3 NFL Players Who Could Be Traded Before Next Cut Day

All 32 NFL franchises waived an abundance of players ahead of Tuesday’s deadline to trim their rosters down to 85 from 90. The following slim-down from 85 to 80 will arrive following the conclusion of the second week of preseason games. These deadlines welcome a flurry of activity via the trade market. 

The Philadelphia Eagles traded J.J. Arcega-Whiteside to the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for Ugo Amadi. On Tuesday evening, the Tennessee Titans acquired former Missouri safety Tyree Gillespie from the Las Vegas Raiders, according to multiple reports.

Additional trades will likely be completed before the next cut-down deadline. Completing a trade ensures the acquiring team receives the player of their choosing without having to compete for his signature via the free-agent market or the waiver wire. We’ve identified three intriguing NFL players who could be traded shortly.

MASON RUDOLPH, QB, PITTSBURGH STEELERS

Mason Rudolph has often been the most consistent quarterback at Steelers training camp, but the chances of him actually winning their starting quarterback job appears to be dwindling. Rookie first-round pick Kenny Pickett earned reps with the first-team offense during Tuesday’s practice following an impressive preseason showing against the Seattle Seahawks. Mitchell Trubisky started that contest and continues to find himself ahead of Rudolph in the pecking order. Rudolph is beginning to appear like the odd man out.

Furthermore, Rudolph’s name is beginning to circulate in trade rumors, with the Detroit Lions named as a potential suitor. The Lions watched their backup quarterbacks put forth an abysmal performance against the Atlanta Falcons on Friday. Rudolph probably wouldn’t push Jared Goff for the starting job, but he could keep the Lions’ offense afloat should Goff suffer an injury. The Steelers will almost certainly attract multiple trade offers in exchange for Rudolph’s quarterbacking services.

TEVEN JENKINS, OT, CHICAGO BEARS

Bears sophomore offensive lineman Teven Jenkins continues to await his next destination. Jenkins has been on the trade block for several weeks. The Bears are potentially attempting to increase Jenkins’ value and public perception by awarding him with first-team reps at right guard during Tuesday’s practice. It was a recent development that qualifies as peculiar given the deteriorating relationship. If the Bears fail to receive an offer they deem acceptable, they could choose to continue investing in Jenkins’ move to the interior.

Several NFL teams continue to monitor Jenkins’ situation with intrigue. The upcoming deadline for the Bears to trim their roster down to 80 could jumpstart some Jenkins-related activity. This situation remains fluid and ongoing with several moving parts. Jenkins could end up remaining in Chicago, but it’s too early to say so with certainty. The next few weeks will ultimately determine Jenkins’ future.

DENZEL MIMS, WR, NEW YORK JETS

Denzel Mims continues to be one of the most intriguing young receivers that’s potentially available for trade. Mims has enjoyed one of the better training camp periods of his career this summer, which could increase the interest the Jets attract. Mims made this excellent touchdown grab during Tuesday’s practice.

Here’s the great Denzel Mims catch from earlier: pic.twitter.com/VcutUvBlw4

— Zack Rosenblatt (@ZackBlatt) August 16, 2022

Mims appears to be in the best shape of his life and is primed to receive a fresh start elsewhere in the NFL. The Jets’ receiver room is crowded. Elijah Moore, Garrett Wilson, Corey Davis, and Braxton Berrios are all comfortably ahead of Mims on the Jets’ depth chart. That leaves Mims vying for the fifth or sixth receiver spot in New York. Mims doesn’t possess much special teams ability, which decreases his chances of making their initial 53-man roster.

The No. 59 overall selection in the 2020 NFL Draft, Mims is one of the bigger misses on Joe Douglas’ resume. Douglas has worked tirelessly to significantly improve the Jets’ band of pass-catchers over the previous two offseasons. He’s gotten his Jets to a place where they no longer have to rely on Mims’ development.