NFL Trade Rumors: Giants, Chiefs Could Deal Top Pass Rushers In 2019 Offseason

Justin Houston Kansas City Chiefs — Andrew Luck #12 of the Indianapolis Colts tosses the ball after being sacked by Justin Houston #50 of the Kansas City Chiefs during the third quarter of the AFC Divisional Round playoff game at Arrowhead Stadium on January 12, 2019 in Kansas City, Missouri. Jamie Squire/Getty Images

Antonio Brown is almost sure to be the best player traded during the 2019 NFL offseason, but other big names could be on the move, as well. According to the latest reports, the New York Giants and Kansas City Chiefs are exploring the possibility of trading top pass rushers.

The Giants have reportedly talked about trading Olivier Vernon. For the Chiefs, it’s Justin Houston that could be on the move.

Both players are candidates to be released because of their lucrative salaries. The two teams would likely rather deal them and try to get a draft pick in return.

Teams that have communicated with the Giants are under the impression they are trying to trade OLB Olivier Vernon, per sources. If they don’t get a deal they could potentially cut Vernon after finding a replacement in free agency. Vernon is set to make $15.5M this year. #giants
— Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan) March 1, 2019

Giants were still pondering cutting Olivier Vernon in a salary cap move, according to a source. This could be a last-ditch attempt to get a pick for him before they do it ... https://t.co/YOQrbIAYbp
— Ralph Vacchiano (@RVacchianoSNY) March 1, 2019

The #Chiefs have had trade conversations about Justin Houston, an intriguing option before free agency. pic.twitter.com/OIMhMsIEKy
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 28, 2019

Vernon actually made the Pro Bowl last season after a strong finish to the year. He totaled seven sacks in 11 games, but the 28-year-old has missed nine games due to injury in the last two seasons.

After signing a five-year, $85 million contract in 2016, Vernon was a big part of a Giants’ defense that ranked second in points allowed. He now has a $19.5 million cap hit in 2019 for a team that has missed the playoffs in two straight years.

Houston is two years older than Vernon and hasn’t made the Pro Bowl since 2015, but he’s been a more effective player in recent seasons. The veteran has recorded at least nine sacks in two straight years, and he led the NFL with 22 sacks in 2014.

Kansas City is likely to place the franchise tag on Dee Ford, making him one of the highest-paid pass rushers in the league. Houston has a $21 million cap hit next season with two years left on his six-year, $101 million contract.

The Chiefs had one of the NFL’s worst defenses in 2018, though they nearly reached the Super Bowl.

March 5 is the deadline for teams to use their franchise tag.

National Football League