NFL Trade Rumors & Predictions: Where Lamar Jackson, Aaron Rodgers Will Land!
Trading has become more and more prevalent in the NFL in recent years, and this year is no exception. There are plenty of trades that have already been made and rumors flying around. We are going to make some predictions about where those rumored players might land.
Quarterbacks
Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens
Technically this may not be a trade despite the Ravens getting two first-round picks and another team getting former NFL MVP Lamar Jackson. Just about every team that appears to be in need of a quarterback has come out and claimed they will not pursue Jackson. However, there is one team we think just might. Here is the scenario, the Panthers and Texans both draft a QB with the two top picks and the Cardinals trade back. Another team jumps the Indianapolis Colts and takes the third quarterback. With the Colts on the board, their only option is to take Will Levis or head into the season with Gardner Minshew as their starter and no long-term backup plan. When this happens, the Colts could pull the trigger by sending two first-round picks to the Ravens and giving Jackson the best contract offer available to him. The non-exclusive tag does not have to be signed until July 17, so there is plenty of time for a team to swoop in and grab him.
Prediction: Indianapolis Colts
Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers
The whole world is assuming that Rodgers will end up with the New York Jets, nevertheless, the two sides appear to be at a stalemate when it comes to compensation. What if these teams don’t get a deal done? Would it really surprise anyone if the Jets front office looks like the bumbling mess they’ve been for the past five decades? Don’t get us wrong, it’s more than likely he will end up in New York, but here is one other possibility. If the Jets pull out of this deal there is a team that is in desperate need of a quarterback who has rumored to be potential sellers this offseason. Instead of trading off pieces the Titans could swoop in and pair Rodgers with Derrick Henry and open up a two-year Super Bowl window. With a tough defense and excellent coaching, Rodgers could be enough to make the Titans serious contenders.
Prediction: New York Jets
Learn more about our fantasy football tools and products!
Running Backs
Derrick Henry, Tennessee Titans
Trade talks have centered around King Henry for a while now in Tennessee and if they can make the money work there is one perfect fit for him. We would love to see him take his talents to South Beach. Imagine defenses having to figure out a way to cover Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, then you have Henry getting the ball out of the backfield. He has consistently been the entire focus of defenses and he could thrive being paired with an explosive passing attack. Everyone expected Miami to pursue a running back this year and they haven’t. As of now, they are running back with the same four backs they had last season. Jeff Wilson and Raheem Mostert were fine, but they aren’t Henry. Then again, no one is. This move would have the NFL world and the fantasy world buzzing and rightfully so. That Miami offense would be terrifying.
Prediction: Miami Dolphins
Austin Ekeler, Los Angeles Chargers
Ekeler has been as productive as any running back in the league over the past few seasons. Outside of an oft-injured CMC, he may be the most versatile running back in the game today. He has recently requested a trade from the Chargers and is seeking a new contract. This feels like a move that could happen on draft day. There are a few teams we could see making a move for him, however, one stands out as the most feasible. A Joe Mixon plus a draft pick trade is exciting, but we don’t know if the money works. However, the Washington Commanders could view Ekeler the perfect fit to pair with a young QB. We know Ron Rivera loves a versatile back, and that’s exactly what he’d be getting. Ekeler is everything the Commanders hoped Antionio Gibson would be and they’ve desperately been trying to move on from him for a while now. With J.D. McKissic now gone, they need a guy who can catch passes. Washington could role with Ekeler as the primary back, and Brian Robinson as a guy that eats up carries and pounds it between the tackles.
Prediction: Washington Commanders
Wide Receivers
DeAndre Hopkins, Arizona Cardinals
There were a ton of rumors that Hopkins to the Dallas Cowboys was inevitable. After Dallas traded for Brandin Cooks that appears to now be off the table. Still, it’s likely the Cardinals move on from Hopkins at some point between now and the end of the NFL Draft. Rumor has it that all Arizona is looking for is a second-round pick which is more than reasonable. The Ravens and Bills both jump out as the most exciting, however, the more realistic option may be the New England Patriots. They have been searching for a WR1 seemingly forever, and have no issue trading away draft picks. It may not be the most desirable spot for Hopkins to land being that their quarterback is subpar at best, nonetheless, they are competitive enough to keep him happy and he brings exactly what the team has been looking for for years.
Prediction: New England Patriots
Jerry Jeudy, Denver Broncos
Jeudy is a curious case because his value is tough to gauge. He was a tremendous talent coming out of college but hasn’t quite clicked in the NFL. However, injuries, atrocious QB play, and terrible coaching have all played a part in that. His true value is probably somewhere in the middle. The issue is it sounds like Denver has an asking price no one is going to pay on top of having to give him a contract. The production just doesn’t warrant the asking price. Unless something changes, we aren’t so sure they’ll be able to get a deal done.
Prediction: Denver Broncos
Fantasy SP has worked diligently to bring you next-level sports betting analytics, prop betting tools, public betting splits, and so much more! Become an Edge+ member today!
