It’s more and more common in the NFL to see blockbuster trades. What used to happen only once every two years in the league, is now happening at a rapid rate.
Last year the league saw trades for players such as Russell Wilson, Deshaun Watson, Tyreek Hill, Davante Adams, Matt Ryan, A.J. Brown, Carson Wentz, Noah Fant, Yannick Ngakoue, Amari Cooper, Khalil Mack, Robert Woods and Hollywood Brown. Each of those big-name stars were traded last offseason.
Trades can occur for a variety of reasons, such as a team looking to acquire additional draft picks or cap space, or a player expressing a desire to be traded. While it’s not always easy for teams to part with star players, sometimes a trade can be in the best interests of both the player and the team.
Here are three potential trades that could happen this offseason.
Aaron Rodgers, Packers
There are several reasons why the Green Bay Packers might consider trading their long-time starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
First, Rodgers is getting older and closer to the end of his career, and the Packers may want to get something in return for him while he is still considered a top quarterback in the NFL.
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Second, there have been reports of tension between Rodgers and the Packers’ front office, specifically over decisions regarding the team’s personnel and play-calling. If the relationship between Rodgers and the team cannot be repaired, the Packers may decide that it’s in their best interest to trade him rather than let the situation fester and potentially become a distraction for the team.
If the Packers receive a strong enough offer from another team, they may be willing to part ways with Rodgers in order to acquire additional draft picks or players that can help the team both in the short and long term.
Finally, the development of Jordan Love. Recent reports say that Green Bay believes in Love now more than ever and think he’s ready to step up and led the team. With Rodgers’ big salary off the books, it be easier to build a team around Love.
DeAndre Hopkins, Cardinals
DeAndre Hopkins is one of the best wide receivers in the NFL, and while it would be highly unusual for a team to want to trade a player of his caliber. Hopkins’ stance with the team has been rocky the past couple of seasons.
Hopkins missed time to injury in 2021, playing in just 10 games and having a career low 42 catches for 572 yards. He was then suspended for PEDs in 2022, which limited him to only 9 games.
The PED suspension also voided the no-trade clause in his contract, making it much easier for Arizona to trade him this offseason if they wish to.
The Cardinals have a new coaching staff and a new front office, one that has no ties to Hopkins.
If they could exchange him for a package of draft picks, that will allow them to shed Hopkins’ contract and acquire additional assets.
While Hopkins has been a key player in the Cardinals offense, and has been highly productive. A trade at this point could work out well for everyone involved.
Jalen Ramsey, Rams
Jalen Ramsey is one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL, and he is a key part of the Los Angeles Rams’ defense. As such, it would be highly unusual for the Rams to want to trade him. However, trades in the NFL can happen for a variety of reasons, even for star players.
Ramsey recently deleted a twee suggesting he may indeed be traded.
One reason the Rams might consider trading Ramsey is if they feel they can get a significant return in exchange for him. Ramsey is one of the highest-paid cornerbacks in the league, and his contract carries a high salary cap hit, so the Rams may want to free up cap space or acquire additional draft picks or players in exchange for him.
Another reason the Rams might consider trading Ramsey is if they believe his performance is declining, or if there are concerns about his behavior or attitude. Ramsey is known for being a confident and outspoken player, and there have been reports of tension between him and his coaches and teammates in the past. If these issues were to continue, the Rams may decide that trading Ramsey is in the best interests of the team.
It is important to repeat that Ramsey is still considered one of the best cornerbacks in the league and a key player for the Rams’ defense, so a trade isn’t likely.
