Upcoming Match-ups

NFL 2017 Trade Deadline Odds: Most Likely Movers

Ryan Murphy

by Ryan Murphy in NFL Football

Updated Jan 17, 2018 · 9:38 AM PST

Martavis Bryant could be hauling in passes for a new team soon. Photo by Keith Allison (Flickr) CC License

October 31st is one of the scariest nights of the year for many of us in America. It’s almost one of the scariest days of the year for many NFL players as they find themselves having to sell their homes and hastily relocate after getting dealt at the NFL’s trade deadline.

Unlike in the NBA or NHL, the league’s trade deadline has not traditionally been a busy day, but that’s likely to change this year. New Orleans kickstarted the NFL’s trade season on October 10th when they moved former MVP Adrian Peterson to Arizona for a conditional draft pick, and struggling teams like the 49ers, Giants and Browns are expected to be making and taking calls as they look to shuttle off overpriced veterans in favor of draft picks.

We’ve been examining the trade winds for the past month and have come up with the ten players most likely to be moved by Halloween. Odds below.

Martavis Bryant (WR, Pittsburgh Steelers)  

Martavis Bryant’s feud with the Steelers is getting hotter by the day. The disgruntled wide receiver has reportedly been benched for Week 8 after publicly demanding a trade and criticizing teammate JuJu Smith-Schuster on Instagram, writing “”[He’s] nowhere near better than me, fool. All they need to do is give me what I want and y’all can have JuJu and whoever else.”

The situation has clearly reached a boiling point and Pittsburgh may be wise to unload Bryant before he completely unravels the Steeler sweater from within.But his value on the market may be too low at the moment, given that other teams are fully aware of the strife he’s causing.

The Giants would certainly make sense as a landing spot given their recent rash of receiver injuries, but even they may be unwilling to take on such a potential distraction.

Odds Martavis Bryant is traded by the 2017 deadline: 3/1

Jeremy Hill (RB, Cincinnati Bengals)

Everyone knew Jeremy Hill’s days were numbered when the Bengals drafted Joe Mixon in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft. Already functioning in a backfield split with Giovani Bernard, the 25-year-old Hill has seen his carries diminish even further as Mixon has taken over the bulk of early-down work. Hill has yet to rush for more than 26 yards in a game all season and Week 7 against the Steelers marked an especially low point, as he ran the ball just four times for seven yards. The Bengals are said to be interested in unloading Hill for a fourth or fifth-rounder.

Odds Jeremy Hill is traded by the 2017 deadline: 13/7

Kenny Britt (WR, Cleveland Browns)

We all know that Browns wide receiver Kenny Britt isn’t a fan of London, but it’s becoming increasingly obvious that he isn’t a fan of Cleveland either. The 29-year-old has reportedly been at odds with the team’s coaching staff all season long and has become an increasingly disruptive presence in the locker room. The Browns came close to cutting him last week after Britt missed curfew before their game against the Titans, but they’d clearly prefer to receive something of value in return. Britt is currently in the first year of a four-year, $32.5 million deal and has caught just ten passes in five games. Why would anyone take that on given his performance? To start, the Browns could offer to eat some of the salary. Second, Britt’s upside is damn high; he’s coming off a 1,000-yard, five-touchdown season with the Rams, his third straight year with over 650 receiving yards.

Odds Kenny Britt is traded by the 2017 deadline: 2/1

Cordy Glenn (OT, Buffalo Bills)

Cordy Glenn’s time in Buffalo could be coming to an end. Bills general manager Brandon Beane is said to be “actively shopping” the veteran left tackle and has engaged in conversations with multiple teams including the Seahawks and Eagles. Philadelphia would seem to be an especially good fit as the team recently lost Jason Peters to a torn ACL and MCL. If the Eagles can maintain a strong offensive line in front of breakout sophomore Carson Wentz, they are a legitimate Super Bowl contender, meaning it makes sense to deal future assets for immediate dividends. Glenn has started just three games this season and is owed $39.6 million over the next three years.

Odds Cordy Glenn is traded by the 2017 deadline: 5/2

Hau’oli Kikaha (LB, New Orleans Saints)

The Saints have already traded Adrian Peterson and Stephone Anthony and they may not be done wheeling and dealing. The team is reportedly dangling linebacker Hau’oli Kikaha, who was a surprise healthy inactive last week against the Packers. The Patriots — who just lost Dont’a Hightower for the season — are said to be interested in the Washington product, but it remains to be seen if they can put together the right kind of package.

Odds Hau’oli Kikaha is traded by the 2017 deadline: 3/1

Eric Reid (S/LB, San Francisco 49ers)

When the 49ers released NaVorro Bowman on October 13th, they officially placed a “For Sale” sign on all of their remaining veterans. The next to go could be pending free agent Eric Reid, who was recently shifted from safety to linebacker. Reid has been less than enthusiastic about his new position and could soon find himself back at safety on a new team. The Chargers and Packers both loom as possible fits.

Odds Eric Reid is traded by the 2017 deadline: 4/1

Marcell Dareus during happier days in Buffalo. Photo by Keith Allison (Flickr) CC License

Marcell Dareus (DT, Buffalo Bills)

The Bills were unable to find any takers for Marcell Dareus in the offseason, but they’re hoping they may have more success now. The two-time Pro Bowler was one of the best interior lineman in the NFL as recently as 2016, when he racked up 3.5 sacks, 24 tackles, and 15 assists. The biggest stumbling blocks are the size and length of his contract. Dareus still has four years remaining on his huge six-year, $96 million deal, and his declining play no longer merits that kind of payday. The Bills may be able to get rid of him, but they’ll likely have to take back pennies on the dollar to do so.

Odds Marcell Dareus is traded by the 2017 deadline: 8/1

Carlos Hyde (RB, San Francisco 49ers)

Few players have been generating more trade-buzz lately than 49ers running back Carlos Hyde, who has been vocal about his reduced role on the 0-7 squad. The Ohio State product was especially frustrated after carrying the ball just eight times in San Fran’s Week 5 loss against the Colts. The 49ers have adamantly denied any interest in shipping out Hyde, but that hasn’t done a thing to slow down the rumor mill. Minnesota and Washington are both said to be interested and could clearly use another back.

Odds Carlos Hyde is traded by the 2017 deadline: 25/1

Dion Lewis (RB, New England Patriots)

Patriots running back Dion Lewis has been the subject of trade inquiries all season long, although it seems unlikely New England will unload him after his stellar Week 6 performance against the Jets. The 27-year-old RB ran for 52 yards on 11 carries and scored a decisive touchdown in the team’s 24-17 win. Lewis was also quietly effective last week against Atlanta, rushing for 76 yards on 13 carries. While New England has never been afraid to shake things up, Lewis has become the best option in a crowded backfield-but-underwhelming backfield that includes the out-of-favor Mike Gillislee, former sixth-round pick Rex Burkhead, and satellite back James White.

Odds Dion Lewis is traded by the 2017 deadline: 33/1

Eli Manning (New York Giants)

One name that continues to pop up is Eli Manning. The Giants are going nowhere fast and could jump start a rebuild by dealing their longtime QB for a grab-bag of prospects and draft picks. Manning has heard all the rumors, and isn’t buying them for a second.

“Yeah, I don’t know why all of a sudden that’s started up,’’ he told WFAN. “Why people think I would leave or want to leave or the Giants want to trade me. I don’t get caught up in [rumors], I don’t think about ’em, I got one job and that’s playing quarterback for the New York Giants.’’

As frequently as Manning’s name is brought up in trade rumors, Jacksonville is suggested as a potential landing spot. It’s an interesting scenario, in which the much-maligned Manning takes over for the even-more-maligned Blake Bortles. Yet, for all of Bortles’ struggles, the Jags are tied atop the AFC South and, while Bortles hasn’t exactly “led” them there, he hasn’t shot them in the foot either, like in years past. If the team didn’t see fit to replace the former third-overall pick before, now would seem an odd time for the transition.

Odds Eli Manning is traded by the 2017 deadline: 40/1

Author Image