The Tennessee Titans are entering Sunday's contest versus their AFC South rival Indianapolis Colts with a lackluster 1-3 record. A defeat would potentially drop the Titans to dead-last in the division, with difficult road dates with the Buffalo Bills and Detroit Lions to follow. It's not difficult to envision general manager Ran Carthon being a seller at next month's NFL Trade Deadline (November 5).
The Titans possess several veteran players on expiring contracts that may intrigue Super Bowl contenders. We've identified three Titans who could be traded in exchange for future draft capital at the trade deadline.
DeAndre Hopkins
Veteran wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins is Tennessee's asset that would attract the most interest. The 32-year-old Hopkins is a five-time Pro Bowl wideout that's on an expiring contract. He's earning a manageable base salary of $8.2 million this season, a number that could easily fit into the budget of most NFL teams.
Hopkins has already been linked by ESPN's Dan Graziano with a move away from Tennessee. Some potential landing spots could include the Pittsburgh Steelers, Kansas City Chiefs, and Buffalo Bills. Hopkins has gotten past an MCL injury that derailed the start of his season, but he looked full strength when recording six catches for 73 receiving yards and a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers in Week 3.
Quandre Diggs
Veteran safety Quandre Diggs is playing outstanding football for Titans. Diggs may have remained available via free agency until early August, but various teams should possess interest in parting with a day-three draft pick in exchange for his services. Contenders that could use safety help include the Bills and San Francisco 49ers.
Diggs is Tennessee's second-highest graded defender according to Pro Football Focus, who have assigned him a stellar 71.4 score. Rookie defensive tackle T'Vondre Sweat is the only Titans defensive starter with better overall results to date. Diggs wouldn't fetch much in a trade, given his advancing age and expiring contract, but the Titans could use all the capital they can get.
Nick Folk
Could the Titans get something for kicker Nick Folk? The soon-to-be-40-year-old has been ageless this season, converting 7-of-7 attempts. Folk made three kicks from 50-plus-yards against the Miami Dolphins in Week 4, proving leg strength is no issue despite being in his 17th season.
The Green Bay Packers are postseason hopefuls that have an issue at kicker. Ironically, they added former Titans kicker Brayden Narveson after Folk beat him out in training camp. The 49ers also recently lost Jake Moody to a multi-week injury.