The NFL offseason can be as, if not more, exciting to football than any other time of year, but what if NFL general managers took an NBA-style approach to this offseason’s trades?
A report surfaced recently that some of the NFL’s team owners had expressed interest in hiring National Basketball Association commissioner Adam Silver to replace Roger Goodell. The league quickly rebuffed this claim, but none-the-less the speculation has certainly brought intriguing possibilities to projecting this offseason’s trades.
What if the Kevin Durant of the NFL (Aaron Rodgers) was flipped for the LeBron James of the league (Tom Brady)? Anyone up for a J.J. Watt trade for Ezekiel Elliot? No, of course not.
At the same time, there are a lot of potential NBA-style trades that would actually make sense. And, though they still probably won’t happen, it is fun to think of the possibilities that would come with these type of transactions.
Here are some fun, yet somewhat-realistic options for NBA-style trades this offseason in the NFL.
Trade 1: Three-team trade finds Josh Rosen a new home
Details:
- Arizona Cardinals receive: 2019 1st Round Pick (JAX #7) & 2019 1st Round Pick (KC #29)
- Jacksonville Jaguars receive: QB Josh Rosen (ARI) & 2020 2nd Round Pick (KC)
- Kansas City Chiefs receive: CB Patrick Peterson (ARI) & CB Jalen Ramsey (JAX)
Notes:
The Cardinals need to find a way to partner new head coach Kliff Kingsbury with Oklahoma QB Kyler Murray. The match made in heaven MUST happen!
The Philadelphia Eagles were unable to partner then-Oregon QB Marcus Mariota with his former collegiate coach Chip Kelly and spent a few years in rebuild mode because of it. Arizona should do everything to get Kingsbury the “right” guy and get Rosen to a team that would gladly take last year’s first-round pick over Blake Bortles.
Kansas City general manager Brett Veach is tasked this offseason with fixing a terrible defense. Partnering with this trade, Veach could assist the Cards by relieving them of Peterson’s contract and the Jags of the headache that has become Jalen Ramsey. All the while, resolving a very weak spot within the Chiefs’ roster.
Trade 2: The Gruden brothers make a deal
Details:
- Oakland Raiders receive: WAS 2019 1st Round Pick (#15), WR Paul Richardson & 2020 2nd Round Pick
- Washington Redskins receive: QB Derek Carr
Notes:
The Redskins will be tasked this offseason with identifying the future of injured quarterback Alex Smith. If Smith is ready to go at some point this coming season, Washington will likely turn to acquiring young talent to put around the former Pro Bowler.
Moving Derek Carr would allow Jon Gruden to get his guy in this upcoming draft, whether that be Ohio State’s Dwayne Haskins, Missouri’s Drew Lock, or even Oklahoma’s Kyler Murray. So, by acquiring the No. 15 selection in this year’s draft, Gruden could wheel and deal his four first-round picks in a multitude of ways to land his guy.
Trade 3: Antonio Brown on the move
Details:
- Pittsburgh Steelers receive: CAR 2019 1st Round Pick (#16)
- Carolina Panthers receive: WR Antonio Brown
Notes:
Antonio Brown has been highlighted for months around the NFL news universe for his request to depart from the Pittsburgh Steelers. Virtually every team has been rumored as a possible destination and most fan bases wouldn’t mind the idea of Antonio Browns streaking down the field in their uniform, but reality has to set in at some point.
The Steelers do not want to send him within the AFC North or to the New England Patriots, so they find a suitor that is in desperate need for weapons around their quarterback.
The Carolina Panthers need to get Cam Newton some help. This has seemingly been the storyline around the team for years, but a talent like Brown could give Newton the boost necessary to finally take the next step in his development.
Trade 4: Odell goes from one Super Bowl QB to another
Details:
- New York Giants receive: TE Rob Gronkowski, NE 2019 1st Round Pick (#32) & 2020 3rd Round Pick
- New England Patriots receive: WR Odell Beckham Jr.
Notes:
Odell Beckham Jr. may be the most talented wide receiver in the NFL. He also may be one of the most unhappy wide receivers, along with Antonio Brown, in the NFL.
Though it may be hard to swallow, the best option for the Giants may be to move Beckham to their postseason rivals. The return for the Giants could be very promising with adding All-Pro tight end Rob Gronkowski and two high draft picks to help them build for the future post-Eli Manning.
Trade 5: Jackson finds new home on the West coast
Details
- San Francisco 49ers receive: WR Desean Jackson
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers receive: RB Matt Breida
Notes:
Desean Jackson needs a new home. He wants a new home. The 49ers need weapons. The 49ers find themselves a weapon.
The 49ers have been lacking true and consistent talent at the wide receiver spots for several seasons. And, with a new regime taking over in Tampa Bay, moving Jackson and landing a talented back like Breida to partner with Peyton Barber should certainly appeal to new head coach Bruce Arians.
What trades do you wish your team would explore this offseason? Comment below!
