The NFL Draft is upon us, and the excitement is palpable. One of the most exciting aspects of draft weekend is the potential for veteran trades. While that kind of transaction was unheard of a few years ago, NFL front offices are embracing more of a fantasy football mindset with each passing season. Last year, we saw the Eagles acquire A.J. Brown and the Cardinals trade for Marquise Brown. There’s the belief that we could see an ever-increasing number of veterans moved in draft-day deals as personnel departments get smarter about optimizing the value of players who no longer fit their long-term plans.
Most players rumored to be on the block likely won’t be moved. Some will become cap casualties before camps get underway, while others will remain with their teams and play out the string. That said, let’s look at some of the players who could be on the move this weekend.
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Quarterbacks
Lamar Jackson – The lack of interest in Jackson’s services by other teams and the recent signing of Odell Beckham Jr point to Jackson ultimately signing a new contract with the Ravens, but until there’s a new deal in place, we have to entertain the possibility Jackson could be a team’s attempt at vaulting into Super Bowl contention if their plans to acquire a promising rookie quarterback fall through on Thursday night.
Ryan Tannehill – There are persistent rumors that Tannehill could be on the move, as he’s got a relatively affordable contract and is in the final year of his contract. It’s known that the Titans have done a lot of diligence on the rookie class, despite spending a third-round pick on Malik Willis last year. Could new GM Ran Carthon pull off a deal with a desperate team who thinks they’re a veteran away from playoff contention?
Trey Lance – The front office and coaching staff have repeatedly endorsed Brock Purdy, and the addition of Sam Darnold further clouds Trey Lance’s future with the organization. We know teams have inquired about Lance’s availability. While we have no indication the 49ers are interested, it would make sense to consider moving the unproven signal caller for significant draft capital.
Wide Receivers
DeAndre Hopkins – In a world where Odell Beckham got $15mm which could be $18mm with incentives, acquiring Hopkins at $19.5mm in 2023 salary is a bet plenty of contending teams should consider. A series of Tweets this week hint that a deal may already be in place for Hopkins to join the Ravens.
Jerry Jeudy and Courtland Sutton – Sean Payton has full control, there's new ownership, and one would think that makes punting either of these receivers viable if another team is willing to give up a Day 2 pick or a conditional 2024 pick.
Diontae Johnson – George Pickens has all the makings of an alpha receiver, and the Steelers’ acquisition of Allen Robinson has fueled speculation Johnson could be traded. Pittsburgh has a history of moving on from receivers rather than paying them high-end deals, so it’s not entirely out of the question.
Running Backs
Austin Ekeler – Ekeler was given the okay to seek a trade, which shows the Chargers are not committed to him beyond this season. He's old and, while highly productive, will have difficulty getting big guaranteed money on a new deal from anyone. But a team already in a Super Bowl window would presumably be willing to pay him $6mm this year to turbo-boost their offense.
Dalvin Cook – Minnesota will likely release Cook before June 1st, so don't expect teams to offer a big price tag to trade for him. But if the Vikings draft a starting caliber running back, it’s possible a team would be willing to make an offer to assure his services versus risking losing him in the open market.
Derrick Henry – The Titans are hard to read. Are they fully rebuilding or trying to make one more deep playoff push? Hiring a new GM further complicates things. Henry is owed nearly $11 million this season, but he's probably worth it, particularly in their system.
Joe Mixon – Cincinnati would be thrilled to offload Mixon for a conditional pick, but why would any team trade for him, given the recent spate of negative PR and his massive contract? With other veteran tailbacks available, Mixon is far more likely to be cut and looking for a new team as an unrestricted free agent in a few weeks.
Offensive Linemen
T Jonah Williams – Williams is an ideal right tackle and still playing on a manageable rookie deal, but he requested a trade after the Bengals signed Orlando Brown in free agency. The Bengals may call his bluff and force him to play out his current deal, but if Cincinnati drafts a tackle early, another team could pay a handsome price for his services.
Defensive Players
DT Aaron Donald – The All-Pro turns 32 next month but remains an impact defender. The Rams have gutted the roster in historic fashion, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. It makes little sense to waste Donald’s remaining years on the rebuilding Rams.
LB Devin White – White asked to be traded, but the truth is he hasn’t played well enough to justify the contract he's envisioning from a new team.
S Budda Baker – Baker wants to be the league’s highest-paid safety, and it's always hard to fathom a team with as many needs as the Cardinals justifying that kind of contract for a secondary position like safety.
DE Chase Young – The Commanders did not exercise Young’s fifth-year option, meaning he’ll be a free agent next offseason unless the team signs him to a long-term deal. With new ownership pending, it’s not clear the front office has the green light to make transformative moves, but we can’t rule it out since picking up his fifth year seemed like a no-brainer.
DT Grover Stewart – Stewart is in the final year of his $31 million deal, and the Colts have been moving veteran pieces this offseason, including Stephon Gilmore. Stewart could be had for a mid-to-late-round pick if it helps the Colts accelerate their offensive rebuild around a new rookie starting quarterback.