In recent years, the NFL trade market has been increasingly active and that pattern persists here in 2019. Not only does that create more excitement league-wide, it also presents the opportunity for several unexpected deals to take place.
Already this offseason, a slew of unexpected trades have sent a lightning bolt through league offices, but we may only just be getting started.
With more trade winds beginning to blow, here’s a look at seven trades that should (and could) happen prior to April’s draft.
7. Cincinnati Bengals trade John Ross to Kansas City Chiefs
A former first-round pick, wide receiver John Ross has not exactly provided the Cincinnati Bengals with what was anticipated when they took him at No. 9 overall in 2017. However, he has shown some flashes at times and could benefit from a fresh start elsewhere. Enter the Kansas City Chiefs, who face an uncertain future with Tyreek Hill, who is under investigation for the allegedly battery of a minor. Ross could provide the Chiefs with some security and a potential for a solid No. 2 should Hill eventually be cleared. Cincinnati, meanwhile, could recoup a small portion of what they lost when investing in Ross.
6. Green Bay Packers trade Jimmy Graham to Patriots
The New England Patriots lack many high-end offensive weapons behind wide receiver Julian Edelman, and with tight end Rob Gronkowski having recently retired, there are some massive holes for Bill Belichick to patch. Although Jimmy Graham is on the downside of his career, the Patriots have a unique way of getting every last drop out of a player. Graham could thrive for a season or two in New England, while the Packers could simply replace Graham with a younger tight end using one of their two first-round picks, and then address other areas of need with whatever a trade with New England yields.
5. Washington Redskins trade into top 10
The Washington Redskins may have acquired Case Keenum this offseason, but neither he nor Alex Smith feel like the franchise going forward. Accordingly, Daniel Snyder & Co. should consider moving up into the top 10 — a climb into the top 5 seems too steep and costly — for a shot at one of the second tier quarterback prospects like Daniel Jones or Drew Lock. After all, if Washington misses out on the top four quarterbacks in the draft, they’ll be left sifting through the scraps during the mid-rounds.
4. San Francisco 49ers trade for Jaguars’ Jalen Ramsey
The Jacksonville Jaguars have publicly stated they have no plans to trade cornerback Jalen Ramsey, but if we’ve learned anything this offseason, it’s that everyone has a price. And for the better part of the last half year, there’s been a lot of smoke surrounding Ramsey, the San Francisco 49ers and the Jaguars. And while the 49ers intend to hang onto the No. 2 overall pick, a deal for Ramsey could include the No. 36 overall pick.
3. Miami Dolphins trade into top 5
The Miami Dolphins have two things entering the 2019 NFL Draft: The No. 13 overall pick and a desperate need at the quarterback position. While they could land someone like Daniel Jones or even Drew Lock at No. 13, it would behoove Miami to move up for a crack at someone like Dwayne Haskins instead. And with the New York Giants resting at No. 6 overall, it’s safe to assume the Dolphins would need to climb into the top 5. A pick swap with Tampa Bay seems like their best bet.
2. New York Giants trade up for Dwayne Haskins
Giants co-owner John Mara said the team will “definitely” address the quarterback situation come April, and why wouldn’t they? After passing on Sam Darnold a year ago, New York hitched their wagon to 38-year-old Eli Manning and remain devoid of a long-term answer at the position. And while they stand little chance at landing Kyler Murray, Dwayne Haskins could be in their range, but they’ll likely have to trade up for him. Luckily for the Giants, general manager Dave Gettleman isn’t afraid to wheel and deal, and he’s got 12 picks to work with.
1. Oakland Raiders trade up for Kyler Murray
The Arizona Cardinals maintain that no decision has been made on what they intend to do with the No. 1 overall pick, which means Kyler Murray is there for the taking if some team is willing to pony up a King’s ransom. The Oakland Raiders, despite their recent commitment to Derek Carr, could be that team. Jon Gruden has repeatedly raved about Murray and the 2019 NFL Draft presents him with an opportunity to trade up and snag his own quarterback as opposed to riding things out with Carr, who was essentially grandfathered in.
