Steelers, Jaguars Discussed WR Christian Kirk Trade
The Steelers have yet to make a major receiver addition in 2024, but the team continues to be linked to several pursuits on that front. A number of targets have emerged with respect to a potential trade, and Christian Kirk appears to have been one as well prior to his season-ending injury. 
The Steelers had Kirk on their radar before he suffered a broken collarbone, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports. Taking things a step further, ESPN’s Adam Schefter adds a “reasonable chance” existed that Pittsburgh was going to land him given the status of negotiations. Now, of course, the team’s attention will need to turn elsewhere.
Kirk consistently found himself in trade rumors this year, despite the fact he is under contract for 2025. None of his base salary for that year is guaranteed, so an adjustment of some kind could have been in the cards for an acquiring team. Instead, the 27-year-old will aim to recover in time for the start of next year, which will be his fourth in Jacksonville.
After failing to land Brandon Aiyuk during the summer, the Steelers have been connected to many other pass-catching options. Connections were made to the likes of Davante Adams and Cooper Kupp leading up to the trade deadline, with the same being true of a more realistic target like Mike Williams. The Jets may be more inclined to retain Williams with Allen Lazard on injured reserve, but even in that event other wideouts could still be available. A recent report indicated Pittsburgh is also interested in the Broncos’ Courtland Sutton and the Giants’ Darius Slayton, no strangers to trade speculation.
The above-referenced report from Schefter indicated that the Steelers, who are leaving no stone unturned in their pursuit of a WR upgrade, are also interested in the Panthers’ Adam Thielen. Thielen has been on IR since late September due to a hamstring injury, but his practice window was recently opened. As a a 34-year-old receiver on a Carolina outfit in the early stages of a rebuild, playing on a thru-2025 contract that contains no guarantees after the current campaign, Thielen is an obvious trade candidate.
Questions were raised during the offseason about the Steelers’ WR room after Diontae Johnson was traded away and Allen Robinson was released. The likes of Van Jefferson, Quez Watkins and Scotty Miller were added as depth options on the free agent market. Those newcomers are joined in the organization by third-round rookie Roman Wilson, who has been limited to only one game so far and was placed on injured reserve earlier this week.
That has left an increased workload available to Calvin Austin, who has seen nearly as many targets through eight games in 2024 (25) as he did in 17 contests last year (30). The 2022 fourth-rounder has averaged 18.4 yards per catch, making him a capable vertical threat to complement George Pickens. Austin has also had success as a punt returner, headlined by last week’s special teams touchdown against the Giants.
With just under $10MM in cap space, the Steelers could afford to be in the market for a wideout addition and Schefter’s report adds the team is not expected to stop seeking a trade partner in the wake of the potential Kirk deal falling through. Pittsburgh’s offense could stand to see an uptick in efficiency in the passing game, something which could of course take place with an extended run for Russell Wilson at quarterback. His list of pass-catching options could nevertheless still expand in the near future.
Rory Parks contributed to this post.
Bears Activate OL Larry Borom From IR
In need of a new starting option at the left tackle spot, the Bears will have Larry Borom available for Week 9. The veteran lineman was activated from injured reserve Saturday, per a team announcement. 
[RELATED: Bears Open To Trading Nate Davis]
Braxton Jones is dealing with a knee injury, and will be out of the lineup tomorrow as a result. The same is also true of third-round rookie Kiran Amegadjie, who absence is due to a calf issue. With both of those left tackle candidates out of the picture, Borom’s activation has him in place to handle first-team duties during his season debut.
The former fifth-rounder suffered an ankle injury during Chicago’s preseason finale, which led to an IR-designated for return designation during roster cutdowns. That move left Borom eligible to return at some point during the campaign, and his 21-day practice window was opened last week, indicating he would be available soon. As the Bears look to compensate for Jones’ absence, Borom’s presence will be welcomed if he can fill in along the blindside on a short-term basis.
During his first two Bears campaigns, the 25-year-old saw considerable time at right tackle along with usage at both guard spots. Last year, though, he made 16 appearances (including six starts) at left tackle. During that time, Borom was charged by PFF with three sacks and 25 pressures allowed, resulting in his worst overall grade (48) to date. Improvement compared to 2023 would be welcomed by team and player, especially with a lack of healthy alternatives up front.
As a pending free agent, Borom’s showing over the coming months will of course have financial implications. The Missouri product has 39 games and 23 starts to his name, and adding to those totals could boost his stock ahead of his first trip to the open market (or increase his chances of landing a second Bears contract). If Jones and/or Amegadjie miss considerable time, Borom could have a path to a notable workload during the second half of the campaign.
Patriots Turning Down Interest In Christian Gonzalez; K.J. Osborn Wants To Be Traded?
The Patriots have made one move on the trade front so far, and more could be coming. To little surprise, interest has been shown in several of the team’s players, although some are off limits at this point. 
Multiple teams have called about cornerback Christian Gonzalez, veteran insider Josina Anderson reports (video link). She adds New England’s top pick from last year is “not for sale,” which comes as little surprise. Attached to his rookie contract through at least 2026 (potentially 2027, if his fifth-year option were to be picked up), Gonzalez represents an obvious building block for the rebuilding franchise.
The former No. 17 selection was limited to just four games during his rookie season, but he has been healthy so far in 2024. Gonzalez has served as a full-time starter, collecting 37 tackles, one interception and four pass deflections. His coverage statistics (57.1% completion percentage, 77.4 passer rating allowed) are improved compared to last season, and expectations will remain high moving forward for him as a central figure in the team’s secondary.
Fellow cornerback Jonathan Jones is also set to remain in New England, but other positions are worth watching as the November 5 deadline approaches. Wide receiver is chief among them, and the team has been shopping Tyquan Thornton recently. The 24-year-old is on the books through 2024, but his limited production has left his trade value rather low. Veteran K.J. Osborn has a stronger resume, but as a pending free agent he too is unlikely to fetch considerable draft capital in a trade. The latter is nevertheless a strong candidate to be dealt in the coming days.
Mike Giardi of the Boston Sports Journal said during a Friday appearance on WEEI that at least one receiver move should be expected, adding Osborn is the likeliest to be shipped out (video link). The free agent addition has seen his workload decrease considerably in recent weeks, leading to frustration being expressed. New England’s other wideout options (including rookies Ja’Lynn Polk and Javon Baker) could be in line for increased time in the event an Osborn deal – something which has previously been floated – were to be worked out.
Giardi adds the 27-year-old has stated a desire to be traded away to both the Patriots and the local media, making him one of several receivers worth watching closely. Osborn’s base salary for the season is only $1.18MM, so any number of buyers could absorb the remainder of that figure rather comfortably. He has posted just 57 yards and one touchdown on seven receptions to date, but prior to 2024 Osborn proved to be a solid depth complementary option in Minnesota. He could soon find himself aiming to replicate that role on a new team.
Jerry Jones: Cowboys Open To Trade Addition
Sitting at 3-4 on the year, the Cowboys have several areas to improve on for the latter stages of the season. Indications from earlier this month pointed to a quiet approach to the upcoming trade deadline, but the team is at least looking into potential additions. 
During his latest appearance on 105.3 The Fan, owner Jerry Jones acknowledged the Cowboys are “looking for meat on the bone that can improve our team” (h/t ESPN’s Todd Archer). That represents a contrast to Jones’ previous remarks on the subject, which indicated a confidence in Dallas’ current roster and coaching staff. The 2024 season has not gone according to plan so far, as Jones also conceded.
“I think we’re having a rougher go than I anticipated,” he added (via Jon Machota of The Athletic). “It is rougher, and I did not anticipate the challenges that we’re having with this team… It’s really a plus that we’ve won three games.”
Of course, injuries on defense have become a problem which Dallas could stand to address in the near future. Edge rushers Micah Parsons, DeMarcus Lawrence, and Marshawn Kneeland could all return at some point during the year, but their absences are set to continue through Week 9. At the cornerback spot, news of DaRon Bland‘s return has been weighed down by the calf tear Trevon Diggs is now dealing with. The Cowboys rank 31st in scoring defense, so shoring up the unit in any capacity on the trade market would no doubt be welcomed.
On the other side of the ball, depth at the running back spot and/or along the offensive line could help give balance to the league’s No. 3 passing attack. Failing that, a move aimed at adding another wideout option to complement CeeDee Lamb could be in store; four receivers have already been dealt but several pass-catchers are still on the market or have been floated as potential targets. Improving in any regard could help a turnaround during the second half of the season, one in which a fourth straight 12-5 record will be nearly impossible to achieve.
Of course, how the Cowboys fare building up to the postseason (and in the playoffs, should they qualify) will be central in determining the fate of head coach Mike McCarthy. Dallas’ home wild-card loss to the Packers was cited by Jones as the reason an extension was not offered, leaving McCarthy in place as a lame duck. A rental trade acquisition will not tangibly alter the team’s core, but it could boost the chances of a playoff push and as such McCarthy’s job security.
The Cowboys remain near the top of the league in terms of cap space, so a deal affecting the remainder of the 2024 season would be feasible. Adding a player with term beyond this campaign could complicate the contract situations for the likes of Parsons, Lawrence and Zack Martin heading into the offseason, but a stop-gap move could be on the horizon depending on how talks with interested teams progress ahead of the November 5 deadline.
RB Jeff Wilson Addresses Playing Time, Potential Dolphins Trade
The Dolphins currently have a logjam at the running back position, with Raheem Mostert, De’Von Achane and Jaylen Wright atop the depth chart. That has left few opportunities available for Jeff Wilson. 
For that reason, the veteran could soon find himself on the move. Wilson was recently named as the most logical trade candidate amongst Miami’s running backs, leading to questions about his outlook on the upcoming deadline. The 28-year-old made it clear his preference would be to remain with the Dolphins.
“If I could play here and find a way to play, I would love to stay,” Wilson said (via Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald). I love it here. Everyone has embraced me. I would love to stay and play here.”
Wilson did add, however, that he “came to play, not to sit,” an understandable indication that he would welcome an increased workload down the stretch. The former 49er handled 84 carries upon arrival with the Dolphins midway through the 2022 season, but that number checked in at just 41 (in 10 contests) last year. In 2024, Wilson has totaled only 10 touches in four games.
Provided Mostert (who is back after missing time earlier in the year), Achane (who leads the team with 357 rushing yards) and Wright (who has averaged an impressive 5.3 yards per carry as a rookie) remain healthy, Wilson is unlikely to carve out a meaningful role. A trade away from the Dolphins would mean departing a team coached by Mike McDaniel, with whom the former UDFA spent considerable time in San Francisco. It could nevertheless yield a clearer path to playing time.
Just as Mostert did, Wilson agreed to a new Dolphins deal last March. That pact has him on track for free agency in the spring, and Wilson’s base salary is only $1.13MM. Any number of contending teams could easily take on the prorated remainder of that figure, especially if Miami is open to a accepting a low price in terms of draft capital coming back in a trade. Such a scenario would not (at least fully) appeal to Wilson, but it will be one worth watching for.
Jaguars RB Travis Etienne Could Return In Week 9, To Serve As Starter Once Healthy
Travis Etienne has been absent from the Jaguars’ lineup for the past two weeks, but Sunday could mark his return. Whenever the fourth-year running back is next on the field, he is slated to reclaim his starting spot. 
Etienne’s hamstring injury opened the door for Tank Bigsby to take on an increased workload during Jacksonville’s London win over New England. The 2023 third-rounder rushed for 118 yards and a pair of touchdowns during that contest, and he followed it up by producing 86 scrimmage yards last week. In spite of that success, head coach Doug Pederson is prepared to keep Etienne atop the depth chart.
“I’m a believer where injury doesn’t replace your position,” Pederson said (via ESPN’s Michael DiRocco). “I think you have to have a fair competition for us. We’re blessed to have two really good running backs right now. When Etienne comes back, he’s just as explosive, just as good, just as powerful, and it’s still his job.”
Pederson has previously spoken about a desire to reduce Etienne’s workload after he totaled 580 touches across the 2022 and ’23 seasons. Bigsby handling a notable role when both backs are in the fold would help achieve that goal. Indeed, the eighth-year coach said Bigsby’s contrasting skillset should allow him to remain a regular figure on offense moving forward. With wideout Christian Kirk sidelined for the rest of the season, it would come as no surprise if Jacksonville adopted more of a run-heavy approach on offense.
Etienne – who has been a limited participant in practice every day this week and is listed as questionable for Sunday’s contest – had his fifth-year option picked up this offseason. As a result, the Clemson product is on the books for a $6.14MM salary next year; that lessens the chances of a trade being worked out ahead of this year’s deadline. The 2-6 Jaguars dealt away longtime left tackle Cam Robinson earlier this week, though, so further moves from a seller’s standpoint could be on the way.
Provided Etienne remains in place for the rest of the year, his performance in the RB1 role with be worth watching closely. The 25-year-old missed his entire rookie campaign but delivered a strong showing in 2022 with a 5.1 yards per carry average. That figure fell to 3.8 last year, and a bounce-back in efficiency to close out the current campaign would be welcomed by team and player. Etienne should have ample opportunity to return to his previous form upon return.
Cardinals Taking Part In Trade Talks; S Budda Baker Unlikely To Be Dealt
With a 4-4 record, the Cardinals sit atop the wide-open NFC West. That puts the team in an interesting position as the Jonathan Gannon/Monti Ossenfort regime approaches its second trade deadline at the helm. It remains to be seen what – if anything – will be done regarding midseason moves in the immediate future. 
“We’ve been involved in a number of talks with teams, and we’ll continue to be here as the days come by,” Ossenfort said during a Friday appearance on Arizona Sports (via Bob McManaman of the Arizona Republic). “We’re working through that process… We’ll deal with the trade deadline on Monday and Tuesday and see if anything works for us.”
Arizona went 4-13 last year, but with quarterback Kyler Murray available for a full campaign in 2024 expectations called for a step forward. The team is well on its way in that regard, and making an addition could boost the chances of a division title (or at least an NFC wild-card berth). The defensive line, both along the interior and on the edge, could be a target given the Cardinals’ injuries at those spots.
Edge rusher BJ Ojulari suffered a torn ACL before the start of the campaign, and Dennis Gardeck recently met the same fate. Meanwhile, first-round rookie Darius Robinson is off injured reserve but it remains to be seen when he will be able to make his regular season debut. Justin Jones and Bilal Nichols are unavailable, so bringing in depth along the interior would be sensible from Arizona’s perspective. While he did not indicate if anything is imminent, Ossenfort confirmed the D-line and edge are areas being looked at leading up to the deadline.
The most commonly predicted move on the Cardinals’ part in recent weeks is one which would see safety Budda Baker traded away. The six-time Pro Bowler is a pending free agent, and the 2023 offseason saw his trade request ultimately result in a short-term solution being worked out. Baker, 28, hopes to land another Cardinals contract this offseason, although Ossenfort and Co. were not in place when he was drafted or initially extended. That has led to questions about a potential trade, but one appears unlikely.
“Budda’s a big part of what we’re doing,” Ossenfort added. “I think there’s a lot of information – a lot of misinformation – that’s out there this time of year, whether it’s pertaining to our players or somebody else’s players… People can throw anything out there, and it may not have any real truth to it at all… We couldn’t be more excited to have Budda with us.”
That endorsement certainly suggests Baker will remain in place past the November 5 deadline. The two-time All-Pro has only made one postseason appearance in his career, which dates back to 2017 and has consisted exclusively of time with Arizona. Provided he stays for the second half of the season, he will maintain a key leadership role amongst an otherwise young secondary in addition to his on-field responsibilities. If the Cardinals choose to make a rental addition, finances will not be an issue since the team has more than $19MM in cap space.
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 11/1/24
Minor NFL Transactions: 11/1/24
Friday saw only a few minor moves take place around the NFL:
Denver Broncos
- Signed to active roster: G Calvin Throckmorton
- Released: FB Michael Burton
Las Vegas Raiders
- Signed to active roster: WR Ramel Keyton, TE Justin Shorter
- Waived: WR Tyreik McAllister, TE John Samuel Shenker
Throckmorton had been used as a gameday elevation from the practice squad three times, so to remain available moving forward he needed to join Denver’s active roster. Burton’s release has allowed for that to take place, but he will be eligible to immediately re-sign to the Broncos’ taxi squad and as such find himself a gameday callup for Week 9.
Diontae Johnson Addresses Ravens Trade; WR Unlikely To Serve As Starter?
The Ravens are among the teams which have made an addition at the receiver spot. Baltimore added Diontae Johnson from the Panthers by agreeing to a Day 3 pick swap in which Carolina retained much of his remaining salary. 
Given the low acquisition cost on the part of the Ravens, expectations will be tempered for Johnson upon arrival. The 28-year-old was long considered one of the top options at the receiver position available via trade, with a mid-round pick once being the asking price. Carolina’s willingness to take only a minor upgrade in draft capital while absorbing most of Johnson’s outstanding compensation speaks to the mutual desire of both parties to move on.
“Once I found out where I was going, I was excited,” the Toledo product confirmed when asked about his acquisition by the Ravens (via Clifton Brown of the team’s website). “Sigh of relief. I’m ready to work.”
With three seasons of at least 882 receiving yards on his resume, Johnson brings not only experience to the Ravens’ receiving corps but also a notable pedigree compared to the the team’s other options at the position. Baltimore has recent first-rounders Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman on their way to career highs in production, but adding another target – especially in the event either member of that pairing were to miss signficant time – represents a reasonable move. It remains to be seen how involved Johnson will be once he acclimates Baltimore’s offense.
On that point, veteran insider Josina Anderson reports the Johnson acquisition is not expected to result in a reduction in Flowers’ or Bateman’s workloads. Baltimore rarely uses three-receiver sets, and with all three of the team’s tight ends (Mark Andrews, Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar) along with fullback Patrick Ricard healthy that should remain the case moving forward. Johnson – whose most productive campaign came in 2021 with 1,161 yards and eight touchdowns – will slot in ahead of Nelson Agholor for the WR3 gig in that scenario.
Ravens head coach John Harbaugh added the team is considering using Johnson as a punt returner. Deonte Harty is currently on IR due to a knee injury, creating a need on special teams. Johnson has not handed return duties since the first two years of his career (having also done so in college), and that may be his best path to signficant usage with his newest team. As a pending free agent, his production in any and all capacities will be key in determining his market value.