'Football 301' on NFL trade deadline: Jags WR Brian Thomas Jr., Titans RB Tony Pollard and 4 other players to watch

As the NFL trade deadline approaches, speculation is ramping up about which players could be changing teams to reshape playoff races — or accelerate rebuilds. On a recent episode of Yahoo Sports' "Football 301" podcast, host Nate Tice and guest Gregg Rosenthal of the "NFL Daily" podcast offered their perspectives on top targets, ideal landing spots and what contending teams must consider before making a deal.

Here's a breakdown of players to watch, with a look at the ideas and analysis brought forward by Tice and Rosenthal.

Rosenthal highlighted BTJ as underutilized in Jacksonville, making him a prime trade deadline candidate. Thomas could unlock explosiveness for receiver-needy contenders like the Ravens or Chiefs, noting that his rookie contract increases his trade value.

The Rams were also mentioned as a potential "scheme fit" due to their need for speed, as they're currently "the most station-to-station offense in the league right now, which is crazy to think for a team quarterbacked by Matthew Stafford," Rosenthal said.

His ultimate landing spot for Thomas is Baltimore.

"How about let's just put BTJ, Zay Flowers and Lamar [Jackson] on the field together, and let's have some fun," Rosenthal said.

One concept discussed was sending Pollard to the Vikings, who need juice in their running game with Aaron Jones Sr. banged up (knee) and Jordan Mason underwhelming.

Tice noted Pollard's age (29) and expiring contract make him an attainable option for teams aiming to boost rushing production without a long-term commitment. Tice also weighed the trade dynamics of other backs (Saquon Barkley, Jonathan Taylor), ultimately viewing Pollard as the easiest to pry away without getting into complicated negotiations.

"I still have optimism about the Vikings' offense, but they need guys, I think, on the ground that can just create some stuff just to boost their offensive line a little bit," Tice said.

Tice spotlighted Baker as a fit for the Bills, who have been gashed in the secondary and need a tone-setter in the middle of the field. Baker's versatility and aggression would mesh with Buffalo's scheme.

"Budda Baker can give them a guy that can play in the box, a guy that can run up and help both ways, pass and run, and also fit in [coordinator] Jim Leonard's defense."

Greenard was offered up as a candidate for the Chiefs, a team looking to add pass-rushing heat. Rosenthal acknowledged the contract hurdles (notably Greenard's guaranteed money), but argued Kansas City's defense could accommodate another edge presence for a stretch run.

Rosenthal called Ojomo "the prize" among Eagles defenders likely to be dangled, suggesting a match with the Jaguars. The move would inject quickness and interior disruption alongside DaVon Hamilton and help offset lackluster pass rush production.

Stewart emerged as another Bills candidate for Tice. He's a two-down space eater who could fortify Buffalo's run defense and allow the team's gap-shooters to roam freely. It's a low-cost, high-impact transaction at a position of need for contenders.