5 ideal under-the-radar NY Jets trade targets at the deadline

The NY Jets have emerged as potential contenders in the AFC despite the loss of Aaron Rodgers in Week 1. This is a Jets team that sits at 3-3 coming out of their bye week with the most challenging portion of their schedule behind them.

And with the ever-persistent possibility that Rodgers could return at some point this season, the Jets might be serious about contending this season. That could propel the team to make an addition or two at the trade deadline.

The Jets already got the trade festivities started last week, shipping Mecole Hardman back to Kansas City. Could the Jets consider making an addition of their own before next week's deadline? It's certainly possible.

You've heard all the popular trade targets like Hunter Renfrow and Jerry Jeudy. That's not what this list is for. Let's take a look at five ideal under-the-radar trade targets for the Jets at the deadline.

5. Ezra Cleveland, OG, Minnesota Vikings

This one was more realistic before the Minnesota Vikings' stunning victory over the San Francisco 49ers on Monday night, but it's still worth mentioning. If Ezra Cleveland is made available, the Jets should highly consider making a move.

A second-round pick of the Vikings in the 2020 NFL Draft, Cleveland started his first season at left guard before moving to right guard in 2021. He's spent the last three years as the Vikings starting right guard, and he's developed into a pretty good player.

Cleveland's 73.4 Pro Football Focus grade in 2022 ranked eighth among 77 qualified guards, and his 73.8 grade ranks ninth among all qualifiers this season. Despite this, the Vikings have yet to commit to giving him an extension.

The Jets' interior offensive line depth is thin following injuries to Alijah Vera-Tucker and Joe Tippmann. Cleveland could step in as an immediate starter at guard, perhaps even allowing the Jets to move Tippmann over to center when/if he returns this season.

At just 25 years old, there's no reason why Cleveland can't be a part of the future as well. The only issue is the Vikings probably aren't particularly motivated to trade him after winning back-to-back games.

4. Kendrick Bourne, WR, New England Patriots

Yes, inter-division trades are rare, but there's not unprecedented. The New England Patriots famously traded wide receiver Demaryius Thomas to the Jets in 2019. Could history repeat itself with a different receiver in 2023?

It's no secret that the Jets could really use some help at wide receiver, especially with Randall Cobb struggling mightily. Kendrick Bourne is one of the most underrated wide receivers in the NFL, and he could provide some much-needed depth at the position for Gang Green.

In seven games this season, Bourne has recorded 34 catches for 370 yards and three touchdowns in a putrid Patriots offense. He would instantly be the second-best wide receiver on the Jets roster and give the team some insurance behind Garrett Wilson.

Bourne is a crisp route-runner with excellent hands who doubles as a strong run-blocker. He's exactly what this Jets team needs...if the Patriots are willing to play ball.

3. Cordarrelle Patterson, RB, Atlanta Falcons

One of the more underrated needs for the Jets ahead of the trade deadline is actually at running back. Breece Hall is one of the best running backs in football, but the Jets' depth behind him isn't exactly strong.

Dalvin Cook has been a complete bust of a free-agent signing and could be traded himself. Michael Carter is a fine third-down back, but he's not someone the Jets want to carry the load if Hall were to miss any time. We've yet to see rookie Israel Abanikanda in an NFL game.

Cordarrelle Patterson isn't doing much as the third running back in Atlanta, which makes him a potential trade target. Patterson would be a significant upgrade over Carter as the Jets' third-down back and would immediately become the team's second-best running back.

Patterson can be the jack-of-all-trades offensive weapon the Jets hoped Mecole Hardman would be while doubling as much-needed running back depth. He's worth whatever late-round pick swap it would likely take to acquire him.

2. K.J. Osborn, WR, Minnesota Vikings

Another under-the-radar wide receiver trade target who hasn't been discussed much is K.J. Osborn. Much like with Ezra Cleveland, Osborn probably made more sense before the Vikings' mini-winning streak, but he's still worth mentioning.

Osborn is one of the most underrated YAC receivers in the NFL, and he's also an important part of Minnesota's ground game as a willing run blocker. He has the versatility to play both outside and in the slot as well.

There's no denying that Osborn would be an upgrade over Randall Cobb as the Jets' WR3, although it remains to be seen if the Vikings will part with him. Osborn is set to be a free agent in the offseason, but the Vikings are winning games, and Justin Jefferson's injury complicates matters.

If Osborn is available, the Jets should absolutely be making calls to the Vikings. His skill set would be a perfect fit in this Jets offense.

1. Daniel Brunskill, OL, Tennessee Titans

The Jets may have lost Alijah Vera-Tucker for the season, but they might have an opportunity to add AVT-lite in the form of Tennessee Titans offensive lineman Daniel Brunskill.

Full disclosure: Brunskill is one of my favorite players in the NFL. He has experience playing all five offensive line positions and has more than held his own at every spot. After four years with the San Francisco 49ers, Brunskill signed with the Titans this offseason.

Brunskill has started all six games at right guard for the Titans this season, but with Tennessee potentially selling at the deadline, he is the first player I'd be making calls about.

Brunskill can help provide depth at all five offensive line spots and start pretty much anywhere the Jets ask him to. As the Jets saw with Vera-Tucker, that type of versatility is invaluable to an NFL team. He deserves to play for a team that has a chance to compete this season.