NFL trades have been the name of the game thus far during the offseason. Headlined by the blockbuster Aaron Rodgers deal from the Green Bay Packers to the New York Jets, we have seen multiple big-name players moved.
Even with things dying down heading into the summer months, there are a number of stars still on the block. That includes a Pro Bowl running back in Southern California and a couple still-elite defenders.
Below is a look at five NFL trades we could still see this offseason as teams evaluate their rosters following the 2023 NFL Draft.
Related: Sportsnaut’s post-draft NFL power rankings
Los Angeles Chargers send Austin Ekeler to the Carolina Panthers
- Panthers get: Austin Ekeler
- Chargers get: Chuba Hubbard, 5th-round pick in 2024
Ekeler’s status on the trade block shouldn’t be considered too surprising. Los Angeles’ RB1 was granted permission to seek a trade earlier in the offseason. He’s unhappy about his current contract and is slated to hit free agency next March.
While Los Angeles doesn’t have an internal replacement for Ekeler, there are several options potentially available to the team. That includes Ezekiel Elliott and Leonard Fournette in free agency as well as Dalvin Cook on the trade block.
As for the Panthers, they want to do everything possible to provide rookie No. 1 pick Bryce Young an ability to succeed out of the gate. While signing Miles Sanders to pair with Chuba Hubbard is a start, neither provides the receiving ability we’ve seen from Ekeler over the years.
- Austin Ekeler stats (2019-22): 323 receptions, 2,764 yards, 82% catch rate, 23 TD
To put this into perspective, Sanders and Hubbard caught a combined 34 passes a season ago. Adding Ekeler to the mix to go with recent additions Adam Thielen, DJ Chark, Hayden Hurst and rookie wide receiver Jonathan Mingo would be a boon for the Panthers.
Related: Updated NFL trade rumors post-draft
Za’Darius Smith heads to the San Francisco 49ers
- 49ers get: Za’Darius Smith
- Vikings get: 4th-round pick in 2024
By now, it’s well known that the Vikings are listening to offers for Smith after he requested his release from the team following just one season. While nothing came to fruition during the NFL Draft, we’re expecting this to be one of the NFL trades that actually goes down between now and training camp.
- Za’Darius Smith stats (2022): 44 tackles, 24 QB hits, 10 sacks
Still productive at the age of 30, Smith has been linked to San Francisco over the past several weeks. For good reason. The defending NFC West champions don’t have a whole lot behind reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year Nick Bosa out on the edge. Bringing in Smith as a situational pass rusher would be big time.
As for the Vikings, they have been in cost-cutting mode all offseason. Trading Smith ahead of June 1 would save Minnesota $12.16 million against the 2023 NFL salary cap.
Related: Ranking the top NFL defenses heading into 2023 season
Dallas Cowboys pull off blockbuster trade for Budda Baker
- Cowboys get: Budda Baker
- Cardinals get: 2024 2nd-round pick, 2025 4th-round pick
Dallas has already pulled off two big-time trades this offseason, acquiring Pro Bowl wide receiver Brandin Cooks and cornerback Stephon Gilmore. Leave it to owner Jerry Jones to be active on this front with the Cowboys’ cap situation in a less-than-stellar place right now.
While Cooks and Gilmore might be short-term options, acquiring a five-time Pro Bowler such as Baker at a need position for two future draft picks would be more with an eye on the future. Right now, Malik Hooker is slated to start at free safety next to Donovan Wilson. Hooker played well last season, but he doesn’t necessarily have the wide-ranging game that Baker boasts. That is to say, Arizona’s current star safety can play both safety positions and in the slot at cornerback.
As you likely already know, Baker has requested a trade from the Cardinals. In addition to the finances, he wants to join a contending team. Dallas fits that bill in more ways than one. Acquiring a second-round pick next year and another mid-round selection would represent market value for the rebuilding Cardinals.
Related: Ranking Aaron Rodgers and the top NFL QBs of 2023
New York Jets provide Aaron Rodgers another weapon
- Jets get: Dalvin Cook
- Vikings get: 5th-round pick in 2024, conditional 2025 draft pick
The Jets have done everything possible to build a tremendous supporting cast around recently acquired star quarterback Aaron Rodgers. At issue here is the running back position. After a stellar start to his rookie season, Breece Hall suffered a torn ACL. He’s RB1 right now. His top backup is Zonovan Knight with fellow youngster Michael Carter having fallen out of favor.
- Dalvin Cook stats (2019-22): 5,024 rushing yards, 4.7 average, 170 catches, 1,399 receiving yards, 6,423 total yards, 46 TD
As you can see, Cook has been among the most productive running backs in the league over the years. Despite this, he’s more than likely going to be dealt ahead of Week 1. Minnesota has been in cost-cutting mode all offseason. It’s to the point that Cook might actually be released. Instead, the Vikes get to future draft picks for the Pro Bowler by sending him out of the conference.
Chase Young picked up by Kansas City Chiefs for pennies on the dollar
- Chiefs get: Chase Young
- Commanders get: 2024 2nd-round pick, conditional 2025 draft pick
Washington’s decision to decline the fifth-year option on Young’s rookie contract has led to NFL trade rumors surrounding the former No. 2 overall pick. The Commanders’ finances might actually dictate a trade here. They are paying out a combined $162 million in total salaries to defensive tackles Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne. Fellow edge guy Montez Sweat is slated to play out the final year of his rookie contract $11.5 million. He’s been more productive than Young in D.C.
If the Commanders can get a couple decent draft picks, this is one of the NFL trades we expect to happen ahead of Week 1. Young has played in a combined 12 games over the past two seasons due to an ACL injury, racking up five quarterback hits and 1.5 sacks.
On the other hand, Kansas City can afford to take a chance that Young will rebound in a contract year. It has a need after releasing Pro Bowler Frank Clark. Meanwhile, general manager Brett Veach has always been active on the trade market. Don’t expect that to change ahead of Week 1.
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