The NFL offseason has been wild, and it only should get wilder this week with one of the most unpredictable NFL Drafts in recent memory. A ton of trades involving premium picks have already been executed. A record eight teams have multiple first-round picks: the Lions, Giants, Jets, Texans, Eagles, Saints, Packers, and Chiefs. But we want more chaos. Here are five more trades that should happen during the NFL Draft.
Five suggested trades during the NFL Draft
Without a clear-cut franchise quarterback in the draft, the odds of a team jumping into the top five to land one seems slim. Could the Saints package picks to move up from 16? Perhaps. But probably only into the top 10.
But that doesn’t mean big moves won’t be made this weekend. They’ll just probably involve established players.
Baker Mayfield to the Seattle Seahawks
The Carolina Panthers sent out smoke signals Monday indicating that if they do trade for Mayfield, it won’t be until Friday at the earliest. To that, we say, “No kidding.”
The teams that need long-term answers at quarterback — a list that includes the Panthers, Seahawks, Falcons, and Lions — want to see what the first round holds before giving up an asset for an injured, moody, and inconsistent quarterback that would cost them $18.9 million.
The Seahawks could make it work financially, and Mayfield certainly has a higher upside than Drew Lock and Geno Smith. But they should only give up a Day 2 pick if the Browns defray some of the cost.
Trade terms: Seahawks get Baker Mayfield. Browns get Pick No. 72 and agree to pay half of his salary.
Deebo Samuel to the Buffalo Bills
Super teams can win it all. The Rams proved that two months back.
And the Bills, who have already added Von Miller this offseason, can put the finishing touch on their own Dream Team by trading for Samuel, who wants out of San Francisco.
Even after an active free agency, the Bills can absorb Samuel’s base salary ($4 million), but no deal should be done without a long-term contract extension. Imagine being a defensive coordinator tasked with stopping Deebo, Stefon Diggs, and Josh Allen.
Trade terms: Bills get Deebo Samuel. 49ers get Jordan Poyer and Pick No. 25.
Kadarius Toney to the New England Patriots
What’s that you say? A depressed asset from an SEC school with a bunch of unrealized talent? My gawd, that’s Bill Belichick’s music.
Toney has some real questions about inner desire and professionalism. But there’s a long history of guys with that rep who find religion in New England. Besides, the rumor is that the Giants and Belichick have been known to communicate using back channels.
Trade terms: Patriots get Kadarius Toney. Giants get Pick No. 127.
Andre Dillard to Indianapolis Colts
Pro Football Network’s Mike Kaye reports that the Colts wanted Dillard last year. And we know the Eagles and Colts have a history of making swaps.
This deal actually makes a ton of sense. Dillard is in the final year of his contract and is unlikely to see the field much this year. If the Eagles go O-line early in the draft, which some see as possible, Dillard becomes even more expendable.
Trade terms: Colts get Andre Dillard. Eagles get Pick No. 179 and a third-round pick in 2023.
James Bradberry to Kansas City Chiefs
The Giants have a new power structure, but Bradberry is making no effort to ingratiate himself. He skipped the first week of voluntary workouts, and Giants GM Joe Schoen confirmed that he’s received calls about the former Pro Bowl corner, who’s due $13.4 million in base salary.
The Giants want to move on. The Chiefs need veteran help at the position. But unless New York agrees to eat some salary, the compensation will be modest.
Trade terms: Chiefs get James Bradberry and Pick No. 182. Giants get Pick No. 135.