RADIO
The NFL Combine is underway, meaning free agency is just around the corner. While the NFL Combine is about the upcoming draft class, teams use the event to get a jump start on free agency.
Teams also use the week-long event in Indianapolis to explore trade options for the offseason. Sometimes, a blockbuster deal gets done during the NFL Combine.
Let’s look at 12 veterans who could get traded this offseason.
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Justin Fields
The most talked about player over the past few months has been Fields. Last year, the Chicago Bears traded away the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft to the Carolina Panthers, giving Fields another season under center. Chicago finds itself in the same situation again this year. However, the team is still weighing its options. General manager Ryan Poles told the media that the Bears would trade away Fields before the start of free agency if they decide to draft a quarterback with the top pick.
Bears’ GM Ryan Poles said today that, if the team decides to draft a QB with the No. 1 overall pick, he doesn’t think it would be right not to trade Justin Fields before free agency begins. pic.twitter.com/0TkSSpZzoW
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 27, 2024
Mac Jones
While Jones had a promising rookie season, the former Alabama quarterback has been a massive bust the past two years. He had 22 passing touchdowns and 13 interceptions as a rookie. By comparison, Jones had 24 passing touchdowns and 23 interceptions over the past two years. Furthermore, he got benched multiple times for Bailey Zappe. With new leadership running the New England Patriots, the team will draft a quarterback or sign a veteran in free agency. Either way, Jones’ time with the team is over.
Zach Wilson
When Aaron Rodgers suffered a torn Achilles in Week 1, the New York Jets' season was all but officially over. Wilson had a few bright moments, but struggled for most of the year. With Rodgers returning in 2024, the Jets don’t need a new starting quarterback. However, owner Woody Johnson publicly stated that the team needed a new backup quarterback after being unprepared last season. Reportedly, New York will have to settle for a late Day 3 draft pick for Wilson, as the quarterback has limited trade value.
Sam Howell
The Washington Commanders have the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. While Howell had some positive moments in his first year as the starter, the Commanders likely won’t pass up the chance to land one of the elite quarterback prospects. Therefore, Howell’s time with the team is almost certainly over after two years. However, the former North Carolina star will have plenty of suitors on the trade market. Reportedly, several teams are interested in trading for Howell if Washington makes him available.
𝗥𝗨𝗠𝗢𝗥𝗦: Several teams could have trade interest in #Commanders QB Sam Howell if the team makes him available, per @RalphVacchiano
Howell flashed at times last season in what was his first year as an #NFL starter. pic.twitter.com/CKrPGh0kJG
— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) February 25, 2024
Stefon Diggs
It seems like Diggs’ status with his current team is up in the air every offseason. The star receiver gave a less-than-definitive answer about his future with the Buffalo Bills at the Pro Bowl Games. While Buffalo doesn’t have a surplus of talented wide receivers, they could move on from Diggs this offseason. He turned 30 in November and has dealt with late-season struggles in back-to-back years. While fans and fantasy players shouldn’t bet on Diggs to play elsewhere in 2024, it wouldn’t be a surprise if he got traded.
Brandon Aiyuk
The San Francisco 49ers have a massive decision to make regarding Aiyuk. He is entering the final year of his rookie contract, forcing the team to sign him to a long-term deal or trade him away. Signing him to a long-term deal likely means Deebo Samuel won’t return after next season. If the 49ers decide to trade away the former Arizona State star, they would receive a significant amount of draft capital. However, San Francisco would likely have to use most of it drafting Aiyuk’s replacement.
Tee Higgins
The Cincinnati Bengals recently placed the franchise tag on Higgins. While that likely means the star wide receiver will be back with the team for the 2024 season, it’s not guaranteed. The team wants to sign the former Clemson star to a long-term deal, keeping the trio of Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase, and Higgins together. However, the Bengals will consider trading away the wide receiver if they can’t agree to a long-term deal this offseason, as losing him for nothing next year is a last resort.
𝐑𝐔𝐌𝐎𝐑:
The #Bengals WR Tee Higgins is available for trade for a first rounder or a 2nd+.The Bengals prefer to keep the star WR but would rather get something than lose him in the future for nothing. pic.twitter.com/ZFEL0b7R2f
— NFL Notifications (@NFLNotify) February 27, 2024
DeAndre Hopkins
Hopkins had a solid 2023 season despite playing for a limited Tennessee Titans passing offense. He had 75 receptions on 137 targets for 1,057 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. Last year was the first time since 2020 that Hopkins had over 750 receiving yards in a season. With the Titans heading into a rebuilding project, Hopkins could request a trade to a contending team. While Tennessee lacks proven wide receivers, the team could fetch some meaningful draft capital for the veteran despite him entering the final year of his contract.
Jerry Jeudy
There will be many changes to the Denver Broncos' roster this offseason. The team has considered trading away Jeudy for at least several months. The veteran has struggled with injuries during his career. More importantly, his production on the field has been underwhelming, never totaling 1,000 receiving yards or seven touchdowns in a season. The former Alabama star is entering the final year of his rookie contract. He will likely only net Denver a mid-to-late Day 3 draft pick.
Brian Burns
The Carolina Panthers reportedly turned down a blockbuster offer from the Los Angeles Rams during the 2022 NFL trade deadline for Burns. Reportedly, the offer included multiple first-round draft picks. In hindsight, the Panthers should have accepted that offer. Meanwhile, Bryce Young struggled as a rookie because of a lack of supporting help. While Carolina likely won’t let Burns leave in free agency, they could tag and trade the star pass-rusher. The draft picks they could acquire for him would allow them to improve the offense around Young.
Brian Burns, Tee Higgins and L'Jarius Sneed all seem to be potential tag-and-trade candidates this offseason.
Latestfrom the NFL Combine in Indianapolis on @The33rdTeamFB: pic.twitter.com/4jnHt44VzN
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) February 28, 2024
Khalil Mack
While Mack recently turned 33, the star pass-rusher is coming off an impressive season. He had 17 sacks, the fourth-most in the NFL. By comparison, the former first-round draft pick had 14 sacks over the previous two years combined. Unfortunately, the Los Angeles Chargers are over the salary-cap limit, meaning the team will have to trade away some players before free agency starts. One of those players will likely be Mack. Reportedly, there are several teams interested in acquiring the veteran pass- rusher.
L’Jarius Sneed
Sneed had a career season in the final year of his rookie contract. The star cornerback became one of the top shutdown players in the league, totaling a career-high 14 passes defended in 2023. Reportedly, the Kansas City Chiefs will use the franchise tag on Sneed, as they want to sign the cornerback to a long-term contract. However, the Chiefs will trade away the cornerback if contract talks stall.
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