The 2022 NFL trade deadline is set for Nov. 1, meaning teams have less than two weeks to put together proposals. Unsurprisingly, the market has begun to pick up.
Last week, the Cleveland Browns acquired linebacker Deion Jones from the Atlanta Falcons. On Monday, the Arizona Cardinals got wideout Robbie Anderson from the Carolina Panthers. The Anderson deal came together after Cardinals receiver Marquise Brown suffered a potentially season-ending foot injury, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Inevitably, more deals will come through before next month's deadline.
As we've done all season, we're here to check in on the top potential trade candidates based on factors like salary-cap situations, contract status, player roles, past performances, roster depth and any relevant recent buzz.
We'll also examine logical landing spots based on factors like team needs, positional value, cap space and team projections.
The Selection Process
To create our top 10 list, we have gathered 15 names that are on the trade block, could realistically land there or could become enticing trade targets based on the aforementioned criteria.
After making the list last week, Anderson is off for obvious reasons. Taking his spot is former teammate Matt Ioannidis, a versatile defensive lineman who is set to be a free agent in 2023.
We're also adding Washington Commanders cornerback William Jackson III, who requested a trade late last week.
To make room for Jackson, we've removed New England Patriots wideout Nelson Agholor. While Agholor—who, like Ioannidis, is a 2023 free agent—makes some sense as a trade candidate, the Patriots are coming off back-to-back wins. At 3-3, they may be more interested in buying than selling at the deadline.
Another new addition is Los Angeles Rams running back Cam Akers, who "could be on the way out," according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Tennessee Titans tight end Austin Hooper is out to make room for Akers. While Hooper has been a very small part of the game plan in Tennessee (six catches, 55 yards), the 3-2 Titans and their 31st-ranked offense can ill afford to part with former Pro Bowlers right now.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Johnathan Abram also joins teammate Clelin Ferrell on our list.
"I'm told Vegas has had talks with teams on both players in recent months, with Abram's name circulating a lot," ESPN's Jeremy Fowler wrote Tuesday.
Once we established the top 15 players, we ranked them on their past production, upside, positional value and their likelihood of being traded. This week's honorable mentions, in no particular order, are:
Clelin Ferrell, Edge, Las Vegas Raiders
Cam Akers, RB, Los Angeles Rams
Michael Schofield, G, Chicago Bears
Larry Ogunjobi, DT, Pittsburgh Steelers
Mason Rudolph, QB, Pittsburgh Steelers
10. Daron Payne, DT, Washington Commanders
The Washington Commanders could keep defensive tackle Daron Payne if they believe they can dig out of a 2-4 hole. Payne has been one of the brighter spots on Washington's defense, tallying 21 tackles and 3.5 sacks. He's on track for perhaps his best season as a pro.
"You see those little detail things of his game starting to come out; that's what you're looking for," head coach Ron Rivera said, per Nicki Jhabvala of the Washington Post.
However, Payne is also in the final year of his contract and was the subject of trade interest in the offseason.
"Teams have recently inquired about a possible Payne trade, but Washington has rebuffed such discussions," Ben Standig of The Athletic wrote in June.
If the Commanders decide to sell, teams will be interested. Cleveland could be one of them. The Browns are also 2-4 but have already shown a willingness to buy with the Deion Jones deal. They also rank 30th in scoring defense and lack proven depth on the defensive interior.
The Los Angeles Chargers, who have allowed a league-high 5.6 yards per carry, could also use help on the interior. Payne's $8.5 million base salary isn't insignificant, but the Chargers have $6.2 million in cap space and wouldn't need to create a ton of room. Cleveland has $34.2 million to work with.
Best Fits: Cleveland Browns, Los Angeles Chargers
9. Denzel Mims, WR, New York Jets
While the New York Jets are 4-2 and may not be looking to sell, there's still a solid chance that Denzel Mims could be had at the deadline.
Mims, a 2020 second-round pick out of Baylor, continues to be inactive on game days. He was also a player who drew trade interest during the offseason. With the Jets flying high and Mims being a non-factor, New York might be willing to deal.
"The Jets' asking price was a fourth-round pick," SNY's Connor Hughes reported in late August. "No team was willing to offer that, so Jets kept Mims."
The big question is whether the Jets will lower their asking price. If they do, Mims could be on the move. The Green Bay Packers would be a logical landing spot. Their offense has struggled in the post-Davante Adams era, and quarterback Aaron Rodgers expects general manager Brian Gutekunst to be active at the deadline.
"There's the possibility if certain guys emerge of us having a chance to make a run. I know Brian believes the same thing," Rodgers said, per Jason Wilde for the State Journal. "But if there's an opportunity, I would expect that Brian will be in the mix."
The Rams could also make sense for Mims. Los Angeles has struggled to find a reliable second option next to Cooper Kupp. Mims is far from reliable, but he's the sort of budget option L.A. could take a flier on.
The Rams have only $4.9 million in cap space, but Mims has a mere $1.5 million cap hit this season.
Best Fits: Green Bay Packers, Los Angeles Rams