There were NFL trades ahead of NFL rosters being cut down to 53 on Aug. 29. One name that was not moved is Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor. He requested a trade. The Colts gave him permission to seek a deal. Instead, Taylor heads into Week 1 on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) List. He now won’t be dealt until at least Week 5.
Even then, there are still a number of players who will be on new teams heading into Week 1. Here’s a look at five NFL trades we could still see in the next few days.
Indianapolis Colts add receiving threat for Anthony Richardson
- Colts get: Quez Watkins
- Eagles get: 5th-round pick in 2024
Indianapolis’ decision to name Anthony Richardson its starting quarterback for Week 1 was a bit surprising. It came after one preseason game. With the aforementioned Taylor out for the first four weeks, adding more weapons makes sense. Remember, Indianapolis’ initial 53-man roster included only three wide receivers.
Watkins, 25, would add more depth. He’s tallied a combined 76 receptions for 1,001 yards with a 67% catch rate over the past two seasons.
As for Philadelphia, it is stacked at wide receiver. Obviously, that starts with A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. However, the team rostered four wide receivers on its practice squad. That includes Greg Ward, Devon Allen and Brittain Covey. Look for GM Howie Roseman to turn Watkins into a mid-round pick.
Related: Updated NFL trade rumors
Rare trade between NFC rivals
- 49ers get: Derek Barnett
- Eagles get: 2024 4th-round pick
Recent reports indicate that the Eagles could look to trade Barnett. Their first-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft has fallen behind others on the depth chart and is coming off a 2022 season in which he played just one game due to a torn ACL. As noted above, Eagles general manager Howie Roseman likes wheeling and dealing. This would be the latest example.
As for San Francisco, it added former Eagles Pro Bowl defensive tackle Javon Hargrave on a big-money contract during free agency. Why not double down? Nick Bosa remains a holdout heading into Week 1. There is not much behind him on the depth chart. Taking a chance on Barnett would make sense.
Kansas City Chiefs trade former first-round pick
- Vikings get: Clyde Edwards-Helaire
- Chiefs get: 6th-round pick in 2024
A first-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, Clyde Edwards-Helaire has now taken a back seat to both Isiah Pacheco and Jerick McKinnon on the Chiefs’ depth chart. Kansas City also added former Tulsa star Deneric Prince as an undrafted free agent. He joins La’Mical Perine on the practice squad.
In this scenario, a still-young CEH is acquired by Minnesota for pennies on the dollar. The Vikings will be relying on Alexander Mattison to replace Pro Bowler Dalvin Cook this season. There is very little behind him on the depth chart as evidenced by Minnesota hosting multiple veteran free agents. CEH would provide more upside than his older counterparts.
Related: NFL trades, grading each move
Baltimore Ravens pull off stunning Patrick Queen trade
- Raiders get: Patrick Queen
- Ravens get: Divine Deablo, 2024 2nd-round pick
Baltimore’s decision to acquire All-Pro linebacker Roquan Smith and sign him to a massive contract extension likely means that Queen has no long-term future with the Ravens. It led to the former first-round pick and defensive play caller requesting a trade during the offseason.
This is one of the NFL trades that makes sense ahead of Week 1. Vegas has a need at middle linebacker. Acquiring Queen on the relative cheap would give the team experience and leadership in the middle on defense. As for Baltimore, it picks up a cheap and young Deablo to start next to Smith. The Ravens could also fill out depth in free agency with someone like Christian Kirksey or Deion Jones.
Related: Aaron Donald and the NFL’s top-100 players of 2023
Los Angeles Rams send Aaron Donald back home to Pittsburgh
- Steelers get: Aaron Donald
- Rams get: Nate Herbig, 2024 2nd-round pick, 2025 4th-round pick
In terms of NFL trades, this one would be an absolute doozy. Heading into the 2023 season, the Rams are among the least-talented teams in the NFL. They pretty much blew up the roster during the offseason, moving off multiple key members of their 2021 championship team. Meanwhile, rumors suggest that Donald could be the next one out the door as Los Angeles starts anew with a rebuild.
If so, Pittsburgh makes the most sense. The future Hall of Fame defensive tackle is a native of the city and starred for the Pitt Panthers. He’d love to return home and compete for a Super Bowl title to end his brilliant career. The idea of Donald teaming up with Cameron Heyward could be too much for the Steelers to pass up on.