The NFL trade deadline for the 2022 season is set for next Tuesday, Nov. 1 at 4 p.m. ET. Although there’s already been some blockbuster deals made — Christian McCaffrey to the 49ers, Robert Quinn to the Eagles and James Robinson to the Jets — expect a few more moves to happen, either to help contending teams or increase draft capital for other teams.
The biggest players to still watch are those with faded roles or pending free agency in 2023. The biggest teams to watch are those need a boost or a rebuilding spark.
Here’s a look at the 12 players still most likely be dealt and top landing spots to consider in each case:
LIVE: Trade Tracker | Grading every trade at the 2022 NFL deadline
12 NFL players most likely to be traded before 2022 deadline
Kareem Hunt, RB, Browns
The Browns have little use for Hunt behind Nick Chubb as his complementary role has diminished. He’s not re-signed for 2023 and D’Ernest Johnson already has proved he’s a strong No. 2. The one-time Chiefs NFL rushing leader still has versatile value in a committee because of his receiving and red zone skills.
Best team fits: Eagles, Seahawks
Cam Akers, RB, Rams
Akers has had trouble staying healthy and maximizing his immense talent. He didn’t have reliable offensive line support following Dalvin Cook at Florida State and the Rams’ issues up front haven’t help him get on track. Los Angeles loves rookie Kyren Williams and it’s clear coach Sean McVay doesn’t want to play Akers anymore.
Best team fits: Eagles, Bills
Chase Claypool, WR, Steelers
Claypool is a polarizing receiver because although he looks the part with his size and speed, he can be disappointing with his hands and routes. He can be a flashy big playmaker at times but he doesn’t have the consistency needed for Kenny Pickett going forward with rookie George Pickens now in the mix with Diontae Johnson. He could thrive as a deep threat or big slot in a different scheme. Offensive coordinator Matt Canada likes him, but there’s no way the team, with the investment in Johnson, is re-signing Claypool beyond 2023 when he becomes a free agent in 2024.
Best team fits: Packers, Giants
Jerry Jeudy, WR, Broncos
Jeudy and Russell Wilson don’t seem to have good chemistry at all, with Courtland Sutton being the preferred No. 1 target for the latter. Jeudy’s battled injuries and an inconsistent role given Denver’s QB carousel. Sutton and now injured Tim Patrick got the offseason extensions. Here’s a good chance to move Jeudy to get some decent return to build up the draft picks again.
Best team fits: Packers, Bears
Bradley Chubb, EDGE, Broncos
Chubb was facing a make-or-break season of healthy production. He’s been outstanding with 6 sacks and has even great impact with Randy Gregory out for a while with a knee injury. But the team also has seen Baron Browning rise, which makes Chubb expendable and a way to recoup draft capital lost in the Wilson disaster ahead of his 2023 free agency.
Best team fits: Ravens, Rams
Brandin Cooks, WR, Texans
Cooks is no stranger to trades. He has been moved from Drew Brees’ Saints to Tom Brady’s Patriots to Jared Goff’s Rams to… Davis Mills’ Texans. He still is productive when targeted at Age 29 and has proved he fits in any kind of offensive scheme, still as an underrated first-rounder. He’s due to probably have an impact role for another future Hall of Fame QB, Aaron Rodgers or Patrick Mahomes.
Best team fits: Packers, Chiefs
Mike Gesicki, TE, Dolphins
Gesicki has flashed in some games after playing on the franchise tag in 2022. But he’s not a great fit in Mike McDaniel’s offense which is mostly about speedy and quick wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle.
Best team fits: Packers, Buccaneers
William Jackson, CB, Commanders
Jackson is unhappy in Washington after signing the big free-agent contract coming over from Cincinnati. His play has had a major dropoff in their scheme but his experience can be more effective on another defense.
Best team fit: Vikings
Marquez Callaway, WR, Saints
Callaway has become buried on their depth chart without Jameis Winston starting, despite the team’s rash of recent wide receiver injuries. He still is an intriguing lower-end target with a combination of red zone and field-stretching skills.
Best team fit: Packers
Kendrick Bourne, WR, Patriots
Bourne’s identity as their most productive receiver is done with Jakobi Meyers getting all the love and the team also adding veteran DeVante Parker and rookie Tyquan Thornton. He could help another team as a situational based No. 4.
Best team fit: Raiders
A.J. Green, WR, Cardinals
Green doesn’t have much left, much like fellow 2011 first-rounder and fellow future Hall of Famer Julio Jones. But he still has the savvy to get open the right way in key situations for a veteran QB.
Best team fit: Packers
K.J. Hamler, WR, Broncos
Hamler is the cheaper alternative to Jeudy in terms of contract and compensation as a sneaky versatile playmaker with big-play ability. He has also those trendy hybrid qualities.
Best team fits: Bears, Cowboys
