Five weeks into the 2023 NFL season, we’ve crossed the quarter mark of the autumn schedule. Additionally, the in-season NFL trades deadline on October 31 is less than a month away. While many teams will hold on to their playoff aspirations, there is a very minute probability of retaining them with several games remaining; some might be considering selling players as they look ahead to a 2024 rebuild. On the other hand, there are teams already thinking about potential upgrades to make an immediate push for the post-season.
Considering these factors, here are four prominent players who might become available, either presently or in the weeks to come:
Vikings QB Kirk Cousins
His approval is paramount for any potential NFL trades , given his no-trade clause. It’s highly unlikely that he would agree to transition to a new system midseason, even if the Vikings were to propose a favorable deal. However, all other indicators point towards a move being a logical choice. Minnesota has openly acknowledged being in a “competitive rebuild” and is struggling with a 1-4 start. Cousins, who, despite a somewhat inconsistent performance in high-stakes games, remains a pocket passer ranked just outside the top 10, is also set to enter free agency after this season. The New York Jets appear to be a potential destination for him.
Titans RB Derrick Henry
For a while, Henry has been the driving force behind the Titans’ traditional offensive approach. However, he comes with a high price tag, and at the age of 30, he’s considered older for his position, especially given that he has averaged less than four yards per carry in three out of the Titans’ five games this season. With an expiring contract and the emergence of a faster and more dynamic playmaker like Tyjae Spears, there appears to be little justification for the Titans to hold on to an extensively used running back, regardless of his impressive career statistics. The real challenge, naturally, lies in the realization that their opportunity to make the playoffs has truly come to an end.
Broncos WR Courtland Sutton
Coach Sean Payton initially dismissed any rumors about Sutton and WR Jerry Jeudy being available before the 2023 season. However, with Denver’s disappointing 1-4 record, the NFL trades of Randy Gregory, and the team possibly transitioning into a full-on seller’s mindset, the situation has changed. Jeudy seems likely to stay, given that he is only 24 years old. Still, the emergence of rookie Marvin Mims could make Payton more open to considering a trade for the more experienced wide receivers in the group. Sutton, while not a standout, continues to be a dependable possession receiver.
Raiders WR Davante Adams
He is just 18 months into a $140 million contract that extends until 2026, and he has consistently praised his move to the West Coast since leaving the Packers. Nevertheless, he has also frequently voiced his concerns about the decisions made by the Las Vegas team and their efforts to build a competitive roster. He recently acknowledged that his time with the Raiders hasn’t met his expectations. While trading him would mean losing one of the top five pass-catching talents on the team, it could also lead to significant cost savings and the possibility of acquiring high draft picks for an upcoming reconstruction phase.
