7 NFL players who could be traded early into the 2024 season, including Haason Reddick

The 2024 NFL season is already two weeks in the rearview, which means we've got a much better grasp of who the contenders and the pretenders are.

Injuries have sadly hit many NFL teams, opening the avenue for various contenders to consider trading draft assets to help bolster their rosters for the short term.

While the 2024 NFL trade deadline is still a ways away, it's not uncommon to see trades as early as September if the right fits emerge for any NFL team needing talent right away.

We've identified seven players we feel could be early-season trade candidates, including an elite pass-rusher in the Meadowlands who is still holding out for a new contract.

Jets OLB Haason Reddick

Reddick's holdout is now going into the third week of the season, as it doesn't look like the pass-rusher and the Jets are any closer to a brand-new deal. Plenty of NFL teams could use an extra player coming off the edge, particularly one with Reddick's production. If New York just wants to finally cut its losses and send Reddick elsewhere, this would be a good time to do it.

POSSIBLE TEAMS: Lions, 49ers, Cardinals

PROPOSED TRADE: Reddick to the Lions for a 2026 fourth-round pick, OLB James Houston

The Lions need all the help they can get to weather a much tougher NFC landscape, and adding Reddick would be a real boost to keeping Detroit apace with the rest of the conference. The team sends Houston and a fourth-round pick New York's way to get this done, giving the Jets a pass-rusher that can play now and a really solid draft pick to help make up for what it gave Philadelphia to acquire Reddick in the first place. Reddick and Aidan Hutchinson would be no joke together, as long as Detroit would be comfortable extending Reddick as soon as he lands in Motor City.

Eagles ILB Devin White

White signed with Philadelphia in the offseason to revitalize his NFL career as one of the best linebackers in the league, but he was a healthy scratch during the Eagles' Week 2 game against the Atlanta Falcons. With Nakobe Dean seemingly entrenched as Philly's starter in the middle, it may make White expendable for the Eagles. General manager Howie Roseman loves making trades in the middle of the season, and he might be able to get value for White if he's not going to see the field much for Philly this season. Teams with needs at linebacker should be intrigued, and we're guessing a late day-3 pick could get something done at this point.

POSSIBLE TEAMS: Bills, Patriots, Raiders

PROPOSED TRADE: White to the Bills for a 2025 sixth-round pick

The Bills need some help at linebacker after taking some tough injuries at the position lately, and White could plug in right away and try to help a Buffalo team that's playing like a Super Bowl contender keep its poise on defense. Perhaps Buffalo is where White could build his second act.

Panthers RB Miles Sanders

As injuries start to stack up in the NFL, teams needing a running back really should give the struggling Carolina Panthers a call about Sanders. He's second on the depth chart to Chuba Hubbard and only has 12 carries for 42 yards this season, and Carolina could recoup some value for a free agent signing from the previous regime. The Panthers will want to get rookie running back Jonathon Brooks snaps once he's ready to play, which will inevitably cut into Sanders' playing time. A trade feels like a foregone conclusion at this point, and there will be suitors out there.

POSSIBLE TEAMS: Raiders, Chiefs, Bengals

PROPOSED TRADE: Sanders to the Raiders for a 2025 seventh-round pick

The Raiders really need help on the ground, as the team is last in the NFL for total yardage gained in the run game this season. Sanders should be able to help out Las Vegas right away and could quickly establish himself as their top running back if he can find his 2022 form.

Bears WR/RB Velus Jones Jr.

Jones is a speedy depth piece for the Bears who can play receiver or running back, but his inactive status during Week 2 suggests that he might not be in Chicago's plans much longer. In the right offense with a creative offensive coordinator, perhaps the former 2022 third-round pick might be able to contribute with his blistering speed. It's not to suggest he'd be a game-breaking talent, but being fast doesn't hurt in the NFL if you find the right system for your talent. The Bears can probably recoup a seventh-round pick at least just for Jones' abilities as a kick returner alone.

POSSIBLE TEAMS: Chiefs, Rams, Bengals

PROPOSED TRADE: Jones to the Chiefs for a 2025 seventh-round pick

The Chiefs look like they'll once again be the powerhouse of the AFC, but adding a little more firepower to help out Patrick Mahomes might not be a bad idea. Jones can run between the tackles and split out wide, and perhaps Kansas City could scheme up some creative plays that utilize Jones' speed. Having Mahomes throwing you the ball never hurts, as taking a flier here is a low-risk, high-reward move. At the least, he could help out the Chiefs in the dynamic kickoff game.

Titans WR Treylon Burks

The first-round pick that the Titans got from trading A.J. Brown has not panned out as hoped, and he's only gotten two targets so far this season under new coach Brian Callahan. As Tennessee general manager Ran Carthon didn't draft Burks, he's not necessarily tied to his success or failure. As the Titans search to find their first win, tinkering with the roster isn't out of the question. Trading Burks now is probably the right move for Tennessee, as he might need a change of scenery to realize his potential. Although, his health has been a question mark in the last two seasons.

POSSIBLE TEAMS: 49ers, Rams, Chiefs

PROPOSED TRADE: Burks to the 49ers for a 2026 fourth-round pick

The 49ers have been hit hard by injuries, and the team could use a bit more firepower on offense. Perhaps Carthon calls up his old employer and offers Burks' upside for a draft pick down the road. Sure, it'd sting Titans fans to see this one not work out, but Kyle Shanahan might be able to unlock more of Burks' potential. He wouldn't be the first revamped player to shine in a 49ers uniform.

Texans WR Robert Woods

Woods has yet to get a target this season, as it doesn't look like Houston has plans to get him involved much in the offense this year. That's okay, as the veteran wide receiver could help any number of teams looking for a steady presence in the passing game. We expect that Woods will finish the season elsewhere, and he might have a sensible homecoming waiting for him.

POSSIBLE TEAMS: Rams, Chiefs, Falcons

PROPOSED TRADE: Woods to the Rams for a 2025 sixth-round pick

The Rams are snakebitten right now with injuries, particularly at wide receiver. As Los Angeles tries to keep its season going, it should trade for Woods as soon as possible. He is a natural fit for Los Angeles since he's played there, and he could take the field right away.

Giants OLB Azeez Ojulari

Ojulari has rotated in with the Giants' defensive line this season, but we can't imagine New York would turn down a trade offer for the pending free agent. While a Reddick trade might be a bit tough to navigate, Ojulari presents a much more feasible option for teams needing edge help.

POSSIBLE TEAMS: Jets, 49ers, Buccaneers

PROPOSED TRADE: Ojulari to the New York Jets for a 2025 fifth-round pick

The Jets lost Jermaine Johnson for the season with an Achilles injury, and they might not ever get a snap out of Reddick. Ojulari is a decent option to compensate for losing both, even if he only provides a few sacks in a rotational role. Plus, he wouldn't have to move far to join the Jets.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: 7 NFL players who could be traded early into the 2024 season, including Haason Reddick