NFL players who could be dealt at the trade deadline

Akers rushed back from an Achilles injury last year and was largely ineffective this season before sitting out Week 6. His status remains unclear, but a change of scenery at the trade deadline would probably do him some good.

After gaining 800 yards on 55 catches last season, Bourne has fallen well down in the pecking order among Pats wideouts this season. Several contenders are in dire need at wideout, and Bourne's contract is reasonable with only one season remaining.

Brockers continues to start for the Lions, but there's no doubt the 32-year-old's play has slipped since his prime years with the Rams. He could still be a viable role player for someone and isn't doing much now to help the rebuilding Detroit defense.

Carolina could be set for a full teardown after firing Matt Rhule. Burns is arguably their most valuable trade chip, coming off a Pro Bowl season and tallying four sacks in his first five games this year. The Panthers might opt to build around the former first-round pick, but some of the offers could be enticing.

Bush hasn't quite developed as hoped as a former first-round pick, though injuries are a big reason. Either way, the Steelers are entering rebuild territory with their terrible start to the season, and Bush might not stick around beyond 2022, anyway.

Carter signed a cheap, one-year deal with Atlanta in the offseason, and has shown to be a viable situational pass rusher. Atlanta has made the most of their talent so far this season, but it's clear they aren't a major contender in 2022 and could decide to cash in on Carter.

Chark received a one-year deal from Detroit in the offseason, effectively buying the team some time while the young receivers develop. Amon-Ra St. Brown continues to look like a budding star, and first-round pick Jameson Williams will return soon from knee surgery. The poor start for the Lions could make Chark available, as a result.

Predictably, Darnold lost the quarterback competition in training camp to Baker Mayfield before getting injured. The former first-round pick won't trick anyone as a starter at this point, but he could provide quality depth for a team that thinks they can develop the former first-round pick.

A tackling machine early in his career with Tennessee, Evans had to settle for a small one-year deal with Atlanta this year after missing time to injury in 2021. He's off to an excellent start and could fetch a draft pick or two for the rebuilding Falcons.

Now in his fourth season, Ferrell is barely seeing the field with the new Raiders coaching staff. The former first-round pick clearly needs a change of scenery after seeing his production drop each season since he was drafted fourth overall in 2019.

Already a surprise to be traded after fizzling in Jacksonville as a former first-round pick, Henderson is a candidate to be moved again with his limited playing time on a rebuilding squad. He has at least one more year on his rookie deal and could provide depth elsewhere.

Jackson was benched in Week 5, and the high-priced corner is clearly on the outs if Washington can find a taker. His significant contract is one issue, but the Commanders might be willing to include some cash to rid themselves of a player who probably doesn't want to be around any longer.

Golladay's contract has been a disaster since he signed last season, and he's struggled to find playing time this year even when the Giants were desperate at wide receiver. That's a terrible sign for Golladay, but he did put together two 1,000-yard seasons with the Lions. New York would probably need to include money and/or draft picks to get rid of Golladay, though the effort could be worth it at this point.

Green has done a fine job as a situational pass rusher in his first season with Houston, tallying 2.5 sacks in four games. Despite the help, he's provided Houston, Green is a free agent after this season, making him a natural trade candidate.

Marshall has never produced since he was drafted in the second round last year, but it's hard to tell how much of those struggles are his fault or his team's. Certainly, there will be other teams seeing the upside in the young wideout, and the Panthers could be attracted by the offers.

UPDATE: McCaffrey was traded to the San Francisco 49ers on 10/20. 

The versatile McCaffrey is one of the best playmakers in the league when he's healthy, but those chances have been few and far between over the last two seasons. Now might be the best chance Carolina has to get value for McCaffrey with the 26-year-old currently on the field and producing, getting out from under what's a massive contract for a running back.

Mims has never seen much of the field with the current Jets coaching staff and requested a trade back in August. The former second-round pick did have 23 catches in only nine games in 2020, so it wouldn't be a shock if a team took a flier on him.

Montgomery has been productive in four seasons with the Bears. However, it's probably not the best move for a rebuilding team to lock up a running back, especially when backup Khalil Herbert has looked just as capable. With an expiring contract, Montgomery could play the second half of the season elsewhere.

Moore is arguably Carolina's most talented offensive player, but you wouldn't know it based on this year's production. The Panthers' passing offense has been almost at a standstill, though there would likely be a line of teams willing to take on Moore's big contract if Carolina makes him available.

Ogunjobi has made the rounds in the AFC North, now with his third team in the division in three years. The veteran is coming off a career year for Cincinnati and could add an interior pass rusher for a contender.

Payne has been a productive interior pass rusher in his five years with Washington, but he will be looking for a long-term contract after this season. The Commanders have spent heavily in the draft on their defensive line in the draft, including Payne, but it remains to be seen if they want to spend significant resources on him. A trade could be most helpful in their continued rebuild.

Rudolph fell down to third on the Steelers' depth chart following the additions of Mitch Trubisky and Kenny Pickett. He's been mentioned in trade rumors since training camp and would be a decent acquisition for a team looking to add experience quarterback depth.

This was supposed to be Albert O's year with Noah Fant out of the way. Unfortunately, his snaps have dwindled to almost nothing recently, as the Broncos' new coaching staff seems unimpressed. A change of scenery would probably be best for the third-year tight end.

Chicago moved on from Khalil Mack and Akiem Hicks in the offseason, but they have a couple of defensive stars left. Quinn is the most prominent after making his third Pro Bowl last season with 18.5 sacks, and the veteran has a reasonable two seasons left on his contract. Contenders could line up if the Bears make Quinn available.

Smith requested a trade before the season started, but he co-exists with the Bears for now. The fifth-year linebacker is among the league lead in tackles and would certainly fetch a nice return if Chicago trades him.