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Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Best fits for five NFL players who could be traded

By Eric Smithling | Last updated 10/11/23

Ahead of the NFL trade deadline at 4 p.m. ET on Oct. 31, these five players could be on the move. Where could they land? Yardbarker reveals the best fits for each.

1. Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins

The Vikings (1-4) are staring at an uphill climb to get back into playoff contention and might be better off trading Cousins, their starter the past six seasons. He's been good despite Minnesota's struggles, leading the league in touchdown passes (13) and completing 67.2 percent of his passes for 7.3 yards per attempt. The Vikings will be without wide receiver Justin Jefferson for at least the next four games, giving Minnesota further incentive to trade Cousins. The only issue is his no-trade clause, which might be an obstacle too big to overcome.

TRADE DESTINATION: Indianapolis Colts

The Falcons and Jets are the popular picks to trade for Cousins, whose contract is up at the end of the season, but consider the Colts for a moment. For Anthony Richardson to be a star of the future, the team must consider his present. The No. 4 overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft has exceeded expectations in his first four starts, but injuries are piling up for him. He suffered a knee injury in Week 1, a concussion in Week 3 and a right shoulder sprain in Week 5. Backup Gardner Minshew has been solid in relief, but Cousins offers more upside for an Indianapolis team that is surprisingly a contender in the AFC South.

2. Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams

Snapping a three-game skid on Monday night was a positive step for Las Vegas (2-3), and the team's upcoming schedule indicates it might be able to go on a run. Over their next five games, the Raiders face the Patriots (1-4), Bears (1-4), Giants (1-4) and Jets (2-3), with the Lions (4-1) the only team they play with a winning record. If Las Vegas continues winning, Adams likely won't go anywhere. However, if the Raiders can't get back into playoff contention during the next three weeks, it could be time for the organization to move on from the All-Pro wideout.

TRADE DESTINATION: Baltimore Ravens

Lamar Jackson deserves better than his receivers gave him against the Steelers.

#RavensFlock Here's all the drops Ravens fans. Video credit: @SimplyAS10 pic.twitter.com/oeZovmAD8o
— Air (@KidJustice11) October 8, 2023

What better way to reward him than with one of the best wide receivers in football? Adams would instantly upgrade a passing game that's failed to impress through five weeks.

3. Titans running back Derrick Henry

After losing to the Colts in Week 5, 23-6, thus squandering an opportunity to assert itself in the AFC South, Tennessee (2-3) must set its sights on the future. That would mean trading Henry. The star running back could be valuable in the right situation, which is clearly not with the Titans. He's averaging a career-low 3.8 yards per carry, and trading him would open room for talented rookie Tyjae Spears to take on the lead role, which he's earned.

TRADE DESTINATION: Green Bay Packers

During the preseason, per ESPN.com, Green Bay (2-3) expressed interest in trading for Colts running back Jonathan Taylor, a sign of the team's desire to improve its backfield. The Packers are 28th in rushing and 26th in yards per attempt; Henry might be able to get the ground game going.

4. Panthers edge-rusher Brian Burns

After missing a golden opportunity to sell high on Burns at last year's trade deadline, Carolina general manager Scott Fitterer should consider a move this season. Last season, the Rams offered two first-round picks for the young edge-rusher after Carolina dealt running back Christian McCaffrey and wide receiver Robbie Chosen.

The Panthers (0-5) are the only winless team, and to make matters worse, they are also without their 2024 first-rounder, which they traded to move up to draft quarterback Bryce Young. Pass-rushers are at a premium, so Burns should still fetch a decent return. Trading him obviously would be less than ideal for Carolina, but the team is boxed into a corner. The Panthers need draft capital to improve a lousy offense, and Burns could fetch the most significant return.

TRADE DESTINATION: Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jags have only nine sacks this season, tied for sixth fewest in the NFL. Burns is seventh in ESPN's pass-rush win rate among edge-rushers and already has four sacks.

5. Broncos edge-rusher Frank Clark

The Broncos (1-4) are the biggest embarrassment in football and should use the trade deadline as a chance to reset. A move that makes the most sense is parting with Clark, whom they signed to a one-year deal during the offseason. NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported on Sunday that Clark could be the next edge-rusher on the move in Denver after the team traded Randy Gregory.

The former Seahawks and Chiefs lineman suffered a hip injury in Week 1 and has only played in two games, managing two tackles. He was a force in last year's postseason, single-handedly wrecking Cincinnati's chance of winning the AFC title game with 1.5 sacks and three quarterback hits. The two-time Super Bowl champ could be a difference-maker for a playoff-bound team.

TRADE DESTINATION: Kansas City Chiefs

Clark would fit in plenty of situations, but returning to the Chiefs makes the most sense. Defensive tackle Chris Jones has hope that Kansas City trades for his former teammate. Clark would seamlessly fit back into the rotation with the Chiefs. The only hiccup could be if Denver hesitates about trading within its own division. However, the Broncos have too many holes to be concerned about what Clark does for the Chiefs, and if they can get a good enough draft pick from Kansas City for Clark, they should take it.

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