2023 NFL Trade Deadline: 5 Players Who Should Be Moved
We are on the doorstep of one of the most chaotic times of the year: The NFL Trade Deadline. This is really the breaking point for teams, as they decide whether they have a real chance of making the playoffs or not. Teams that do will look to become buyers, and those who understand they have an outside chance of making it, or not at all, will look to become sellers and shift gears towards the NFL Draft. We are going to take a look at five players who should be moved at the deadline, in no particular order.
Kirk Cousins (QB, Minnesota Vikings)
Yes, I am aware of the reports that Kirk Cousins would likely not waive his no-trade clause to facilitate a trade. That is a mistake for both parties. Justin Jefferson should consider shutting it down this year based on how it’s going, the defense is a mess and this Vikings team isn’t competing this year. If he loved them, he would let them go. Cousins could get a fresh start with a team that has the pieces in place to make a playoff run, and Minnesota can get back draft capital to help rebuild their roster. Don’t be selfish, Kirk. It’s time to move on.
Potential Trade Partners: Atlanta Falcons, New York Jets, Washington Commanders
Mike Evans (WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
Bagdonas already touched on this in his article on potential trade destinations, but it bears repeating. With Evans basically telling you he isn’t coming back next season, you might as well get whatever you can for him at the NFL Trade Deadline. Evans is the kind of player who can transform an offense and immediately becomes a WR1. He’s been stuck with Baker Mayfield this year and he deserves better. Get Evans with a real QB and watch his season blossom.
Potential Trade Partners: Kansas City Chiefs, Detroit Lions, Los Angeles Chargers
Derrick Henry (RB, Tennessee Titans)
Trey tried to tell you about Tyjae Spears. I will link his scouting profile below, but he also mentioned him in his Senior Bowl and Combine notes. The kid is going to be good. Spears is almost out snapping Derrick Henry on a weekly basis at this point, I would give the kid the keys and ship Henry while he still has some value left. He has shown this year there’s a little left in the tank but you need to strike while the iron is hot. If you keep Henry, you are almost guaranteed to get next to nothing for him during the off-season. the 2023 NFL Trade Deadline is the time to do it.
Potential Trade Partners: Buffalo Bills, Pittsburgh Steelers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Brian Burns (EDGE, Carolina Panthers)
The Carolina Panthers absolutely stink this year. Maybe Carolina made a mistake with the hiring of Frank Reich and should move on, maybe they chose the wrong QB at one in the draft. Whatever the case may be, this is another lost season for the Panthers. What do you do with a team that stinks but also doesn’t have hardly any picks? Fire sale and the player on the top of this list should be Brian Burns. Burns is a very good pass rusher who could really use a change in scenery. He should be at or near the top of any contenders list of players to go after at the 2023 NFL Trade Deadline.
Potential Trade Partners: Jacksonville Jaguars, Kansas City Chiefs, Miami Dolphins
Chase Young (EDGE, Washington Commanders)
Chase Young makes the list, but just barely. I say that as I think Washington could be sneaky buyers at the deadline as a wild card spot should not be out of the question. However, I think Young makes a very intriguing trade chip for the Commanders to either get some picks back or help on their offensive line. Young, when healthy, has shown flashes of being a game wrecker whom teams should have some confidence in trading for. The former Defensive Rookie of the Year is still very young, pun intended, and could benefit from going somewhere with an established sack artist to learn under.
Potential Trade Partners: Pittsburgh Steelers, Las Vegas Raiders, Dallas Cowboys
Honorable Mention:
- Jerry Jeudy and Courtland Sutton (WR, Denver Broncos)
- Devin White (MLB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
- Danielle Hunter (DE, Minnesota Vikings)
- Budda Baker (S, Arizona Cardinals)
- Jaylon Johnson (CB, Chicago Bears)
