Perfect landing spots for notable names ahead of NFL trade deadline

The Indianapolis Colts’ Jonathan Taylor and Josh Downs currently dominate the news as the NFL’s most talked-about trade candidates. 

However, with plenty of names still up for grabs, here are three perfect landing spots for some other notable names on the trade block. 

CB Riq Woolen - Philadelphia Eagles to Chicago Bears 

The Bears' Super Bowl window is opening now. Caleb Williams and a chunk of the Bears' young, talented core are still on their rookie deals, which makes this the perfect time for general manager Ryan Poles to strike. The Bears need all the help they can get at cornerback, especially that Chicago is missing rookie Malik Muhammad due to injury. Muhammad was the best corner for Chicago before going down, but regardless of how well the rookie was playing, the Bears need to do better than just a Day 3 pick as corner No. 1.

That’s why the former Seattle Seahawk and current Philadelphia Eagle is the perfect candidate. Despite Philadelphia not wanting to sell, trading Woolen, who’s on a one-year deal, makes too much sense not to do. Stick to the Model projects Woolen’s value is a fourth-round pick, which is steep for a rental. However, he’s just 27 years and Pro-Bowl caliber, so it is worth it for Chicago to pony up and pay the price. Woolen’s name is linked with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Detroit Lions, so if the Bears want Woolen, they’d have to be quick. If Chicago gets the deal done, Woolen could be the missing piece the Bears need to hoist the Lombardi. 

WR Jauan Jennings - Minnesota Vikings to Kansas City Chiefs

Brian Thomas Jr. is the ideal candidate to land in Kansas City, but why would the Jacksonville Jaguars help their playoff rival? Downs is an option, but he doesn’t stretch the field like the injured Tyquan Thornton was able to. That’s why Jennings is the perfectly receiver to add to their depleted core. While Jennings reportedly came out and said he’s happy in Minnesota despite his incredibly low usage. Kansas City could be the place for Jennings to flourish. 

Jennings' elite size, speed and appetite for the big play make him the ideal deep threat for Patrick Mahomes. The Chiefs are lacking the ability to push the ball down the field and defenses exposed this flaw in back to back weeks. According to Stick to the Model, Kansas City would only have to give up a seventh rounder to acquire Jennings. Jennings also give space for the run game and the other receivers to work because of his big-play ability. If Kansas City were to make this trade, it could be the last piece of the puzzle for the Chiefs to get back to the Super Bowl. 

EDGE Jermaine Johnson II - Tennessee Titans to San Francisco 49ers

Although the Jets' first-round pick in 2022 arrived at Nissan Stadium in February, he is on the last year of his deal, making him an ideal trade candidate. The Titans also showed they’re willing to go into full rebuild mode with the recent trade of Jeffery Simmons. Trading an expiring edge-rusher in Johnson makes a lot of sense for a team already looking at 2027. Per ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, Tennessee is willing to give up Johnson at the right price and San Francisco is the perfect landing spot for Johnson. 

While not as notable a name as Josh Sweat or Khalil Mack, Johnson is a player who can fill a need in defensive coordinator Raheem Morris’ scheme. If San Francisco were willing to trade a late Day 3 pick for Johnson, it could be ideal for both parties. Johnson has the tools to be a successful edge-rusher, and Morris could be the coach to unlock the tools Johnson has. San Francisco needs a player to fill in for Nick Bosa while he’s hurt and a big body to be part of its pass-rush rotation.