The NFL is a dynamic and unpredictable league, where every season brings new surprises and challenges. As the 2023 season reaches its midpoint, some teams are already looking ahead to the future, while others are trying to make the most of their present opportunities. The trade deadline is looming, and it could be a decisive factor in shaping the fate of many franchises. Who are the most coveted players on the market? How will the trades affect the 2024 draft? Among many others.

Let’s explore these questions and more, by examining the top five trade targets for contenders and their potential destinations. We will focus on two intriguing cases: Kirk Cousins of the Vikings and Chase Young of the Commanders, and how their situations reflect the complex dynamics of the NFL trade market.

What will the Vikings do with Kirk Cousins?

Trading him is not easy, as he has a no-trade clause and a hefty contract. Plus, finding a team that can afford him and offer a fair deal is hard. The Vikings might benefit from trading him in the long run, but they also have to consider their current situation and draft prospects. Maybe they will stick with him and his teammates, Danielle Hunter and Jordan Hicks, for the rest of the season.

Or maybe they will send him to one of these possible destinations: The Jets, who need a playoff push; the Patriots, who could gamble on him as their future QB1; or the Falcons, who could upgrade their offense with him, depending on how Desmond Ridder performs. The Falcons are a wildcard before the deadline, and Cousins could be their game-changer.

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The Commanders & Chase Young dilemma

Washington faces a dilemma: whether to decline Young’s option and allocate their cap investments to linemen Daron Payne and Jonathan Allen. The impending free agency of Montez Sweat adds further pressure to this decision. The Lions should target Young, especially in light of James Houston’s absence. The Bengals, who have been struggling defensively, should also pursue Young to provide a much-needed boost.

Washington is confronted with a challenging choice that carries the risk of losing both Young and Sweat. Exploring a trade option might yield more than relying on a compensatory pick. Therefore, the Commanders should carefully consider trading Chase Young to either the Falcons, Patriots, or Bears.

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Atlanta possesses the potential for a championship-level defense but lacks in their ability to sack the quarterback. The Patriots are currently grappling with a sack deficiency and the possibility of losing a key player. Chicago, armed with ample resources, could potentially acquire Young and enhance their pass rush, consequently transforming their future prospects.

The Broncos aim at Jerry Jeudy

The Broncos aim to replenish their draft picks, having traded a 2023 1st-rounder and a 2024 2nd-rounder for coach Sean Payton and a 2024 3rd-round pick. Despite his potential, Alabama’s former 1st-rounder needs more playing time. The emergence of rookie Marvin Mims supports this notion. Jeudy’s $12.987 million 2024 option is appealing for his next team’s flexibility. Extensions or further evaluation are viable options.

Therefore, potential suitors include the Carolina Panthers, who are in need of a talented receiver for Bryce Young, and the Houston Texans, aiming to boost C.J. Stroud’s arsenal alongside Nico Collins.

The Panthers looking at Brian Burns

Carolina may consider trading edge defender Brian Burns to recoup draft picks lost in the Bryce Young trade. Burns is playing on a $16.012M fifth-year option. The Rams’ previous offer of two first-round picks and a second-round pick is now unlikely. With a struggling Young, Carolina aims to stockpile picks. The Detroit Lions, with a record of 5-1, could benefit from the addition of Burns, who would complement Aidan Hutchinson in their push for the playoffs.

Furthermore, three additional NFL teams eyeing a trade for Brian Burns are the Baltimore Ravens, who seek an edge presence due to injuries; the Jacksonville Jaguars, in need of a consistent pass rush; and the Los Angeles Rams, who were previously interested and are looking to bolster their struggling pass rush to capitalize on their closing championship window.

The Patriots & JuJu Smith-Schuster impact over

JuJu Smith-Schuster’s tenure with the Patriots has proven to be disappointing. Hindered by a knee injury, he has struggled to regain his form, amassing only 10 catches for 66 yards and no touchdowns. The limited utilization of Smith-Schuster and the reliance on short passes by the Patriots further inhibit his impact on the field.

Nevertheless, his prior achievements and relatively young age may still attract interest in a potential trade. New England stands to benefit from unloading his substantial contract. In the face of current challenges, the focus of the New England organization appears to be on long-term planning, suggesting the possibility of upcoming selling decisions.

However, it remains unclear who could potentially step in to fill the void left by the 26-year-old JuJu Smith-Schuster. The outcome of this situation will require patience and observation. On March 17, 2023, he signed a lucrative three-year, $33 million contract.

So, the expected positions are intriguing for all five of these exciting players: Kirk Cousins, Chase Young, Jerry Jeudy, Brian Burns, and JuJu Smith-Schuster. However, only time will clarify the picture more perfectly.

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