The 2022 NFL season is upon us. With just one week of preseason remaining, teams are nearing one of the busiest days on the annual calendar. All 32 clubs are required to cut their rosters to 53 players by 4 p.m. ET on Aug. 30, just over a week before the first game of the regular season. Before then, however, a number of teams will attempt to get last-minute returns on notable players, shopping potential cuts around the league.
Here are a dozen names to keep an eye on as possible trade targets ahead of cutdown day:
49ers QB Jimmy Garoppolo
He's essentially been available for two years, so barring a major quarterback injury in practice or a preseason finale, the veteran is poised to be outright released, saving San Francisco $25.5 million. Odds are the proven but fragile signal-caller will still start games in 2022; it's just a matter of where, and how soon.
Browns RB Kareem Hunt
The former Chiefs standout, a top-end complement to Nick Chubb, has reportedly requested a trade while seeking a raise. Due $6.25 million on the last year of his deal, he'd merely be a rental to anyone unwilling to immediately extend him, but his all-purpose abilities, including as a pass catcher, remain Pro Bowl-caliber.
Chiefs RB Ronald Jones
Two years removed from nearly a 1,000-yard season for the Super Bowl champion Buccaneers, the former first-rounder is a forgotten man in Kansas City's committee, and his paltry preseason work suggests he may well be cut. He's been dinged for fumbling and mental miscues, but he remains a solid straightforward ball-carrier.
Browns RB D'Ernest Johnson
If Cleveland keeps the Chubb-Hunt duo intact, it could look to save a little cash by auctioning Johnson instead, especially after the former undrafted backup churned out 500 yards as an injury replacement in 2021. The team also has Demetric Felton Jr., who's been getting lots of work as a pass catcher, on the roster.
Patriots WR Kendrick Bourne
He's got a big fan in Mac Jones, he's coming off an underrated 800-yard season, and he's a cost-conscious option signed through 2023. But Bill Belichick held him out of both practice and preseason lately due to disciplinary issues, and New England's receiver room is suddenly full with DeVante Parker, Tyquan Thornton, Jakobi Meyers and Nelson Agholor locked into jobs.