AFTER another season in and out of Essendon's senior side, forward Jayden Laverde's future is up in the air despite being contracted for next year.

The Bombers are understood to be open to offers for Laverde, who was a top-20 pick at the 2014 NAB AFL Draft.

He also could also look at a fresh start, having been unable to break into the Bombers' forward line on a consistent basis throughout his career.

AFL.com.au believes Laverde has been raised as a possible trade target within club discussions as Essendon attempts to re-contract several regular players to new deals.

The 23-year-old has played nine games so far this season, having never played more than nine in his five years at the club for a total of 39. He signed a two-year contract last September.

He was brought back into the Bombers' side against Collingwood in round 23, kicking two goals against the Magpies from 11 disposals, but faces competition to hold his spot for next week's final against West Coast with forwards Jake Stringer and Orazio Fantasia returning.

Injuries have also played their part in Laverde's inability to record more senior appearances, although he has previously stated his ambition to be used as a midfielder, an opportunity he has rarely had at Essendon.

Laverde's speed, size and agility as a forward will see him attract suitors around the competition, with St Kilda previously chasing him strongly before he re-signed with the Bombers.

Find AFL Exchange on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify.

Essendon this week locked down dashing defender Mason Redman to a new two-year deal, but the Bombers still have a number of players out of contract heading into the off-season.

Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti heads that list, with the dynamic goalkicker so far holding off recommitting beyond this year. The Bombers will soon tie down Matt Guelfi to a two-year deal, while top-10 pick Aaron Francis is going to make a call on his future at the end of this season.

Mitch Brown, Michael Hartley, Zac Clarke and Will Snelling are among the other Bombers who are unsigned for 2020.