The NFL trade winds are gusting as the November 5th deadline rapidly approaches, and two wide receivers find themselves squarely in the eye of the storm. League sources indicate that Carolina Panthers pass-catcher Diontae Johnson and Jacksonville Jaguars wideout Christian Kirk are generating substantial interest from receiver-hungry teams looking to bolster their aerial attacks.
Suitors Circling as WR Market Sizzles
The 2024 trade deadline has already seen a flurry of marquee receivers change uniforms. Davante Adams landed with the Jets, Amari Cooper joined the Bills, and DeAndre Hopkins took his talents to the Chiefs. But for teams still seeking receiving reinforcements, Johnson and Kirk have emerged as the most likely candidates to be dealt next.
Johnson on the Block in Carolina
Despite playing in a sputtering Panthers offense, the 28-year-old Johnson has posted a solid stat line in 2024, hauling in 30 receptions for 357 yards and 3 touchdowns. Carolina, sitting at a dismal 1-6, has reportedly received multiple inquiries on the wideout and is believed to be seeking a mid-round draft pick in return.
Some sources believe it’s only a question of where Johnson winds up before the trade deadline.
– NFL Insider
Sidelined with a rib injury for Sunday’s tilt in Denver, Johnson’s days in a Panthers uniform appear numbered. At a modest $3.5 million salary for the remainder of the season, he represents an enticing, cost-effective option for receiver-needy contenders.
Kirk’s Future in Duval Uncertain
Meanwhile in Jacksonville, Christian Kirk’s third season with the Jaguars has failed to live up to the promise of his previous campaigns. With a pedestrian 25 catches for 320 yards and a lone touchdown, the 27-year-old’s future with the club is murky at best.
The Jaguars, facing the prospect of falling to 2-6 with a loss to Green Bay on Sunday, may be inclined to field offers for Kirk as they look to stockpile draft capital for an impending rebuild. Rival executives are closely monitoring the situation in Duval County.
Veteran Options Also in Play
While Johnson and Kirk are garnering the lion’s share of attention, they’re not the only receivers potentially up for grabs. The Jets are reportedly open to moving veteran Mike Williams for the right price, though his hefty contract could prove prohibitive for some suitors.
The Rams’ Cooper Kupp was briefly the subject of trade chatter, but head coach Sean McVay quickly quashed such speculation, emphatically stating that the former Offensive Player of the Year is “a Ram, and we expect him to stay that way.”
Buyers Abound as Deadline Looms
As the November 5th cutoff draws near, expect the market for wide receivers to further intensify. The Steelers and Chargers are among the playoff hopefuls still believed to be in the market for pass-catching upgrades.
In a league where elite receivering play is increasingly paramount to success, the allure of difference-makers like Johnson and Kirk will only grow stronger. The 2024 trade deadline has already delivered fireworks; don’t be surprised if a few more receivers light up the transaction wire before the clock strikes zero.
