Essendon is understood to be open to hearing trade propositions for key defender Ben McKay.
The Bombers will undergo exit meetings shortly after announcing Mark McVeigh as its new senior coach last week.
McVeigh is set to play a major role in the futures of all players despite only recently sliding his feet under the desk.
McKay is on a lucrative contract until 2029, and had multiple stints in the VFL throughout the year after struggling in the AFL.
According to AFL Media's Cal Twomey, the experienced backman's future remains clouded.
McKay began his top-flight journey at North Melbourne after he was drafted with Pick 21 in 2015, 11 selections after his twin brother, Harry (Carlton).
He played 71 games for the Shinboners before exercising his free agency rights, taking up a monster six-year deal at the Bombers amid rival pursuits.
McKay played every match in 2024, but faced injury last year, limiting him to 10 games.
This year, under both Brad Scott and caretaker coach Dean Solomon, featured in 15 senior games, which filtered through five VFL outings, including the final fortnight in the reserves.
Solomon alluded to the lack of confidence exhibited by McKay during his tenure, which led to his frequent omissions despite the club's desperate need for defensive assistance.
The Bombers interim coach also trialed the tall prospect in the ruck to get him into the game, which has worked for his twin brother at the Blues.
