NY Jets: 3 surprising players who could be traded before the deadline

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The NY Jets could look to move these three surprising players before the trade deadline.

The NY Jets are likely going to be one of the most active teams at the trade deadline this season. And that process has already begun with a trio of moves related to further stripping an already thin roster.

It started with the release of running back Le’Veon Bell after the team tried to find a trade partner and it continued with the trades of both veteran nose tackle Steve McLendon and backup pass-rusher Jordan Willis this past week.

Don’t expect those three names to be the only ones on the move in the coming days and weeks.

The NFL’s trade deadline was pushed back to November 3rd this year meaning that the Jets have a little under two weeks to find potential suitors and make some more moves.

But while players like Marcus Maye make sense as obvious trade candidates, there are bound to be some surprises thrown in. After all, who saw Willis, a player who had been inactive for four of six games this season, being traded?

In reality, everyone — maybe with the exception of Mekhi Becton — is fair game. But that doesn’t mean that everyone is expected.

Let’s take a look at three surprising players who could be on the move this trade season.

Next: 3. Jamison Crowder

NY Jets

3. Jamison Crowder, WR, NY Jets

Jamison Crowder has been one of the Jets’ most consistent players and a rare bright spot in an otherwise dark season. But that also means that he’s one of the few players on the team who has some decent value.

Crowder has played four games this season and he’s racked up over 100 yards in three of them. He leads the team with 29 catches for 383 yards hauling in seven or more grabs in each of his four contests thus far.

Simply put, he’s been a man alone in a barren Jets’ receiving corps. But would the Jets really look to move him considering how well he’s played?

On the surface, it doesn’t make a ton of sense given that Crowder still has a year remaining on his deal. And while his cap hit jumps to $11.5 million in 2021 — and more importantly carries just $1 million in dead cap — it’s hard to say that he isn’t worth that figure.

That being said, expect teams to come calling about Crowder given that the Jets will be answering calls on pretty much everyone. It might take some serious draft capital to part ways with him, but he does have a price.

If general manager Joe Douglas is offered a second-round pick for the explosive slot receiver, does he take it? It’s hard to say, but it’s certainly a possibility.

Crowder is one of the few Jets players under contract next year who have value. But don’t expect that to make him untouchable either.

Next: 2. Quinnen Williams

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2. Quinnen Williams, DL, NY Jets

Quinnen Williams‘ name has popped up in trade rumors recently which might lead you to believe that a possible trade involving him wouldn’t be all too surprising.

But remember, this isn’t a player that the Jets are shopping. And based on recent reports, no team has come calling with an offer to blow the organization away either.

After an underwhelming rookie season, Williams has been significantly better in 2020. His 71.2 Pro Football Focus grade is ranked 29th at his position out of 118 qualifiers and his 76.7 run-defense grade ranks top-10.

Williams currently leads all interior defensive linemen in run stuffs and he’s also been quite effective as a pass-rusher even if the sack numbers don’t show it.

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If the Jets are smart, they won’t trade Williams unless they receive a package that includes a first-rounder. Contrary to what many seem to believe, Williams has been one of the Jets’ most impactful defensive players this year and the arrow is pointing up.

Williams is only 22-years-old and he’s playing in a defensive scheme that doesn’t accentuate his skills — not to mention he doesn’t have much help from his teammates.

Given how well Williams has played, it would be surprising to see the Jets move him for anything other than a massive draft haul.

And given the lack of apparent interest, that makes a trade all the more unlikely.

Next: 1. Sam Darnold

NY Jets

1. Sam Darnold, QB, NY Jets

A year ago at this time, even the idea of a Sam Darnold trade would have seemed downright absurd. But a lot can change in a year, and even the man once deemed the franchise savior isn’t immune to trade rumors.

Darnold’s name has actually come up quite a bit this trade season given his struggles and the Jets’ evident trajectory for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft and, in essence, Trevor Lawrence.

If Joe Douglas is already convinced that Darnold won’t be the team’s quarterback next season, do they look to move him before the deadline as opposed to waiting until the offseason?

It’s certainly a possibility, even if it isn’t probable.

Trades for young quarterbacks at the deadline don’t happen frequently, but they aren’t completely unheard of either. Case in point, the Jimmy Garoppolo trade from a few years back.

Could a team like the Indianapolis Colts or Pittsburgh Steelers look to give Darnold a head start on learning the system by trading for him midseason?

What about the Dallas Cowboys? Could they look to not only salvage their season but solidify the position for the future with Dak Prescott’s status uncertain? Nothing is out of the realm of possibility here.

Again, it’s unlikely that Darnold is traded in the middle of the season. But unlikely doesn’t it won’t happen.

The NY Jets could look to move these three surprising players before the trade deadline.

3. Jamison Crowder, WR, NY Jets

2. Quinnen Williams, DL, NY Jets

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1. Sam Darnold, QB, NY Jets

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