With the NFL Trade Deadline Looming Closer, Here Are the Top 10 Teams That Are Likely to Be the Most Active in the Market

Eight weeks deep into the NFL 2023 season, and the picture’s as hazy as a foggy night game. Teams are either stoking the fire or seeking the spark to keep their playoff hopes alive. For those not yet in the groove, it’s a ‘pay to play’ situation – they’ll need to break the bank or hope for some divine intervention from the pigskin gods to pull off a miracle.

It’s been a full two months since the season kicked off, and these gridiron warriors have weathered eight weeks of bone-crushing battles. Injuries are hitting hard, turning team rosters into revolving doors of wounded gladiators. It feels like at least one or two players are perpetually blitzing their way to the infirmary.

Buyers, sellers, and plot twists: The NFL’s ‘Game of Thrones’ saga

You won’t believe it, folks, but this season’s hottest ticket isn’t the quarterback; it’s the wide receiver. The WR market is blazing like a perfectly executed deep route. In fact, teams like the Colts, Packers, Panthers, and Chiefs have all been keeping a keen eye on the receiver market in recent weeks. Though I’ve got to say, Carolina, sitting at a winless 0-6, might be out of the running, and the Chiefs, well, they snagged their man in Hardman. Now, we’re just a stone’s throw from the thrilling trade-offs, where every team gets a chance to reload their arsenal or even start from scratch. Let’s dive into who’s looking to buy and who’s ready to sell in this season’s gridiron swap meet.

Sellers 

The Denver Broncos

Now, Sean Payton’s been adamant that the Denver Broncos aren’t exactly hosting a clearance sale, despite their rocky start. But here’s the deal: whether Denver is actively peddling their wares or not, it’s high time to make the most of what they’ve got. The trade market might not be setting off fireworks for players like Jerry Jeudy and Courtland Sutton, but sometimes you’ve got to cash in those chips. After a couple of rough seasons, it’s time for the Broncos to fill up their war chest.

Who’s on the trading block, you ask? Well, we’ve got Garett Bolles, Jerry Jeudy, Josey Jewell, Justin Simmons, and Courtland Sutton. That’s a pair of wide receivers, a duo of safeties, and an offensive tackle. It’s starting to feel like a Broncos buffet out there – looks like just about every player on the roster is up for grabs. So, who’s hungry for some Mile-High talent?

New England Patriots

Well, it’s safe to say that Bill Belichick’s ‘start all over’ plan in Week 6 didn’t exactly set the world on fire. The loss to the Raiders, which pushed the New England Patriots to a dismal 1-5 record, is a red alert. It’s high time to hit the reset button. In fact, it might be time to shed some impending free agents. Hunter Henry and Kendrick Bourne, both looking like thoroughbreds stuck in a snail race of an offense, deserve a chance to shine elsewhere.

But it’s not just Henry and Bourne in the spotlight. The Pats have quite the roster on the trading block, with the likes of Kendrick Bourne, Trent Brown, Kyle Dugger, Hunter Henry, Jalen Mills, and Josh Uche all potentially up for grabs. It’s time for a Patriots’ fire sale, and these players are the kindling. Who’s ready to strike a deal and snag some talent from Beantown?

Tennessee Titans

When it comes to the mighty Tennessee Titans, we all know that Derrick Henry is a force to be reckoned with. And sure, one should never underestimate a Mike Vrabel-led squad; they’ve got the grit to scrape out wins and stay in the mix. However, here’s the big “but” – with Ryan Tannehill nursing an ankle injury, can they muster enough firepower to stay competitive in the short run?

As the Titans head into their Week 7 bye, it’s time to ponder their future, especially if things keep spiraling south. The King himself is in the final year of his contract, and if he’s not in the long-term game plan, maybe it’s time to part ways. To add a little more spice to the mix, the Titans are currently holding just three draft picks before the seventh round in 2024. So, GM Ran Carthon, it might be time to make some moves and beef up those draft selections. The clock is ticking, and the Titans have decisions to make.

Chicago Bears

The Chicago Bears have been in a real tailspin this season, sputtering like a clunker trying to find its ignition. With a less-than-stellar 2-5 record, they’re down in the NFL basement alongside the Patriots. What’s more, they’ve got Yannick Ngakoue, the pass-rushing nomad who’s been bouncing from team to team like a pinball on steroids. However, his knack for reaching the quarterback still makes him a hot commodity. Let’s not forget blocking tight end Marcedes Lewis, either; he’s 39 and still chugging along like a vintage muscle car, ready to rev up a winning team.

Now, the big question is, even if the Bears miss the playoffs this year, can they build a contender before the 2024 season kicks off? They might be out of the playoff race, but they’ve got a shot at drafting their way to a brighter future. So, will they seize the opportunity and make some big moves in the offseason? It’s a Chicago-sized mystery.

Minnesota Vikings

Even though the Minnesota Vikings managed a Week 7 upset against the San Francisco 49ers to climb to a 3-4 record, it’s hard to take that as a sign that these warriors have found their groove for the long haul. The absence of Justin Jefferson only makes the path ahead seem more treacherous. 

As the trade winds start to blow, Danielle Hunter, a pass-rushing ace, is heading toward free agency. He could bring the Vikings a treasure trove in a deal with a contender hungry for a pocket-collapsing force. And even D.J. Wonnum is set to hit free agency in 2024 – he’s a budget-friendly alternative for teams in need of pass-rushing prowess.

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But here’s the real kicker: Would the Vikings even think about parting ways with their long-time safety, Harrison Smith? He flirted with the chopping block earlier this offseason before reworking his deal. Could he be a surprise trade candidate? The trade deadline might just have a few Norse legends in the mix. Are the Vikings ready to make a bold move?

Buyers

Dallas Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys have been on a good enough journey this season, but it’s been a bit like a rollercoaster with players dropping left and right. Leighton Vander Esch, KaVontae Turpin, and C.J. Goodwin were sidelined with injuries, and even the defensive backs, Jourdan Lewis and DaRon Bland, were a bit worse for wear. It’s clear that the Cowboys could use a boost on the defensive side of the ball before the trade deadline.

When it comes to making moves, you can bet your cleats that Jerry Jones isn’t just sitting on the sideline. He’s ready to explore every nook and cranny for opportunities to solidify his roster. It’s why the Cowboys are poised to be the top buyers in the league this month. They’re hungry for that Lombardi Trophy, and they’re looking to make a statement. So, who’s in for some Cowboys action? 

San Francisco 49ers

There have been enough chinks in their armor during the past couple of weeks for the San Francisco 49ers to take a long look in the mirror. The Niners reigned as one of the only two teams to remain undefeated till Week 5. However, Weeks 6 and 7 saw themselves face plant into the turf faster than the Niners Gang could say, ‘Ahoo.’ Their defense struggled, just like the Philadelphia Eagles. Now that the Eagles lifted their defense, let’s hope the 49ers will too. 

Even though the Niners started their trade deadline early with a move to acquire defensive end Randy Gregory from the Denver Broncos two weeks ago. Do the 49ers still have moves to make?

Kansas City Chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs are racking up wins, thanks to their stingy defense and the out-of-this-world connection between Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. But let’s be real here, folks: the offense is in need of some serious reinforcements. After six weeks of action, you won’t find a Chiefs wideout anywhere near the top 50 in receiving yards. Sure, Mecole Hardman’s return to the OG team from the Jets was a feel-good story, but this squad needs a serious upgrade if they’re thinking about hoisting another Lombardi Trophy.

While it might cost a pretty penny, someone like Marquise Brown would be a sweet addition, hauling in those deep balls from Mahomes. The burning question is, how long can fans hold out hope for Skyy Moore and Kadarius Toney to light up the scoreboard? The Chiefs have a golden opportunity to turbocharge their wide receiving corps, and it’s high time they make some moves. So, are they ready to go shopping for offensive firepower? Chiefs Nation, it’s crunch time!

Los Angeles Rams

Maybe Les Snead is making strides in changing his “F them picks” ways, but old habits die hard. As long as the LA Rams keep making splashes and headlines, they’re a regular feature on lists like this. The real head-scratcher is whether Sean McVay and Snead believe they’re a stone’s throw from hoisting the Lombardi Trophy or if they’re teetering on the brink of a full-on reset after that middling 3-3 start to the season.

Kyren Williams has been a revelation, but a pesky ankle sprain’s got him sidelined. We’ve seen McVay’s offense sputter without a running game, and it’s not a pretty sight. If Williams’ injury lingers, there’s a good chance the Rams will be browsing the aisles for some backfield reinforcements. The Rams, always in the mix, are they ready to make another move to fortify their Super Bowl ambitions? Time will tell in the City of Angels.

New York Jets

From Super Bowl dreams to scoreboard struggles, the New York Jets‘ rollercoaster ride was one for the books. And it all unfolded in a mere four minutes. A gut-wrenching moment saw their star QB Aaron Rodgers hit the sidelines in the season opener, and it marked the start of the Jets’ grueling quest for redemption. But let’s keep it real, they’re not quite at the finish line just yet.

Zach Wilson, the rookie in the spotlight, has shown sparks of improvement over the past couple of weeks, but the “good enough” bar is still out of reach. The Jets are battling to regain their footing in the NFL dance. So, the question remains: Can Gang Green find their groove and get back to the big show? Jets fans, it’s a wild ride, but hang in there – who knows what the future holds for this high-flying team!

The NFL’s high-stakes chessboard

So, there you have it, football fanatics! As the NFL trade winds blow, teams are jockeying for position, and the gridiron drama is heating up. Whether they’re sellers looking to cash in their chips or buyers hungry for that Lombardi glory, every move on the trade block could be a game-changer. It’s a wild ride in the NFL, and the only certainty is that the action is just getting started. Stay tuned because you never know what surprises the football gods have in store for us this season!

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