Most of the big names available this NFL offseason have either found new homes or cashed in on their old ones. Now all eyes are on the 2023 NFL Draft, where at least four — maybe five — different quarterback prospects will disappear from the board on day 1. But incoming rookies may not be the only difference makers landing in new spots this weekend.
That’s right: we’re talking about day trades. As all 32 teams prepare their lineups for an influx of new talent, many will look to increase or improve their draft capital by selling expendable veterans. So here’s a look at 12 different candidates that can be shopped at this week’s big event.
For more draft content, check out our latest prospect rankings and mock drafts, as well as our NFL Draft podcast, “With the First Pick,” featuring former Vikings general manager Rick Spielman. (Watch the latest episode below.)
Technically he’s locked in for 2023 under the franchise tag, but that doesn’t mean the Raiders wouldn’t pique – or demand – interest in the event that a future long-term deal is unlikely. Coach Josh McDaniels, remember, comes from the Patriots system that deploys multiple backs, even though he leaned heavily on Jacobs in 2022. And the veteran teased dissatisfaction with the current regime after Darren Waller’s departure this offseason. Moving the 25-year-old workhorse would immediately save Vegas $10 million.
Logical landing sites: Bills, Cardinals, Seahawks
When on the field, Henry carries Tennessee’s offense; to this day no one can match his combination of size (6-3, 245), speed and experience at the position. But he has topped 300 carries in three of his last four seasons, suffering a serious injury in between. In other words, the wear and tear is there. The Titans are in a rebuilding phase, or at least should be, and could save $6.3 million by dealing the big man, who enters a contract year. They say they’re not chasing him, but they’ve said the same thing about QB Ryan Tannehill, and he’s clearly expendable as Tennessee examines the best prospects for that position.
Logical landing sites: Bills, falcons, sea hawks
At full speed, Cook remains one of the NFL’s top pure runners, fresh off a fourth consecutive 1,000-yard campaign. But he’s turning 28 with a history of nagging injuries, has 1,500 career contacts to his name and must pay at least $14 million in each of the next three years. Minnesota hasn’t been shy about parting ways with fan favorites to free up cash this offseason. Cook’s departure would save the Vikings nearly $8 million via trade, allowing Alexander Mattison to headline the next backfield rotation.
Logical landing sites: Bills, Bengal, Raven
If Los Angeles is serious about retaining an elite supporting cast for Justin Herbert, it will find a way to give Ekeler the raise he’s publicly been seeking, if only for this season. On the other hand, Ekeler himself doesn’t seem ready to last the season if he doesn’t get more money. Like Christian McCaffrey with his reliable high-volume pass catch, he’s pretty underpaid at $6.125 million a year (13th among RBs) going into a contract year. However, the Chargers could earn $6.25 million in savings if they sold him to a contender and tackled the position with a handful of cheaper bets.
Logical landing sites: Eagles, falcons, fighter jets
Hopkins, one of the most obvious off-season trade contenders, remains an elite technician when he’s healthy, but he’s missed 15 games in the past two years and has to pay nearly $30 million next season at age 31. Kyler Murray needs guns like everyone else, but 2023 is a true transitional year for Arizona as Jonathan Gannon remakes the culture. Marquise Brown is also in tow and eligible for an extension, and Hopkins, whose departure would save an instant $8.9 million, still ranks as a borderline No. 1 contender.
Logical landing sites: Bills, Chiefs, Lions, Packers, Panthers, Ravens
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After a solid 2021 season in his first year under Nick Sirianni (43 catches, 647 yards), Watkins’ pace did not match his production as the No. 3 behind AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith during the Eagles’ Super Bowl bid. His questionable hands could convince hyperactive GM Howie Roseman to fire him prior to a contract year, resulting in an immediate $2.7 million savings.
Logical landing sites: Chargers, colts, falcons, titans
Oliver has been a solid part of Buffalo’s interior for the past four years, but he enters a contract year and could be angling for a lucrative renewal after huge deals for veterans like Javon Hargrave hit the open market. Sean McDermott would certainly much rather keep him around while the Bills make another title attempt, but if they can reallocate the $10.8 million he’s due in 2023 and further bolster Josh Allen’s guns, it’s a early split probably not ruled out.
Logical landing sites: Bears, cardinals, lions, saints
An underrated mainstay of the Indianapolis front alongside DeForest Buckner, Stewart has been durable and sturdy as an upstart interior decorator over the past four years. He’s got a fair deal too, with $10.875 million in 2023 amid a somewhat bloated DT market. But the Colts have reason to shift to a more offensive focus under coach Shane Steichen, especially with a new QB coming in. And sharing Stewart before his contract expires in 2024, entering his 30-year season, would also free up $9.6 million.
Logical landing sites: Bears, loaders, cowboys, saints
A polarizing four-year starter for Tampa Bay, White is an athletic freak who received high marks from coach Todd Bowles and posted ostentatious numbers for the position. But he enters a contract year and could command almost a record amount despite mediocre numbers as a reporter. reportedly filed for a trade this week. Selling him would deprive the club of a defensive leader, but would immediately save $11.7 million as the team prepares for potentially dramatic transitions after Tom Brady.
Logical landing sites: Bills, Broncos, Chargers, Raiders
Young looked set to become a cornerstone player for the Commanders as he was picked No. 2 overall from Ohio State and then made it to the Pro Bowl as a rookie. However, injuries have dogged him ever since, and so has Washington declined to exercise his fifth-year option. Would another team be willing to give up something of value in the hopes of exploiting its massive advantage?
Logical landing sites: Chiefs, Lions, Seahawks, Texans, Bills
Baker requested a trade from Arizona earlier this offseason, and given the position the roster is in, it might make sense for the team to give him his way and replenish his closet of draft picks. Baker, a high-impact secondary player who plays much bigger than his size (5-10, 195 pounds), has also shown himself to be very durable, missing just five games in six seasons. He has a base salary of $13.1 million and $14.2 million over the next two years, and he should be able to maintain a high level of play even after that, as 2024 is only his 28-year season.
Logical landing sites: Eagles, patriots, colts, commanders
Like Ekeler and Cook, Mixon is probably already too expensive for his team to pay him again, and the organization may look for cheaper and/or younger in the position. Bengals Brass has unsurprisingly been vague about Mixon’s future with the team, and if he isn’t traded, he could be a cap victim at some point this summer. As far as which teams might need backup, that’s a trickier question.
Logical landing sites: Eagles, Buccaneers, Saints, Rams, Bills
The writing is on the wall for this one. Detroit let Jamaal Williams go free, but signed David Montgomery to a multi-year deal and then drafted Jahmyr Gibbs with the No. 12 overall pick on Thursday night. The coaching staff seemed extremely reluctant to give Swift all that big workload last season, and now the backfield is even busier. It seems only a matter of time before he is handed out.
Logical landing sites: Eagles, Bills, Ravens, Chiefs