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Jeremy Fowlersenior NFL national reporter2 minutes of reading
The NFL trade deadline is 11 days away, so it’s too early — but never too early — to talk about buzz around potential trades.
HR managers across the league are making scouting calls to people they trust, looking for information or candid conversations. Not everyone reveals true intentions. Some ask general questions like, “Who do you like on my list?” Others just don’t get any real business inquiries.
Teams are still very much in the process of gathering information, and as of midweek, the trading streets have been relatively quiet aside from some early action at wide receiver. Chase Claypool moves from the Bears to the Dolphins, Van Jefferson from the Rams to the Falcons, and the Jets move rarely used Mecole Hardman Jr. to the Chiefs, these are all trades that have been completed in the last two weeks. The Chargers are moving on from cornerback JC Jackson, who returned to the Patriots, in another trade that has garnered some attention.
The deadline is expected to be busy as these trades are relatively easy to make, especially for back-end roster players. Teams have mastered the art of trading late-round picks and are also more willing than ever to cover a large chunk of salary for a player to leave. As one league executive pointed out, baseball’s business model is very much alive in the NFL, and teams are looking for value at every position — especially with term players who aren’t satisfied with playing time.
While bottom feeders may be more willing to trade, hope abounds for unloaders as well. Just look at Detroit, which was 1-6 last year when it traded TJ Hockenson to Minnesota on deadline day. The Lions won eight straight and pushed for the playoffs. Which moves in 2023 could similarly change the face of the league?
Here’s a first look at the trade deadline after working the phones this week.
