Jimmy Garoppolo, QB, 49ers
No player has been the subject of more trade speculation this offseason than Garoppolo, but all that talk has come to nothing so far. The San Francisco 49ers signal-caller's future is even murkier than it was at the end of last season after nearly every potential suitor solidified its quarterback room while Garoppolo recovered from shoulder surgery. San Francisco has said it's willing to pay Garoppolo's salary rather than cut him, but it's likely a bluff to keep his trade market alive. Keeping Garoppolo will only undermine Trey Lance's position if the youngster struggles. At this stage, Garoppolo would do well to push for his release and position himself as the go-to option for the first contender to lose its starter.
Kareem Hunt, RB, Browns
Hunt and the Cleveland Browns are in a standoff. The running back – who's in the final year of his contract – requested a trade in the absence of an extension, but the Browns are unwilling to grant it. As one of the best second options in the NFL – 1,406 yards and 13 touchdowns in three seasons behind Nick Chubb – the 27-year-old would presumably have suitors, even if the acquiring team would need to immediately hand him a new deal. But that's why Cleveland badly wants to keep him. With Deshaun Watson missing the first 11 games, the Browns will rely on their two-headed backfield more than ever. Will either side blink ahead of the season?
Mike Gesicki, TE, Dolphins
It's rare for a franchise-tagged player to be the subject of trade rumors, but Gesicki's early struggles in Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel's offense have led to speculation about his future. Gesicki lined up out wide or in the slot for 85% of offensive snaps last year, compared to just 12% as a tight end, according to PFF's Ryan Smith. But McDaniel wants his tight end more in the traditional do-it-all mold of George Kittle. However, Gesicki's blocking ability isn't up to par. McDaniel quickly shut down talk of trading Geiscki, but the poor fit might lead teams in need of pass-catching to test Miami's resilience.
Robert Quinn, DE, Bears
Quinn doesn't want to leave the Chicago Bears after leaping from team to team over the second half of his career, but the rebuilding NFC North club could still look to move the pass-rusher after apparently receiving interest in him earlier in the offseason. Quinn's value will likely never be higher after recording a franchise-record 18.5 sacks. But after trading Khalil Mack, letting Quinn go would leave Chicago with one of the league's worst pass-rushing units. A contender could make a late push for Quinn, but if a trade is to happen, a midseason move is perhaps more likely.