New York Jets trade deadline: 3 under-the-radar targets

The NFL trade deadline is less than 72 hours away, so let’s ramp up the fun, shall we?

Over the past few weeks, much of the conversation has centered on which players the New York Jets could move, but what about potential additions? While the possibility of adding players seems slight at the moment, the savvy regime consistently keeps it in mind, regardless of the football program’s level of maturity.

Let’s dig into three under-the-radar names New York Jets fans should watch as possible trade targets for Gang Green ahead of the deadline.

3. Evan Neal (OL-NYG)

Yes, I know what you’re thinking, Jets fans, but hear me out …

Neal, who has yet to play a game this season, wasn’t drafted in the top 10 by accident. The Alabama product still possesses the raw talent that once made him a highly touted prospect, and a team should be willing to give him a second chance.

The Jets could be the ideal destination for a struggling offensive lineman looking to reset his career. Behind one of the league’s more cohesive offensive line units, Neal wouldn’t be asked to start immediately. Instead, he’d have an opportunity to develop in a new environment behind a thriving line.

From a financial and trade standpoint, the move would come at little cost. New York would likely only need to part with a late-round draft pick to acquire Neal from their crosstown rivals, while Neal is on the final year of his rookie contract.

For Gang Green, it’s a classic low-risk, high-reward scenario, the kind of calculated gamble that could quietly pay off. Whether or not the New York Giants would be willing to ship Neal several miles down the road is an entirely different story.

2. Ji’Ayir Brown (S-SF)

A third-round pick in 2023 out of Penn State, San Francisco 49ers safety Ji’Ayir Brown has appeared in all eight games this season, recording 13 tackles while allowing seven of 11 targets for 55 yards and one touchdown in coverage.

During the Jets’ Week 8 win, starting safety Andre Cisco suffered a torn pectoral muscle that will require surgery, leaving a heavy burden on Isaiah Oliver and Tony Adams to fill a premium role despite their struggles this year.

Brown would offer more upside than most available veterans and represent an immediate upgrade. His 88.9 PFF run-defense grade ranks third among all safeties, highlighting his ability to diagnose plays quickly and attack downhill. He’s also posted a strong 67.7 tackling grade, an area where Jets safeties have consistently underperformed.

If the Jets were to acquire Brown, they’d also benefit from an extra year of team control, as he remains under contract through next season on his rookie deal.

1. Arnold Ebiketie (EDGE-ATL)

A 2022 second-round pick by the Atlanta Falcons out of Penn State, Arnold Ebiketie has appeared in seven games this season, generating three pressures, a quarterback hit, 15 total tackles, and nine stops.

This season has been a down year by his usual standards, largely due to a reduced role after Atlanta invested premium draft picks in edge rushers Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. in April.

The Penn State product totaled 12 sacks and 67 pressures over the 2023 and 2024 seasons, showcasing his pass-rush potential.

Where he could bring the most value to New York’s thin defensive end rotation, however, is as a reliable tackler.

According to Pro Football Focus, Ebiketie’s 73.1 tackling grade through seven games ranks 10th among edge rushers with at least 170 defensive snaps this season. For comparison, the highest tackling grade among Jets edge rushers belongs to Jermaine Johnson at 39.1.

Ebiketie has recorded his 15 total tackles this year without a single missed tackle.

In the final year of his rookie contract, the Jets likely wouldn’t need to give up much to acquire the 26-year-old.

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that Ebiketie has drawn trade interest around the league.