't demand much for a 34-year-old player having a quieter season, this move would also give Thielen the opportunity to contribute to a competitive team as he nears the end of his career.

As the NFL trade deadline approaches, teams are gearing up for potential roster overhauls to bolster their playoff aspirations. Teams such as the Panthers, Rams, Bengals, Giants, and Browns are at a crossroads, considering trades that could reshape their futures. Ultimately, the next week will be critical as teams decide how to navigate their rosters amid a rapidly shifting landscape. Expect excitement and surprises as the deadline looms, setting the stage for an intriguing playoff run.