NFL trades have been a major part of the young offseason. All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey being sent from the Los Angeles Rams to the Miami Dolphins was an early example of this.
The Carolina Panthers moving up from their selection in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft (ninth overall) with the Chicago Bears for the first pick is yet another example.
Now that free agency has died down some, we’re seeing trades take hold. Most recently, the Dallas Cowboys’ move for star wide receiver Brandin Cooks shook things up. Below, we look at five NFL trades that could still happen during the offseason.
Related: Sportsnaut’s NFL trade tracker with grades
New England Patriots acquire Jonah Williams
- Patriots get: Jonah Williams
- Bengals get: 3rd-round pick in 2023, conditional pick in 2024
Cincinnati’s decision to sign four-time Pro Bowl left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. led directly to Jonah Williams requesting a trade. The former Alabama standout wants to protect the blindside moving forward and is not happy about the idea of moving to the right side.
As much as a still-young 25-year-old Williams might be valued for upside, he struggled in protection of Joe Burrow last season. That included allowing a whopping 12 sacks.
A change of scenery would make sense for multiple reasons. Enter into the equation a Patriots team that is in need of more help at tackle. Isaiah Wynn is a free agent. Veteran Trent Brown might be best suited to play right tackle. Recent free agent signing Riley Reiff is not the answer. Sending a third-round pick in 2023 and a mid-round selection next year would make sense here.
Elijah Moore sent to the San Francisco 49ers
- 49ers get: Elijah Moore
- Jets get: Javon Kinlaw, 4th-round pick
San Francisco had interest in Moore leading up to the 2021 NFL Draft. It showed renewed interest when discussing a potential Deebo Samuel trade ahead of last season. There’s obviously something to the idea of general manager John Lynch attempting to acquire the slot receiver multiple times.
On the other hand, New York may no longer have a need for Moore after he fell out of favor with the team as a sophomore last season. With Aaron Rodgers set to join the Jets, he’s bringing in his own guys. That already includes Allen Lazard with New York also being linked to slot guy Randall Cobb.
In this scenario, New York adds a former first-round pick in Javon Kinlaw who worked under head coach Robert Saleh in San Francisco. Meanwhile, the 49ers pick up yet another talented skill position player for whoever is under center next season.
Related: Sportsnaut’s updated NFL trade rumors
Philadelphia Eagles make a move for Kevin Byard
- Eagles get: Kevin Byard
- Titans get: 3rd-round pick in 2023, 3rd-round pick in 2023
Even after retaining most of their core free agents, the defending NFC champs could still look to pull off one of the most impactful NFL trades of the offseason. Safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson departed for the Detroit Lions in free agency. There’s certainly a need at this position for general manager Howie Roseman and Co.
In this scenario, Philadelphia uses some of its excess draft capital to make a move for an All-Pro safety. Byard is not happy that Tennessee asked him to take a pay cut. He could be moved here soon and won’t have a lack of interest. Last season saw the two-time All-Pro record four interceptions while yielding a mere 77.8 QB rating in coverage. He’d be an ideal fit in Philadelphia.
Denver Broncos trade Jerry Jeudy to the Cleveland Browns
- Broncos get: 2nd round pick in 2023, conditional 2nd-round pick in 2024
- Browns get: Jerry Jeudy
Sportsnaut NFL insider Benjamin Allbright has pointed to the Browns as a potential landing spot for Jeudy. Things do seem to be held up with the Broncos demanding a first-round pick. It’s one of the reasons why the Dallas Cowboys turned their attention to acquiring Brandin Cooks rather than meeting Denver’s asking price.
- Jerry Jeudy stats (2022): 67 receptions, 972 yards, 6 TD, 67.0% catch rate
Still only 23 years old, Jeudy is coming off a career-best season for the Broncos. He would make an absolutely perfect fit next to Amari Cooper in catching passes from embattled Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson.
From Denver’s perspective, it adds a second-round selection (42nd overall) in the 2023 NFL Draft and a conditional two in 2024. That’s pretty much the equivalent of a first-round pick. With Sean Payton now leading the charge in Denver, the need for high-priced receivers is not there. This would be nice value for Jeudy.
Related: 2023 NFL Draft rumors
Kansas City Chiefs pull off DeAndre Hopkins trade
- Chiefs get: DeAndre Hopkins
- Cardinals get: 2nd-round pick in 2023, 4th-round pick in 2023
The defending champion Chiefs have been among those most bandied about when it comes to a potential trade for Nuke. It makes sense with fellow wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster having left for the New England Patriots in free agency. We also know that general manager Brett Veach has not been afraid to pull off similar blockbusters in the past.
It really would be something to see Hopkins catch passes from reigning Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes in Kansas City. In return, the Cards net two valuable picks in the upcoming draft as the team rebuilds on the fly. This is one of the NFL trades we fully expect to happen here soon.
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