Three Trades I'd like to See at the NFL Trade Deadline

With week 8 of the NFL season swiftly approaching, multiple teams will be looking to make a move to bolster their roster or increase their draft capital at the trade deadline. What is one of the busiest times of the year in the NFL world, this year the trade deadline could see some household names get moved.

RB Derrick Henry, Tennessee Titans

One of the most dominant backs of the late 2010s, King Henry has lived up well to his nickname. The Titans come into this week's game sitting at 2-4 and play the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday afternoon. A key matchup, and if the Titans lose they could quickly look to expend some of their more significant contracts to generate draft capital. Henry will be 30 years old by the end of this year's NFL season. Additionally, this is the final year of Henry's four-year 50 million-dollar extension that he signed back in 2020. Facing the dreaded 30-year mark is meaningful for a running back, as players at the position are commonly past their prime at that age. For most that would be the case, but Henry is a possible Hall of Fame caliber back and has shown to have juice in the tank. With an expiring contract and Henry still displaying value, I could see the Titans moving their face of the franchise to open up a new chapter in Tennessee.

Favorite Potential Landing Spot for Henry: Baltimore Ravens

An offense with Lamar's speed and Henry's ground and pound could spell disaster for the NFL. This combo would be such a great pickup that boosts the Ravens into the number-one spot in the NFL as ‘the’ team to beat.

Brian Burns, OLB, Carolina Panthers

Burns is an elite pass rusher with four sacks through six games this season. Last year, Burns had a great season with 12.5 sacks and a forced fumble, projecting him into the Pro Bowl. Burns is in the final year of his contract, which raises the question of whether he will even resign with Carolina if not traded. Currently, the Panthers are 0-6 and have no aspirations for competing immediately. That said, Burns' commitment to the team moving forward could be in question, and if he isn't looking to resign they should move him in exchange for something before it's too late. Burns' value is still very high despite his dealing with an injury. Carolina could add a very high pick in the draft, possibly propelling their rebuild.

Favorite Potential Landing Spot for Burns: Jacksonville Jaguars

Jacksonville has one established pass rusher in OLB Josh Allen, not to be confused with the Quarterback. A potential duo between Allen and Burns could take Jacksonville from a thought-to-be contender to a guaranteed competitor at the top of the NFL. Jacksonville offering a first-round pick is pretty easy to cough up, as well. It is clear that they are looking to compete for a title; adding Burns at the cost of a first-round pick puts them in that position to win now.

Mike Evans, WR Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Evans has been a staple of consistency since he came into the league in 2014. The former Texas A&M star has had a tremendous NFL career to date, spanning ten seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In the final year of his deal, I could see that longtime connection ending. Evans has spent the majority of his career having to deal with subpar QB play, outside of the few seasons that Tom Brady played in Tampa. Having just turned 30 in August, Evans is different from the young buck he used to be but he still is a very talented WR. I could easily see Evans not returning to Tampa this offseason for an opportunity to compete elsewhere. The Buccs are far from competing with or without Evans as things stand, and should look to maximize a potential rebuild opportunity.

Favorite Potential Landing Spot for Evans:  Detroit Lions 

A possible shocker to some, a potential Evans trade to Detroit could shake out significantly for both sides. For Detroit, they get a legit jump ball threat to go with fellow star WR Amon-Ra St. Brown. Tampa could get a top 2-round pick in the draft, though it's unclear what Mike Evans's current value is in Tampa's eyes. A trade that would make the 5-2 Lions a legit contender in the NFC, as well as making QB Jared Goff's life a whole lot easier.