The 2024 NFL season is really starting to ramp up as teams have begun to separate themselves as Super Bowl contenders while others are already looking toward next year.
Teams like the Kansas City Chiefs, Baltimore Ravens and Minnesota Vikings are leading the pack, while on the flip side, the Cleveland Browns, Carolina Panthers and Tennessee Titans could use more draft picks to help reload their respective rosters.
The NFL trade deadline is set for Nov. 5, and negotiations are only expected to heat up as that date gets closer.
Several moves have already been executed, notably Davante Adams and Amari Cooper being shipped to the New York Jets and Buffalo Bills, respectively.
Similar win-now deals should start filtering in as there are some veterans on losing teams who could help a contender immediately.
With that in mind, there are four names in particular worth keeping an eye on, according to one NFL insider.
“With the NFL trade deadline just 17 days away, [Diana Russini] is keeping an eye on several players who could be on the clock, including: Deebo Samuel, Bryce Young, DeAndre Hopkins, Za’Darius Smith,” The Athletic NFL posted to X.
With the NFL trade deadline just 17 days away, @DMRussini is keeping an eye on several players who could be on the clock, including:
◽️ Deebo Samuel
◽️ Bryce Young
◽️ DeAndre Hopkins
◽️ Za’Darius SmithMore intel: https://t.co/E6crkfRj3N pic.twitter.com/OSqgzP71eq
— The Athletic NFL (@TheAthleticNFL) October 19, 2024
Samuel would far and away be the most impactful wide receiver dealt as the San Franciso 49ers star is still in his prime and can play a variety of roles offensively.
Young was benched as the Panthers starting quarterback and could be a great reclamation project for a rebuilding team, while Hopkins of the Titans could be a boost for any receiving corps in need of a veteran.
Meanwhile, Smith is still a productive pass rusher for the Browns and could help any number of defenses.
