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November 2, 2020 By: Kevin Kissner

NFL trade deadline: 5 big-name players who could be on the move

NFL teams now only have hours to decide if they will be buyers or sellers before the league’s trade deadline on Tuesday afternoon.

If teams are thinking they could possibly be Super Bowl contenders, they may be more likely to make that one final push to add some depth to their roster or add that one elite level player their current roster is missing.

Teams like the Seattle Seahawks or the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have proven that they will be competing for a world championship and have shown that they are willing to make splashy moves to add key pieces to their rosters.

The Dallas Cowboys on the other hand have realized that their season is probably over after the loss of Dak Prescott. Dallas has shown they are trying to be sellers.

Additionally, teams may be more motivated to ‘sell’ this season due to the fact that the salary cap will go down in 2021 because of COVID-19.

So, let’s take a look at which players could be on the move before the trade deadline on Tuesday.

John Ross, WR, Cincinnati Bengals

According to The NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, Ross has requested a trade out of Cincinnati. With the Bengals starting over with their new franchise quarterback Joe Burrow, it would make sense for certain players to want out. Garafolo had reported that Ross was not happy at the lack of playing time under Zac Taylor and would like a fresh start.

The Bengals declined Ross’ fifth-year option and it would make sense for a team like the Philadelphia Eagles to make a move for the seedy pass catcher with the lack of depth at the wide receiver position.

It wouldn’t cost too much to acquire Ross for a one-year rental.

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AJ Green, WR, Cincinnati Bengals

Green is finally healthy and has played well for the Bengals this season. While he has been helpful for the development of rookie quarterback Joe Burrow, Cincinnati also drafted Tee Higgins in the 2nd round. Higgins has played well this season racking up nearly 60 yards per game, and it might make sense for the Bengals to elevate the former Clemson star to No. 1 wide receiver.

While the All-Pro wide receiver is in the final year of his contract, he could easily fit in well with a Super Bowl contending team like the Green Bay Packers. Don’t forget that Aaron Rodgers was not happy that the front office didn’t draft him a wide receiver in the draft. This could be a good fit for Green and Green Bay. The San Francisco 49ers could also be a wild card team if they could get him for a late-round draft pick.

Ryan Kerrigan, DE/OLB, Washington Football Team

The Washington Football Team is in a rebuild right now with new head coach Ron Rivera. Kerrigan has seen a loss of playing time with the team’s youth movement on their defensive front. And with 2020 being the final year of his contract, it makes sense to move on from his salary this year and add some more draft compensation to build on moving forward.

Kerrigan is 32 years old and has totaled four sacks this season in his limited role. The Pro Bowler can be moved to a contending team that will need some pass rush help, and he can use the rest of the 2020 season as an audition for another nice contract during free agency next offseason.

Teams like the 49ers or Saints could view this as a need to their rosters, but it’s safe to say that plenty of teams will be calling Washington for the pass rusher.

Justin Simmons, S, Denver Broncos

The Denver Broncos were unable to get a deal done with Simmons in the offseason and were forced to place the franchise tag on him. Simmons wanted to be paid like a top five safety in the NFL, but Denver didn’t view him as that. With Denver having a disappointing season, it could make sense that Denver moves Simmons if they get the right deal.

The only issue with Simmons being on the franchise tag is that teams are not allowed to discuss a contract extension with him. If a team was willing to trade for the former 2nd-team All-Pro, they would have to be fine with just using him as a rental for just this season and knowing he could get big money on the open market in the offseason.

This scenario seems unlikely right now, but teams will be calling the Broncos come Tuesday.

Takk McKinley, DE/OLB, Atlanta Falcons

The Atlanta Falcons are open to trading McKinley before the trade deadline. McKinley’s numbers have dropped dramatically after his first two seasons in the NFL. He has been a huge disappointment in Atlanta as they continue to struggle to find pass rushers. The former first rounder had his fifth-year option declined and will more than likely become a free agent after the 2020 season.

McKinley shouldn’t be expected to come in and start for another team, but he could add some depth in case of emergency. Even though he has been battling a groin injury this season, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero has reported that teams believe he will be on the move before the deadline.

Zach Ertz, TE, Philadelphia Eagles

The Philadelphia Eagles are not having the season they hoped for but are still in contention to win the horrific NFC East division. Earlier this year Ertz was unhappy about his contract with the Eagles and reportedly could want out of Philadelphia.

Ertz has a potential out after the season if he chooses to, but even if he is traded that new team will likely begin working on a new contract for him. The Pro Bowl tight end has been placed on injured reserve but can still be traded. Former NFL general manager Michael Lombardi was on a radio station in Philadelphia and mentioned that the Eagles are going to need to clear up cap space for next season. Lombardi also added that the Eagles were actively shopping Ertz.

With his injury status — Ertz is currently expected to be out 4-6 weeks with a high ankle sprain — it may be difficult for the Eagles to get the value they are looking for on the trade market.