Nine Draft Day Trade Candidates
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It’s Draft week! In addition to the 257 selections that will be made from Thursday through Saturday, NFL fans and fantasy players can usually count on multiple trades, some involving veteran players around the league. It seems this year, there are more rumors than ever involving potential trade candidates. Let’s discuss a few of the players who are most likely to be moved!
Mark Andrews, TE BAL
It was a difficult start to the 2024 season for Andrews, and an even worse finish. It took Andrews until Week Five to crack double-digit fantasy points in a game. He did heat up after that, eventually finishing as the TE6 on the season. Andrews’ season ended as he failed to haul in a potential touchdown in the playoffs against the Bills. It’s very possible that he sealed his fate in Baltimore. While the Ravens’ brass has said all the right things when it comes to Andrews, they have also hinted that he could be sent packing. Just last week, general manager Eric DeCosta played it off, saying, “I never know what’s going to happen,” when asked about Andrews’ status for next year. Andrews is entering the final year of his contract and carries a $16+ million cap hit. This would obviously be huge news for Andrews, but dynasty managers might be more interested in Isaiah Likely, who could be ready for a full-time role, making him a sure-fire dynasty TE1.
Dallas Goedert, TE PHI
Another veteran tight end who looks all but gone is long-time Eagles starter Goedert. Eagles’ beat writers have been all over this one since the Super Bowl concluded, suggesting Goedert would be moved and that the Eagles are hoping for an early Day Three pick in return. Like Andrews, Goedert is entering the final year of his contract and has been plagued by injury woes over the past couple of seasons. Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni recently said, “Right now, he’s on our team.” Ouch! If the Eagles move on from Goedert before June 1st, either through cut or trade, it actually would cost them money against the salary cap. That could mean the Eagles hold their veteran through the Draft and into the summer.
Kirk Cousins, QB ATL
Most expected veteran signal caller Cousins to already be with a new team by this point. Instead, the Falcons played hardball for some reason and invested even more money into Cousins, whom they benched in his first year with the team. With no future in Atlanta and due $45 million in guaranteed money, it’s clear the Falcons would like to move on as soon as possible. ESPN’s Adam Schefter recently reported that Atlanta has had multiple talks, but their asking price remains high. With teams like the Steelers and Browns having glaring quarterback needs, perhaps Cousins looks like a better option by Day Three of the NFL Draft.
Brandon Aiyuk, WR SF
I can’t keep up with the on-again, off-again Aiyuk saga with the 49ers. Over the past two years, the sides have alternated when it comes to who is unhappy that Aiyuk is still on this roster. Considering the Niners have spent the entire off-season shedding contracts, including fellow wideout Deebo Samuel, it would be no surprise if they continued the cost-cutting measures on Draft weekend. The latest reports still suggest the team plans to keep Aiyuk, but a weak rookie class could convince teams to make the call, even though Aiyuk is unlikely to be ready to start the season. Like many of the players on this list, Aiyuk’s dynasty value has been steadily fading over the past year.
Tyreek Hill, WR MIA
Following the completion of the Dolphins’ season, veteran receiver Hill went on a rampage when speaking to the media, demanding a trade, saying he needed to “do what’s best for my career.” In the following weeks, Hill and his agent did some damage control, and the two sides seemed ready to move on together.
Tyreek Hill | Credit: USA Today
Just a few weeks ago, Hill seemed to rekindle those trade demands in a social media post and followed that up just days later with yet another domestic issue. Although no charges were filed, police were called due to an “assault in progress.” This act is getting so old, and if fans and fantasy players are tired of it, surely the Dolphins are as well. Hill has two years left on his deal, set to pay him nearly $30 million this season. That number could make finding a trade partner difficult for the Dolphins.
Travis Etienne, RB JAX
This one seems like a layup. Not only did former first-round pick Etienne lose his job to Tank Bigsby last season, but he’s also entering the final year of his rookie contract. Factor in the new coaching staff with absolutely no allegiance to the player, and we have all the makings of a Draft weekend trade. Etienne is likely only fetching a Day Three pick at this point. With a stacked rookie class, the Jags could easily find a replacement. Also, don’t be in a hurry to anoint Bigsby as the starter if Etienne is dealt. He was only slightly more effective last season and has some of the same issues as his (current) teammate. There’s also been some recent buzz that Jacksonville could select Ashton Jeanty with their fifth-overall pick.
George Pickens, WR PIT
Many fans and analysts pointed out the obvious back in March when the Steelers traded for DK Metcalf. The former Seahawk plays a very similar role and game to his new teammate, Pickens. Does Pittsburgh really need two of those guys?
George Pickens | Credit: Brett Davis
While Pickens hasn’t had the public blowup of some other former Steelers wideouts, he has caused some to question his character, and Mike Tomlin can only do so much with those types of players. Pickens is also entering the final year of his contract, and the team can’t feel confident about rewarding him with a new long-term payday.
Rachaad White, RB TB
Much like Etienne, White was outplayed by a teammate last season as rookie Bucky Irving took control of the Buccaneers’ backfield. White was still a solid option for Tampa, but is entering the final year of his contract and could be appealing to many other teams around the league, based on his success in 2023. Now that I think about it, this really mirrors the Etienne situation in Jacksonville, though White is probably cheaper to acquire.
Will Levis, QB TEN
There’s a lot of intrigue heading into Thursday night, but one thing we can be pretty certain of is that the Titans will be selecting Cam Ward at the top spot. That will put the finishing touches on what the Tennessee coaching staff started when they benched Levis in mid-season. Proving to be a turnover machine, Levis showed he’s not really starting material in the NFL. He could serve as a solid backup, but getting a fresh start away from Nashville wouldn’t be a bad thing. Multiple beat writers, as well as some national NFL reporters, have suggested the Titans are eager to move on from Levis, who has two years remaining on his contract. Perhaps new Jaguars coach Liam Coen, who worked with Levis at Kentucky, would take on the project?
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