- Joined
- Nov 9, 2014
- Messages
- 12,176
Christian McCaffrey
Carolina Panthers · RB
Now that Matt Rhule has been fired, the Panthers are fully in rebuild mode and candidates for the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
So, do the franchise's future plans include McCaffrey? From our perspective, they shouldn't. No offense to McCaffrey, who has been very good through five games, on pace for more than 1,700 yards from scrimmage if he plays a full season. That last part is the catch, though, as McCaffrey's past two seasons have been cut short by injury. But there might be a team willing to take on his $19.55 million (non-guaranteed) salaries over the next two seasons. For the Panthers, trading him now offers better salary-cap relief than the coming offseason.
If McCaffrey is willing to rework his deal and move some future money around, it would more easily facilitate a trade. The return would be interesting because of the money he's owed and the injury factor, but when McCaffrey's right, he's a premier playmaker. The Bills could be candidates. So could the Broncos, who would bring McCaffrey back to the area where he grew up and to the team on which his father, Ed, became a standout receiver.
D'Ernest Johnson
Cleveland Browns · RB
This isn't as big a name as some of the others on this list, but Johnson has risen to the occasion in the past when called upon. He has four career games with 95 or more rush yards. In his only two NFL starts, both last season, he totaled 245 rush yards on 41 carries and hauled in nine catches for 80 yards.
Johnson also has experience on coverage units and as a kick and punt returner. Oh, and he has never lost a fumble on 190 career touches (including returns), adding to his appeal.
Running backs typically don't return much in trades, especially those who aren't true game-changers. But Johnson's meager salary (just over $1 million) and free-agent status in 2023 would be an easy add for any team seeking backfield help.
Could the Colts use a back such as Johnson? It might cost them a late Day 3 pick, or even a swap of picks, perhaps even in the 2024 draft. Johnson has played one -- ONE -- offensive snap this season, stuck behind Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt. The Browns don't offer much of a pathway to offensive playing time for Johnson. Moving him, even for a meager return, makes sense.
Kansas City Chiefs | RB Ronald Jones
Jones was everyone’s favorite Best Ball pick over the summer, with the thought being he could overtake Clyde Edwards-Helaire to become Kansas City’s starting running back. Instead, he hasn’t been active for a single game. Jones is pure insurance behind CEH, Jerick McKinnon, and Isiah Pacheco. He makes more sense on a different roster.Isaiah Wynn
New England Patriots · OT
On the surface, Wynn is an ideal trade candidate. He has multiple years of starting experience at left tackle and has played other spots on the line. Wynn turns 27 years old in December and likely would not cost as much to trade for, given that he's due to hit free agency in the spring.
It's also been clear that he and the Patriots have not been on the same page for some time now.
But if New England believes it can compete this season, trading Wynn would be a risky move. They're already down to their third QB right now, with Mac Jones and Brian Hoyer (currently on IR) having been knocked out of games. And the Patriots are not as blessed with their typical wealth of OL reserves as they have been in years past.
Wynn also makes a hefty $10.4 million this season. But he plays an important position, and several teams could make a play for a deal if the Patriots are willing. It also doesn't hurt that there's a slew of former New England scouts and coaches working around the league with other clubs who could have some personal insights on Wynn's ability.
Minnesota Vikings | OL Oli Udoh
Udoh was a 16-game starter in 2021, but the emergence of rookie right guard Ed Ingram has forced him to the bench. On Sunday, Udoh played his first offensive snap of the year as an extra offensive lineman.While Udoh is only 25, the Vikings appear set at guard. Minnesota has already cleared out a good portion of ex-GM Rick Spielman’s draft picks, and Udoh could be next in line.
Philadelphia Eagles | OT Andre Dillard
The Eagles designated Dillard to return from IR last week, and it seems like he’ll return to the field soon. The former first-round pick is an outstanding swing tackle, and he’s more than capable of being a starter for a number of teams — just not the Eagles, who have two of the NFL’s best offensive tackles in Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson.The only problem with the concept of trading Dillard is that Philadelphia is hurting along the offensive line. Mailata was inactive for Week 5, and Landon Dickerson and Jason Kelce both went down against the Cardinals. Given those issues, the Eagles might not be willing to give up any OL depth.
