Which Players Could Get Traded before the 2022 NFL Trade Deadline?
The NFL season is quickly moving along with Week 5 in the books. Only three weeks from the NFL trade deadline, multiple teams are looking for help to help fulfill their needs for a late season push. Last season, multiple trades went down before the deadline, with Melvin Ingram, Zach Ertz, and Stephon Gilmore being some of the big names that got moved. The Rams made a league-shifting move by acquiring Von Miller from the Broncos, which was a crucial move in their Super Bowl run. So which players could be traded during this year’s deadline?
Christian McCaffrey
Christian McCaffrey is the biggest name thrown around in trade discussions presently. With the Panthers finally firing Matt Rhule, the all-purpose running back could become available. Almost any team would love to secure the talents of one of the best running backs in the entire league, even with McCaffrey’s medical history. Carolina will have many suitors lining up for the 26-year-old if the Panthers start a fire sale. With two years left on his contract and a cap hit of $19 million per season, McCaffrey wouldn’t be just a one-year rental for a team. If Carolina decides to tear apart their roster at the deadline, then McCaffrey must be included.
Potential Suitors — Rams, Bills, 49ers, Chiefs
Robbie Anderson
Another Carolina player who could get traded during the deadline; Robbie Anderson could be a nice addition for multiple teams. There is talk of D.J. Moore being the wide receiver that could get traded, but I could see Anderson getting traded as well. Anderson has been a major disappointment since signing a big contract with Carolina. You could say the Panthers’ quarterback play since Anderson arrived in Carolina has caused his production to go down. However, he has still been a major disappointment. The Panthers should be willing to eat some salary if they move Anderson. The speedy wide receiver could be a nice weapon for a playoff team if he gets moved.
Potential Suitors — Titans, Ravens, Bears, Packers,
Robert Quinn
The 32-year-old defensive end was a name thrown around in trade talks during the summer. However, the Chicago Bears decided to keep him after his 18.5 sack season last year. Even though they didn’t trade Robert Quinn then, it doesn’t mean they won’t trade him this time around. The Bears need to look at the long-term building of their roster, and Quinn is not a part of it. Quinn is under contract for the next two years, which will tempt teams to trade for him, knowing he won’t be a one-year rental. Any NFL team can never have too many pass rushers, especially come the playoffs. So far this season, Quinn has been quiet, only recording one sack. Maybe a change of scenery could change his season around.
Potential Suitors — Broncos, Chargers, Browns, Cardinals
Kareem Hunt
Kareem Hunt could be the starting running back for over half of the teams in the NFL. He showed that in Kansas City in his first two years in the league and has shown that in Cleveland when Nick Chubb was out. If Cleveland keeps losing games, Hunt, a pending free agent in the offseason, could be on the market. The Browns also have D’Ernest Johnson who could fill in the role if Cleveland moves on from Hunt. Hunt could be a cheaper option for a running back needy team, especially if the cost for McCaffrey becomes too high.
Potential Suitors — Rams, Broncos, Eagles, Bills
Daron Payne
Daron Payne is in his contract year and has been off to a hot start to begin the season. So far in 2022, Payne has totaled 2.5 sacks for Washington. The Commanders have a deep defensive line group, and the money Payne could command in the offseason might make him expendable. The Commanders are going to need a miracle to make the playoffs this year. As mentioned with Quinn, teams are always looking for help with the pass rush. Payne could be a great addition to a playoff team as a potential one-year rental before he cashes in
Potential Suitors — Browns, Ravens, Chiefs, Cardinals
With the NFL trade deadline quickly approaching, the trade market is about to heat up. Multiple big players could be available over the next three weeks. It’ll certainly be interesting to see if this year’s trade deadline is as exciting as last year’s.
