Trade deadline board: five contenders quietly shopping

The calls started earlier than usual this year, and the reason is simple: too many teams still think they are in it.

Five front offices have made real inquiries on veteran defensive help, according to people briefed on the conversations. Two of them have been told the asking price begins at a second-round pick.

The market for edge rushers is the tightest it has been in three seasons. Only four teams are genuinely willing to sell, and each of them is holding out for a package that includes a young starter.

Expect movement in the 72 hours before the deadline rather than this week. Sellers rarely blink first.