Ranking 10 Underrated NFL Players Who Could Be Traded Before Deadline

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The NFL trade deadline is now less than a week away.

In just this week, three major trades have taken place. The Indianapolis Colts made overtures toward a potential fire sale by sending Quenton Nelson and DeForest Buckner to the NFC West. Then, on Thursday, the Tennessee Titans parted ways with Jeffery Simmons, sending him to the Chicago Bears for picks, including two first-rounders.

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Colts running back Jonathan Taylor is also reportedly on several teams’ radar, but he is far from the only one being mentioned. Here are 10 under-the-radar players who could wear a different jersey come next Tuesday.

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#10 Tyler Higbee

Tyler Higbee has been a silent operator for the Rams - Source: Imagn — Tyler Higbee has been a silent operator for the Rams – Source: Imagn

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Tyler Higbee holds nearly all the Los Angeles Rams’ tight end records, but no one would guess it based on his performances in 2026. For all intents and purposes, Colby Parkinson has become Matthew Stafford’s primary big man.

The Miami Dolphins should be a willing suitor, given their lack of credible pass-catchers. They have virtually no wide receivers, and most of their tight ends are either rookies or blockers. A fifth-round pick for one of the NFL’s most underappreciated offensive operators seems like a fair deal.

#9 SirVocea Dennis

SirVocea Dennis lasted just one full season as a primary starter before being demoted - Source: Imagn — SirVocea Dennis lasted just one full season as a primary starter before being demoted – Source: Imagn

SirVocea Dennis thrived in 2025, his first season as a full-time starter for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The inside linebacker reached 100 tackles as Lavonte David’s sidekick and nearly helped the franchise clinch a sixth straight NFC South title.

However, the Buccaneers’ failure to get over the hump and David’s retirement apparently led to a signing spree. Alex Anzalone was signed from Detroit and Christian Rozeboom from the Carolina Panthers. Those two are now the main guys, and Josiah Trotter is waiting in the wings to succeed either of them.

So where does that leave Dennis? The Jacksonville Jaguars could use him, since they have basically no run-stuffers besides Foyesade Oluokun right now. Jaguars GM James Gladstone might as well throw in a Day 2 pick exchange to sweeten the deal.

#8 Calvin Ridley

Calvin Ridley is an underrated three-time 1,000-yarder - Source: Imagn — Calvin Ridley is an underrated three-time 1,000-yarder – Source: Imagn

Not many people know it, but Calvin Ridley has hit 1,000 yards three times and has even been named an All-Pro. He established himself as a bright spot on teams that didn’t make the playoffs, but it is time he got a chance to play January football.

The Kansas City Chiefs are basically back at square one at wide receiver, and their overreliance on Kenneth Walker and Travis Kelce hurt them in Seattle. Brett Veach probably only needs to give up a third-round pick to get Ridley’s pass-catching services.

#7 Rico Dowdle

Rico Dowdle has failed to unseat Jaylen Warren - Source: Imagn — Rico Dowdle has failed to unseat Jaylen Warren – Source: Imagn

After consecutive 1000-yard seasons in Dallas and Charlotte, Rico Dowdle was signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers with one explicit purpose: challenge Jaylen Warren for the RB1 spot.

However, he has failed to do so. Aside from one game, Warren is still the man, and Dowdle now has to contend with Travis Homer and Eli Heidenreich. At this point, he might be better off elsewhere.

Jacksonville is a possible destination. The Jaguars need an insurance policy in case Bhayshul Tuten gets hurt. A second-round pick could convince Omar Khan to accept a trade.

#6 Malcolm Koonce

Malcolm Koonce nearly turned himself into Maxx Crosby's perennial sidekick - Source: Imagn — Malcolm Koonce nearly turned himself into Maxx Crosby’s perennial sidekick – Source: Imagn

In 2023, Malcolm Koonce had a breakout season. For the first time in his career, he was a primary starter beside Maxx Crosby, and he capitalized with a career-high eight sacks.

Unfortunately for him, a knee injury during practice in 2024 derailed his momentum. He returned to the bench in 2025 as Charles Snowden started most games, and in 2026, he sits behind Kwity Paye.

Speaking of Paye, the Colts have felt his and Dayo Odeyingbo’s absence. Sure, they have Laiatu Latu, but he could use a partner like Koonce on the other edge. A third-rounder and a Day 3 pick swap might do the job.

#5 Dallas Goedert

Dallas Goedert has been a multifaceted offensive weapon for the Eagles - Source: Imagn — Dallas Goedert has been a multifaceted offensive weapon for the Eagles – Source: Imagn

Dallas Goedert has been one of the Philadelphia Eagles’ most underrated weapons since becoming the primary starting tight end in 2021, when he broke out for 830 yards. In 2025, he was the team’s primary end-zone threat, catching as many touchdowns (11) as A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith combined.

Things have been dicey in 2026, however. Goedert went unsigned in the first week of free agency before recommitting to the Eagles for another year. Then, in the following month’s draft, Howie Roseman drafted Goedert’s presumed successor, Eli Stowers, in the second round.

Perhaps the Cincinnati Bengals could inquire about Goedert and offer Roseman Mike Gesicki? After all, Gesicki needs to be somewhere he can be truly productive, and the Bengals need a more well-rounded starting tight end than Drew Sample.

#4 Malik Hooker

Malik Hooker has been a steady defensive presence for the Cowboys - Source: Imagn — Malik Hooker has been a steady defensive presence for the Cowboys – Source: Imagn

Malik Hooker may not be as famous as the cornerbacks he’s played with over the years, but he’s been the Dallas Cowboys’ silent leader since joining in 2021. But with rookie Caleb Downs emerging, now may be the time to pass on top safety duties.

The Minnesota Vikings already boast a top cornerback duo in Byron Murphy and Isaiah Rodgers, but safety is a bit of a mess as Harrison Smith nears what could be the end of a storied career. Josh Metellus has been excellent as an all-around player, but he could use a more traditional deep-playing complement outside the box.

That is where Hooker comes in, and Jerry Jones could attach a swap of second-round picks to make the deal work.

#3 Tony Pollard

Tony Pollard surprised many when he joined the Tennessee Titans in 2024. Granted, that team had just lost Derrick Henry, but the Dallas Cowboys had managed to get a Pro Bowl and two 1000-yard seasons out of him.

Since then, he has rushed for 1,000 yards twice, but to little fanfare, as the team has struggled during those stretches. He deserves better, so how about flipping him to the Philadelphia Eagles, who are down to two running backs after a rash of injuries?

A second-round pick may convince Mike Borgonzi to agree to a deal here, and Julius Chestnut and Tyjae Spears could finally get meaningful minutes.

#2 Khalil Mack

Khalil Mack has been one of the most dominant sack machines of the 21st century - Source: Imagn — Khalil Mack has been one of the most dominant sack machines of the 21st century – Source: Imagn

Everywhere Khalil Mack goes, he makes an impact. Whether it’s the Oakland Raiders, Chicago Bears, or Los Angeles Chargers, he’s always had at least one double-digit sack season.

In 2026, however, the Chargers already have his successors lined up. Tuli Tuipulotu was a Pro Bowler in 2025, and Akheem Mesidor was a first-round pick this year. The defense is clearly nearing the start of a rebuild, and Mack isn’t part of it.

That said, one team could use a game-changing edge rusher: the Atlanta Falcons. For a first-rounder, they could get a dynamic player to set the tone off the edge.

#1 Garrett Wilson

Garrett Wilson has been one of the Jets' bright spots - Source: Imagn — Garrett Wilson has been one of the Jets’ bright spots – Source: Imagn

Garrett Wilson has been one of the bright spots on the New York Jets’ usually mediocre offense. In his first three seasons, he hit at least 1,000 yards each year and was named Offensive Rookie of the Year.

He can reach those heights again, especially with better coaching and quarterbacking. With Omar Cooper and Adonai Mitchell already on the roster, Wilson and his $130 million extension should probably be offloaded.

The Las Vegas Raiders badly need game-changing wide receivers to stop a four-game slide, and a first-round pick could entice Darren Mougey to make a deal.

Edited by Arvind Sriram

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