Possible Players Who Could be Dealt by the Deadline
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Odell Beckham Jr. pregame vs the Bears on September 26, 2021.
We are currently five days away from the NFL trade deadline. In years past, the NFL’s trade deadline hasn’t brought the same excitement or actions as the NBA’s. This season, things could start to change.
Players we will cover today:
Odell Beckham Jr., Deshaun Watson, Allen Robinson,Brandin Cooks, Nick Foles, Marlon Mack, Marcus Maye,Michael Thomas, Andre Dillard, N’Keal Harry, Evan Engram
N’Keal Harry:
After being selected with the 32nd overall pick of the 2019 NFL draft (2nd WR taken), Arizona State’s, N’Keal Harry hasn’t panned out so far in the NFL. His early career in the NFL has been full of injuries, which has limited his time on the field with quarterbacks such as Tom Brady, Cam Newton, and even the newly acquired Mac Jones out of Alabama. He showed some hope with Cam Newton after playing 14 games in 2020, totaling 33 catches on 57 targets for 309 yards and two touchdowns. In 2021, he only has 3 catches on 5 targets for 47 yards. Regardless, Harry is set to turn 24 on December 17th. He’s very young and could potentially turn his career around in a new home. The Patriots have stated that “it won’t take a lot for us to move him”.
The Patriots took Harry over Deebo Samuel (2nd round), A.J. Brown (2nd round), D.K. Metcalf (2nd round), Diontae Johnson (3rd round), and Terry McLaurin (3rd round).
Best Fit: Jacksonville Jaguars; rebuilding team, former first-round pick, will take late-round picks, a little weak at WR? It makes too much sense for Jacksonville and Trevor Lawrence, low-risk high-reward move. Give Lawrence more weapons!
Other teams that could land Harry are the Houston Texans (Nick Caserio, former GM of the Patriots), Detroit Lions, Philadelphia Eagles, Chicago Bears.
Odds: Likely
Andre Dillard
The 22nd overall pick of the 2019 NFL draft has also not panned out so far. Dillard In 2019 struggled badly and had his spot taken this preseason by tackle Jordan Mailata, forcing Dillard as a reserve. Due to in-season injuries on the offensive line, the Eagles were forced to reshuffle it. Mailata was one of those banged up guys and Dillard was forced to start 4 of those games, he arguably had a career game vs the Panthers (they’ve shown significant interest). Many reports have also said that the Eagles have been feeding him reps at guard and that they see him in their future plans. The Eagles may lean to trading away their vets such as Brandon Brooks and Lane Johnson to fit him in, but a day 2 pick should be enough for the Eagles to move him out.
Best fit: Carolina Panthers; They dealt away tackle Greg Little to the Miami Dolphins, which could mean they are satisfied with their right tackle situation of rookie Brady Christensen out of BYU, Cameron Erving, Dennis Daley, and Trenton Scott. The thing is, do any of them have a ceiling as high as Dillards? I don’t think so, Dillard is 26 years old and also has 3 years remaining on his contract if they accept his fifth-year option. Carolina needs to give everything they can to Sam Darnold and fully evaluate on if he can be their franchise quarterback.
Other teams: Chicago Bears (could send back Nick Foles), Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars (same idea as for Harry), Pittsburgh Steelers, Houston Texans, Cleveland Browns, Baltimore Ravens.
Odds: Improbable
Evan Engram
Evan Engram was selected 23rd overall in the 2017 NFL draft. While Engram has shown flashes in the big apple, he hasn’t been able to maintain that production. In his rookie season, Engram totaled 64 catches for 722 yards and 6 touchdowns. In 2020, Engram had 63 catches for 604 yards and 1 touchdown and surprisingly made the Pro Bowl over Robert Tonyan who totaled 52 catches on 59 targets for 586 yards and 11 touchdowns. This season, Engram has only played in 5 games and has 20 catches for 171 yards. He does have upside and just turned 27 in September. While he enters the last year of his rookie contract, we expect him to be dealt to a contender as a one-year rental.
*Evan Engram has generated a significant amount of interest from teams.
Best fit: Tennessee Titans; Jonnu Smith left for a payday with the Patriots, and Anthony Firkser is their current starter. Engram may not be good in the run game, but he could certainly become another threat on that offense with Ryan Tannehill as their quarterback, who sure does love his tight ends.
Other teams: Green Bay Packers, Los Angeles Rams, New Orleans Saints, Buffalo Bills, Kansas City Chiefs.
Odds: Very Likely
Nick Foles
Nick Foles is currently the 3rd string quarterback of the Chicago Bears. There isn’t much to say about Nick Foles, we expect him to be traded as a backup for whatever team acquires him.
Best fit: Indianapolis Colts; Foles and now head coach (OC on the Eagles) Frank Reich of the Colts were the dynamic duo of that Eagles 2017 championship team. With a strong relationship and familiarity with the Eagles system, Foles should have an easy time picking up the playbook and building strong relationships with the coaching staff. Foles would offer a stronger backup option than Brett Hundley, especially with their offensive line and young stars (Jonathan Taylor/Michael Pittman Jr.).
Other teams: New Orleans Saints, Dallas Cowboys, Tennessee Titans
Odds: Probably Not, other teams will force release
Marlon Mack
Marlon Mack wants out of Indianapolis. In 2020, Mack suffered from an season ending achilles injury and it led to rookie running back Jonathan Taylor out of Wisconsin taking his spot. The 25 year old did have interest from other teams, but as their running backs started to get back to full health (49ers), teams started to back out. The Colts also haven’t received an offer that has “piqued their interest” according to Ian Rapoport. If Mack isn’t traded by the November 2nd deadline, he is expected to have the same role as he does now.
Best fit: Kansas City Chiefs; anyone who goes to K.C. just seems right.
Other teams: Carolina Panthers, Los Angeles Chargers
Odds: Probably not
Marcus Maye
Marcus Maye is currently on a one-year franchise tag for the New York Jets, and both sides failed to reach an long-term agreement last off-season. In 2020, Maye had a career year of 88 total tackles, two sacks, and two interceptions. Regardless, we all know the Jets are currently rebuilding. Maye is 28 years old who is looking to become one of the highest paid safeties in the game, Joe Douglas doesn’t want that. There is no need for him to be apart of their rebuild. A contender who is desperate for a DB will pay a solid price for one, such as a day two draft pick or maybe even a first-rounder.
Best fit: Dallas Cowboys; Marcus Maye to the Cowboys just feels right for some reason. The Cowboys would be the type of team to give up a first-rounder for Marcus Maye, like how they did for the mediocre Raiders WR Amari Cooper at the time. The Cowboys safety room currently contains Damontae Kazee, Donovan WIlson, Malik Hooker, and Jayron Kearse. Don’t get me wrong, they’re solid options but not great. They Cowboys still give up a good amount of big plays and having Marcus Maye alongside Trevon Diggs would be a massive upgrade to the Cowboys defense. Marcus Maye was ranked as the 7th best safety in the NFL by PFF.
Other teams: Los Angeles Rams, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Baltimore Ravens, Carolina Panthers, Indianapolis Colts, Kansas City Chiefs, Las Vegas Raiders, Chicago Bears
Odds: Very Likely
Michael Thomas
Michael Thomas is currently coming back from an ankle injury back in 2020. A late decision to get surgery has caused him to not play the first couple of weeks in 2021. It is hard to see Michael Thomas anywhere but New Orleans simply because of his massive 5 year, $96.25M extension ($19.25M per season) that he signed with the Saints in July of 2019. Trading Thomas by the November 2nd deadline would create $22.7M in dead money for New Orleans in 2022, giving other teams an absolute bargain if they acquired him. The Saints are also currently 4-2 with a below-average receiving core, Michael Thomas is going to step into this offense and make an immediate impact.
Best fit: Green Bay Packers; any wide receiver in Green Bay would be a good fit, but Michael Thomas when healthy is a top 10 receiver in this league. Michael Thomas alongside Davante Adams would just be absurd and not fair. The Packers would no doubt have the best offense in the league and the MVP in Aaron Rodgers.
Other teams: Kansas City Chiefs, New England Patriots, Buffalo Bills, Baltimore Ravens
Odds: No Chance
4. Odell Beckham Jr.
Odell and the Browns have been like oil and water, they just cannot mix. Odell this season has 16 catches for 226 yards in five games, three of those games he only had two catches. He had similar numbers in 2020, but his season was cut short with a torn ACL. WRs Donovan Peoples-Jones, Rashard Higgins, and rookie Mitchell Schwartz all look pretty impressive, and can help in possession situations. The Browns this off-season can easily move Odell without any dead cap space, moving him would create $15M in savings. The Browns are a run first team and Odell simply just does not fit Baker Mayfield’s playstyle.
Best fit: Green Bay Packers; Aaron Rodgers could 100% help revive Odell’s career, and the Packers could still use more weapons.
Other teams: Kansas City Chiefs, Philadelphia Eagles, New Orleans Saints, Miami Dolphins
Odds: Very slim this year, next off-season yes.
3. Brandin Cooks
Very similar to the Marcus Maye situation except for his contract. This is a rebuilding Texans team. A 28 year old wide receiver who can still produce has no reason to be on your team, your not competing. Cooks would bring in a good amount of interest from teams, and assets if a deal gets done.
Best fit: Kansas City Chiefs; Brandin Cooks ran a 4.33 40 at his NFL combine and the Chiefs offense is programmed around speed. Cooks would be a perfect fit for this offense because of his elite speed, his ability to stretch the field, and the Chiefs do not have a reliable/true number two receiver on their roster.
Other teams: Green Bay Packers, Baltimore Ravens, New Orleans Saints, Cleveland Browns, New England Patriots
Odds: Likely
Allen Robinson
Allen Robinson is currently under a franchise-tag. The quarterback play in Chicago by far has to be the worst of his career, and he’s had very bad ones. Robinson as of right now has 23 catches for 250 yards and a touchdown. Many don’t know that Robinson’s final two teams were the Bears and Packers when he last was a free-agent, and he chose the Bears over playing with Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams. Robinson has only played on two teams that had a winning percentage over .500, which he doesn’t deserve I’d expect him to walk into free agency in the off-season and pick his own team, probably with a somewhat “paycut” deal due to his production with Dalton and Fields.
Best fit: Green Bay Packers; just like the other fits above for the Packers, Allen Robinson would take significant pressure off of Davante Adams and would have a career year with Aaron Rodgers. You’d have to call this offense “80-20” because Adams and Robinson are jump ball masters.
Other fits: Kansas City Chiefs, Baltimore Ravens, Las Vegas Raiders, Miami Dolphins
Odds: 0.1%
Deshaun Watson
The Dolphins are the only team left in the Watson sweepstakes as of now, and won’t shut down the rumors of acquiring him. Watson to Miami is the only thing that could possibly happen right now unless someone else steps in. Tua will most likely have a “last audition” on Sunday vs the Bills, but Watson being dealt by November 2nd still seems likely.
Best fit: Carolina Panthers; playing for your hometown, pretty good defense, CMC, DJ Moore, Robby Anderson, what else could you ask for?
Other teams: Miami Dolphins, Denver Broncos, Philadelphia Eagles, New York Giants, New Orleans Saints, Cleveland Browns.
Possible Players Who Could be Dealt by the Deadline
Possible Players Who Could be Dealt by the Deadline
Possible Players Who Could be Dealt by the Deadline
Odell Beckham Jr. pregame vs the Bears on September 26, 2021.
We are currently five days away from the NFL trade deadline. In years past, the NFL’s trade deadline hasn’t brought the same excitement or actions as the NBA’s. This season, things could start to change.
Players we will cover today:
Odell Beckham Jr., Deshaun Watson, Allen Robinson, Brandin Cooks, Nick Foles, Marlon Mack, Marcus Maye, Michael Thomas, Andre Dillard, N’Keal Harry, Evan Engram
N’Keal Harry:
After being selected with the 32nd overall pick of the 2019 NFL draft (2nd WR taken), Arizona State’s, N’Keal Harry hasn’t panned out so far in the NFL. His early career in the NFL has been full of injuries, which has limited his time on the field with quarterbacks such as Tom Brady, Cam Newton, and even the newly acquired Mac Jones out of Alabama. He showed some hope with Cam Newton after playing 14 games in 2020, totaling 33 catches on 57 targets for 309 yards and two touchdowns. In 2021, he only has 3 catches on 5 targets for 47 yards. Regardless, Harry is set to turn 24 on December 17th. He’s very young and could potentially turn his career around in a new home. The Patriots have stated that “it won’t take a lot for us to move him”.
The Patriots took Harry over Deebo Samuel (2nd round), A.J. Brown (2nd round), D.K. Metcalf (2nd round), Diontae Johnson (3rd round), and Terry McLaurin (3rd round).
Best Fit: Jacksonville Jaguars; rebuilding team, former first-round pick, will take late-round picks, a little weak at WR? It makes too much sense for Jacksonville and Trevor Lawrence, low-risk high-reward move. Give Lawrence more weapons!
Other teams that could land Harry are the Houston Texans (Nick Caserio, former GM of the Patriots), Detroit Lions, Philadelphia Eagles, Chicago Bears.
Odds: Likely
Andre Dillard
The 22nd overall pick of the 2019 NFL draft has also not panned out so far. Dillard In 2019 struggled badly and had his spot taken this preseason by tackle Jordan Mailata, forcing Dillard as a reserve. Due to in-season injuries on the offensive line, the Eagles were forced to reshuffle it. Mailata was one of those banged up guys and Dillard was forced to start 4 of those games, he arguably had a career game vs the Panthers (they’ve shown significant interest). Many reports have also said that the Eagles have been feeding him reps at guard and that they see him in their future plans. The Eagles may lean to trading away their vets such as Brandon Brooks and Lane Johnson to fit him in, but a day 2 pick should be enough for the Eagles to move him out.
Best fit: Carolina Panthers; They dealt away tackle Greg Little to the Miami Dolphins, which could mean they are satisfied with their right tackle situation of rookie Brady Christensen out of BYU, Cameron Erving, Dennis Daley, and Trenton Scott. The thing is, do any of them have a ceiling as high as Dillards? I don’t think so, Dillard is 26 years old and also has 3 years remaining on his contract if they accept his fifth-year option. Carolina needs to give everything they can to Sam Darnold and fully evaluate on if he can be their franchise quarterback.
Other teams: Chicago Bears (could send back Nick Foles), Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars (same idea as for Harry), Pittsburgh Steelers, Houston Texans, Cleveland Browns, Baltimore Ravens.
Odds: Improbable
Evan Engram
Evan Engram was selected 23rd overall in the 2017 NFL draft. While Engram has shown flashes in the big apple, he hasn’t been able to maintain that production. In his rookie season, Engram totaled 64 catches for 722 yards and 6 touchdowns. In 2020, Engram had 63 catches for 604 yards and 1 touchdown and surprisingly made the Pro Bowl over Robert Tonyan who totaled 52 catches on 59 targets for 586 yards and 11 touchdowns. This season, Engram has only played in 5 games and has 20 catches for 171 yards. He does have upside and just turned 27 in September. While he enters the last year of his rookie contract, we expect him to be dealt to a contender as a one-year rental.
*Evan Engram has generated a significant amount of interest from teams.
Best fit: Tennessee Titans; Jonnu Smith left for a payday with the Patriots, and Anthony Firkser is their current starter. Engram may not be good in the run game, but he could certainly become another threat on that offense with Ryan Tannehill as their quarterback, who sure does love his tight ends.
Other teams: Green Bay Packers, Los Angeles Rams, New Orleans Saints, Buffalo Bills, Kansas City Chiefs.
Odds: Very Likely
Nick Foles
Nick Foles is currently the 3rd string quarterback of the Chicago Bears. There isn’t much to say about Nick Foles, we expect him to be traded as a backup for whatever team acquires him.
Best fit: Indianapolis Colts; Foles and now head coach (OC on the Eagles) Frank Reich of the Colts were the dynamic duo of that Eagles 2017 championship team. With a strong relationship and familiarity with the Eagles system, Foles should have an easy time picking up the playbook and building strong relationships with the coaching staff. Foles would offer a stronger backup option than Brett Hundley, especially with their offensive line and young stars (Jonathan Taylor/Michael Pittman Jr.).
Other teams: New Orleans Saints, Dallas Cowboys, Tennessee Titans
Odds: Probably Not, other teams will force release
Marlon Mack
Marlon Mack wants out of Indianapolis. In 2020, Mack suffered from an season ending achilles injury and it led to rookie running back Jonathan Taylor out of Wisconsin taking his spot. The 25 year old did have interest from other teams, but as their running backs started to get back to full health (49ers), teams started to back out. The Colts also haven’t received an offer that has “piqued their interest” according to Ian Rapoport. If Mack isn’t traded by the November 2nd deadline, he is expected to have the same role as he does now.
Best fit: Kansas City Chiefs; anyone who goes to K.C. just seems right.
Other teams: Carolina Panthers, Los Angeles Chargers
Odds: Probably not
Marcus Maye
Marcus Maye is currently on a one-year franchise tag for the New York Jets, and both sides failed to reach an long-term agreement last off-season. In 2020, Maye had a career year of 88 total tackles, two sacks, and two interceptions. Regardless, we all know the Jets are currently rebuilding. Maye is 28 years old who is looking to become one of the highest paid safeties in the game, Joe Douglas doesn’t want that. There is no need for him to be apart of their rebuild. A contender who is desperate for a DB will pay a solid price for one, such as a day two draft pick or maybe even a first-rounder.
Best fit: Dallas Cowboys; Marcus Maye to the Cowboys just feels right for some reason. The Cowboys would be the type of team to give up a first-rounder for Marcus Maye, like how they did for the mediocre Raiders WR Amari Cooper at the time. The Cowboys safety room currently contains Damontae Kazee, Donovan WIlson, Malik Hooker, and Jayron Kearse. Don’t get me wrong, they’re solid options but not great. They Cowboys still give up a good amount of big plays and having Marcus Maye alongside Trevon Diggs would be a massive upgrade to the Cowboys defense. Marcus Maye was ranked as the 7th best safety in the NFL by PFF.
Other teams: Los Angeles Rams, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Baltimore Ravens, Carolina Panthers, Indianapolis Colts, Kansas City Chiefs, Las Vegas Raiders, Chicago Bears
Odds: Very Likely
Michael Thomas
Michael Thomas is currently coming back from an ankle injury back in 2020. A late decision to get surgery has caused him to not play the first couple of weeks in 2021. It is hard to see Michael Thomas anywhere but New Orleans simply because of his massive 5 year, $96.25M extension ($19.25M per season) that he signed with the Saints in July of 2019. Trading Thomas by the November 2nd deadline would create $22.7M in dead money for New Orleans in 2022, giving other teams an absolute bargain if they acquired him. The Saints are also currently 4-2 with a below-average receiving core, Michael Thomas is going to step into this offense and make an immediate impact.
Best fit: Green Bay Packers; any wide receiver in Green Bay would be a good fit, but Michael Thomas when healthy is a top 10 receiver in this league. Michael Thomas alongside Davante Adams would just be absurd and not fair. The Packers would no doubt have the best offense in the league and the MVP in Aaron Rodgers.
Other teams: Kansas City Chiefs, New England Patriots, Buffalo Bills, Baltimore Ravens
Odds: No Chance
4. Odell Beckham Jr.
Odell and the Browns have been like oil and water, they just cannot mix. Odell this season has 16 catches for 226 yards in five games, three of those games he only had two catches. He had similar numbers in 2020, but his season was cut short with a torn ACL. WRs Donovan Peoples-Jones, Rashard Higgins, and rookie Mitchell Schwartz all look pretty impressive, and can help in possession situations. The Browns this off-season can easily move Odell without any dead cap space, moving him would create $15M in savings. The Browns are a run first team and Odell simply just does not fit Baker Mayfield’s playstyle.
Best fit: Green Bay Packers; Aaron Rodgers could 100% help revive Odell’s career, and the Packers could still use more weapons.
Other teams: Kansas City Chiefs, Philadelphia Eagles, New Orleans Saints, Miami Dolphins
Odds: Very slim this year, next off-season yes.
3. Brandin Cooks
Very similar to the Marcus Maye situation except for his contract. This is a rebuilding Texans team. A 28 year old wide receiver who can still produce has no reason to be on your team, your not competing. Cooks would bring in a good amount of interest from teams, and assets if a deal gets done.
Best fit: Kansas City Chiefs; Brandin Cooks ran a 4.33 40 at his NFL combine and the Chiefs offense is programmed around speed. Cooks would be a perfect fit for this offense because of his elite speed, his ability to stretch the field, and the Chiefs do not have a reliable/true number two receiver on their roster.
Other teams: Green Bay Packers, Baltimore Ravens, New Orleans Saints, Cleveland Browns, New England Patriots
Odds: Likely
Allen Robinson
Allen Robinson is currently under a franchise-tag. The quarterback play in Chicago by far has to be the worst of his career, and he’s had very bad ones. Robinson as of right now has 23 catches for 250 yards and a touchdown. Many don’t know that Robinson’s final two teams were the Bears and Packers when he last was a free-agent, and he chose the Bears over playing with Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams. Robinson has only played on two teams that had a winning percentage over .500, which he doesn’t deserve I’d expect him to walk into free agency in the off-season and pick his own team, probably with a somewhat “paycut” deal due to his production with Dalton and Fields.
Best fit: Green Bay Packers; just like the other fits above for the Packers, Allen Robinson would take significant pressure off of Davante Adams and would have a career year with Aaron Rodgers. You’d have to call this offense “80-20” because Adams and Robinson are jump ball masters.
Other fits: Kansas City Chiefs, Baltimore Ravens, Las Vegas Raiders, Miami Dolphins
Odds: 0.1%
Deshaun Watson
The Dolphins are the only team left in the Watson sweepstakes as of now, and won’t shut down the rumors of acquiring him. Watson to Miami is the only thing that could possibly happen right now unless someone else steps in. Tua will most likely have a “last audition” on Sunday vs the Bills, but Watson being dealt by November 2nd still seems likely.
Best fit: Carolina Panthers; playing for your hometown, pretty good defense, CMC, DJ Moore, Robby Anderson, what else could you ask for?
Other teams: Miami Dolphins, Denver Broncos, Philadelphia Eagles, New York Giants, New Orleans Saints, Cleveland Browns.
Odds: Likely
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