8 NFL players who should be on the trade block in 2022
We're deep into the NFL offseason. Some mandatory minicamps have already been completed and the rest are set to kick off in the next few days.
Roster development is a far greater priority than roster expansion at the moment, though a few trades will still be made in the coming months with the market open until mid-season.
Who else might hit the NFL marketplace in 2022? Here's a look at eight players for whom a trade makes sense based on roster depth, contract status, potential returns, recent relevant buzz, and logical landing destinations.
#1 Saquon Barkley, RB, New York Giants
This season, the New York Giants will try to discover if Daniel Jones can be their quarterback of the future. While this is the most critical challenge facing the Giants, they will also want to determine the future of running back Saquon Barkley.
The 2018 NFL Draft's second overall pick is in the final year of his rookie contract. He was fantastic as a rookie, but injuries have wrecked his career. In his second season, he barely exceeded 1,000 running yards. He then suffered a torn ACL in 2020, and averaged just 3.7 yards per carry in 2021.
However, Barkley looks healthier now, and New York, desperate to build a strong roster, could use him as a valuable asset to acquire better pieces on the NFL trade block.
#2 Jessie Bates III, S, Cincinnati Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals should look for new players to freshen up their squad. They should, however, seriously consider relocating star safety Jessie Bates III. The 25-year-old was handed the franchise tag this offseason, but he has no desire to play under it in the 2022 season.
Kelsey Conway of the Cincinnati Enquirer recently reported that if Bates agrees to play on the tag, he is unlikely to return in 2023. Thus, it would make sense for the Bengals to cash in on the star safety while they can.
#3 Clelin Ferrell, Edge, Las Vegas Raiders
The Las Vegas Raiders, like the Bengals, want to make the playoffs in 2022. They advanced to the wildcard round last time out and will be looking to go even further this coming season.
Teams with playoff aspirations don't typically trade away pass-rushing depth, but the Raiders should take note of what they can get for disappointing 2019 first-round pick Clelin Ferrell. Las Vegas rejected a fifth-year option on the Clemson product this offseason and may lose him for nothing anyway.
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Ferrell has little importance to the Raiders now that Chandler Jones has joined Maxx Crosby as the team's leading edge-rusher. He had just 1.5 sacks and only 10 QB pressures in 16 games last season. As it stands, Ferrell has an opportunity to revitalize himself in Patrick Graham's 3-4 defense, but a change of scenery may be even better for the 25-year-old.
The Cleveland Browns are one of the potential teams that can provide that.
#4 Deion Jones, LB, Atlanta Falcons
Another rebuilding team that could attempt to offload hefty contracts is the Atlanta Falcons. Linebacker Deion Jones would be a sensible trade asset, but there's a catch.
Now that June 1 has come and gone, the Falcons can trade Jones and save around $1 million in 2022 while also wiping his $12 million basic salary for 2023. But any trade will likely have to wait until after the season starts and will likely involve only minimal compensation. Additionally, the 27-year-old is expected to undergo shoulder surgery and miss the rest of the off-season workouts.
#5 DK Metcalf, WR, Seattle Seahawks
The Seattle Seahawks did not include wide receiver DK Metcalf in the Organized Team Activities (OTAs) as the Mississippi State native continues to hold out for a new contract. However, head coach Pete Carroll is hopeful that there will be a solution.
The 2022 offseason has been excellent for trading receivers for new contracts in the NFL. The Green Bay Packers moved Davante Adams and the Kansas City Chiefs traded Tyreek Hill. Both trades involed at least first- and second-round draft picks in return.
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Seattle should be able to get something similar for Metcalf, who is only 24 years old.
Metcalf had 2,270 receiving yards and 22 touchdowns across the last two seasons.
#6 Daron Payne, DT, Washington Commanders
The Washington Commanders are reloading rather than rebuilding. They won the NFC East two years ago but failed to make the playoffs the following year. They obtained quarterback Carson Wentz from the Indianapolis Colts this offseason and will hope he can guide them back to the playoffs.
Nonetheless, the Commanders may release defensive lineman Daron Payne, who is entering the final year of his rookie contract.
Because Payne's $8.5 million salary is guaranteed, Washington would be seeking a good return rather than cap space, though it would be ideal if the team would take on most of the pay.
#7 Marcus Peters, CB, Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens were without Marcus Peters in the 2021 season after the cornerback tore his ACL during the preseason. The three-time NFL Pro Bowler is expected to play in 2022 despite not being back to 100 percent yet.
Rather than banking on Peters' recovery, the Ravens should assess what they can get for the 29-year-old in the NFL trade market. He will turn 30 next year and become a free agent. The corner has built a solid reputation in the league and Baltimore can easily leverage his track record into acquiring valuable capital in a trade.
#8 Robert Quinn, Edge, Chicago Bears
Following a six-win season and the firing of head coach Matt Nagy and general manager Ryan Pace, the Chicago Bears are in rebuilding mode.
Robert Quinn, a pass rusher with 18.5 sacks and 34 quarterback pressures, was one of Chicago's bright lights last season.
At the age of 32, Quinn has three years remaining on a five-year, $70 million contract. He's not a low-cost option for Chicago, and he might be gone by the time they're ready to compete again.
It is rumored that Quinn wants to leave Chicago, so a trade makes sense for both parties.