NFL Trade Candidates and Fantasy Football Implications: Russell Wilson, Javonte Williams, Davante Adams and More
All of these players could potentially be on the move before the NFL trade deadline.
Quarterbacks
Russell Wilson, Pittsburgh Steelers
As soon as next week, Wilson could legitimately be the starter in Pittsburgh or an unneeded asset who has more value as a trade piece than being on the roster. Justin Fields started off the season well with the team, going undefeated through three weeks. However, they have now lost two in a row and Fields may very well be evaluated this week which could determine whether he starts the rest of the season or is sent to the bench.
If the team does decide that Fields is the guy, they could give him a vote of confidence by shipping Wilson out of town. There are two different kinds of teams that could make a move for him - a team like the Raiders who need a starter could roll the dice on him and try to save their season, or a team like the Miami Dolphins who need a reliable backup could look to bring him in. He's definitely the top QB to watch as we approach the trade deadline.
Gardner Minshew, Las Vegas Raiders
Minshew has been benched by the Raiders and could be a trade candidate. He could be included in a deal for Wilson who we just mentioned to give them a decent backup QB in return. The trade could be much larger than that too, but we'll get to that in a little bit. It's very unlikely he would be moved to be a starter unless something goes horribly wrong for some team. A team that needs a solid backup could make a move to add him though.
Running Backs
D'Onta Foreman, Cleveland Browns
With Nick Chubb's return appearing imminent, the Browns are going to have a log jam at running back. Foreman would likely be the odd man out with Chubb and Jerome Ford forming the starting duo, and Pierre Strong serving as the primary pass-catching back.
That would make Foreman expendable, but also a potentially valuable asset that could get back an early Day 3 pick. He has proven to be a good running back who can get the job done for a team that needs a guy who can pound the ball between the tackles.
Jeff Wilson, Miami Dolphins
Wilson is a solid back, nonetheless, there isn't a role for him in Miami when all their running backs are healthy, which they are. Raheem Mostert, De'Von Achane, and Jaylen Wright are just too good to give up snaps for Wilson. Nonetheless, Wilson still has plenty to contribute for a team that needs a reliable depth piece who can serve as a strong RB2 with the ability to step in for a spot start if called upon.
Javonte Williams, Denver Broncos
Williams has been a massive disappointment in Denver, to say the least. The team also has rookie Audric Estime returning from the injured reserve soon and Tyler Badie looming in the not-too-distant future as well.
When you combine his name value and the fact that he's been decent as of late, Williams could bring back at least some value if the Broncos were to trade him. We would peg him as the most likely running back to be moved in the coming weeks, especially if the Broncos drop further in the standings.
Wide Receivers
Davante Adams, Las Vegas Raiders
This is more of when not if. Everyone knows he's played his last snap as a Raider and we are just waiting for the notification he's been traded. A ton of teams have been rumored to be in on him, with the Jets and Saints coming up most often. However, the Steelers, Commanders, and even the Chiefs have been mentioned in reports as well.
Getting back to what we mentioned earlier, it would be interesting if the Steelers offered Wilson, a young wideout, and a Day 2 pick for Adams and Minshew. I have no inside information on that, but if it happens you heard it here first. All those landing spots are intriguing for their own reasons though.
Amari Cooper, Cleveland Browns
The Browns are horrible and they reworked Cooper's contract recently to make it extremely salary cap friendly, which drives up his trade value. It makes all the sense in the world for Cleveland to trade him and makes zero sense for them to hold on to him unless they make a drastic turnaround. Because of his low cap hit, he'd be a prime candidate to go to Kansas City or Buffalo.
Diontae Johnson, Carolina Panthers
Johnson is an outstanding wideout on a team going nowhere. It would be a better move for the Panthers to try to extend him and keep him as a primary target for whoever their quarterback of the future might be. Nevertheless, if that proves not to be an option he could bring back a nice package for Carolina to build with or build around moving forward.
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