This is a highlight of some of the offensive players, non quarterback, that we think could be moved as well as potential fits. While brief insight is provided into the reasoning for these players being moved, a more in depth explanation into the player’s trade value and potential trade partners will be provided during the trade predictions podcast episode.
Christian McCaffrey, Running Back, Carolina Panthers
Based upon early reports it sounds as though the Carolina Panthers have no interest in trading away their star franchise running back. If I’m GM Scott Fitterer, I have to at least be listening to offers for CMC as he’s only appeared in 10 games over the last 2 seasons. If CMC is moved, look for it to be a contender with a running back committee. Does CMC have the skill to carry a backfield? Absolutely, is he going to stay healthy if he tries it again? Our guess is probably not.
Potential Fits: Buffalo Bills, Baltimore Ravens, Los Angeles Rams
Saquon Barkley, Running Back, New York Giants
The Giants have already come out and said they are looking to move on from their star running back. There are concerns about Barkley’s ability to stay healthy, but Zach and I have agreed that if we had to trade for a star running back it is probably Barkley over CMC because Barkley’s injuries have seemed like more freak injuries than overuse injuries like CMC. Barkley is another back we envision going to a team with more of a committee approach that way you don’t risk overuse and injuries.
Potential Fits: Unsure at the moment. No teams scream Barkley, but we’re sure there’s plenty of teams calling. Perhaps someone like the Chargers with an already established back that could use a running mate.
Calvin Ridley, Wide Receiver, Atlanta Falcons
Ridley during the regular season came out and told the league he was stepping away for mental health reasons. The biggest question around this would be were the mental health issues caused by being in Atlanta or is it personal issues? If it’s personal then maybe you worry about trading for him because he might step away again. If it has to do with Atlanta and just needs a fresh start then he’s going to be a very sought out commodity.
Potential Fits: Philadelphia Eagles, New England Patriots, Chicago Bears
Michael Thomas, Wide Receiver, New Orleans Saints
The Saints have serious cap problems this offseason, and for a guy who has only played 7 games in the last 2 seasons, with all 7 being in 2020, Thomas could be on the block. Thomas gets a lot of hate, being called “Slant Boy”, but is a great runner who’s physical off the line and has reliable hands. When healthy Thomas is a very dependable receiver and is another guy who’s injuries could be overuse related.
Potential Fits: Pittsburgh Steelers, Washington Commanders, Las Vegas Raiders
N’Keal Harry, Wide Receiver, New England Patriots; Jalen Reagor, Wide Receiver, Philadelphia Eagles; Marquise “Hollywood” Brown, Wide Receiver, Baltimore Ravens
These 3 receivers are grouped together for obvious negative reasons. N’Keal Harry, the Patriots 2019 1st rounder, has been a giant disappointment for New England. Harry hasn’t been the greatest receiver, but seemed to have put a lot of work into improving as a blocker. Jalen Reagor, the Eagles 2020 1st rounder, has been a giant disappointment for Philly especially given the fact that they chose him over Vikings superstar Justin Jefferson. Reagor’s issue is that he couldn’t catch COVID even if he tried. The Eagles tried to just get the ball in his hands and let him go as a returner and in the offense on screens and jets, but there just seems to be nothing there. Maybe in a different scheme he can carve a role as a gadget player, but it’s not in Philly. Hollywood, the Ravens 2019 1st rounder, is another guy who cannot catch anything. I understand what the Ravens were thinking when they drafted him but he has to go. At his size he’s a liability in this run first offense, and his drop issues seem to get worse as time goes on. Will any of these teams actually get anything for these guys? Probably not, but if I’m the GM and someone offers to order Chick-Fil-A catering for our war room on draft night, that will be a quick yes for me.
Potential Fits: Anywhere in the CFL… if they are lucky. If not, I heard Bama has been bringing in former players to be the scout team. In all seriousness any team that lacks depth at receiver and has a player’s coach looking to throw a dart at upside could take a chance on one of these players while only gambling a day three pick.One team that comes to mind could be the Detroit Lions.
Someone in the Patriots Tight End Room
I don’t know which TE would be traded, but they have 4 guys in their room: Hunter Henry, Jonnu Smith, Devin Asiasi, and Dalton Keene. Asiasi and Keene were both drafted in 2020, and Henry and Smith were both signed last offseason. Henry seems to be the safe one in the room, however this is Bill Belichick and it feels like someone in this room will be shipped away. If I had to guess it may be Jonnu to try to clear some cap space, but it could be any of them I feel.
Potential Fits: Any team that needs a TE. Indianapolis Colts, Las Vegas Raiders, Green Bay Packers