By Marvin Moore October 10, 2023
The NFL trade deadline is just weeks away, and more than a few big-name players could be dealt to new teams in cost-cutting moves. While rebuilding Arizona and Las Vegas squads are obvious sellers, the fading Minnesota Vikings, Denver Broncos, and Tennessee Titans might also be motivated to sell a few assets.
A relocation for Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins seems logical for a 1-4 squad with faint playoff hopes. The 12-year veteran inked a one-year, $35 million fully guaranteed contract extension last year and has thrown 13 touchdowns with four interceptions in five outings this season. The Jets would be crazy not to offer a package for the four-time Pro Bowler.
Cousins has a no-trade clause, which means he must sign off on any deal. But it’s a no-brainer to replace Aaron Rodgers in the Big Apple as the Gang Green savior rather than stay put with a Minnesota team that appears destined to rack up double-digit losses. Vikings fans will not like throwing in the towel one year after posting 13 wins. However, the “competitive rebuild” is not working out too well.
Another veteran signal-caller, Tennessee’s Ryan Tannehill, could also be shipped to a new destination this month. The 35-year-old Texan signed a four-year extension three years ago worth $118 million but has tallied two scoring passes and five interceptions to start this season. The Titans are in the AFC South basement with a 2-3 card and are averaging a paltry 17.6 points each week.
Tannehill would be an upgrade over Zach Wilson and a nice consolation prize for the Jets if the Vikings asking price for Cousins is too costly. The NFL Comeback Player of the Year in 2019, the former first-round pick tossed 33 touchdowns and just seven interceptions four years ago.
The top prize at the trade deadline on Halloween could be Las Vegas wideout Davante Adams. The Raiders have a woeful offense that averages an ugly 15.8 points a game and have won just two of five games this season. Adams signed a massive five-year, $141.25M deal to reunite with his former Fresno State quarterback, Derek Carr. But things have gone differently than planned for the All-Pro playmaker.
Carr was released in February after refusing to waive his no-trade clause, and the Raiders have dropped 14 of 22 games since Adams arrived in Sin City. Besides acquiring a slew of high draft picks, Las Vegas could save millions by trading the six-time Pro Bowl receiver to jump-start a much-needed rebuild.
The Titans could also unload running back Derrick Henry, who turns 30 in January. Rookie Tyjae Spears has already dethroned King Henry with 5.8 yards per carry, two yards more than the two-time NFL rushing champion. Henry has a lot of wear and tear with nearly 2,000 regular season and playoff carries, but could still be dealt for a second-day draft pick.
Spears is the heir apparent to the featured back role in the Music City, and the third-rounder has out-snapped Henry 91-80 in the Titans three losses. Tennessee is not a playoff contender, and would be wise to auction Henry to a playoff contender seeking a short-yardage back. It’s never easy to part ways with a
player who has carried the franchise for many years, but it’s time for the Titans to turn the page on the once-mighty Henry.
A pair of defensive standouts, Danielle Hunter and Budda Baker, might also be available for the right price. Hunter is shining under new coordinator Brain Flores and is on pace to shatter his career high of 14.5 sacks. The eight-year veteran is slated to hit free agency next season, and the Vikings could quickly flip the three-time Pro Bowl pass rusher for additional draft capital.
Baker is a versatile playmaker who will not turn 28 until next year. The do-it-all safety is a five-time Pro Bowler who has also been named first-team All-Pro on two occasions. The Cardinals are in the midst of another rebuild and already possess the building blocks to replace Baker. All signs point to Arizona shedding payroll and dealing their best defensive player instead of letting him leave via free agency next offseason.
It’s rare for so many proven stars to be available at the trade deadline. But for rebuilding and underperforming teams, selling their most valuable assets makes sense financially and for long-term success. Unfortunately, it’s the new normal.
