NFL Insider Jason La Canfora’s Week 4 Notes: Marvin Harrison Jr. Trade Rumors, Josh Sweat Unrest

The NFL trade deadline is still roughly a month away, but front offices across the league are already laying the groundwork for midseason moves.

We told you the Steelers were eager to trade top corner Joey Porter Jr. before September ended, and sure enough, he was a Cowboy before Week 4. Now, more moves are on the horizon.

Trade winds blow constantly in the league these days, with young executives—though that surely doesn’t apply to Dallas owner Jerry Jones—more aggressive than ever to get ahead of the pack and address roster needs ASAP.

We’ve seen an increasing number of blockbuster moves in the summer, and several impactful NFL veterans who aren’t yet being discussed in the media could soon be changing teams as front offices scout potential deadline targets.

Parity remains the rule in this league, meaning few teams will be completely out of contention by Week 9, though some are already running out of time. And never discount disgruntled owners looking to trim payroll.

We already broke down the quarterback trade candidates last month, when we told you J.J. McCarthy would be shipped out of Minnesota. But as we approach the middle of the season, ample trade targets exist at several other critical positions.

Expect a very active trade deadline, with growing buzz surrounding these high-profile non-quarterbacks:

Edge Defender

Maxx Crosby (Raiders)

Crosby was set to be dealt to the Ravens for two first-round picks in the offseason before Baltimore backed out. However, Crosby is off to a great start, and executives around the league believe the Raiders have turned a corner.

If a rival dangles two first-round selections, it might catch Las Vegas’ attention. “I don’t think the price comes down,” one general manager noted.

Ultimately, I expect him to stay put.

Khalil Mack (Chargers)

The Chargers could reach their Week 7 bye winless. Coupled with an ownership group that is notoriously frugal, Mack becomes an obvious trade candidate.

Even at an advanced age, he could still command a solid return, particularly given the relatively low financial risk for an acquiring team. Los Angeles has already paid Mack $10 million up front, meaning a contender could rent him for less than $4 million for the remainder of the season at the deadline.

With that in mind, one longtime NFL executive predicted: “I think he’s gone.”

Moving Mack after paying so much up front might be tough for the Chargers to swallow, but so is continuing to pay him if they keep losing.

Josh Sweat (Cardinals)

The Cardinals have Sweat under contract for two more years beyond this season at $17 million annually, so there is no immediate pressure to trade him. While Arizona has signaled he won’t be dealt, there may be more to the situation.

Sweat is unhappy with his contract, and with a run on edge defenders expected as the deadline approaches, interest should be high. Contenders never feel they have enough pass rush, which could trigger a bidding war.

“I’d bet he’s not there by the deadline,” another longtime personnel executive said, adding that one GM noted he’s “heard he wants out.”

Kayvon Thibodeaux (Giants)

Thibodeaux has been the subject of trade talks across multiple front-office regimes, though New York needs all the help it can get defensively with its offense decimated by injuries.

The question is whether the Giants want to pay the former top pick roughly $15 million in 2027—and whether rookie Abdul Carter can adequately replace him.

“Carter is a designated pass-rusher in that defense; he’s too small to do too much else,” said a personnel executive familiar with the coaching staff. “I think they might start to use [2026 top pick] Arvell Reese more like a Micah Parsons type and move him around. I wouldn’t want to pay that kind of money for the other guy [Thibodeaux] next year.”

Running Back

Tony Pollard (Titans)

Pollard is excelling in an old-school, under-center offense, generating yards after contact and winning tough yards inside.

That physical running style is back in vogue across the league. With injuries to contending running backs inevitable, Pollard could become an attractive option.

His $6.7 million base salary isn’t chump change, but the Titans are in a full rebuild and won’t be demanding a blockbuster return. “He’ll have a legitimate market,” one GM noted.

Kenneth Gainwell (Buccaneers)

Yes, Tampa Bay just signed him. But with the Buccaneers sitting at 0-4 and Baker Mayfield sidelined with an injury, the season is slipping away.

If Tampa is out of contention by the deadline, Gainwell offers real value to a contender. He possesses playoff experience, versatile pass-catching skills, and an affordable base salary under $2 million—making him an ideal target for offensive coordinators.

Receiver

Chris Godwin (Buccaneers)

At this stage, moving Godwin would be a salary dump. The former top slot receiver is making $22 million while struggling in a passing game that has stagnated for two seasons.

How much of his decline is tied to recent injuries, and how much stems from Tampa Bay’s inability to stretch the field? Either way, Godwin is a name to watch if Tampa Bay continues starting an undrafted rookie quarterback.

While his contract is tricky to move, the Bucs parted ways with Mike Evans in the offseason, leading executives to wonder if Godwin could be next.

Marvin Harrison Jr. (Cardinals)

The recent first-round pick has struggled to find his footing in Arizona, looking uncomfortable in the offense despite his can’t-miss prospect status out of Ohio State.

Several executives believe he will be the next marquee player moved, and that a deal could materialize well before the deadline. He remains cheap on his rookie deal and clearly needs a fresh start.

Interior Defensive Line

Zach Sieler (Dolphins)

The Dolphins are building for the future.

While Sieler is now in his 30s, he continues to draw double teams at the line of scrimmage despite limited help around him. As Miami seeks to accumulate draft capital, Sieler becomes a prime trading chip.

He carries an affordable $1.3 million base salary this season, which contenders have noted. He is set to make $12.7 million next year, a figure that is effectively guaranteed.

“You’re getting 1½ seasons for $13 million, depending on when you make the trade,” explained one NFL salary-cap expert. “That’s how you frame it to ownership.”

Javon Hargrave (Packers)

At his peak, Hargrave was an elite interior pass-rusher who elevated defenses in the postseason. The question now is how much impact he has left.

Green Bay dumping salary at the deadline would be out of character, but after being booed off the field at Lambeau, executives see flaws across the roster.

The Packers paid Hargrave $10 million up front, making a trade painful from a dead-cap perspective, but an acquiring team would inherit only around $700,000 in salary—a discount that should boost Green Bay’s draft compensation.

Offensive Line

Austin Jackson (Dolphins)

Jackson is young, affordable, and holds extensive starting experience—qualities every team values when searching for tackle depth.

Even as a swing tackle, he appeals to contenders dealing with injuries along the offensive line. His team-friendly reworked contract makes him easy to move, and as an impending unrestricted free agent on a rebuilding Miami roster, executives expect him to be made available.