With the 2024 NFL regular season still four months away, it’s still not too late for several big-named superstars to get a fresh start. But the deal is simple: These NFL star players have to push for a trade to happen itself, otherwise their all-world talents will continue to be wasted on their team that’s nowhere close to competing for a Super Bowl.
So with that all said, let’s dive into 10 NFL superstars who must demand a trade ASAP.
Which NFL stars need to be traded as soon as possible?
Davante Adams
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JANUARY 07: Davante Adams #17 of the Las Vegas Raiders walks off the field after a win over the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium on January 07, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ian Maule/Getty Images)
The six-time Pro Bowl wideout didn’t hide his frustrations with the Las Vegas Raiders during an up-and-down 2023 season. He publicly voiced his unhappiness on numerous occasions, even challenging his team to establish a winning culture after a Week 3 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Earlier this offseason, Adams poured cold water on any trade rumors by stating that he wouldn’t be a Raider right now if he wanted to be traded. Good on him for being a team player, but why is Adams okay starring on a non-contending team after all those years of pursuing championships with Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay?
Adams is entering his age 31-32 season. The Raiders are retooling and don’t have a suitable franchise quarterback in place, so it’s a stretch to say they’ll emerge as contenders during the last few years of Adams’ prime.
His hefty contract makes Adams a tough sell to some teams, but there are several title contenders out there who could use his services. Would the Packers be keen on a reunion? Could the New York Jets revisit trade talks for Adams after being rejected last year? What if Jerry Jones actually went “all-in” for once and made a move for Adams??
The bottom line is that Adams is on a “mushy middle” team in Vegas. If all breaks right, they might make the playoffs but won’t realistically go on a deep run. They’re also not bad enough to bottom out and get top-five picks.
So Adams needs to accept that there isn’t much to accomplish here in Vegas, and that he needs to force a trade out of town ASAP.
D.K. Metcalf
GLENDALE, ARIZONA – JANUARY 07: Wide receiver DK Metcalf #14 of the Seattle Seahawks during the first half of the NFL game at State Farm Stadium on January 07, 2024 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
The Seattle Seahawks haven’t really established what direction they want to take. They’re not rebuilding with a plethora of veteran talents on both sides of the ball, but they also didn’t make enough big moves this offseason to suggest that they’re “going for it.
Seattle, dare we say, is another middle-of-the-pack team. If everything clicks, they can sneak in as a wild card team. But they’re nowhere close to challenging the San Francisco 49ers, Detroit Lions, Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys or Packers in the NFC.
Seattle just handed Tyler Lockett a two-year extension, and 2023 first-round pick Jaxon Smith-Njigba can easily step in as the new No. 1 receiver. That brings us to DK Metcalf.
DK Metcalf is under contract for two more seasons, and then he’ll be able to hit free agency as a 28-year-old in 2026. What are the odds the Seahawks — known for their hardball negotiations — will want to pay him top dollar then?
And why should Metcalf want to continue playing on a middling Seattle team that will always be a rush-first offensive unit anyway? He had his best days with an elite QB in Russell Wilson throwing him the ball, and it’s hard to envision Metcalf regaining that All-Pro form with Smith-Njigba poised for a bigger role in 2024.
Metcalf would be a No. 1 receiver just about anybody else. And he would be highly-coveted by at least a dozen teams. What if he teamed up with Ja’Marr Chase in Cincy? Josh Allen in Buffalo? Jordan Love in Green Bay? The options are plentiful.
There aren’t any indicators that Metcalf wants out of Seattle. But if he looks at the big picture, Metcalf will hopefully see that his best bet is to seek a trade to a contending team that will maximize his superstar power.
Khalil Mack
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 23: Khalil Mack #52 of the Los Angeles Chargers is introduced before the game against the Buffalo Bills at SoFi Stadium on December 23, 2023 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
We like the way the Los Angeles Chargers have started their retooling phase under new head coach Jim Harbaugh and GM Joe Hortiz, but it’s not exactly benefitting Khalil Mack.
The 2016 Defensive Player of the Year was widely mentioned as a hot NFL trade candidate earlier this offseason. Many thought the Bolts would even cut him to clear cap space, but the pending 2025 free agent instead agreed to a restructured deal.
The eight-time Pro Bowler posted a career-high 17 sacks last season — his first campaign with double-digit sacks since 2018. With Mack also in his contract year, the Bolts would be wise to trade Mack now instead of watching him walk for nothing in 2025 free agency.
Mack himself should be the one pushing for a trade. With that defense and leaky receiving corps, the Chargers aren’t going to compete for a playoff spot. They are tiers below the Chiefs, Bengals, Bills, Ravens, Texans, etc.
With Mack entering his age-33 season, the decline could come any day now. Wouldn’t he rather pursue a championship than waste another season on a Chargers team that would be lucky to finish with eight or more wins?
That’s what we thought!
Alvin Kamara
TAMPA, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 31: Alvin Kamara #41 of the New Orleans Saints runs with the ball during the second quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on December 31, 2023 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
Remember what we said about the Raiders being a “mushy middle” team? Well, the New Orleans Saints are basically in the same spot.
Since Drew Brees’ 2021 retirement, the Saints have gone 25-26-0. They barely missed the postseason in 2021 and 2023 with 9-and-8 finishes. But neither of those clubs were deep enough to go on a deep playoff run.
With the Saints refusing to rebuild, they’re just playing themselves away from franchise-changing top-10 draft picks. That means stars like Alvin Kamara are stuck in no-man’s land.
Well, the five-time Pro Bowler isn’t getting any younger as he enters his age-29 season. And everyone knows that most running backs in this day and age start to decline before they turn 30.
Kamara is still good for over 1,000 yards of offense a season, but why should he keep doing it on a team with a ceiling of nine wins? Preferably, he’d follow in the footsteps of Christian McCaffrey and Derrick Henry by leaving his old squad for an actual Super Bowl contender.
Kamara’s contract runs up after the 2025 season. He should seek a trade now while he’s still producing like a top-10 running back before he begins to decline. PLUS, trading Kamara might actually convince the Saints that it’s time to begin a full-scale rebuild once and for all.
Jonathan Allen
LANDOVER, MARYLAND – NOVEMBER 19: Jonathan Allen #93 of the Washington Commanders reacts after a defensive play during the first quarter in the game against the New York Giants at FedExField on November 19, 2023 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
The once-vaunted Washington Commanders front seven is no more. Both Chase Young and Montez Sweat were dealt ahead of the 2023 NFL trade deadline. Up next, Jonathan Allen?
The Commanders are in rebuilding mode with their new coach-GM regime of Dan Quinn and Adam Peters. They used the No. 2 pick on LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels, hopefully securing their long-term franchise star of the future.
But Allen is Washington’s biggest trade chip right now, and the Commanders would get a nice haul for him. Plus, why should the two-time Pro Bowler want to continue playing on a rebuilding team that’s several years away from playoff contention?
Defensive tackles who push for double-digit sacks annually do not grow on trees. Allen would draw plenty of interest on the trade market, and it makes sense for Washington to get additional draft capital while his value is at its highest.
Washington has never had a winning season in Allen’s seven-year career. What’s the point of sticking around for an eighth or ninth losing campaign? Get out of there ASAP, Mr. Allen!
Cameron Jordan
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – NOVEMBER 26: Cameron Jordan #94 of the New Orleans Saints walks off the field after sustaining an injury in the fourth quarter of the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on November 26, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Alvin Kamara isn’t the only superstar in New Orleans who needs to seek a change of scenery.
Perhaps no active NFL star without a championship ring has endured more heartbreak than the longtime Saints’ star defensive end. Vernon Davis’ “The Catch II”. The Minneapolis Miracle. The NOLA No-Call. The Kyle Rudolph Push-Off Game…what more can we say?
It’s admirable that Jordan has remained this long to the Saints, but this team is burning his Hall of Fame career. It’s best for both sides to move on as soon as possible, but Jordan himself is going to have to initiate it.
Jordan’s production has dipped in the last three years. His trade value is only going to decline from here, as well as the interest for him from other clubs.
It’d be nice to see Jordan reward himself with the chance to pursue a championship at the tail-end of his career. Given his career body of work, Jordan should be of interest to just about any team with championship aspirations in 2024.
Budda Baker
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – DECEMBER 31: Budda Baker #3 of the Arizona Cardinals reacts during the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on December 31, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
The Arizona Cardinals have a promising nucleus on offense with Kyler Murray, Marvin Harrison Jr., Trey McBride, James Conner, and Trey Benson…but it’s clear that they’ve got a long way to go in rebuilding that defense into a competent unit.
Baker requested a trade from the Cardinals last offseason, but he walked back on it after getting a raise on his deal. Seeing that Arizona was a lousy team last year, Baker shouldn’t have any interest in returning to The Desert for another year.
The six-time Pro Bowler and two-time First-team All-Pro could be the final championship puzzle piece for anybody. Or he can continue watching his prime years wasted on a team that isn’t anywhere close to competing for a Super Bowl.
YOUR CALL, Budda!
Patrick Surtain II
CLEVELAND, OHIO – APRIL 29: Patrick Surtain II stands onstage after being selected ninth by the Denver Broncos during round one of the 2021 NFL Draft at the Great Lakes Science Center on April 29, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Since entering the NFL, Surtain has more than lived up to the hype as an elite shutdown corner. Unfortunately, the ninth overall pick of 2021 has been stuck on a mediocre Denver Broncos team that is nowhere close to title contention.
Patrick Surtain earned back-to-back Pro Bowl nods in 2022 and 2023 and First-Team All-Pro honors in the former year. With seven interceptions and 36 pass breakups, Surtain has made a strong case as the NFL’s best cornerback.
It’s just too bad that unlike Jaire Alexander, Jalen Ramsey, Trevon Diggs, Darius Slay and other elite corners, Surtain doesn’t get to play meaningful games in January.
Denver has been mired in mediocrity since their last Super Bowl-winning season in 2015. They haven’t won more than eight games in a season since Surtain’s arrival. Not to mention that, including interims, Surtain had four different coaches over his first three seasons.
So what’s the solution? Surtain needs to keep it simple and demand a trade from the Broncos. With only two years left on his rookie deal, he can force their hand by warning the front office that he’s not interested in signing an extension.
Every other NFL team could use a pure shutdown corner who’s only entering his prime. The 49ers, Lions, Dallas Cowboys, Cincinnati Bengals, Miami Dolphins, Houston Texans, and Jacksonville Jaguars are all among the contenders who could use Surtain.
Denver would easily fetch at least one first-round pick for Surtain, and that could go a long way in fixing their rebuild. Surtain needs to put himself first this time and force a trade out of NFL’s Mediocrity Land. He’s too good to have his all-world skills wasted any further in Mile High City.
DeAndre Hopkins
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – JANUARY 07: DeAndre Hopkins #10 of the Tennessee Titans runs with the ball during the first half against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Nissan Stadium on January 07, 2024 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
“Nuk” surprised everyone last year when he signed with the rebuilding Tennessee Titans following his release from the Arizona Cardinals.
Hopkins had another productive season on a 6-and-11 Tennessee team, finishing with 75 receptions for 1,057 yards and seven touchdowns. But he’s also entering his age-32 season, and the Titans are in rebuilding mode with new head coach Brian Callahan and second-year QB Will Levis.
Just about any Super Bowl contender could use Hopkins. The Buffalo Bills certainly stand out as a landing spot. What about the Bengals, or even the New York Jets if they’re truly in win-now mode for Aaron Rodgers?
Hopkins probably only has a couple of prime years left. And it doesn’t make sense for him to finish next season on a Tennessee team that won’t win more than seven games next season.
Why waste another year in Music City when you can chase a Super Bowl ring with an elite quarterback? Put yourself first, DeAndre, and orchestrate your way out of Tennessee.
Kyle Pitts
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – DECEMBER 10: Kyle Pitts #8 of the Atlanta Falcons reacts after scoring a touchdown during the first half of the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 10, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
The No. 4 pick of the 2021 NFL Draft had a phenomenal rookie year with the Atlanta Falcons, racking up 68 receptions for 1,026 yards and one touchdown.
But his production has declined considerably over the last two years. Pitts’ sophomore year was derailed by injuries, and he had only 53 catches for 667 yards and three touchdowns in 2023.
Yes, Pitts’ production should only increase with Kirk Cousins now serving as QB. But the Falcons also have to give the ball to Drake London, Bijan Robinson, and Tyler Allgeier — guys who weren’t here in Pitts’ rookie year.
Remember, Pitts was once considered a generational tight-end prospect. It just feels like he won’t hit his ceiling unless he gets a fresh start, and Pitts should be the one demanding it.
Just imagine if he went into a pass-heavy offense where he’d be the No. 1 or 2 pass-catcher. Dallas, Cincinnati, Indianapolis, Minnesota or Tennessee. Somewhere in which a coach would actually build the offense around his talents.
Atlanta may be a sleeper team with Cousins running the offense now, but they’re not the place for Pitts to maximize his potential. The NFL star needs to do the right thing for himself and ask for a trade.
