The NFL trade deadline for the 2023 season is set for next Tuesday, Oct. 31 at 4 p.m. ET. Although some smaller deals already have been made, expect more to come, blockbuster or not, to either help contending teams or give additional draft picks to fading teams.
As usual, much of the rumors surround players who have diminished roles with their current teams or players too expensive to keep as pending free agents. As Halloween approaches, there should be a few prepared to wear different uniforms.
Here’s a look at the 13 players most likely be dealt and top landing spots to consider in each case:
MORE: One trade every NFL contender should make at 2023 deadline
13 NFL players most likely to be traded before 2023 deadline
- Jerry Jeudy and Courtland Sutton, WRs, Broncos
The Broncos should move one of these guys, either the first-rounder Jeudy before his next contract or Sutton with his high salary number on his current contract. The team has promising Marvin Mims and Brandon Johnson behind them needing bigger roles.
Jeudy has appeal as a versatile option who can work the slot, while Sutton is a big body with speed who can both work well in the red zone and stretch the field.The Chiefs and Chargers could use either given the state of their wide receiver corps with youth and injuries, respectively, but it’s unlikely Denver officials would trade in the division. Jeudy is better off on a contender, while Sutton can be a solid No. 1 outside for a budding QB.
Best fits for Jeudy: Browns, Jets
Best fits for Sutton: Texans, Panthers
- Marquise Brown, WR, Cardinals
“Hollywood” has had mixed results in Arizona. He has been their No. 1 wideout but the production has been inconsistent between Kyler Murray and Josh Dobbs. Brown is unsigned for his fifth season after being traded from Baltimore last offseason. He’s a speedy big-play threat who works best as a complementary No. 2.
Best fits for Brown: Chiefs, Chargers, Jets
- Derrick Henry, RB, Titans
This would represent the Christian McCaffrey splash move for a veteran productive running back. Tennessee needs to be a seller and turn the page towar a rebuild and despite his age and wear, Henry is the most attractive luxury asset because of what he can do for a team’s power running game. Teams that want to trade will need to be comfortable with him using him as a hammer in a committee. The McCaffrey “all-in” deal by the 49ers may inspire another NFC contender.
Best fits for Henry: Cowboys, Eagles
- Danielle Hunter, EDGE, Vikings
Hunter keeps racking up sacks as a specialist getting to the quarterback. He can still build on his game as a young veteran to become more complete as he’s still younger than 30. He’s too expensive for a rebuilding team to keep but can immediately boost a contender’s pass rush.
Best fits for Hunter: Ravens, Lions
- Brian Burns, EDGE, Panthers
Burns is their best asset to flip for rebuilding purposes. The 25-yaer-old productive pass rusher hasn’t quite lived up to mid first-round draft status and he’s also battled injuries. He can be a strong bookend or situational player for a contender.
Best fits for Burns: 49ers, Bills
- Garett Bolles, OT, Broncos
The Broncos have seen Bolles go from looming bust to solid edge protector and run blocker. He’s their version of an attractive first-round asset at a position where it’s rare to find help on the veteran market. He could upgrade two situatoins in particular for NFC wild-card contenders.
Best fits for Bolles: Buccaneers, Rams
- Jaylon Johnson, CB, Bears
Johnson has fought through injuries to get back on the field as a nice-size cover corner at 6-0, 220 pounds. He has some shutdown potential, still younger than 25 as a 2020 second-rounder. He can shore up any situation that needs an injection of youth in coverage.
Best fits for Johnson: Eagles, 49ers
- Hunter Renfrow, WR, Raiders
Renfrow, surprisingly, has been rendered useless as a slot in Josh McDaniels’ offense as former Patriot Jakobi Meyers is the clear best, versatile complementary target for Davante Adams. Renfrow’s role is limited on an 12-personnel team. He needs to go where he can help as a reliable short-area slot again.
Best fits for Renfrow: Bills, Seahawks
- Kendrick Bourne, WR, Patriots
Bourne is getting some key playing time again as their default top wide receiver and the former 49ers key role player can start outside as a savvy No. 2 complement.
Best fits for Bourne: Texans, Packers
- Justin Simmons, S, Broncos
Simmons is a solid all-around player and an absolute ace when needed in coverage. He’s been wasted on a floundering defense and could have a bigger impact roaming and cleaning up the middle.
Best fits for Simmons: Bengals, Seahawks
- Darnell Mooney, WR, Bears
Mooney doesn’t fit well in the new offense and his chemistry with Justin Fields has seemed shaky from the start. He’s faded as a target, much like traded Chase Claypool before him. He can be a good versatile receiver for another team ahead of his free agency.
Best fits for Mooney: Chargers, Texans
- Chase Young, EDGE, Commanders
Young is having a strong healthy comeback season in wreaking some havoc with flashes of pressure. But the Commanders still haven’t committed to the No. 2 overall pick in 2020 in Year 5 and he can fetch the team some good draft value from a contender.
Best fits for Young: Jaguars, Falcons