NFL Trade Deadline: League Execs Expect A Handful Of Standout WRs To Be Targets

We aren't even in the heat of trade deadline season in the NFL, and yet we've already seen a few noteworthy trades across the league.

Last week, the New York Giants landed quarterback J.J. McCarthy, and the Dallas Cowboys swung a big trade for cornerback Joey Porter Jr. This week, it was the Baltimore Ravens' turn to take a swing, acquiring Pro Bowl center Cam Jurgens from the Philadelphia Eagles for multiple draft picks, including a 2028 second-rounder.

Who might be the next standout to move? With just over a month before the Nov. 10 trade deadline, we asked people around the NFL which players we should be keeping an eye on over the next few weeks, and which teams could be in a spot to sell. Here's what we learned. 

Ralph Vacchiano: This could be a good year for teams that are looking for a boost for their offense for the second half of the season, because several talented wide receivers could be available around the trade deadline. And the cost might not be very high.

Multiple NFL sources told me that five receivers in particular could end up on the trading block — Marvin Harrison Jr. (Arizona Cardinals), Brian Thomas Jr. (Jacksonville Jaguars), Chris Godwin (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), Quentin Johnston (Los Angeles Chargers) and Jerry Jeudy (Cleveland Browns). All but Godwin are former first-round picks, and only Godwin and Jeudy are older than 25.

"There are a lot of receivers with size, talent, speed that, for whatever reason, dont seem to be in their teams plans anymore," one team executive told me. "And some of them arent going to cost a lot more than a Day 3 pick. If you need help [at that position], the upside could be high. Sometimes a change of scenery works."

"Sometimes we look at talent more than production when it comes to trades," an assistant general manager told me. "Maybe a guy is used wrong somewhere else. Maybe its the system. Maybe he doesnt like the staff or the city. But if we see talent, we think we can make it work.

"And I think a lot of the receivers that might be available have some pretty obvious talent."

Not all of those receivers will be available, of course. Several NFL sources told me they doubted Harrison, in particular, would be traded — at least not at a discount price.

"He seems like something the Cards would want to hold onto to build around," the executive told me. "Theres so much talent there and hes still only 24. I know theyve got a new coaching staff there, but theyve got to think they can figure him out."

Last week, Eric explored what could be next for Harrison amid his slumping start. Former NFL star T.J. Houshmandzadeh suggested to Eric that the Las Vegas Raiders, Buffalo Bills, Indianapolis Colts and Houston Texans could be fits for Harrison.

As for which players among that group of receivers seem most likely to be moved, the assistant general manager had a pair of names in mind. 

"The two Id be looking at are Thomas and Jeudy," the assistant general manager told me. "Liam Coen looks like hes buried Thomas there, but man, he was sensational as a rookie [in 2024]. And Jeudy is yesterdays news in Cleveland. That team has two terrific young receivers (Denzel Boston, KC Concepcion) and a tight end to throw to (Harold Fannin). They dont need a guy that erratic.

"But he could definitely help somebody else if he lands in the right place."

Vacchiano: The biggest problem teams face at the trading deadline each year is finding the actual sellers, because the trading deadline comes after Week 9, meaning its at the halfway mark of the season.

And most teams dont want to admit their season is over and start dismantling their team.

The big exception this year could be the Chargers, who several NFL sources told me they will be watching closely, especiall