The six NFL players most likely to be traded by the deadline

Trades around the National Football League have become more prevalent in recent years. This past March alone, the likes of Sam Bradford, Nick Foles, Jimmy Graham and Haloti Ngata were moved on the first day of free agency.

By pushing the in-season trade deadline back to late October, the NFL's primary focus was to give teams an idea of where they stand during the year. At that point, it makes everything easier as it relates to potentially making trades.

There seems to be even more chatter about in-season trades this year than in the past. This makes it likely that at least a few will be conducted prior to the deadline on October 28th. Here is a look at six players that could be traded before then.

1. Matt Forte, running back, Chicago Bears

Chicago may have salvaged some of its season with a late-game win against the Oakland Raiders in Week 4. In the process, it will likely put off a decision on whether to trade Forte until closer to the late-October deadline.

However, there are a few things that must be looked at when determining whether Forte is actually on the block. With road games coming up against the Kansas City Chiefs and Detroit Lions before its bye, Chicago may find itself in a position to have to consider trading Forte. If John Fox and Co. are 1-5 heading into that bye — a few days before the trade deadline — moving Forte might be the best decision.

The second thing to look at here is Forte's contract situation. He's set to become a free agent following the 2015 campaign and didn't seem too optimistic regarding a return to Chicago next year. If the Bears can get a mid-round pick while giving up 10-12 games of Forte in what might be a lost year, general manager Ryan Pace really has to consider it.

Finally, there are a few teams out there that might be willing to give up a pick or two. The Dallas Cowboys lost Lance Dunbar for the season on Sunday. They have also been linked to Forte. Meanwhile, the New England Patriots and Carolina Panthers could both use a stud running back.

2. Anquan Boldin, wide receiver, San Francisco 49ers

This would be the case of an organization letting one of its most-veteran players finish up his career on a winning team. It goes without saying that San Francisco isn't going anywhere this season. And considering it's likely Boldin's last in the NFL, general manager Trent Baalke could very well decide to give him an opportunity to go out a winner.

The 35-year-old Boldin is coming off two consecutive 1,000-yard seasons. He also has the toughness in the blocking game that contending teams covet. Based on the landscape of the NFL right now, he could definitely help out for the stretch run.

Imagine the New England Patriots adding this big-bodied receiver to go with Julian Edelman. It would likely cost nothing more than a mid-round pick. Heck, I am pretty sure Cam Newton wouldn't have much of an issue tossing the rock to Boldin for the remainder of the season.

3. Ahmad Brooks, linebacker, San Francisco 49ers

We are going to have to get more information regarding Brooks' leave of absence from San Francisco. It doesn't seem to have anything to do with his current legal issues. On the field, the 49ers would be smart to add a pick for a player that doesn't necessarily have a future with the team.

The emergence of Aaron Lynch (three sacks in four games) and the selection of Eli Harold in the third round of this year's draft makes Brooks expendable.

There also wouldn't be a shortage of interest in the 3-4 outside linebacker. At 31, he might not have a whole bunch of tread left on those tires. Brooks, however, would bring a ton of experience to a contending team. The Pittsburgh Steelers and Indianapolis Colts, both of whom run 3-4 schemes, would make sense here.

4. Knile Davis, running back, Kansas City Chiefs

After putting up over 600 yards as Jamaal Charles primary backup last season, Davis has found himself stripped of that role this season. He hasn't attempted a single rush in either of the past two games after putting up just 2.8 yards per attempt in the Chiefs' first two outings. With Charcandrick West now Charles' backup, Davis has been relegated to return duties.

There are contending teams out there that currently find themselves in less-than-stellar situations at running back.

The Seattle Seahawks may be getting Marshawn Lynch back after he missed last week's game with a hamstring injury, but Fred Jackson is now going to be out for an extended period of time after suffering a high-ankle sprain on Monday night.

With injury issues to their two top running backs and after releasing Fred Jackson back in September, the Buffalo Bills could also find themselves in the market for another back. This doesn't even take into account teams like the Cowboys and Panthers, both of whom could use some depth at running back.

5. Marcus Smith, linebacker, Philadelphia Eagles

After being firmly on the roster bubble during training camp, this 2014 first-round pick has played in exactly zero defensive snaps through four games. Some of that has to do with him suffering a preseason hamstring injury, but it's readily apparent he's fallen out of favor in Philadelphia.

The cost to acquire Smith would likely be extremely low at this point. Without any real NFL success or experience, the idea here would be for a team to take on Smith's first-round contract in an attempt to create a project out of him. The upside and talent is obviously still here. It's now all about finding the right situation — something Philadelphia clearly isn't.

6. Cordarrelle Patterson, wide receiver, Minnesota Vikings

After trading Gerald Hodges to San Francisco on Tuesday, Vikings general manager Rick Speilman spoke about depth at the linebacker position as one of the primary reasons why the team moved one of its starters.

If it's depth that plays a role in deciding whether to trade a player, Patterson could very well find himself calling another city home by the time November comes calling. The former first-round pick has played a total of 33 snaps in four games this year. Even with Charles Johnson sidelined last week, rookie Stefon Diggs received more playing time than Patterson, going for six catches and 87 yards in the process.

Teams don't normally give up on ultra-talented play-makers like Patterson, but it's clear he's fallen out of favor in Minnesota. Add in rumors of teams showing interest, and the writing could be on the wall here.

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