We have already seen some big-time NFL players traded this offseason. It has mostly consisted of young quarterbacks looking for a change of scenery.
With that said, no one really expected the Los Angeles Chargers to move on from franchise legend Keenan Allen. Sometimes, teams shock the football world with a blockbuster trade. It has not been an exception to the rule in recent years.
Here, we look at seven NFL players who could still be traded during the offseason.
Zach Wilson, QB, New York Jets
Given how we’ve seen the NFL trade market play out at quarterback, there is a real decent chance the Jets will simply be forced to release Zach Wilson. The Pittsburgh Steelers received the equivalent of a late-round pick for Kenny Pickett. Heck, Justin Fields landed the Chicago Bears a conditional fourth. Even then, we’re expecting some team to offer up a conditional late-round pick for Wilson ahead of or during the 2024 NFL Draft. He’s still only 24 years old, comes cheap ($1.06 million base salary) and was the No. 2 pick for a reason. Talent is there.
Tee Higgins, WR, Cincinnati Bengals
Higgins, 25, requested a trade after Cincinnati placed the franchise tag on him. The former second-round pick from Clemson not only wants to be the No. 1 option on offense, but he also wants to be paid like it. With Cincinnati having to think about extending fellow receiver Ja’Marr Chase, that’s unlikely with the Bengals. Higgins is averaging 64 receptions for 921 yards throughout his four-year career. Expect the Bengals to get a second-round pick and change for him. Keep an eye on the receiver-needy New England Patriots.
Related: Updated NFL trade rumors
Stefon Diggs, WR, Buffalo Bills
Diggs is back to his old offseason antics with cryptic tweets and the like. This comes after yet another drama-filled campaign for the boisterous wide receiver in Western New York. It also comes amid growing trade rumors surrounding the Pro Bowler. What we do know is that any trade would have to take place after June 1 due to NFL salary cap rules and Diggs’ cap hit. While it remains unlikely, the Bills could just say they’re fed up with the drama. In his four seasons with Buffalo, Diggs is averaging 111 receptions for 1,343 yards and nine touchdowns. That seems good.
Haason Reddick, EDGE, Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles pushed back Reddick’s roster bonus until April. It’s a clear indication that they are working with the star EDGE rusher to find a landing spot after granting him the ability to seek out a trade earlier in the offseason. Philadelphia’s decision to work with Josh Sweat on a new contract while adding Bryce Huff in NFL free agency also leads us to believe a trade is imminent. Reddick, 29, has recorded 83 QB hits and 50.5 sacks over the past four seasons. There is a market for his services. Keep an eye on the Baltimore Ravens as a potential fit.
Related: 10 best moves in NFL free agency
L’Jarius Sneed, CB, Kansas City Chiefs
There is now a chance that Sneed will play under the $19.8 million franchise tag for the 2024 season. He was granted permission to seek a trade earlier in the NFL offseason. Unfortunately, it appears that the cornerback’s demand to become the highest-paid player at his position has acted as a detriment. We expect things to pick up even more as the 2024 NFL Draft approaches. Sneed, 27, yielded a 51% completion and 56.2 QB rating for the eventual Super Bowl champs last season. Expect a second-round pick and change in return. The Tennessee Titans and Detroit Lions are two teams that make sense.
Brandon Aiyuk, WR, San Francisco 49ers
Where there’s smoke there’s fire. Aiyuk didn’t quiet trade rumors with a recent public message to Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin. This comes amid growing talk that the 49ers will move on from Aiyuk rather than make him one of the highest-paid wide receivers in the NFL. From a financial perspective, it makes sense. On the field, the 26-year-old Aiyuk has been brilliant over the past two seasons. That span has seen him record 153 receptions for 2,357 yards and 15 touchdowns. Look for the 49ers to net a first-round pick and change for Aiyuk. The aforementioned Steelers as well as the Jacksonville Jaguars make sense.
Related: 10 best quarterback moves of NFL offseason
Justin Jefferson, WR, Minnesota Vikings
Is this realistic? No. Would the Minnesota Vikings have to be absolutely blown away to trade Justin Jefferson? Yes. Could it happen? Yes. The record-breaking receiver is demanding to become the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL. He’s earned it by putting up 392 receptions for 5,899 yards and 30 touchdowns in just four seasons. A team such as the Los Angeles Chargers (fifth pick) sitting at the top of the 2024 NFL Draft could potentially entice Minnesota with a package headlined by that selection. The New York Giants (sixth) and Chicago Bears (ninth) could, too.