This is a highlight of some of the defensive players 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.
Xavien Howard, Cornerback, Miami Dolphins
Howard came out last offseason asking to be traded; however, unlike many players who do that Howard acted like a professional and came to work everyday playing the whole season for the Dolphins. I’ve heard that players loved playing for former Dolphins coach Brian Flores, and I believe that the firing of Flores will have Howard circling back to his trade request. A top CB in this league still, the Dolphins could get a nice package Howard.
Potential Fits: Contender with a weak secondary. Dallas Cowboys, San Francisco 49ERs, Las Vegas Raiders
Someone in the Washington Commanders Defensive Line Room
The Commanders have arguably the most stacked defensive line in the league with names including: Chase Young, Montez Sweat, Jon Allen, Daron Payne, and Matt Ioannidis. You can not get all of these guys the play time they deserve or even pay all of these guys when the time comes. We could very easily see where one of these guys gets moved. Young is untouchable, end of story. There are some who believe Allen is also untouchable; however, I believe that for the right price they could move him. Of the 5 in this room, I think the most likely candidates however are Sweat, Payne, and Ioannidis.
Potential Fits: Anyone needing defensive line help. Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers, Arizona Cardinals
Myles Jack/Josh Allen, LB, Jaguars
The Jaguars have had a massive overhaul since its 2017 AFC Championship run, especially on the defensive side with star LB Myles Jack being the only man left in Jacksonville. With all the change over and unclear future we believe that Jack could be a player that asks to be moved this offseason. Another Jags LB we believe may be on the move is Josh Allen. Although only drafted in 2019, Allen has taken huge strides in his play and his leadership, becoming in my eyes the second in command behind Jack. Allen has so much potential it would be unfortunate to watch his potential go to waste in Jacksonville. Similar to the trade of CJ Henderson, it could be another example of a Jags player drafted highly who does not even finish out his rookie deal with the team, and not because of a lack of skill.
Potential Fits:
Myles Jack: Philadelphia Eagles, New England Patriots, New York Giants
Josh Allen: Cleveland Browns, Las Vegas Raiders, Denver Broncos
Bears Defender
The Bears new head coach is former Colts DC, Matt Eberflus. Eberflus has a lot to consider with the future of the team especially on the defensive side of the ball. I think it’s pretty safe to say that the defense in Chicago is a step up from the players Eberflus had in Indy, but who will he keep? Is Eddie Jackson movable for the right price? Coming off an 18.5 sack season, Robert Quinn is still 31 and counting; do you move him while his market is high? Khalil Mack has had his name in the trade pool for a couple years now, do you try to move him before it’s too late? What about Roquan Smith? I personally don’t think the Bears will move Smith, but for a young stud linebacker his name has been thrown around in trade talk an awful lot and may produce the biggest return of any of the four players mentioned.
Saints Defender
As I stated when talking about Michael Thomas in my last trade article, the Saints are in a very bad place financially. Saints DC Dennis Allen took over as the successor for NFL great Sean Payton, so for me it’s hard to imagine Allen trading any of his guys especially considering the defense was the only thing keep them from drowning this season, but for the right price I feel like they need to listen to offers for anyone on the team. They need to dig themselves out of their huge cap hole they dug themselves into. I’ve heard Marshon Lattimore’s name thrown into the trade pool an awful lot, but I feel like there’s a steep price there. I would say that DeMario Davis is probably the most likely to be traded, and I’d even argue that Cam Jordan’s name could be thrown around. Jordan, now 32, is coming off a strong year, Saints could capitalize while he’s still producing at a high level.
Vikings Defender
The Vikings Defense is slowly aging and has a decent amount of free agents this offseason. New HC Kevin O’Connell has a lot to make decisions on with this team and I think one of them is, do you try to get as much out of these players as you can or do you start the rebuild and youth movement? Eric Kendricks, Harrison Smith, and Danielle Hunter are the top 3 names I think we could see moved from this defense.