As the second month of the 2022 NFL season intensifies, front offices around the league will start to heavily consider trades.
Early on, executives want to see if internal development can address any issues. But as the Nov. 1 deadline nears, teams may need to look beyond free agency for solutions.
Simultaneously, a franchise that hoped to contend for the postseason can find that dream slipping away. And in some cases, the exit from playoff contention may signal an openness to trade certain players because of a their age, contract or potential coaching changes.
While the choices are subjective, our focus is on immediate-impact players who could reasonably be available via trade. All contract data is from Over the Cap.
WR Kendrick Bourne to Cowboys
Now that Kenny Golladay is dealing with a knee injury, Kendrick Bourne may be a rising name on the trade market.
Bourne has a more affordable contract than teammate Nelson Agholor, who's playing a large role for the New England Patriots right now anyway. So far, Bourne has played only 28 percent of the offensive snaps.
Last season, Bourne made 55 receptions for 800 yards and five touchdowns. Despite the considerable role change, his average production has dropped just 12.6 yards per game in 2022.
There is value to be had here.
Bourne, whose contract runs through 2023, would be a solid addition for a receiver-needy roster. While that list should include the Chicago Bears, a more interesting spot is the Dallas Cowboys.
Michael Gallup is back, but Dallas has minimal depth behind him, CeeDee Lamb and Noah Brown. Bourne would add a starting-caliber option to the Cowboys' receiving corps and bolster the team's chances of navigating a talented NFC in the postseason.
CB Sidney Jones to Ravens
Through three weeks, the Baltimore Ravens' secondary hadn't played well. The unit actually did a nice job against Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills, so the panic meter has probably dipped.
For now, the challenge is determining how much the weather impacted that performance. Buffalo had several drops, too. That's the long version of saying that if Baltimore's pass defense—which has ceded the most passing yards (1,261) in the NFL—struggles again soon, it won't be a surprise.
Sidney Jones, meanwhile, hasn't consistently factored into the Seattle Seahawks' plans despite a solid 2021 campaign.
Last year, he made 66 tackles and allowed only 5.4 yards per target while logging 61 percent of snaps. Jones has totaled just 34 total snaps so far this season, making five tackles in his limited action.
Throw in Jones' expiring contract, and the Seahawks have reason to start making calls. And the playoff-hopeful Ravens should not hesitate much to pick up the phone.