NFL trade season is officially open.
While teams have been permitted to trade at any point, the action is just now starting to pick up. A pair of star wide receivers were on the move last week, with the New York Jets acquiring Davante Adams and the Buffalo Bills adding Amari Cooper. Then, the Kansas City Chiefs got in on the action by trading for DeAndre Hopkins.
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The 2024 trade deadline is still three weeks away (Tuesday, Nov. 5, at 4 p.m. ET), as rumors will inevitably swirl over the next 21 days as teams load up for the postseason push.
With that in mind, here are five players who could be traded next:
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1. Maxx Crosby, Raiders DE
The Las Vegas star defensive end could soon follow Adams out of the building. Crosby shoved a coach during the Raiders' blowout loss in Week 6, as the vibes seem to be deteriorating. On the field, the 27-year-old Crosby would be an instant upgrade for any team. He is one of the league's best pass-rushers (6.5 sacks this season) and, with two years left on his contract, Crosby would certainly fetch a treasure trove of draft picks for the rebuilding Raiders.
2. Budda Baker, Cardinals S
If Arizona continues to fade out of contention, this is a no-brainer. Baker, 28, can become a free agent in March. His play has slightly regressed each year and this could be the Cardinals' final chance to get some compensation back for the star safety. A desperate team in playoff contention could pay up for Baker, who has only played in one postseason game over his first seven years.
3. Cooper Kupp, Rams WR
Could the former Super Bowl MVP be the next star wide receiver traded? It's looking like a real possibility according to recent reports. Kupp is set to return from an ankle injury that caused him to miss four games. Now that he's healthy, he could make a real difference for any contender. The 31-year-old Kupp has two years left on his contract and the Rams reportedly are seeking a second-round pick in return, but it could be worth it for a former Offensive Player of the Year.
4. Mike Williams, Jets WR
The Jets just signed Williams this offseason, but his time in New Jersey could already be up. With Adams now in town and Rodgers clearly favoring Garrett Wilson and Allen Lazard, Williams is the odd man out. He has just 11 receptions for 160 yards in seven games this season. Last week, when Adams debuted, Williams played just 19 offensive snaps (33%). The writing is on the wall that Williams will likely be dealt before Nov. 5.
5. Diontae Johnson, Panthers WR
Johnson has been a bright spot for the lowly Panthers after he was acquired in a trade over the offseason. The former Steeler has 30 receptions for 357 yards and three touchdowns in seven games. With free agency looming in March, perhaps rebuilding Carolina will want to add more draft picks. If the Panthers can find a suitor willing to give up a mid-round pick, it could be worth moving on with the team seemingly going nowhere in 2024.
