Oct 30, 2024, 06:50 AM ET
As Week 9 of the 2024 NFL season approaches, league insiders Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano gear up to dissect the most pressing questions, unveil the latest news, and share intriguing developments leading into the weekend’s slate of games. Additionally, they will provide insights on which players merit inclusion or exclusion from your fantasy football lineups.
This week, major focus will be on the approaching trade deadline, set for November 5 at 4 p.m. ET. Key discussions will revolve around which players are most likely to be traded and uncover hidden talents attracting interest from other teams. Insight into which franchises are poised to make significant moves prior to the deadline will be offered, alongside analyses of trades that are simply too logical to ignore. Graziano and Fowler will elucidate on important considerations while sharing everything they have gathered heading into Week 9.
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Most likely trade candidates
Under-the-radar trade candidates
Trade proposals | Intriguing deadline teams
Fantasy tips | Latest buzz and notes
Who is the player most likely to be traded over the next week — and where could he go?
Graziano: As of Tuesday morning, wide receiver Diontae Johnson emerged as a strong candidate for trade; however, he was swiftly traded to the Ravens Tuesday afternoon. Now that Johnson is off the market, I’m turning my attention to Browns edge rusher Za’Darius Smith. While the Browns have no intention of dealing Myles Garrett, they are receiving inquiries about Smith. With a mere $1.21 million salary this year and approximately $11 million in non-guaranteed compensation due in 2025, he represents an appealing short-term rental for teams in need of an edge rusher.
At 32 years old, Smith likely does not fit into Cleveland’s long-term vision, so if they can secure enticing draft-pick compensation, it becomes a sensible move, especially given that the Browns are contemplating a rebuild for next season, potentially around a new quarterback.
Fowler: That’s a solid choice, Dan. Although Cleveland remains hesitant to disband key players, they may be willing to act if favorable opportunities present themselves. From my discussions, a decent Day 3 pick for Smith might be all it takes. However, I want to mention Jets receiver Mike Williams, who appears to be a valuable trade asset. It’s clear the Jets and Williams are both open to a trade, and rumors of external interest are circulating. Yet, it seems the Jets prefer to evaluate the market after Thursday night’s match with the Texans.
Should the Jets triumph, they could hold onto their slim playoff hopes and choose to retain Williams as an essential vertical threat alongside Garrett Wilson and Davante Adams. On the contrary, a loss would generate even greater motivation to trade him. With a restructured contract worth $1.255 million, including $100,000 per-game roster bonuses, his salary remains manageable for potential suitors.
Graziano: Just last week, buzz surrounding Cooper Kupp echoed across Los Angeles. Nevertheless, following a couple of consecutive wins, the Rams find themselves in contention within the crowded NFC West, suggesting Kupp will likely remain in Los Angeles, especially given their high price expectations. However, Coach Sean McVay disclosed that cornerback Tre’Davious White has been granted permission to explore trade options, which raises the possibility of the experienced cornerback seeing movement before the deadline.
Fowler: With numerous teams seeking experienced cornerback assistance, White possesses the pedigree to attract interest, despite concerns regarding his injury history potentially diminishing his lower-body explosion. Nonetheless, his savvy technique could significantly benefit a needy squad. While it appears Kupp is no longer on the market, one explosive trade can always reshape the landscape, reminiscent of Christian McCaffrey’s move to San Francisco two years ago.
Who are a few under-the-radar players producing trade buzz?
Fowler: One name to watch is Houston guard Kenyon Green, a former first-round pick, who has emerged as a trade candidate even prior to being benched in Week 8. While the Texans may ultimately decide to retain him for his potential, GM Nick Caserio’s aggressive nature leaves the door ajar for a potential swap, particularly if they can orchestrate a trade involving another guard. Chicago’s Nate Davis is another available guard; the Bears are prepared to shoulder some of his $8 million salary to facilitate a deal.
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A veteran safety, Mike Edwards from Buffalo, is also available and seeking a team that offers him more playing time, considering he has been reduced to steady inactivity. Similarly, Washington’s Darrick Forrest, once a starter, finds himself out of the rotation and might benefit from a fresh start elsewhere. The Vikings’ Brian Asamoah II, a former third-round pick, is another infrequent contributor in Brian Flores’ defense.
Moreover, the Giants could potentially sever ties with Evan Neal, a prior top-10 pick who currently finds himself sidelined despite Andrew Thomas’ foot injury. Several trade candidates exist within the Giants’ roster, should they opt to entertain incoming offers. Cornerback Adoree’ Jackson remains sidelined, and receiver Darius Slayton showcased his skills on Monday night, racking up an impressive 108 receiving yards.
Graziano: Adding to that list is 24-year-old edge rusher Azeez Ojulari, boasting six sacks this season and 22 throughout his career. The 2021 second-round pick is navigating the final year of his rookie contract. Though the Giants appreciate Ojulari’s talent and could envision him as part of their future, heavy financial commitments to edge rushers Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux may limit their capacity to maintain additional salary in that position. Should negotiations for an extension falter, the Giants could fetch a decent return in a hypothetical trade.
Also, the Panthers’ situation with running backs Chuba Hubbard and Miles Sanders is worth monitoring. With the recent addition of Jonathon Brooks, who is nearing a return from a knee injury sustained in college, the team may require the veteran running backs to clear roster space. It’s plausible that either Sanders or Hubbard could be dealt as a result.
Fowler: My understanding is that the Panthers wish to retain Hubbard but are more flexible regarding Sanders, who has logged 163 carries since signing a lucrative four-year, $25.4 million contract in free agency earlier this year. Given that part of his remaining $4.02 million salary is guaranteed, Carolina might need to invest additional funds to finalize a trade. The running back trade market has yet to gain momentum, unlike the receiver market. Thus, Sanders and Khalil Herbert from Chicago are top candidates for trade.
Turning our attention to the San Francisco 49ers, they have minimally explored options for bolstering their defensive line. Numerous sources suggest they could pursue moves, potentially targeting former 49ers DeForest Buckner (Indianapolis) or D.J. Jones (Denver) as options.
Graziano: While that would be an effective strategy, I don’t sense that either team is particularly eager to part with those players. If the Niners do target defensive assistance, New England’s Davon Godchaux seems more likely given the Patriots’ willingness to part with recently extended players. Godchaux’s contract features a guaranteed salary of $4 million next year. Nevertheless, the 49ers are in win-now mode and likely to seek defensive help, especially since they have not performed up to their standards this season.
The 49ers face a multitude of upcoming decisions regarding significant contracts. After coming so close to winning the Super Bowl in February, they feel a moral obligation to their current roster to maximize their chances.
Propose one deadline deal that would make sense for both sides.
Graziano: I propose a deal sending Panthers quarterback Bryce Young to the Giants for a fourth-round pick. Currently, Carolina is unlikely to receive a better offer for Young, which might tempt them to keep him around. However, if the Panthers decide to move on, New York could provide a fitting location for him to flourish. Young’s connection to Giants coach Brian Daboll through Alabama could facilitate his development in New York.
The Giants face uncertainty regarding their quarterback future in 2025 and beyond, making a low-risk investment in a former No. 1 pick a prudent option.
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Fowler: I foresee a potential deal involving Browns cornerback Greg Newsome II heading to the Buccaneers in exchange for a fifth-round pick. Given Tampa Bay’s beleaguered secondary, they find themselves in dire need of reinforcements in the backfield. Historically, the Buccaneers refrain from making significant deadline acquisitions, but their current offensive firepower places them right in the mix within the NFC South, especially with receiver Mike Evans returning soon. According to league reports, the Browns appear open to trading several players, and Newsome, who boasts first-round talent and significant experience, would garner considerable interest.
However, a potential obstacle remains: Cleveland exercised Newsome’s fifth-year option for 2025, which guarantees his $13.37 million salary due to injury.
What is the most interesting team heading into the deadline?
Fowler: The Broncos emerge as a fascinating team to monitor as they sit at 5-3, presenting the intriguing option to either bolster their roster or make strategic cuts. Their talented lineup might provoke trade offers, but they are not entirely ready to stand still. Considerable depth on their roster includes potential trade candidates such as pass rusher Baron Browning, corner Damarri Mathis, and quarterback Zach Wilson. Tight end Greg Dulcich has been a healthy scratch throughout October, making him a likely target for teams in search of a vertical threat. Additionally, the Broncos have consistently received trade inquiries about Courtland Sutton, yet they’ve remained firm in their refusal to entertain those offers. Nonetheless, the aggressive receiver market this fall makes this an unpredictable time.
The Broncos’ offense still appears to be lacking an essential component, which may prompt them to explore the market for a pass-catching running back. Coach Sean Payton has a known affinity for versatile backs, drawing memories of his past success with notable players.
Graziano: I too find an AFC West team captivating: the Chargers, currently sitting at 4-3 under Jim Harbaugh’s inaugural season. They may be motivated to acquire one or two players as they aim for a playoff push, maximizing their defensive strengths while relying on their elite quarterback. Is a reunion with Mike Williams a possibility?
Schefter to McAfee: In another noteworthy development, wide receiver Stefon Diggs of the Texans has sustained a season-ending torn ACL.
Fowler: The Texans, who have taken a somewhat aggressive stance in the offseason, are in an interesting position given their recent struggles. Following Diggs’ injury, there’s speculation they could begin exploring receiver options after their Thursday night game against the Jets. With their top receiver, Nico Collins, expected to return from IR in Week 10, and with Tank Dell also making strides, their current depth is being tested. The Texans are keen on enhancing their receiving corps, particularly utilizing a presence like Diggs in the middle field, which is beyond Collins’ and Dell’s usual operating zones.
Sitting at 6-2, the Texans are likely keen on leveraging C.J. Stroud’s rookie contract, placing pressure on them to be active as the deadline approaches. Names like Slayton, Kendrick Bourne, and K.J. Osborn might emerge as targets, and they could very well pursue Jakobi Meyers if the Raiders decide to make him available.
Fowler: The Eagles remain a constant threat as well, despite the absence of any apparent weaknesses. With left tackle Jordan Mailata set to return soon and positive developments among young defensive players like Nolan Smith Jr., Quinyon Mitchell, and Cooper DeJean, would GM Howie Roseman consider targeting a star player, perhaps even Cardinals safety Budda Baker?
What’s your top fantasy football tip of the week?
Fowler: Give Patrick Mahomes another shot as a starter. Though it may seem odd to regard the best quarterback as a potential bench option, Mahomes possesses the capability for a triumphant return through impactful performances. With the Buccaneers’ defense allowing quarterbacks to score an average of 25.5 points, he is primed for a three-touchdown showing.
Graziano: I also endorse a player from the same matchup; Buccaneers tight end Cade Otton should be considered for your lineup. The Chiefs hold the title for allowing the highest fantasy points per game to tight ends. Following the season-ending injury to Chris Godwin, Otton is expected to absorb his role and enhance his team’s offensive performance. Given the Chiefs’ struggles against the run, I believe Baker Mayfield will rely heavily on Otton’s contributions.
What else are you hearing this week?
Graziano’s notes:
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Conversations with officials within the Colts organization reveal they remain committed to quarterback Anthony Richardson despite his recent benching. The Colts are viewing Joe Flacco as their best option at the moment, plotting their way through a 4-4 season, while a more pressing issue lies with Richardson. Their belief remains that he requires playtime to grow, although stepping back from the spotlight seems prudent given his current performance anxiety. Despite their struggles, I anticipate Richardson’s role will not be definitively over in 2024 as he is still highly regarded within the organization.
Fowler’s notes:
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Reflecting on Richardson’s benching in Week 9 highlights the evolving narrative surrounding the class of 2023 quarterbacks. I concur with Dan; Richardson’s journey isn’t done. He’s brimming with potential and still requires more playing time. Observations from last season’s shoulder injury highlight the impact that time away can have—Robert must focus on consistent development. Interestingly, receivers appear more comfortable executing the simpler offense run by veteran Flacco, at least for now.
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In Tennessee, quarterback Will Levis is working towards a potential start in Week 9 against New England, contingent on his recovery from a shoulder injury. The Titans decided he required some time off to adequately prepare for the latter part of the season. With a current record of 1-6, Tennessee is in a position to weather Levis’ inconsistent performance. However, if improvements are not made, he could ultimately face a fate similar to Richardson’s.
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The Super Bowl champion Chiefs have actively participated in the trade market. Recently, they made back-to-back trades for wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins and pass rusher Joshua Uche. However, the cornerback position still needs addressing, particularly in light of Jaylen Watson’s season-ending injury. The Chiefs are keeping a close eye on potential trade options but remain in no rush to make deals. With their draft picks in 2025 still intact following a recent acquisition, expect them to explore the market judiciously for familiar faces who fit their team culture.
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The Jaguars traded left tackle Cam Robinson to Minnesota, signaling a willingness to make strategic changes despite their 2-6 record. This trade additionally indicates their openness to part with offensive and defensive line depth; the urgency for the Vikings was exacerbated by left tackle Christian Darrisaw’s injury. Jacksonville’s willingness to move on does not indicate a need for a full rebuild, as the franchise views some core players favorably despite seen inconsistency.
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Notably, rookie Arizona receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. notched his second 100-yard game in Week 8 after experiencing underwhelming performance for several weeks prior. The Cardinals maintained their faith in Harrison, confident that his connection with quarterback Kyler Murray would eventually return to form. Despite recent hurdles, the team recognizes Harrison’s potential and resistance to external pressure.
