Show summary Hide summary
Two surprising moves this week — quarterback JJ McCarthy to the New York Giants and cornerback Joey Porter Jr. to the Dallas Cowboys — have injected early drama into what is usually a late-season trading window. With the NFL trade deadline not until Nov. 10, those transactions raise a clear question: are more teams preparing to reshape rosters now rather than waiting?
The immediate effect is practical: the Giants needed depth after Jaxson Dart’s injury, and the Cowboys addressed long-standing secondary concerns. But the larger story is strategic. Early trades can signal front offices are willing to pivot midseason, accelerate rebuilds or punt on high-profile projects that haven’t produced.
Who could be moved next
Below are players whose situations make them credible trade candidates if their clubs opt for roster change. Each entry notes why a team might listen and what a potential buyer would gain.
Bourbonnais app brings residents instant city services and emergency alerts
NFL trade targets: 10 players who could reshape playoff races before deadline
- Marvin Harrison Jr. — WR, Arizona Cardinals: Draft status and early returns haven’t aligned for Harrison. For a franchise leaning toward a rebuild and currently thin on future draft capital, moving a high-profile receiver could be part of a wider reset. A new environment might help Harrison rebuild value, and contenders in need of receiver depth would be interested.
- Budda Baker — S, Arizona Cardinals: Baker remains one of the Cardinals’ most reliable defenders and offers versatility across the secondary. If Arizona accelerates a teardown, Baker would be a logical trade chip for teams chasing immediate upgrades in communication and playmaking on defense.
- Josh Sweat — EDGE, Arizona Cardinals: Sweat’s fit changed after staff turnover and his pedigree as a pass rusher could attract teams that need edge speed. Moving him would free cap and roster space for Arizona and give a contender a veteran presence off the edge.
- Jerry Jeudy — WR, Cleveland Browns: Jeudy is still young but has been sparsely targeted this season. With Cleveland investing in younger wideouts high in the draft, Jeudy could be surplus to plans. Contenders that prioritize route-running and timing with their quarterbacks could view him as a low-risk addition.
These names share a common theme: each is more valuable to teams in contention than to franchises contemplating a longer rebuild. That dynamic tends to amplify trade chatter as contenders chase proven pieces and rebuilding clubs aim to convert veterans into draft assets.
What this means for fans and fantasy players
Early trades shift weekly game planning and fantasy lineups almost immediately. If a receiving target like Harrison or Jeudy lands on a high-volume offense, their value could spike; conversely, a move to a run-heavy scheme or a crowded depth chart could depress production.
For fans, the practical takeaway is simple — monitor rosters and snap counts more closely than usual. Front offices moving now increase the odds of knock-on trades before November, and fantasy managers should track rumored fits as closely as official confirmations.
We’re still several weeks away from the deadline, but two early, high-profile swaps suggest teams are ready to act sooner. Expect more evaluation, phone calls and potentially rapid deals as organizations decide whether to push for this season or to harvest assets for the future.
