Key NFL players who could be traded this off-season

The final game of the 2018 NFL Season is slowly approaching, with two teams focusing on the big game. For the rest of the NFL teams, the preparation for the 2019 NFL Season is underway with the offseason just a few weeks away, including free agency and possibly a very active trading period, leading up to the NFL Draft.

While the franchise tag could limit a few of the big name free agents to find new teams, the expectations are that many top stars could be on the move.

Two players who could be on the top of many teams wish list is pending free agent Le’Veon Bell and Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown. Brown, who just re-signed last offseason with the Steelers, could possibly have played himself out of the side. His late-season conflicts led him to miss the team’s final contest of the season, in a game the Steelers needed to win for a chance at the post-season.

While Bell will have a long list of suitors, including a team like the New York Jets looking to acquire his services, Brown will need a team that is willing to trade draft picks/players as well as the cap space to take on his salary.

As both of these players are key targets this offseason for most of the NFL, here are a few of the other key NFL players who could find new homes this off-season.

Ezekiel Ansah, Defensive End

It’s hard to imagine the Detroit Lions placing the franchise tag on Ansah for the second straight season, a move that would cost the team over $20 million next season. Injuries limited Ansah to just seven contests during the 2018 NFL Season and just four sacks. When healthy, Ansah is a player who can post double-digit sack totals while getting to the quarterback often. A team with cap space will offer him money despite the injuries.

Randall Cobb, Wide Receiver

The end could be in sight for the former Green Bay Packers wide receiver as the team shifts to a new head coach and possibly a new philosophy leading into the 2019 NFL Season. Cobb is coming off earning $10 million dollars in 2018 and a season, in which he appeared in just nine games, pulling in just 383 yards with two touchdowns. The shifty receiver should have a wide list of suitors this offseason.

Joe Flacco, Quarterback

Flacco is not a free agent at this time, but with the Baltimore Ravens moving on with quarterback Lamar Jackson and the salary cap savings the team can receive, expect Flacco to be let go or traded at some point this offseason. While Flacco missed the remainder of the teams last seven contests, he was sharp early on leading to the Ravens to 12 straight touchdowns in the red zone. A team like the Washington Redskins could be looking to Flacco as a stop gap option till finding their future.

Other top stars who could be on the move include Ndamukong Suh, LaMarcus Joyner, Sheldon Richardson, Earl Thomas, Tyrann Mathieu, Jadeveon Clowney and Teddy Bridgewater to name just a few.