NFL Trade Deadline: Patriots Among Six Long Shots Who Should Sell

Seven weeks into the 2023 NFL campaign we’ve gained an understanding of which teams can contend for a Super Bowl. We’re also able to realize which teams will not come close to earning a playoff berth.

Those franchises who can contend come January and February should buy ahead of the NFL trade deadline on Oct. 31. And those who have no shot at contending, in more cases than not, should sell.

We’ve highlighted six teams who should sell assets as look toward the future. To highlight their current standing, we’ve included a variety of betting prices from FanDuel Sportsbook.

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New England Patriots (2-5)
Super Bowl: 220-1
AFC East: 50-1
Make playoffs? No -3000

New England’s win over the Buffalo Bills in Week 7 was both stunning and impressive. But that doesn’t mean the Patriots should alter course given how they looked during the first six weeks of the season. Bill Belichick’s team has had a number of impactful injuries and have a handful of impending free agents. The Patriots are not going to win in the postseason — and probably won’t qualify for the postseason — so trading is better for the franchise.

Potential trade candidates: Trent Brown, Kyle Dugger, Josh Uche, Mike Gesicki

Denver Broncos (2-5)
Super Bowl: 400-1
AFC West: 130-1
Make playoffs? No -5000

Sean Payton and the Broncos are a dumpster fire. Denver, which does have some talent on the roster, should sell those assets and jumpstart a rebuild.

Potential trade candidates: Jerry Jeudy, Courtland Sutton, Justin Simmons, Patrick Surtain

Washington Commanders (3-4)
Super Bowl: 140-1
NFC East: 65-1
Make playoffs? No -1000

Commanders head coach Ron Rivera should be fired and defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio shouldn’t be far behind. Before that, though, Washington has plenty of talent it could (and should) get something in return for.

Potential trade candidates: Montez Sweat, Chase Young

Tennessee Titans (2-4)
Super Bowl: 140-1
AFC: 60-1
Make playoffs? No -500

Titans head coach Mike Vrabel might be against a full teardown, but Tennessee trading Kevin Byard to the Philadelphia Eagles for a couple of Day 3 picks means it’s possible. The Titans have a handful of veterans that could fetch something in return, especially if the franchise helps in their respective finances the rest of the season.

Potential trade candidates: Ryan Tannehill, Derrick Henry, DeAndre Hopkins, Denico Autry

Arizona Cardinals (1-6)
Super Bowl: 1000-1
NFC West: 1000-1

No team has longer odds to win the Super Bowl after seven weeks. The Cardinals should be trying for the No. 1 overall pick. Kyler Murray, who’s missed the start of the season due to his ACL recovery, won’t be traded before the deadline. But there are others who should be.

Potential trade candidates: Budda Baker, Marquise Brown, Zach Ertz

Carolina Panthers (0-6)
Super Bowl: 700-1
NFC: 600-1
Make playoffs? No -8000

The Panthers are the only winless team in the NFL, but the Chicago Bears own Carolina’s first-round pick in 2024 after last year’s trade. The Panthers reportedly are seeking a receiver ahead of the deadline to help quarterback Bryce Young. But Carolina would be better off selling veterans and acquiring draft capital.

Potential trade candidates: Brian Burns, Justin Houston, Hayden Hurst