NY Jets: 5 players that could be traded at the deadline
By Justin Fried
5. Keelan Cole, WR, NY Jets
The Jets signed Keelan Cole to a one-year, $5 million contract in the offseason eyeing additional wide receiver depth. And Cole has done pretty much exactly what he was expected to do to this point.
In four games (only three of which he received a target), Cole has seven catches for 160 yards including a three-catch, 92-yard performance in the Jets' Week 4 victory over the Tennessee Titans.
Cole is a good wide receiver who could provide excellent depth to a contending team. And on just a one-year deal, there's no guarantee he's back with the Jets next season.
That's why it makes sense for the Jets to explore trade options over the coming weeks, at least to gauge any potential interest in the former Jacksonville Jaguars wideout.
Now, you could certainly argue that the Jets shouldn't be trading away targets for rookie quarterback Zach Wilson. Their goal should be to actively make his life easier, not harder.
That said, trading Cole could open up more opportunities for players like Elijah Moore and Denzel Mims who likely have brighter futures with the organization.
What might the Jets be able to fetch for Cole? Probably nothing more than a mid/late-Day 3 pick at best or a swap of Day 3 picks.
But if the Jets don't plan to keep Cole around for the future, it might just be worth it.