Perry Knotts/Associated Press

One Player Who Should Be Traded from Every NFL Team

Brent Sobleski

What if the NFL were more like the NBA or NHL? Instead of one or two insignificant deals, a flurry of transactions come shortly before the yearly trade deadline.

The majority of organizations get into the mix in an attempt to improve their roster on the fly. Wouldn't that be a blast?

The NFL treats everything else like a spectacle, yet most clubs don't capitalize on an opportunity to make changes. No team should remain static, since every roster has at least one player who should be traded by the Oct. 29 deadline.

Will all of the following players move by then? Of course not. However, they're players with tenuous standing or serve as quality depth and may intrigue other franchises.

Everyone listed is also a realistic option. Long-term injuries, preventative salary-cap statuses and roster configurations are taken into account. Basically, the individuals must draw some interest and make sense for the acquiring team.

The trade market is flush. Time to make a deal.

     

Arizona Cardinals: TE Charles Clay

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Larry Fitzgerald is the obvious choice, since a swap could give him another postseason shot. But the future Hall of Fame wide receiver doesn't want to leave the Arizona Cardinals, is a great mentor for rookie quarterback Kyler Murray and leads the team with 29 receptions for 358 yards.

Charles Clay is another veteran presence, but his contributions aren't nearly as significant.

The Cardinals are primarily a 10-personnel squad. Head coach Kliff Kingsbury's offense features one running back, no tight ends and four wide receivers on a league-leading 51 percent of the snaps, according to Sharp Football's Warren Sharp.

Multiple quality tight ends aren't necessary. The Cardinals already have Maxx Williams, who fits better as a much-needed blocker in pass protection and/or short-yardage situations.

Arizona can move Clay and his five receptions to another offense in need of tight end help without the scheme taking much of a hit.

Atlanta Falcons: LB Vic Beasley Jr.

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Vic Beasley's league-leading 15.5 sacks in 2016 seem like they came a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away.

But they happened, and coaches have elephant-like memories.

The Atlanta Falcons might not have gotten what they expected from Beasley over the last two-plus seasons (11.5 sacks, including 1.5 this year), but there is, without a doubt, some coaching staff that still believes it can maximize the 2015 eighth overall pick's potential.

Normally, other franchises wouldn't even consider taking on Beasley's remaining $12.81 million base salary. However, Beasley is 27 years old and plays a premium position. If a new team can tap his prodigious talent, he's well worth the price.

The Falcons, on the other hand, already failed in this endeavor.

Baltimore Ravens: NT Michael Pierce

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Baltimore Ravens nose tackle Michael Pierce ranks among the league's best run-defenders. Despite that, he and the team should part ways for multiple reasons.

First, the Ravens can't trust Pierce. That might seem harsh, but his conditioning problems entering this season are well-documented. At a listed 340 pounds, Pierce's weight could turn into an issue every offseason.

Second, the 26-year-old defender will be a free agent after this season. The organization may be trepidatious about making a significant investment, and rightly so.

Third, a pair of young interior defenders, 24-year-old Zach Sieler and 22-year-old Daylon Mack, can help as replacements.

Finally, Baltimore's defense isn't significantly better with Pierce. He provides little to no pass-rush help, and the unit, as a whole, ranks 31st by surrendering 6.7 yards per play.

Let another team in need of a specialized talent like Pierce take the risk.

Buffalo Bills: TE Tyler Kroft

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Tight end Tyler Kroft lost his starting position before he ever played a down for the Buffalo Bills.

The team signed him to a three-year, $18.75 million contract this offseason with the hope he would become quarterback Josh Allen's security blanket. Unfortunately, Kroft suffered a foot injury during organized team activities this spring and then tweaked his ankle upon his return to practice last month.

In his stead, third-round rookie Dawson Knox emerged as a playmaker. The Bills also feature quality depth at the position with nine-year veteran Lee Smith serving as a quality in-line blocker and rookie Tommy Sweeney flashing at times.

Buffalo doesn't need four tight ends, and the organization can avoid a $13.45 million cap hit over the next two seasons with a trade.

Carolina Panthers: DT Vernon Butler

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The Carolina Panthers should have given up on defensive tackle Vernon Butler long ago. Yet, the 2016 first-round draft pick received one more chance to prove himself after the Panthers placed Kawann Short (shoulder) on injured reserve October 1.

Even without Short, Butler serves as the Panthers' fourth interior defender behind Dontari Poe, Gerald McCoy and Kyle Love. The 25-year-old is only needed for a three-man front. Otherwise, Poe and McCoy can handle duties in the middle while Mario Addison and Brian Burns scream off the edge.

Carolina must also consider the possibility it could lose Butler for nothing, as he will be a free agent this offseason after the organization declined his fifth-year rookie option.

Unless the Panthers feel Butler can replace the 31-year-old McCoy next year, there's no reason to keep the younger defender when a replacement-caliber player can be easily found to provide depth.

Chicago Bears: RB Mike Davis

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Chicago Bears head coach Matt Nagy swore running back Mike Davis would be an integral part of the offense this season.

"We've been telling you this," Nagy said in July, per the Chicago Sun-Times' Patrick Finley. "We feel very fortunate that he came here as a free agent. He can do a lot of different things. He can protect. He has great vision in between the tackles, yet you can put him out wide and he can do some things."

Well, Mike Davis has 15 touches in four games and has barely played in recent weeks.

The Bears' running game ranks among the bottom half of the league in attempts, rushing yardage and yards per carry. Obviously, Davis isn't doing anything to make the situation better. Maybe the Bears can use their earlier optimism to flip him to another squad since they settled on David Montgomery and Tarik Cohen as their top backfield options.

Cincinnati Bengals: WR A.J. Green

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The Cincinnati Bengals locker room heard the rumors of a potential A.J. Green trade, and the players aren't happy.

"It better not happen. It's going to fall apart if you do that," cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick said, per Geoff Hobson of the team's official site. "That's our best player on the team. He's not even out there. We don't know how the team really should look. They can't do that." 

They—the franchise's front office and ownership—can and should trade Green. The Bengals aren't "going to fall apart" without him. They already have. Cincinnati remains winless at 0-5 and is counted among the league's worst. The Bengals are not turning their season around with or without the 31-year-old Green.

Team brass should look to the future by kick-starting a rebuild.

Despite the receiver's recent injury history (he's out with an ankle setback), he's still a seven-time Pro Bowler and carries value for playoff teams.

Cleveland Browns: LB Genard Avery

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If the Cleveland Browns coaching staff can't find a way to use Genard Avery, there's no reason to keep him on the roster.

Avery is a hybrid linebacker/edge-rusher who hasn't found a role in coordinator Steve Wilks' defense despite finishing third on the team a year ago with 4.5 sacks as a sub-package performer. According to Pro Football Focus, Avery ranked second among rookies last season in total pressures (40), third in run-defense grade (72.8), fourth in pass-rush grade (69.1) and sixth in pass-rush productivity (6.6).

Instead, the Browns acquired Olivier Vernon in the offseason to be a starter. They've also leaned on veteran Chris Smith and 2018 third-round pick Chad Thomas in the line rotation because they're more traditional defensive end options.

Some team can use Avery's skill set if the Browns won't.

Dallas Cowboys: WR Tavon Austin

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The Dallas Cowboys made a big deal out of Tavon Austin's acquisition during the 2017-18 offseason. The coaching staff planned to use him as a "web back" (a running back-wide receiver hybrid) to open up the offense. It never happened.

The Cowboys traded for Amari Cooper later in the season, and his play fueled the passing attack. Austin, meanwhile, managed all of 195 total yards and a pair of touchdowns during his first season in Big D. Yet, the Cowboys brought him back this offseason on a one-year, $1.75 million deal. He's provided 43 total yards.

Austin personifies first-round—top 10 overall in fact—bust status. The speed and electricity once seen at West Virginia University never translated to the professional ranks.

However, Austin can still help another team in one area: special teams. Tony Pollard, Randall Cobb and Cedrick Wilson already serve as returners. Austin was once a quality return specialist; he can be again if given a chance.

Denver Broncos: CB Chris Harris Jr.

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A year ago, Denver Broncos general manager John Elway didn't make major roster moves during a 6-10 campaign. Now, the Broncos are 1-4, and the idea of trading some veterans doesn't seem as distasteful.

Sources told CBSSports.com's Jason La Canfora that Elway is "seriously mulling big moves in the coming weeks."

Chris Harris Jr. was believed to be on the trade block last year, demanded a trade or new contract this spring—he eventually signed a one-year, $12.05 million extension—and will be a free agent next year.

The 30-year-old cornerback's consistency is impressive. Harris graded among the four best corners in five of the previous eight seasons, according to Pro Football Focus' Scott Barrett. Like the rest of his team, Harris hasn't been as good, yet few defensive backs can play both outside corner and over the slot with the same level of consistency.

Denver has suffered a rash of injuries to its secondary, but the unit's status doesn't matter in what looks like another lost season.

Detroit Lions: WR Danny Amendola

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The Detroit Lions feature a balanced lineup. As such, no obvious trade candidate arises (and explains why the team is playing far better than expected).

However, the Lions do have depth among their skill positions.

Kenny Golladay and Marvin Jones Jr. are the team's top two targets. The coaching staff continually creates situations to feature this year's eighth overall pick, tight end T.J. Hockenson. Danny Amendola is reliable and experienced, but he's also the fourth option.

Furthermore, Amendola is a slot receiver by trade when Jones, Golladay and Marvin Hall can effectively work from an inside alignment. On top of that, the Lions have two starting-caliber tight ends in Hockenson and Jesse James to lean on 12 personnel.

Amendola is a good, trusted performer, but he's a bit of a luxury if the Lions feel they can upgrade elsewhere.

Green Bay Packers: CB Josh Jackson

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In 2018, the Green Bay Packers spent first- and second-round draft picks on cornerbacks. Jaire Alexander has already developed into one of the game's best, while Josh Jackson's development went in the opposite direction.

Defensive coordinator Mike Pettine prefers long, aggressive corners who are physical near the line of scrimmage. Jackson is far better in zone coverage. As a result, Alexander, Chandon Sullivan and the 36-year-old Tramon Williams serve as Green Bay's top three corners. Tony Brown worked his way into the rotation as well.

As a result, Jackson is more of a nickel corner-safety hybrid—which isn't ideal.

Scheme fit matters. Another franchise with a more conservative zone approach could maximize Jackson's route recognition and ball skills since the Packers aren't getting much out of him.

Houston Texans: OT Seantrel Henderson

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The Houston Texans already made three splash moves by trading Jadeveon Clowney to the Seattle Seahawks and obtaining Laremy Tunsil from the Miami Dolphins and Duke Johnson from the Cleveland Browns. Any new trade would likely be a minor deal.

The offensive line remains a work in progress, though.

Seantrel Henderson opened the season as the Texans' starting right tackle. That lasted exactly one game. He gave way to Roderick Johnson, who lasted one game before first-round rookie Tytus Howard became the team's strong-side protector.

Henderson hasn't played much over the last two seasons because of injuries and other factors. However, he's an experienced option for offensive line-needy squads. In addition, the Texans have their top pick at his natural position and Johnson to provide depth at both tackle spots.

Indianapolis Colts: TE Eric Ebron

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Yes, Eric Ebron, who earned a Pro Bowl nod last season as the NFL's leader among tight ends with 13 touchdown receptions, should be traded for three reasons: usage rate, regression and financial flexibility.

The Indianapolis Colts are a different team this season with a different approach. The run-based offense requires a better blocker than Ebron, which is why Jack Doyle has been on the field more.

When Ebron is in the lineup, the inconsistency he showed as a Detroit Lions' first-round draft pick has returned, as he has multiple drops. In fact, the tight end is tied for the league lead with four, per Fox Sports.

The Colts have a significant offseason decision to make since Doyle and Ebron are set to become free agents. Because of Ebron's 2018 success, he'll likely demand far more money.

Instead of reaching that point, the Colts should flip Ebron and continue to lean on Doyle while granting Mo Alie-Cox a bigger role.

Jacksonville Jaguars: CB Jalen Ramsey

Phelan M. Ebenhack/Associated Press

The Jacksonville Jaguars are a better team with Jalen Ramsey in the lineup. But that's the problem: He's not in the lineup (back issues), and the Jaguars aren't guaranteed to reach a long-term agreement with their star cornerback.

The Jaguars front office remains entrenched in its unwillingness to move Ramsey. A source told ESPN's Adam Schefter that Jacksonville wouldn't trade the cornerback "for five first-round picks."

That stance is ridiculous and could hurt the Jaguars' long-term plans.

"Obviously, football is a team sport and I'm sensitive to what individual insight or viewpoint or requests (there) might be," owner Shahid Khan said last week, per the Associated Press' Mark Long. "But we have to do the right thing for the team."

What happens when Ramsey isn't willing to sign a long-term deal? Keeping him isn't the right thing for the team in that instance, which seems rather likely.

Thus, the Jaguars must consider all available options.

Kansas City Chiefs: LT Eric Fisher

Perry Knotts/Associated Press

Eric Fisher may not have lived up to the status of a No. 1 overall pick, but he's been a solid worker for six-plus seasons. Still, the Kansas City Chiefs have an alternate route they should take.

Fisher had surgery for a sports hernia, which caused him to miss the last three games—and he's expected to miss a few more. Cam Erving has started in his stead. The argument to trade Fisher isn't to say Erving is a better option. He's not. But the financial implications necessary to remain flexible for Patrick Mahomes' upcoming balloon payment are critical. The Chiefs can absorb Fisher's cap hit this season to create more wiggle room next year.

They have $24.3 million in available salary-cap space, according to Spotrac, which is the 10th-most in the league. The offense can survive with Erving (or another draft pick) at left tackle. Not having Fisher's $15.2 million cap hit on the books next year is a big deal.

Los Angeles Chargers: RB Melvin Gordon III

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Melvin Gordon III's return to the Los Angeles Chargers lineup should be short-lived. The two-time Pro Bowl running back held out for training camp, the preseason and the first four regular-season contests with no resolution to his contract or trade demands.

"I'm definitely motivated. No one cared that Melvin Gordon was out. It was all about Zeke [Ezekiel Elliot], and it ain't no hate," Gordon said, per the Los Angeles Times' Jeff Miller.

Gordon rationalized the attention on Elliott by stating the Dallas Cowboys' are "America's team." While Gordon is right about the Cowboys' popularity, he whiffed on the reason his holdout garnered less national attention.

First, Elliott is a better player. Second, the Chargers weren't as desperate to have him back, because they have quality depth—which became apparent through the regular season's first quarter of play.

Austin Ekeler and Justin Jackson are an effective duo, while Gordon became a luxury the Chargers can trade to fortify other areas of an injury-ravaged roster.

Los Angeles Rams: CB Aqib Talib

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Every player has an NFL shelf life. At 33 years old, Aqib Talib is nearing the end of his.

A goal of any front office is knowing when to move a player before he stops making a positive impact.

The Los Angeles Rams traded for Talib before the 2018 campaign so he could serve as a conduit for Wade Phillips' defensive scheme. He accomplished that goal. Now, the Rams are prepared for life without Talib.

Both he and Marcus Peters are free agents after this season. Los Angeles will have a decision to make with the younger Peters (26) likely getting the nod on a new deal. Also, the Rams have built depth at corner with Nickell Robey-Coleman, Troy Hill and third-round rookie David Long Jr.

At the same time, Talib's level of play has fallen. The Rams better make a deal while they can with another team that needs an experienced cover corner and is willing to take on the rest of Talib's $8 million base salary.

Miami Dolphins: RB Kenyan Drake

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At this point, who shouldn't the Miami Dolphins trade? The list is plentiful, but a few moves don't make sense.

The Dolphins value cornerback Xavien Howard as a former Pro Bowler at a premium position. Safety Reshad Jones' massive contract makes him nearly impossible to move. Quarterback Josh Rosen deserves a longer audition. Also, the team's rookie class is safe (relatively speaking).

The rest of the roster should be fair game.

Running back Kenyan Drake is the most obvious trade candidate. A season ago, Drake tallied 1,012 total yards and nine touchdowns. He's both an explosive runner and capable receiver. But a dismal season bogged down his production, as he has only 113 rushing and 107 receiving yards in four games.

Drake is also in the final year of his rookie contract, and no reason exists for him to re-sign based on the Dolphins' direction—which provides more incentive to move the 25-year-old back.

Minnesota Vikings: CB Trae Waynes

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No, the Minnesota Vikings shouldn't trade wide receiver Stefon Diggs.

Instead, they should move on from 2015 first-round pick Trae Waynes. This isn't the first time Waynes' name came up in a possible trade. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, teams called the Vikings about the cornerback's availability this past offseason.

At the time, the deal didn't makes sense, because Waynes' fifth-year rookie option was already guaranteed.

The possibility is more realistic now as potential suitors will pay a prorated portion of this year's $9.1 million base salary. Furthermore, said suitors would get an early opportunity to extend Waynes if deemed necessary.

The Vikings already have three other significant investments at cornerback in Xavier Rhodes, Mike Hughes and Mackensie Alexander, and Jayron Kearse is capable of covering the slot.

New England Patriots: RB Rex Burkhead

Winslow Townson/Associated Press

The New England Patriots defense is fantastic, so there's no advantage in moving parts there. As such, the offense comes under scrutiny.

Running back is the only position the Patriots have any depth to move a player from, since wide receiver, tight end and the offensive line continue to deal with problems.

Sony Michel and James White aren't going anywhere. But the Patriots carry five running backs on their 53-man roster. Rex Burkhead and Brandon Bolden are versatile pieces in the offense and on special teams. Third-round rookie Damien Harris remains in reserve as yet another option.

Bill Belichick constantly tinkers with his roster. As stated earlier, the rest of the offense needs help. By trading some of the squad's quality running back depth, New England could address another position.

Burkhead is the obvious option, because he can immediately contribute to another team in two phases of the game. Plus, he'll turn 30 years old next year, making it a good time for New England to deal him. 

New Orleans Saints: C Nick Easton

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The New Orleans Saints sunk a four-year, $22.5 million free-agent contract into Nick Easton with the intention of starting him at center.

But the front office didn't know it would be in position to trade up and draft Erik McCoy in this year's second round. McCoy already looks like a franchise building block, while Easton hasn't played a single offensive snap.

The Saints have depth at both center and guard with Will Clapp and Patrick Omameh in tow.

Easton's contract structure is interesting, too, because little guaranteed money exists beyond this season. Even if he's dealt, the Saints would only eat the rest of the $4 million guaranteed at signing. But the team can avoid the $17 million in base salary over the next three seasons.

Multiple other franchises have injury issues along the offensive line. Easton can step in as a starting center or guard tomorrow.

New York Giants: CB Janoris Jenkins

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New York Giants cornerback Janoris Jenkins permanently resides on the trade block. Maybe the Giants will actually move him this year.

Jenkins' contract is prohibitive, though. Not many teams can afford the prorated portion of a $10.15 million base salary this year with the same price tag next season. Trade interest is dependent on how desperate another organization becomes to add a starting-caliber cornerback.

But Jenkins can still play and earned NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors after the Week 4 slate. He also snagged an interception Thursday against Tom Brady and the New England Patriots.

Previously, the Giants didn't have better alternatives as an incentive to move Jenkins. That's still arguably the case, but the team does have talented options in DeAndre Baker, Grant Haley, Corey Ballentine, Julian Love and Antonio Hamilton if the season spirals out of control and a youth movement becomes the logical approach.

New York Jets: OT Brandon Shell

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Trumaine Johnson is the obvious choice for the New York Jets, but no other team wants to take on his contract, especially with his poor play over the last two seasons.

The Jets can capitalize on the league's dearth of offensive line talent by moving former starting right tackle Brandon Shell.

The Jets coaching staff benched Shell in favor of rookie third-round pick Chuma Edoga. According to ESPN.com's Rich Cimini, head coach Adam Gase said the team "drafted [Edoga] for a reason." The touted rookie, whose pass-blocking skills were considered a strength, subsequently surrendered a pair of sacks in his first start.

Even so, the staff made its decision, and the team will have to endure Edoga's growing pains.

Shell, meanwhile, was inactive after starting 32 of 37 contests in his first three-plus seasons. The 27-year-old lineman isn't a stellar strong-side blocker, but he can help a team that's desperate for a reliable blocker.

Oakland Raiders: DE Arden Key

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Oakland Raiders defensive end Arden Key looked destined for big things—only to fall flat in this second season. Key flashed as a rookie with numerous pressures, but he only had one sack.

The trend continued into 2019, and he's been bypassed by other young, talented edge-rushers.

First, the Raiders invested first- and fourth-round draft picks in Clelin Ferrell and Maxx Crosby, respectively. Both are bigger parts of the defensive line rotation, while Josh Mauro starts as the unit's base end. Also, Benson Mayowa developed into the team's best pure pass-rusher and leads the Raiders with 4.5 sacks.

Key went from creating the most pressure on a bad squad to its fifth-best defensive end.

Oakland can either wait and see if he develops further or entice another franchise to invest in his potential. The latter seems a more prudent decision, since Ferrell and Crosby are the Raiders' future at the position.

Philadelphia Eagles: OT Halapoulivaati Vaitai

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Offensive line depth is rare. The Philadelphia Eagles own arguably the NFL's deepest front, and the organization should take advantage of its situation.

Halapoulivaati Vaitai is one of the league's most versatile blockers. He started at left tackle during Super Bowl LII because of a knee injury to Jason Peters. He has eight career starts at right tackle. This preseason, he moved to right guard to replace Brandon Brooks as the latter recovered a torn Achilles tendon.

Usually, a lineman with Vaitai's versatility is a long-term roster lock. The Eagles can use that same skill as a bargaining chip before losing him to free agency next year.

Even if they move Vaitai, the Eagles would still have a first-round offensive tackle in Andre Dillard, Nate Herbig, who plays center and guard, and Matt Pryor, who can start at guard or tackle, as the team's offensive line depth. That group doesn't count Jordan Mailata, who's out with a back injury.

Pittsburgh Steelers: CB Artie Burns

James Kenney/Associated Press

Can the Pittsburgh Steelers trade Minkah Fitzpatrick to get a first-round pick back as they struggle through a disastrous season? No re-gifting, huh?

Anyhow, the organization should look toward another defensive back as a potential trade candidate.

Artie Burns is a bust. The 2016 first-round pick is no longer a part of the Steelers secondary rotation. His biggest contributions come on special teams.

As will any young, high draft pick, there'll be someone who's willing to take a chance on his talent.

Obviously, Burns won't step in as a shutdown starter for another squad, but he should able to crack a thin depth chart and contribute as a cornerback and special teams performer. He has started 31 games over his four-year career.

The Steelers should trade Burns for anything they can get.

San Francisco 49ers: DE Solomon Thomas

Jack Dempsey/Associated Press

The San Francisco 49ers are loaded along their defensive front with DeForest Buckner, Nick Bosa, Dee Ford and Arik Armstead, and they've dominated some opponents. The 2017 third overall pick, Solomon Thomas, isn't a big part of that success, though.

The Niners defensive staff relegated Thomas to a rotational role in sub-packages, and he's contributed seven tackles and one sack.

Thomas never found a home in the Niners lineup. At first, the staff misused the talented defensive lineman by trying to make him a rush end. Then, he fell behind a talented group that's playing well together.

San Francisco also has solid depth in Ronald Blair III, Sheldon Day and starting 1-technique D.J. Jones.

An individual under rookie contract—albeit on a top-five pick's deal—with Thomas' potential should be quite tempting, especially if his next team has a plan for his skill set.

Seattle Seahawks: DE Branden Jackson

Rick Scuteri/Associated Press

Injuries and a key suspension decimated the Seattle Seahawks' defensive front as the regular season loomed.

The league suspended Jarran Reed six games for a violation of the personal conduct policy. Ziggy Ansah continued to recover from offseason shoulder surgery. First-round rookie L.J. Collier suffered a nasty high-ankle sprain during training camp.

But things slowly got better.

The Seahawks made a bold move with the Clowney trade. Ansah and Collier got healthy. Reed is one game away from his return.

As such, previous key performers will be relegated to bit roles. Seattle will be four deep along the interior upon Reed's inclusion. The edge is much stronger with Clowney, Ansah, Collier and Rasheem Green.

Branden Jackson becomes the odd man out. The versatile defensive lineman can play inside or outside, but his role already decreased.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: TE Cameron Brate

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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers offense uses 12 personnel (one running back, two tight ends and two wide receivers) with the third-most frequency, according to Sharp Football's Warren Sharp.

Yet, O.J. Howard and Cameron Brate—two highly skilled and talented tight ends—combined for 24 targets through five games. The Bruce Arians approach, now led by offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich, is built upon a vertical passing attack where the wide receivers excel.

Plenty of talent might be found at tight end, but the individuals aren't being fully utilized.

As such, why pay Brate like a starter ($7 million base salary this year) when he's been targeted only 10 times? By trading the 28-year-old, Tampa Bay will save $26.8 million over final four years of his contract.

Howard will move to a featured role with Antony Auclair and Tanner Hudson serving as backups, and Brate can start elsewhere.

Tennessee Titans: WR Tajae Sharpe

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The Tennessee Titans finally have a No. 1 wide receiver, and, no, it's not Corey Davis, whom the organization selected with 2017's fifth overall draft pick.

A.J. Brown leads the Titans and ranks fourth among rookies with 250 receiving yards. He's a weapon alongside Davis and quarterback Marcus Mariota's favorite target, tight end Delanie Walker.

The front office also signed slot receiver Adam Humphries to a four-year, $36 million deal this offseason. The team's top four receiving options are set.

Tajae Sharpe's role decreased each year he's been in the lineup. His rookie season was his best, as he had 41 receptions for 522 yards. He has five receptions this year.

At 24 years old and with free agency looming, Sharpe needs a fresh start. Those teams in need of receiver help can provide more opportunities.

Washington Redskins: OT Trent Williams

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The Washington Redskins are too stubborn for their own good. There is no other way to describe the franchise's handling of Trent Williams' holdout.

The offensive lineman has no reason to return to the team after an 0-5 start. He already made $31.1 million in base salary over the last four seasons. His dispute is a matter of principle, and he "doesn't have any plans of returning to the Redskins anytime soon," according to ESPN's Dianna Russini.

Yet, Washington's front office won't even consider trading the seven-time Pro Bowler.

"No, not at this time," team president Bruce Allen told reporters Tuesday.

Washington's hard-headed approach is wrong. The team is already in shambles after head coach Jay Gruden's dismissal. And Williams is a valuable asset multiple other franchises around the league want.

Rebuilds start through the accumulation of draft assets and financial flexibility. A Williams trade provides both.

   

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