In today’s NFL, the player has the most control he has ever had over his own playing situation. If you have any sort of issue, whether it be with playing time, current contracts or just straight winning, you can call up your agent and be gone within weeks.
Recently we have seen players like Melvin Gordon, Ezekiel Elliott and Jalen Ramsey all catch major heat for different reasons in the offseason. Many called their demands “selfish” or “childish” and questioned the athletes will to win.
But what about those who have been TOO loyal to their franchise? The athlete who has dominated his year in and year out, with nothing but injury and personal stats to show for it? The players that are stuck on a team with no opportunity to shine, and prove themselves to the rest of the league. That’s what this list is constructed of.
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Trent Williams
Williams has made it very clear, for a very long time, that he is done being a Washington Redskin, doesn’t want to be a part of another rebuilding team, and is tired of the front office in D.C. I understand Washington want to keep Williams, as he is arguably one of the best left tackles in the NFL, but he has proven through the first 4 weeks of the season he will no longer be a Redskin.
With as many teams in need of offensive line help, I know Washington isn’t short of buyers for the tackles talents. Why he hasn’t been shipped out for a hefty reward is beyond me, and something that could possibly buy Jay Gruden more time in Washington (Not that really would really want that).
I wouldn’t be surprised if you see a team like Cleveland or New England make the deal for him within the next few weeks. Trent Williams is better than pretty much anyone else they would be able to select with their own 1st round picks and are in a win now mode. Both squads are in desperate need for offensive line help, and have plenty of strong defenses they will have to get past in order to make it to the Super Bowl.
Von Miller
The Broncos once looked to be a feared team, with a defense that will break your back. They now are looked at as a team stuck in the abyss of lackluster NFL teams. Another rough start to the season, and the Broncos are already sitting 0-4 with a dissatisfied locker room.
During Week 4 of this season Von Miller become the 4th fastest (34th all time) to reach 100 career sacks, only behind Reggie, Bruce Smith and his former teammate, DeMarcus Ware. That has posted him 6 playoff wins since 2011, but more importantly, 0 in the past three going on four seasons.
Denver is currently stuck in NFL purgatory and the only way to get out is letting go of the superstars of the old regime. They need new building blocks, new leadership and most importantly, not the 2nd highest paid linebacker in the NFL.
Could we see the Baltimore Ravens, a team that just released another edge rusher just a few days ago, make a move to try and fill in the role Suggs left this off season? This a defense that needs to find a way to stop Patrick Mahomes and the other elite offenses from ripping them alive like the Chiefs did Week 3. It will take some magic to work around the cap room, but if the Ravens miss out on Jalen Ramsey dont be surprised if Von Miller’s name is called for next.
Chris Harris Jr
Obviously everything I just said about the Broncos for Von Miller can basically be repeated for Chris Harris Jr. Harris is wasting his career in Denver, and could provide a contender much needed talent and leadership for a playoff push.
Whichever team comes in 2nd on the Jalen Ramsey sweepstakes is going to be the team that cashes in for Chris Harris’ talents. Whether that be Seattle, Kansas City, or the Ravens will have to be determined later, but my money is on Seattle.
Considering how unlikely trading your best cornerback to a division rival (Chiefs) is, we will just ignore that situation for right now. Seattle not only has the highest draft capital in return (a 1st and two 2nd rounders), but it is the only team not in the AFC on the top of the list.
A.J. Green
Other than staying on the field longer, you couldn’t ask for more from A.J. Green. He is an All-Pro caliber receiver, that provides great leadership and performs quietly, and consistently. Since he is losing on the Bengals however, he is consistently underrated and under valued across the league.
The Bengals would be wise to trade him for as much as they can get in return and help speed up their rebuild while giving A.J. Green a true opportunity to win.
Every team could use an A.J. Green, the question is just which team is willing to spend the most?
A popular team mentioned would be to pair him up with Davante Adams in Green Bay, but I would much rather see the Los Angeles Chargers possibly put all their chips in the table for Green. Not only is the team in desperate need for wide outs, but the window for Phillip Rivers is shrinking by the week. Melvin Gordon is finally returning for the season, but could be gone if they don’t want to meet to his demands. With that being said, why not go ALL in while you can?
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There is also plenty of talent that is stuck on a roster that either doesn’t know how to use them, or just doesn’t have enough the snaps to give the player a chance. These are names that we are more likely to see closer to the trade deadline, as contenders look to solidify their roster to make a run for the playoffs.
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Solomon Thomas
Back during the 2017 NFL Draft many people were head over heels over Solomon Thomas as a NFL prospect. It took me a lot longer than most to get behind his hype train, but I eventually hopped on board. He is a fringe defensive linemen that can play inside and out but struggled to find a spot in the 49ers rotation.
In 2018 Thomas lost his older sister, derailing his season and honestly has stunted his career growth as well. Growing up in the same town as Thomas, not only did I know how important his family is to him but I understood that he would need time to get back to himself after suffering a loss that way. This was a kid that nearly committed to Arkansas just to be with his sister more before deciding to go to Stanford.
Here we are, closing in on two years since her passing and Solomon has looked more like himself on the field but it could be too late for his 49er career. The 49ers traded for Dee Ford earlier this off season, and have since also drafted Nick Bosa putting Thomas as a backup defensive end. I personally think that Dallas could bolster their defensive line, bringing him back into a comfort zone, and it would only cost a mid to late round selection. Teams like the Lions, Bills or Seahawks would be a great fit for him as well, and all could use more talent along the defensive line.
Eli Manning
The Eli Manning Era is over in New York, and Danny Dimes has now taken the Giants fan base by storm. He might not be an elite quarterback, but he is better than Case Keenum, Josh Rosen, and Chase Daniels and could compete with names like Jameis Winston, Kirk Cousins, and even Gardner Minshew.
Why Eli, New York’s 2020 1st, and possibly a 2021 mid round pick for Jalen Ramsey hasn’t been spoken about more is beyond me, but I like it. Depending on Jacksonvilles stance on rebuilding versus using those last few years Eli says he has to push for a Super Bowl.
Kenyan Drake
Miami is a dumpster fire and are obviously not in any kind of mood for winning. They are purposely using a running back in Kalen Ballage that is averaging 1.5 yards a carry and have totaled less than 1,000 yards of total offense in 4 games.
I hope Kenyan Drake was one of the players that reportedly discussed with their agents of being traded immediately after their loss to the Ravens, because he is too young and talented for a team like this. A team like the 49ers, Atlanta, or the Texans could all use Drake’s talents in their back field.
The Falcons are sitting at 1-3 at the bottom at the NFC South, but are by no means out of the divisional race. Atlanta’s rushing attack could use Kenyan Drake very similarly to how Tevin Coleman was used, and hopefully provide a spark to an offense that has only produced one 50 yard rusher all season long.
Leonard Williams
During the 2015 NFL Draft process, Leonard Williams was viewed as a lock for a Top 3 pick, that is until the Rams and Eagles traded everything they own to move up to 1st and 2nd respectively. He was the best NFL prospect in the class, and seemed like he could fit any defense.
Come draft day he “fell” to the 6th pick by the New York Jets, and that was about the last major thing you would hear of the prospect. In comes a new coach, with a new defensive scheme, and suddenly it looks best for everyone to move on from the best prospect in the 2015 NFL Draft.
The Jets have a tough decision to make as Williams enters the last year of his rookie deal, and will most likely end up signing with another team anyway if he isn’t dealt now. Arizona could look to replace their own 1st round bust, Robert Nkemdiche, who they released earlier this year.
Tampa Bay would be a great fit for the former USC Trojan, and were highly interested in selecting him in 2015. The emergence of Shaq Barrett has finally gave the Buccaneers a pass rush they’ve been searching for, and sliding Williams into that defensive line would only be positive for both parties.