CB Marcus Peters
Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta has claimed that Marcus Peters will return to the team in 2022. Some speculated that the veteran corner could wind up being a cap casualty. Peters missed the entire 2021 season with a torn ACL, and comes with an enormous cap hit of $15.5 million next season. The Ravens are unlikely to cut Peters, but we wouldn’t be surprised if they attempted to deal him away to try and acquire a draft pick or two.
After all, the team would get nothing in return if they simply released Peters. Even with his injury history, Peters would garner significant interest around the league. Pairing him in Dallas with All-Pro Trevon Diggs almost seems too perfect. Two of the most natural ball hawks in the league would have opposing quarterbacks thinking twice about tossing the ball around the field.
Prediction: Peters gets traded to the Dallas Cowboys for a fourth-round pick (No. 127)
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WR Jarvis Landry
It looks like Jarvis Landry’s tenure in Cleveland is nearing a close. Landry is coming off the least productive season of his career. Of course, it was also the first time he missed more than one game in a season. The Browns receiver room is in desperate need of an overhaul, and clearing Landry’s enormous cap hit — he’s set to be the 11th highest paid WR next season — will be an important step in rebuilding the group.
At this stage of his career, Landry doesn’t possess the skill-set befitting of a No. 1, or even No. 2 option. That being said, he’s an accomplished route runner with a reliable set of hands. He’s best utilized as a safety net for quarterbacks, but he can also make the occasional contested catch every so often. More frugal teams won’t bite given Landry’s contract, but a team like the Eagles (who could use a consistent underneath target) might take the bait.
Prediction: Landry gets traded to the Eagles for a fourth-round pick (No. 121)
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WR Calvin Ridley
Calvin Ridley’s current relationship with the Falcons is unclear. Ridley played his last game back in Week 7. He didn’t return for the remainder of the year after stepping away from football due to mental health reasons. Falcons owner Arthur Blank has expressed his desire in retaining Ridley, but some sources believe the talented wideout will ask for trade out of Atlanta. If Ridley wants out, his value in the trade market could be volatile. Inquiring teams would be wary of Ridley’s status moving forward after the 27-year-old decided to bypass the second-half of 2021.
When he’s on the field, Ridley has been sensational. Over his last 24 games, Ridley is averaging over 85 yards per contest and has scored 14 touchdowns. He was off to a bit of a slow start in 2021, but there’s no reason to believe he wouldn’t have found a way to turn it around. Ridley is an immensely gifted route runner, and is especially adept at creating space on his breaks. If the Eagles want to pay a bit more, they almost certainly have enough to strike a deal with the Falcons. Additionally, we wouldn’t be surprised to see the Patriots get involved. New England could dangle either of their first two picks (21st, 58th) and/or a player to try and acquire a No. 1 target for young QB Mac Jones.
Prediction: Ridley gets traded to the New England Patriots for a second-round pick (No. 58)
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QB Gardner Minshew
Not the first QB you expected to be mentioned? It feels like we see a quarterback carousel this offseason, with multiple teams in dire need of a lead signal caller. Among the “gettable” options, Philadelphia’s Gardner Minshew should be on every team’s radar. The Eagles acquired him from the Jaguars for a sixth-round pick last offseason. With a price tag that low, even teams with an established QB should be in on Minshew for his value as a top-flight backup. However, the fan favorite Minshew views himself as a starter (he’s even said as such) and will likely be moving on from Philly.
How about Pittsburgh? The Steelers seem to be in on drafting a QB, but they have the 20th pick. It wouldn’t be a terrible idea to have a guy like Malik Willis or Kenny Pickett sit behind Minshew for a year. The Steelers made the playoffs this season with a floundering Ben Roethlisberger. They would have been better if Minshew was under center.
Prediction: Minshew gets traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers for QB Mason Rudolph and a fifth-round pick (No. 177)
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LB Myles Jack
One of the stars of Jacksonville’s defense, Myles Jack has been a top linebacker since being drafted in 2016. The former UCLA product is an exceptional athlete who is capable of flying from sideline-to-sideline. His history as an offensive player (played running back in college in addition to defense) has given him great ball skills. Still just 26 years old, Jack is type of player who will contribute at a high level for years to come.
It could behoove the Jaguars to move on from some of their highest-paid players and attempt to rebuild on both sides of the field. Jack is a potential casualty who would draw interest from several clubs. The Jets seem like a reasonable landing spot. CJ Mosley has been moved to the outside, and the team’s two starting MLB’s — Quincy Williams and Jarrad Davis — are strictly run defenders. Jack would add some much needed coverage skills to one of the worst pass defenses in the league last year.
Prediction: Jack gets traded to the New York Jets for a third-round pick (No. 69)
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RB Saquon Barkley
This will not be the first time a New York Giant gets brought up on this list. It hasn’t been the best few years for the Giants as an organization, but the roster in particular needs some revamping. The Dave Gettleman-led regime compounded the mistakes it made in the NFL Draft by signing middling talents to lucrative contracts in free agency. The result is a disjointed roster with several leading candidates to be shipped off this summer.
Fair or not, no player embodies the team’s downfall (the Giants and Jets are tied for most losses since 2017) better than running back Saquon Barkley. After skipping on a QB in 2018 NFL Draft, Barkley silenced some doubters with back-to-back strong campaigns to begin his career. It’s been downhill from there. Barkley has failed to stay on the field while Josh Allen — one of the quarterbacks New York passed on — has blossomed into a superstar. The gifted rusher could certainly use a change of scenery…how about Buffalo? Barkley running in open space thanks to Buffalo’s high-powered attack is an intriguing pairing.
Prediction: Barkley gets traded to the Buffalo Bills for RB Zack Moss and a third-round pick (No. 89)
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RB Christian McCaffrey
When healthy, Christian McCaffrey is the most productive running back in the league. It was just two seasons ago that the Carolina rusher finished the year with 2,397 yards from scrimmage and 19 touchdowns. McCaffrey’s ability as a dual-threat (runner and pass-catcher) is unparalleled. However, health has been a serious issue for the 25-year-old. Over the last two seasons, McCaffrey has played in just 10 games total. Though this isn’t a Saquon Barkley situation where McCaffrey has looked hindered by his ailments. The Panthers RB was great when he suited up in ’21, averaging over 110 yards per contest over seven games.
Perhaps the most terrifying scenario (for 31 NFL teams, at least) is McCaffrey joining up with Patrick Mahomes and company in Kansas City. From a football perspective, it’s an ideal match. The Chiefs looked out of sorts when opposing teams made a concerted effort to prevent the deep ball. Defenses are okay with giving up the short stuff to KC. We saw Jerick McKinnon break out towards the end of the year because of this. Nobody would be a bigger fan of this than Chiefs head coach Andy Reid. Reid has been historically magnificent in empowering running backs who possess pass-catching skills (see: Brian Westbrook and Kareem Hunt).
Prediction: McCaffrey gets traded to the Kansas City Chiefs for RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire and a second-round pick (No. 58)
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CB James Bradberry
As previously stated, the Giants could have a potentially busy offseason in the trade market. A number of their highest-paid players could be the move as the team attempts to salvage a dire cap situation. James Bradberry is entering the final year of a three-year/$45 million deal he signed after a strong final campaign in Carolina. Bradberry might be better offer playing out the last season of his deal with another team.
A team that could definitely use Bradberry’s services would be the Las Vegas Raiders. Vegas has Nate Hobbs locked into the slot, but the boundary corners could use some help. Casey Hayward might not be retained as he was more of a fit in Gus Bradley’s Cover 3 scheme. Additionally, Vegas’ new defensive coordinator, Patrick Graham, was the Giants DC for the last two seasons. As such, there is a level of familiarity between coach and player.
Prediction: Bradberry gets traded to the Las Vegas Raiders for a fourth-round pick (No. 123)
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OT Andre Dillard
It’s slim picking for teams in search of tackle help this offseason. Among the best possible candidates is Andre Dillard, a former first-round pick who has seen his role reduced in Philadelphia. The 26-year-old was injured for the entire 2020 season. When he returned, Dillard’s starting role had been given to seventh-round pick Jordan Mailata. Occupying the other tackle spot is veteran Lane Johnson, making Dillard potentially expendable.
The Dolphins, Ravens and Raiders could all show interest with obvious holes on each team’s offensive line. However, we’ll award the Browns with the top available tackle. Cleveland’s right tackle spot was mired with injury last year, and exposed a lack of depth at the position. Dillard would be a Day 1 starter opposite 2020 first-rounder Jedrick Wills Jr. This would give the Browns two stalwarts at tackle to go along with one of the strongest interior offensive lines in the league.
Prediction: Dillard gets traded to the Cleveland Browns for a third-round pick (No. 78)
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CB Xavien Howard
Playmaking corners of Xavien Howard’s ilk are not easy to come by. Since being drafted in 2016, Howard has the most interceptions of any defender (27) — and that’s after recording zero INT’s as a rookie. Howard has expressed his displeasure with the Dolphins in the past. The two sides nearly ended their partnership last season after Howard asked for a new deal. In an effort to put a band-aid on the relationship, Miami added additional incentives (worth millions) to the already-negotiated contract.
Anybody trading for Howard will likely need to work on restructuring the CB’s current contract. There aren’t a whole lot of teams with the financial flexibility to do so, but teams in desperate need of a shutdown corner will find a way. A team that has shown no fear in trading draft capital for proven stars are the Los Angeles Rams. Their aggressiveness on the trade market has landed them in the Super Bowl. With Jalen Ramsey on one side, teams will think twice about trying to pass on the Rams if they were to add Howard into the fold.
Prediction: Howard gets traded to the Los Angeles Rams for WR TuTu Atwell, RB Darrell Henderson, a third-round pick (No. 103), and a 2023 third-round pick
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LB Dre Greenlaw
An unfortunate result of success in the NFL is the inability to afford all of your good players. Look no further than the 49ers current situation with free-agent-to-be Dre Greenlaw. After sitting out most of the season with an injury, Greenlaw returned to the field in January and made a major impact in San Francisco’s defense. The former fifth-round pick has been paid less than $1 million in each of his first three seasons in the NFL, but that number will go up to $2.5 million in 2022. Greenlaw will hit free agency in ’23, and will have plenty of bidders.
More than likely, the 49ers won’t have the necessary cap space to extend Greenlaw at a fair rate. Trading away the linebacker now seems like the best option. The Texans are a team that could use a player like him in the middle of their defense. Houston would essentially be trading a mid-round pick for the opportunity to strike a new deal with Greenlaw.
Prediction: Greenlaw gets traded to the Houston Texans for a fourth-round pick (No. 135)
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WR Kadarius Toney
This inclusion will likely draw the ire of Giants fans. Kadarius Toney was one of the lone bright spots in a lost 2021 campaign. The first-round pick exhibited elite playmaking ability as a rookie on limited snaps. Appearing in just 10 games for the Giants, Toney showcased the speed and quickness which made him a star at the University of Florida. His breakout performance came in a Week 5 title versus the Cowboys when Toney hauled in 10 passes for 189 yards.
Players like Toney are the type of players the Giants should be looking to build around. However, there are several holes all across this roster. As gifted as Toney is, he was drafted by the previous regime and has shown to be injury prone. Toney’s value is at an all-time high given his age and low cap hit. He is electric with the ball in his hands, and a team with a need at WR could potentially pay a fortune in exchange. The Saints have one of the weaker WR rooms in the league (especially with Michael Thomas’ status up in the air) and still have all their picks.
Prediction: Toney gets traded to the New Orleans Saints for a third-round pick (No. 102)
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WR Michael Thomas
As previously mentioned, Michael Thomas’ future with the Saints is unclear. The star receiver has been at the center of trade rumors for several months. He’s expressed his displeasure with the club on several occasions. After agreeing to a lucrative five-year extension back in 2019, Thomas and the Saints have not been on the same page. Long story short: the Saints recommended that Thomas have ankle surgery in January, but the WR waited until June to finally have it done. As a result, Thomas was forced to miss the start of the season. He ultimately ended up missing the entire year.
Something has to give. Both sides are unhappy. Thomas’ value is at an all-time low after basically missing two seasons in a row, but the Saints could still get a decent haul for the former All-Pro. One team that has continuously been linked to all the big-name receivers are the Baltimore Ravens. Outside of TE Mark Andrew, the Ravens don’t have a whole lot in terms of established pass-catching threats. Getting Lamar Jackson some more weapons could potentially open up an offense that looked out of sorts throughout the year.
Prediction: Thomas gets traded to the Baltimore Ravens for WR Devin Duvernay and a second-round pick (No. 45)
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RB Alvin Kamara
Speaking of the Saints, none of the team’s veterans seem to be off the market in a potential trade. That includes RB Alvin Kamara, who could potentially face league discipline for an altercation in Las Vegas prior to playing in the Pro Bowl. Kamara’s potential legal battle aside, his time in New Orleans may be coming to an end. The former Tennessee product has spent all five years of his career with the Saints, and has been named a Pro Bowler each year. Last season was his least efficient campaign as the team turned him into more of a downhill runner rather than a versatile pass-catching threat.
Kamara set a career-high with 240 carries with a career-low mark of 3.7 yards per carry. Still, much of his lack of efficiency was due to the Saints’ lack of talent offensively. On a better team, Kamara is still capable of being a game-breaking every down back. A team that could use a jolt in its backfield are the Arizona Cardinals. Using Kamara as a safety valve to alleviate pressure from QB Kyler Murray would be a wise step forward.
Prediction: Kamara gets traded to the Arizona Cardinals for a second-round pick (No. 55)
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DT Grady Jarrett
Following a fourth consecutive losing season, the Falcons are in need of a shake-up. Is it possible we see Matt Ryan on the move? It seems unlikely that the Falcons will give up on their franchise QB, but they have shown a willingness to deal star players at other positions. Last season, the Falcons dealt franchise stalwart Julio Jones. This year, Grady Jarrett could be on the move.
The two-time Pro Bowler is coming off a quiet season (1.0 sacks), but his impact goes far beyond a box score. With teams emphasizing the interior defensive line, the 28-year-old Jarrett will hold immense value in the market. Dallas has never shied away from making splash moves, and adding Jarrett to their already impressive defensive front would be a coup.
Prediction: Jarrett gets traded to the Dallas Cowboys for a second-round pick (No. 56)
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QB Baker Mayfield
Now we’re heading into starting QB territory. There is an expectation that some form of a quarterback carousel will take place this offseason. A handful of talented teams could use a starting caliber gunslinger to jumpstart a playoff run. One of the more intriguing names that could be available is the former No. 1 overall pick.
The Browns could be hesitant to give up on the 26-year-old if they are unable to secure an upgrade, but the chance of Mayfield being dealt exists. Washington has no answers at QB, and there doesn’t seem to be a clear-cut option at pick No. 11. Perhaps the Commanders’ best option is to seek out a trade for a veteran rather than rolling the dice on an unproven rookie.
Prediction: Mayfield gets traded to the Washington Commanders for a first-round pick (No. 11)
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WR Chase Claypool
Claypool is an immensely talented young wideout who may benefit from a change of scenery. With former GM Kevin Colbert leaving the team, we wouldn’t be surprised to see a few changes across the board. Pittsburgh has sunk a significant amount of draft capital in building the offense. The team, at some point, will need to fork over big cash to Diontae Johnson, Najee Harris, and Pat Freiermuth — potentially leaving Claypool as the odd man out.
Given his age and skill level, we could see a number of WR-needy teams take a chance on Claypool. The Jaguars are not without talent at wide receiver, though they are lacking a true No. 1 option. Claypool size and ability to win jump balls would be an ideal complement to Trevor Lawrence’s skill-set
Prediction: Claypool gets traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars for a third-round pick (No. 70)
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QB Jimmy Garoppolo
Arguably the most available quarterback in the trade market this offseason, the 49ers will be more than willing to listen to offers on Jimmy Garoppolo. Though Garoppolo had the team within striking distance of a Super Bowl berth, the 49ers have a vested interest in Trey Lance taking over reins. Garoppolo has won a ton of games as a starter, and would be an upgrade for about half of the teams in the league.
There’s a clear connection with the Dolphins considering the team just hired former 49ers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel to be head coach. The first-year head coach may elect to go with a safer, more familiar option in Garoppolo over the unproven Tua Tagovailoa.
Prediction: Garoppolo gets traded to the Miami Dolphins for a second-round pick (No. 50) and a fifth-round pick (No. 157)
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QB Ryan Tannehill
Make no mistake about it, Ryan Tannehill’s time in Tennessee has been a major success. Since joining the team, all Tannehill has done is win football games. As a starter, Tannehill is 30-13 and helped lead the Titans to the playoffs three consecutive years. 2021 may have been his most impressive performance yet. With Derrick Henry on the shelf for the second-half of the season, Tannehill led the team to the No. 1 seed in the AFC.
However, Tennessee has fallen flat in the playoffs two years in a row and Tannehill has been a major culprit. While he’s helped the team establish a high floor, the Titans could benefit from a player with a bit more upside. If that turns out to be the case, a team in need of stability at the position should be targeting Tannehill. The Panthers likely would have been a playoff team last year with even average QB play. Tannehill is an instant upgrade over Sam Darnold or Cam Newton.
Prediction: Tannehill gets traded to the Carolina Panthers for QB Sam Darnold, WR Robby Anderson, a fifth-round pick (No .143) and a 2023 second-round pick
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WR Brandin Cooks
Brandin Cooks is the most obvious trade candidate on the Texans. With the team once again receiving a face-lift this offseason, Cooks and his $16 million cap hit may very well be on the move. Every team in the league could use a receiver of his caliber. Perhaps Cooks’ most valued skill is that he’s shown the ability to produce in a multitude of situations. The veteran wideout has produced 1,000-yard seasons for four different clubs, and is coming off a 90/1037/6 campaign on a Texans team that experienced up-and-down QB play.
Cooks’ steady play would be best suited on a team that is already set at the quarterback position with the need for another downfield target. The Chargers come to mind. LA could lose Mike Williams to free agency, and are lacking in the speed department outside. Cooks would be ready to contribute from Day 1.
Prediction: Cooks gets traded to the Los Angeles Chargers for a third-round pick (No. 79) and a fifth-round pick (No. 159)
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QB Kirk Cousins
Kirk Cousins has quietly been one of the most prolific quarterbacks in the league over the last several years. Since joining the Vikings in 2018, Cousins has thrown for 124 touchdowns and over 16,000 yards. The only quarterbacks who have more passing touchdowns than Cousins during that span are Patrick Mahomes, Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers, and Russell Wilson. While Cousins has been a steady contributor, the Vikings might be willing to move on from the 33-year-old QB.
Mike Zimmer is gone after eight years with the team, and replacing him at head coach is current Rams offensive coordinator Kevin O’Connell. Cousins could be shipped off in order to jumpstart a rebuild of a roster in O’Connell’s image. While a return to Washington would be fun, the Indianapolis Colts is where we see Cousins landing. He would have the Colts in playoff contention from Year 1. At the very least, Cousins will be a free agent after the season. The Colts can move on and look for a new quarterback in 2023 when they have a first-round pick again.
Prediction: Cousins gets traded to the Indianapolis Colts for a second-round pick (No. 47), a third-round pick (No. 82), and a 2023 fourth-round pick
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LT Mekhi Becton
Mekhi Becton appeared in just one game for the Jets last year. The 22-year-old suffered a knee injury in Week 1 which was expected to sideline him for 4-to-6 weeks. He ended up not returning for the remainder of the season under mysterious circumstances. Given the lack of clarity in the situation, it leads one to believe that Becton and the Jets aren’t exactly on good terms.
When he’s on the field, Becton has proven to be an impact player who is worthy of his status as a former first-round pick. If a team can ensure that he’s fully healthy entering 2022, Becton will be a hot commodity. The Bengals have done a poor job of protecting Joe Burrow early in his career. Becton would provide some security for the franchise QB.
Prediction: Becton gets traded to the Cincinnati Bengals for a first-round pick (No. 31)
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QB Tua Tagovailoa
The Dolphins used a top-5 pick on Tua Tagovailoa just two years ago, but that doesn’t mean he can’t be on the move this offseason. The decision to draft Tua was made by the previous regime, and the team’s new management may decide to go in a different direction at quarterback. Miami is certainly equipped with the ability to potentially make a substantial move. If they do acquire an established quarterback. Tagovailoa becomes expendable. The Vikings are a team that could potentially be looking for a younger option under center. Tagovailoa would get a fresh start and the chance to play with two star offensive talents in WR Justin Jefferson and RB Dalvin Cook.
Prediction: Tagovailoa gets traded to the Minnesota Vikings for a third-round pick (No. 77) and a 2023 conditional first-round pick
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QB Derek Carr
Longtime Raider QB Derek Carr is no stranger to trade rumors. It felt like every year was going to be his last with the team during the Gruden/Mayock regime. Not many would have predicted Carr to outlast his former head coach in Vegas. There are several differing opinions about where Carr ranks among the league’s top quarterbacks. Most would have him in the 10-15 range. Not elite, but good enough to win games.
If new head coach Josh McDaniels decides he’s ready to move on from the eight-year veteran, there will be plenty of suitors. With Tom Brady announcing his retirement, the Buccaneers have a glaring hole at the quarterback position. Carr joins a Tampa Bay team that plays a majority of its games in warm weather and boasts a bevy of gifted pass catchers.
Prediction: Carr gets traded to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for a first-round pick (No. 27) and a third-round pick (No. 91)
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DE Maxx Crosby
Never count the Raiders out of making a jaw-dropping transaction. Nobody would have expected them to trade an All-Pro linebacker like Khalil Mack in his prime. Of course, the man responsible for the Mack trade, Jon Gruden, is no longer with the team. However, the new regime (led by GM Dave Ziegler and head coach Josh McDaniels) are imports from the Patriots organization. “The Patriot Way” includes the willingness to trade away star players when they get too pricey. Crosby is coming off an monstrous season which earned him an All-Pro nod.
He has a relentless motor and has improved each year in the league. Crosby isn’t quite as good as Mack was, but he’s just 24 years old and is already among the league’s best pass rushers. His energy and skill-set would be valued on a blue collar team such as the Detroit Lions. In this scenario, the Lions would be able to quickly upgrade their pass rush with Crosby in addition to whoever they choose to take with the No. 2 overall selection.
Prediction: Crosby gets traded to the Detroit Lions for a first-round pick (No. 32), a second-round pick (No. 34), and a 2023 third-round pick
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QB Kyler Murray
Rumblings can be heard coming from Arizona. Following a disastrous playoff appearance, Kyler Murray and the Cardinals are rumored to be on rocky terms. Murray reportedly unfollowed all team pages on social media. During Super Bowl week, reports surfaced that Murray will be looking for an extension worth $50-$55 million annually. If the Cardinals don’t feel like Murray is worth the hefty price tag, they could cash-in on the former No. 1 overall pick. Waiting in the wings for an elite quarterback to become available are the Philadelphia Eagles. Equipped with three-first round picks in 2022, the Eagles can make any sort of potential deal work if they so choose.
Prediction: Murray gets traded to the Philadelphia Eagles for QB Jalen Hurts, two first-round picks (No. 15 and 16), and a third-round pick (No. 83)
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QB Deshaun Watson
Given his uncertain status entering 2022, it will be interesting to see how much teams are willing to offer in a potential trade for Deshaun Watson. There is no doubting his abilities as quarterback. Watson is a franchise-altering talent who is one of the five or six most gifted quarterbacks in the world. Just about every team in the league would be getting an upgrade at QB if they were to acquire Watson. The Eagles seem like an obvious landing spot given their treasure trove of draft picks, but let’s not count out another NFC contender.
Kyle Shanahan and the 49ers are ready to win, and they could accelerate their path to a Super Bowl by swapping out Trey Lance for Watson. With Watson at the helm, the 49ers would boast arguably the most talented offense in all of football. In return, the Texans receive an elite prospect in Lance who has the chance to develop into a big-time player.
Prediction: Watson gets traded to the San Francisco 49ers for QB Trey Lance, a second-round pick (No. 61) and a 2023 first-round pick
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WR DK Metcalf
Mass exodus in Seattle? It’s possible given the team’s current situation. The Seahawks have no draft picks — thanks to the Jamal Adams trade — and aren’t in the greatest shape in terms of cap space. While they’re under the salary cap as of this moment, that could change in a hurry if they hand out an extension or two. Stud WR DK Metcalf is set to be a free agent after this year. He has yet to sign a new deal.
If the Seahawks pay Metcalf his market value (around 20 million per year), they’ll be paying two receivers (Tyler Lockett) over 40 million per year for the next half-decade with no guarantee that they’ll have a competent QB on their roster to throw those WR’s the ball. Metcalf seems like an obvious trade candidate given his need for an extension. A savvy team would salivate at the chance to acquire a talent like Metcalf. Leave it to a newly-minted front office like the one in Chicago to jump at the opportunity.
Prediction: Metcalf gets traded to the Chicago Bears for a second-round pick (No. 39) and a 2023 second-round pick
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QB Russell Wilson
The Seahawks have been one of the best teams in the league since drafting Russell Wilson back in 2011. Over his illustrious 10-year career, Wilson is sporting a sterling 104-53-1 record as a starter — in addition to nine playoff wins. Wilson’s playmaking ability gives his team a chance on any given night. He’s also adept at taking care of the football and generating yardage with his legs. At 33 years old, Wilson could potentially produce at a high level for another five-plus years.
With Seattle facing a potential cap disaster, trading Wilson to free up space and allocate more draft picks makes some semblance of sense. After being tucked away in the Pacific Northwest for a decade. there lies the potential for Wilson to strongarm his way to one of the bigger markets in the league. Enter: the New York Giants. Daniel Jones is not the answer, and the Giants desperately need a player to be a face of the franchise. Trading the house for Wilson is a no-brainer.
Prediction: Wilson gets traded to the New York Giants for QB Daniel Jones, a first-round pick (No. 5), and a 2023 first-round pick
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QB Aaron Rodgers
The entire NFL offseason will hinge on the status of Aaron Rodgers. The 38-year-old QB ended yet another season on a sour note as Green Bay was unceremoniously ousted from the postseason by the San Francisco 49ers. Favored to win his second-straight MVP (and fourth overall), Rodgers has shown that he is still the league’s top quarterback on a weekly basis. The breakup nearly happened last offseason, but Green Bay was able to convince the longtime Packer to stay for an additional year. Now, all flood gates are open and Rodgers could finally be sporting new threads in 2022.
Among the possible suitors, there are several intriguing candidates. Filling in the void left by Tom Brady in Tampa is a story that writes itself. Rodgers has been linked to the San Francisco 49ers since the day he was drafted — when the team skipped on the hometown kid in favor of Alex Smith. In terms of teams most desperate to make a move? That is likely the Denver Broncos who are staring at Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert in their division. Denver nearly pulled the trigger on a Rodgers trade during the NFL Draft last year, but their patience pays off as they finally acquire the superstar QB in 2022.
Prediction: Rodgers gets traded to the Denver Broncos for QB Drew Lock, a first-round pick (No. 9), a second-round pick (No. 40), and a 2023 first-round pick
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