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NFL trade deadline candidates and possible moves

The NFL trade deadline is fast approaching and unlike previous years, a flurry of moves has already been made with more expected over the next few days.

The San Francisco 49ers landed Carolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey in a blockbuster deal, and the Philadelphia Eagles acquired Chicago Bears pass rusher Robert Quinn to bolster their defensive front. But that was just the beginning.

Several talented playmakers are reportedly on the market including Bears linebacker Roquan Smith and running backs Kareem Hunt and Cam Akers. Former first-round pick Caleb Farley is also available for a team in need of a young cornerback.

Here are some players who are expected to change teams prior to next week’s trade deadline.

  1. Roquan Smith, LB, Chicago Bears

The eighth overall pick in 2018 leads the NFL with 78 tackles heading into Week 8. Smith also has registered a league-high 48 solo tackles. The 25-year-old is enjoying a banner season with 2.5 sacks, a pair of interceptions, and four tackles for losses. Smith requested a trade during the offseason and is clearly not happy in the Windy City.

NFL Trade Deadline

  1. Clelin Ferrell, DE, Las Vegas Raiders

Ferrell was the fourth overall pick in 2019 and has produced just 8.5 sacks and 86 tackles thus far in his career. The 25-year-old is an excellent run-stopper but has not developed into an elite pass rusher. Although Ferrell is not a total bust, he has not played up to the potential of a top 5 draft pick.

  1. Kareem Hunt, RB, Cleveland Browns

Hunt has rushed for 263 yards and three touchdowns on 66 carries this season but has just 10 touches over his last two games. The 27-year-old requested a trade in the offseason and with the Browns sinking with a 2-5 record, it’s unlikely Hunt will be in Cleveland once the trade deadline ends early next week.

  1. Caleb Farley, CB, Tennessee Titans

Farley was drafted in the first round in 2021 but has quickly fallen out of favor in Tennessee. The 23-year-old has been relegated to a backup role but remains a talented player with loads of potential. More than a few teams will be interested in adding Farley to their roster if the Titans decide to pull the trigger.

  1. Denzel Mims, WR, New York Jets

Mims has caught one pass this season and has been inactive for five of the Jets’ six games this season. The 25-year-old has been unhappy with his non-existent role with the team and would draw significant interest if New York decides to put him on the market. Mims was extremely productive at the collegiate level and has the potential to find success in the NFL if given the opportunity.

  1. Cam Akers, RB, Los Angeles Rams

It’s no secret the Rams would like to trade Akers and the former second-round pick also would prefer a change of scenery. The 23-year-old has recovered from the torn Achilles that caused him to miss the majority of last season. Akers is a talented running back who still has a bright future despite the messy situation with the Rams.

  1. Ronald Jones, RB, Kansas City Chiefs

The former Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back is fourth on the totem pole in the Chiefs backfield. Jones signed as a free agent during the offseason but is stuck behind Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Jerick McKinnon, and rookie Isiah Pacheco with little chance of suiting up for a game. The Chiefs would be wise to flip Jones for a second-day draft pick.


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