NFL rumors are going to be picking up big time with the 2020 regular season drawing to a conclusion. Most of the initial focus will be on “Black Monday” and head coaching openings.
With that said, we’re headed into an offseason of unknowns due to the economic climate brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. This could lead to a ton of star players changing teams, either via trade or release.
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Below, we check in on eight surprise players who could change teams during the 2021 NFL offseason.
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NFL rumors: Patriots could trade Stephon Gilmore
The reigning Defensive Player of the Year was the subject of trade rumors during the offseason and leading up to the Nov. 3 deadline. While the 30-year-old Gilmore just underwent quad surgery and has not had the same season in 2020 as last year, he’d still be a hot commodity on the trade block.
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Gilmore finishes the 2020 campaign having recorded 37 tackles, three passes defended and one interception. Those stats are somewhat muted by the fact that opposing quarterbacks simply avoided the shutdown corner. With the Pats in need of a ton of help on offense as they finish up a disastrous season, moving Gilmore and his $17.17 million cap hit for the 2021 season makes sense.
NFL rumors: Aaron Jones proves to be too expensive for the Packers
At this point, it would not be an reach to conclude that Jones is now a top-three all-around running back in the NFL. The former mid-round pick from UTEP has put up 2,932 total yards and a resounding 29 touchdowns while averaging 5.7 yards per touch in his past 29 games. Those are just some absurd numbers.
Despite this, NFL rumors suggest that the Packers might move off him due to what promises to be a sky-high asking price in free agency. Green Bay has a potentially cheaper alternative in that of fellow impeding free agent Jamaal Williams and just selected A.J. Dillon in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Perhaps, the Packers franchise Jones with the hope of netting something in a trade. But right now, don’t expect him to be back with the team in 2021.
NFL rumors: The Steelers, JuJu Smith-Schuster relationship could end in free agency
The emergence of rookie Chase Claypool could potentially make Smith-Schuster expendable for the Steelers once NFL free agency opens. Claypool has recorded 57 receptions for 772 yards and eight touchdowns this season. Meanwhile, another lesser-known receiver in that of Diontae Johnson has hauled in 85 passes for 828 yards for the Super Bowl contenders.
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It’s crazy to look at. Just a couple short years ago Smith-Schuster was seen as the heir-apparent to Antonio Brown in Pittsburgh. Now, he could be headed to another city. One of the primary reasons for this is the market dynamic. Smith-Schuster, 24, is averaging just 8.4 yards per catch. This comes on the heels of a down 2019 season. All of that equates to the Steelers refusing to match what will be some expensive offers for the receiver in free agency.
NFL rumors: Vikings, somehow, find a Kirk Cousins trade partner
Financially, it might be impossible for the Vikings to trade Cousins. He comes with a $41 million dead cap hit for next season after they made the ridiculous decision to sign the garbage-time superstar to an extension ahead of the 2020 campaign. However, a trade would enable Minnesota to get out from under center contract while saving $20 million over the long-term. After all, Cousins is owed $21 million more in guaranteed cash.
Related: If you’re a fan of the Vikings, check out #SKOL rumors, rankings, and news here.
NFL rumors linking the Vikings to a potential Cousins trade have other caveats, too. Can they find an upgrade over the Pro Bowl signal caller? Which team(s) might view the embattled quarterback as an upgrade over their current situation? The answers to these questions will dictate whether this seemingly unlikely scenario becomes more realistic come March.
NFL rumors: Jaguars QB Gardner Minshew will likely be traded
Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence is a lock to go No. 1 overall to these Jaguars once the 2021 NFL Draft comes calling in April. One year after he was seen as a prodigy and the future face of the Jaguars’ franchise, this could lead to the end of Minshew Mania in Duval.
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Simply put, the one-win Jaguars could use all the help they can get on both sides of the ball as the team finishes up one of the worst seasons in franchise history. As we saw with Minshew during his rookie campaign in 2019, there’s a ton of upside here. The dude has thrown 37 touchdowns against 11 interceptions in 20 career starts. Some team will come calling, offering up a nice package of picks to take this youngster off Jacksonville’s hands. That’s for sure.
NFL rumors: Julio Jones tenure with Falcons comes to an end
Recent reports coming out of Atlanta suggest that the Falcons’ new yet-to-be-named front office head will be given the green light to trade Jones. This might be the clearest indication yet that Atlanta is heading to a full-scale rebuild as it finishes up shop on yet another lost season.
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Jones, 31, wouldn’t come without risk for a team looking to acquire his services. The future Hall of Famer has dealt with a nagging hamstring injury all season and will fail to hit the 1,000-yard plateau for the first time since all the way back in 2013. He’s also set to count $23.05 million against the cap in 2021. Even then, we’re talking about one of the most-productive receivers in NFL history and someone who still performs at a high level when on the field. There will be a trade market for Jones come March.
NFL rumors: J.J. Watt forces his way from the Texans
It’s rather clear that Watt is frustrated with the direction of his Texans. This shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise given the whole Bill O’Brien drama and the lack of a real direction for the organization as it finishes up a disastrous season. Sure Watt has been a fixture in the Houston community. Requesting a trade would be hard for the ultimate professional.
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With that said, Watt is 31 years old and would love to compete for a Super Bowl title before his battered body makes retirement imminent. Houston is not contending any time soon. I could easily envision a scenario where Watt looks to join his younger brother in Pittsburgh. If not, other contending teams will certainly come calling.
NFL rumors: Could the Cowboys trade Dak Prescott?
Prescott will be the talk of NFL rumors in Big D once the 2020 season comes to an end. Playing under the franchise tag this year, he suffered a serious ankle injury back in Week 5 and has been out since. Meanwhile, the Cowboys are sending some mixed signals as it relates to their interest in retaining the Pro Bowl quarterback long-term. Owner Jerry Jones has questioned his playing style. Will that make it difficult for the Cowboys to dole out a huge sum in guaranteed cash?
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Finances could also play a role here. Dallas has a ton of money committed to a handful of players. Andy Dalton has performed well in Prescott’s stead, leading the Cowboys to playoff contention heading into Week 17. It’s not an impossibility that Dallas attempts to trade Prescott after placing the franchise tag on him this coming spring. Certainly, don’t rule it out.