The bulk of NFL offseason activity is behind us. Once the draft was completed, teams set focus on their current rosters and the remainder of activities ahead of training camp.
Even then, the draft offered us some insight into what teams might do before Week 1 comes calling. Seemingly in a spat with his organization, will the Cardinals’ selection of Byron Murphy lead to Patrick Peterson’s departure from the desert?
He’s among the 10 players that could still change teams before Week 1 comes calling in September.
Patrick Peterson, cornerback, Arizona Cardinals
It was noted prior to the draft that Peterson and the Cardinals’ organization were in the midst of a rift. Nothing has come out on this since. But it’s clear that the future Hall of Famer might not be long in the desert. After seeing Arizona select a top corner prospect, Byron Murphy, with the first selection of Round 1, the writing could be on the wall here.
Jack Conklin, offensive tackle, Tennessee Titans
Tennessee made the curious decision not to pick up the 2020 option on Conklin’s rookie deal. An All-Pro performer as a rookie back in 2016, this former top-10 pick still offers a nice amount of upside. We’re just not sure it’s going to be with the Titans. After all, they just recently made Taylor Lewan one of the highest-paid tackles in NFL history. In lieu of losing Conklin in free agency next March, the Titans might look to get something for him in a trade.
Darron Lee, linebacker, New York Jets
It was not a surprise to see that New York decided against picking up Lee’s 2020 option earlier in May. He doesn’t seem to be a fit in new defensive coordinator Gregg Williams’ scheme. The addition of C.J. Mosley in free agency also makes this former first-round pick expendable. After seeking to trade Lee earlier in the offseason, we’re expecting him to be moved here soon. At 24 years old and with a nice track record of success (three interceptions in 2018), there’s going to be interest.
Nelson Agholor, wide receiver, Philadelphia Eagles
Agholor’s name came up in trade rumors leading up to the draft. While nothing came to fruition on that end, we would not be surprised if he were moved. Philadelphia added DeSean Jackson in a trade back in March and just recently selected Stanford’s JJ Arcega-Whiteside in the second round. Despite a relatively lofty $9.39 million 2019 hit, teams are going to be interested in a 25-year-old receiver that’s nowhere near his prime.
Karl Joseph, safety, Oakland Raiders
The selection of Johnathan Abram in the first round last month might expedite Joseph’s departure from Northern California. The former first-round pick fell out of favor quickly once Jon Gruden took over. With LaMarcus Joyner and Abram slated to start this coming season, there’s no real reason for the Raiders to hang on to Joseph. It’s all about what type of value Oakland can get for a 25-year-old safety that’s yet to show up at the NFL level.
Xavier Rhodes, cornerback, Minnesota Vikings
There’s a number of Vikings players who could very well make this list. It seemed like pass rusher Everson Griffen was gone after a drama-filled 2018 campaign. That didn’t happen. Former first-round bust Laquon Treadwell is another option. Though, Rhodes makes the most sense from a financial and draft-pick aspect. Set to count $13.3 million against the cap in 2019, Rhodes would still net something decent in a trade. Remember, he’s just one season removed from an All-Pro performance.
Gerald McCoy, defensive tackle, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
We’re still not sure what’s up with McCoy and the Bucs. First-year head coach Bruce Arians has said he wants the six-time Pro Bowler back in the mix. At issue here is scheme fit under new defensive coordinator Todd Bowles. Still an impact performer, McCoy might very well be calling a new team home next season. It’s in this that the Cleveland Browns come to mind as a potential landing spot.
LeSean McCoy, running back, Buffalo Bills
Buffalo’s decision to add Frank Gore in free agency seemed to suggest that the team was more than willing to go with veterans at running back. That changed once the Bills signed T.J. Yeldon and selected Devin Singletary in the third round. Could Shady now be the odd-man out? We wouldn’t put it past general manager Brandon Beane and Co. At issue here is McCoy’s age and lack of production. The 30-year-old averaged just 3.2 yards per attempt last season.
Solomon Thomas, defensive line, San Francisco 49ers
It’s readily apparent that San Francisco will move on from one of its former first-round defensive linemen after selecting Nick Bosa No. 2 overall in April and trading for Pro Bowler Dee Ford. Some think Arik Armstead might be the one to go. But he seems to be a better fit in the 49ers’ new defensive alignment. Thomas, a former top-three pick, isn’t. Having recorded just four sacks over his first two NFL seasons, there’s some out there who believe the 23-year-old Thomas could resurrect his career elsewhere.
A.J. Green, wide receiver, Cincinnati Bengals
Outside of Cincinnati’s owner indicating that the team would like to sign Green to an extension, everything has been quiet on this front. This leads us to believe that he could in fact be moved. On the wrong side of 30, the seven-time Pro Bowler is coming off an injury-plagued 2018 campaign and doesn’t fit into the team’s long-term future. If the Bengals can get a third-round pick — from say New England — they might think long and hard about moving Green.