NFL trade deadline best fits: Where could Jakobi Meyers, top WRs end up?
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The Landscape of Trade‑Ready Wide Receivers
The piece starts by identifying the key trade‑ready receivers heading into the last week before the deadline. Among them are:
| Player | Current Team | Contract Status | Why They’re Trade‑Ready |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mike Williams | Los Angeles Rams | 3‑year, $48 million total | Rams have moved to a more balanced passing attack; Williams’ 2025 cap hit is high relative to his output. |
| Jalen Reagor | Washington Commanders | Free agent (not on roster) | After a brief stint on the practice squad, Reagor is a veteran deep‑threat who could fill a need for a team with a lack of speed. |
| Marquez Callaway | Arizona Cardinals | 2‑year, $12 million | Cardinals have an excess of skill‑position talent; Callaway is a reliable slot receiver with a solid career yardage record. |
| Jordan Addison | Green Bay Packers | 1‑year, $1.5 million | Add‑on with a strong rookie performance; a mid‑tier trade could help a team looking for a quick upgrade. |
| Tee Higgins | Cincinnati Bengals | 2‑year, $10 million | Bengals’ passing game has struggled, and Higgins’ route‑running ability would complement Joe Burrow. |
The article stresses that while the marquee names such as Williams and Callaway are on the radar, many of the trade offers that actually materialize involve “depth” receivers who can slot in as a second‑string or special‑teams asset. It also points out that teams with recent injury concerns or a lack of depth in the receiver group—like the Cleveland Browns, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, or the New York Jets—will be in the mix for any trade that can provide a mid‑season spark.
Teams Looking for a Wide‑Receiver Upgrade
The USA Today piece then moves into a team‑by‑team analysis. It highlights:
Dallas Cowboys – Despite having a star trio in Deebo Samuel, Amari Cooper, and Jaylen Waddle, the Cowboys have been criticized for their lack of a top‑end playmaker. The article notes that adding a player like Jalen Reagor or even a younger piece of depth like Jordan Addison would give the offense more versatility against the Cowboys’ 3‑3‑5 defense.
New England Patriots – With the Patriots’ offensive line suffering a season of injuries, a reliable receiver who can handle short‑and‑deep combinations would be vital. The feature suggests that a trade for a player like Marquez Callaway could provide the sort of slot work the Patriots excel at.
Jacksonville Jaguars – Facing a shaky receiving corps, the Jaguars are highlighted as a team that might be willing to part with a veteran for a cost‑effective solution. The article references the possibility of a trade involving a player like Mike Williams, who can be brought in on a short‑term contract to bolster the passing game for the remainder of the season.
Philadelphia Eagles – The Eagles’ passing game has not lived up to expectations, and the article posits that a trade for a seasoned wide receiver could help the Eagles’ newly hired offensive coordinator create more dynamic play‑calling.
Arizona Cardinals – The Cardinals are noted as the likely “dump” for Marquez Callaway; the article underscores how a trade would free cap space for the Cardinals and allow the Eagles or another team to gain a dependable receiver.
Cap Implications and Timing
A key part of the article is the discussion of cap space and timing. It points out that the trade deadline has a one‑day grace period that allows teams to negotiate trades up until 8 a.m. the following Monday, giving them a limited window to assess the financial impact of a deal. In the case of Mike Williams, the Rams could offer a trade that frees up $8 million in cap space, which is attractive to teams that are looking to stay below the league cap ceiling. Similarly, the article notes that the Bengals, who are still under the cap, could benefit from a trade that reduces their salary obligations.
The article also stresses that many teams have signed “short‑term contracts” or “bridge deals” to keep the ball in play. For example, the Washington Commanders have a contract clause that allows them to release Jalen Reagor for a relatively low price if a team offers a favorable trade.
Final Thoughts: A Week of Decision‑Making
In closing, the USA Today article frames the last week before the deadline as a crucible where teams that want to make a statement will have to act fast. The piece ends by noting that while some receivers like Mike Williams have high ceilings, there are also many solid players who can help a struggling offense find balance. The trade deadline will be a litmus test for the teams’ willingness to trade veteran talent in exchange for cap space or to acquire a proven wide receiver who can help them push past the playoff bubble.
In sum, the article gives readers a comprehensive snapshot of the wide‑receiver trade market on the cusp of the deadline, with a clear emphasis on which teams are in need, which players are most likely to move, and how the financial calculus will shape the final deals that get signed.
Read the Full USA Today Article at:
[ https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2025/10/30/nfl-trade-deadline-best-fits-wide-receivers-candidates/86968621007/ ]