• WR Treylon Burks, Tennessee Titans: Burks has been a major disappointment early in his NFL career, totaling just 730 yards in two seasons. One team that makes a lot of sense for Burks is the Dallas Cowboys, who would like to add a receiver at some point this offseason. The Cowboys had Burks ranked as their No. 23 player in the 2022 NFL Draft and could acquire him relatively cheaply.
• CB Greg Newsome II, Cleveland Browns: Newsome has been the subject of trade rumors all offseason with the Browns unlikely to give him a second contract. Martin Emerson‘s emergence (and of course, Denzel Ward) has made Newsome expendable despite his excellent play over the last two seasons.
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Over the last few drafts, we’ve seen several veterans get traded sometime over the weekend. Last year was no exception with D’Andre Swift getting moved to the Philadephia Eagles after the Detroit Lions had drafted Jahmyr Gibbs with the No. 12 pick. Swift would make the Pro Bowl for the Eagles and earned a big second contract with the Chicago Bears this offseason.
So, what veterans could be traded this week, and where might they end up? Here are five veterans that could be on the move.
WR Treylon Burks, Tennessee Titans
The Titans have a new regime, which means previous draft picks could be on the block. One player who might not fit Brian Callahan's offense is Treylon Burks, especially after signing Calvin Ridley to a huge deal. The Titans will want to be a three-WR set team under Callahan, but Burks might not be the type of slot receiver he wants in his offense.
Burks has been a major disappointment early in his NFL career, totaling just 730 yards in two seasons. Injuries have limited him to just 22 games, but it is fair to wonder how he’ll fit the new offense. Over the last two seasons, Burks has averaged just 1.28 yards per route run, which ranks 78th among 140 qualifying wide receivers. His 52.4 overall PFF grade was the fifth worst in the NFL last year among receivers with at least 400 snaps.
One team that makes a lot of sense for Burks is the Dallas Cowboys, who would like to add a receiver at some point this offseason. The Cowboys had Burks ranked as their No. 23 player in the 2022 NFL Draft and could acquire him relatively cheaply. If the Cowboys don't draft a wide receiver on the first two days of the draft, don't be surprised if they call about Burks, who they liked quite a bit just 24 months ago.
Possible destinations: Los Angeles Chargers, Dallas Cowboys, Pittsburgh Steelers
CB Greg Newsome II, Cleveland Browns
Newsome has been the subject of trade rumors all offseason with the Browns unlikely to give him a second contract. Martin Emerson‘s emergence (and of course, Denzel Ward) has made Newsome expendable despite his excellent play over the last two seasons.
Newsome has now posted three straight seasons with a 66.0-plus PFF grade, but he is entering the final year of his contract. He ranked 14th (among 128 qualifying cornerbacks) in forced incompletion percentage (18.1%) during the 2023 season. His biggest knock is his lack of strength as a run defender (48.2 run defense grade in 2023), but he is one of the best pure cover cornerbacks in the league right now.
Newsome is only 23 years old (turns 24 in May) and has the ability to play outside and in the slot, which is hard to find. Teams needing a dynamic cornerback with position flexibility will surely be in demand if the Browns make him available. Teams that aren’t able to grab a starting-caliber cornerback in the top 50 may pivot to Newsome this weekend. He could be a tremendous value for his next team.
Possible destinations: Philadelphia Eagles, Los Angeles Rams, Indianapolis Colts
TE Pat Freiermuth, Pittsburgh Steelers
There has been no indication that the Steelers are unhappy with Pat Freiermuth, but he is entering the final year of his contract, and there has been no movement toward a potential deal. Freiermuth is a talented player, but he struggled to stay on the field in 2023 and has caught just four touchdowns over the last two seasons.
There is also a question of his fit in Arthur Smith’s offense as he requires his tight ends to block inline. Freiermuth has yet to post a season with a run-blocking grade over 60 and it is inarguably the worst part of his game. He can be an effective receiver, but his lack of strength in the run game could make him a clunky fit in Pittsburgh’s new offense.
The Steelers selected Darnell Washington in Round 3 last year and signed veteran MyCole Pruitt this offseason, both of whom are known for their blocking ability. Pittsburgh might not intend to give Freiermuth a deal similar to Cole Kmet (four years, $50 million), which is likely what he would get on the open market in 2025. If that is the case, it’s better to trade him now for an asset and use that pick to acquire a cheaper tight end that better fits the system.
If the Steelers could get an early Day 3 pick in return for Freiermuth, that might be a deal that is too good to pass up. And with this being a weaker tight end class, several teams could be interested in Freiermuth's services this week.
Potential Destinations: New York Jets, Tennessee Titans, Washington Commanders
RB Dameon Pierce, Houston Texans
Another running back who could be available this weekend is Dameon Pierce, who fell out of favor in Houston. After racking up over 1,100 yards from scrimmage as a rookie, Pierce started just seven games in 2023 and was eventually relegated to kick return duties.
The Texans have since added Joe Mixon and rewarded him with a new contract. He will be their starter in 2024 and beyond, but it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Texans draft a running back with some speed to complement him.
That could leave Pierce on the outside looking in, but he is still a quality running back who is only 24. Since entering the NFL, Pierce ranks fifth in missed tackles forced per attempt (0.24) and has racked up 89 missed force tackles.
Luckily for Pierce, this is a pretty weak running back class, and there could be a handful of teams looking for a competent starter in the trade market. Teams in need of a starting-caliber running back could be interested in flipping a late Day 3 pick for Pierce, who best fits a gap scheme.
Potential Destinations: Dallas Cowboys, Las Vegas Raiders, Cleveland Browns
WR Brandon Aiyuk, San Francisco 49ers
The biggest name on this list is Brandon Aiyuk, who is coming off his best season in the NFL. Aiyuk racked up over 1,300 receiving yards last season and developed into the No. 1 target in the passing attack for the 49ers. In his first four seasons in San Francisco, Aiyuk totaled 4,048 yards and 27 touchdowns despite playing with several different starting quarterbacks.
However, now it’s time for Aiyuk to get paid, and the 49ers seem hesitant to give him elite money. The going rate for a player of Aiyuk’s age and caliber is around $25 million per year, and the price continues to go up. The 49ers would love to keep Aiyuk, but they might not have a choice but to trade him, especially if he is demanding $30 million per season.
If the 49ers conclude that a trade is in the best interest of both parties, expect nearly a dozen teams to be interested. Aiyuk is only 26 years old and finished as the No. 2 graded receiver in the NFL this year (91.7). He is outstanding in single coverage and against zone coverage, which makes him a fit in any offense. Plus, he was the fifth-highest graded run blocker (72.9) at the wide receiver position last year.
Aiyuk can do it all and his game is only improving as he ages. It would still be a shock to see him traded during the draft but expect teams to call and make offers all weekend long.
Potential Destinations: Buffalo Bills, Pittsburgh Steelers, Jacksonville Jaguars
EDGE Matthew Judon, New England Patriots
The Patriots are in the process of a full rebuild under new head coach Jerod Mayo. No one is expecting them to compete for the division or a playoff spot this year, so it wouldn’t be a surprise to see them trade a few aging veterans to teams with a chance to compete.
One player that fits that mold is Matt Judon, who is returning from a major injury in 2023. Judon played just 184 snaps last season after being injured in Week 4. However, he is still one of the NFL’s best pass-rushers despite his age. He’ll turn 32 in August, but could still help out teams in need of pass rushers.
This draft class has a few first-round edge rushers including Dallas Turner, Jared Verse and Laiatu Latu. But the overall depth of the class isn’t ideal. Teams like the Baltimore Ravens, Los Angeles Rams, and New Orleans Saints could all be interested in Judon for a late-round pick. Don’t be surprised if the Patriots try to “do right” by Judon and put him in a situation where he can win right away.
Potential Destinations: Baltimore Ravens, Los Angeles Rams, New Orleans Saints
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