|
The last two NFL offseasons have brought more trades featuring star players than we’ve ever seen. The player empowerment movement from the NBA has clearly made its way to football, as rich contracts await some of the biggest names. Teams are no longer hoarding draft picks when an impactful veteran becomes available after stalled negotiations.
Pouncing on the opportunity to acquire a high-priced veteran is a calculated gamble. The value that a low-priced rookie contract can produce is unbeatable compared to a veteran’s salary. But the chances of a rookie helping as much as an established player is low, especially after the first round.
Trades can also be difficult due to salary-cap restraints and the message that certain deals send to the rest of the roster and fanbase. However, contenders need to load up for playoff runs, whereas rebuilding teams need assets and flexibility.
After scouring team needs and assets remaining, we’ve assembled five trades that teams should try to execute before the 2022 draft starts April 28.
Falcons Trade Grady Jarrett to the Browns
Deal: Browns get DT Grady Jarrett; Falcons get pick No. 99, 2023 third-round pick
The Cleveland Browns went all-in on winning now with their trade for quarterback Deshaun Watson.
Continuing to build for 2022 should be the play, and bargain-shopping for a solid veteran makes the most sense.
Their most pressing hole is at defensive tackle, as the rotation of Taven Bryan, Jordan Elliott and Tommy Togiai lacks reliability. Calling the rebuilding Falcons about soon-to-be 29-year-old tackle Grady Jarrett can be mutually beneficial.
Atlanta is in the midst of creating flexibility after trading receiver Julio Jones and quarterback Matt Ryan over the last year. Getting two middle-round picks and shedding Jarrett’s $23.8 million salary-cap hit in the final year of his deal would free up $16.5 million.
Cleveland, which has $19.9 million in cap space, can open a considerable amount of cap space to afford Jarrett. Between trading quarterback Baker Mayfield and possible extensions for David Njoku and Denzel Ward, affording Jarrett would be easy. His addition could give the Browns the league’s best overall roster.
Seahawks Trade DK Metcalf to the Saints
Deal: Saints get WR DK Metcalf; Seahawks get 19th pick, 120th pick, 2023 second-round pick
After Davante Adams and Tyreek Hill were traded and landed top-of-the-market deals, the trickle-down effect was massive for other young receiving stars. Stefon Diggs quickly signed a four-year, $96 million extension with the Bills. Then speculation became louder about the futures of Deebo Samuel and DK Metcalf.
Metcalf is particularly interesting heading into the final year of his deal. The 6’4″, 235-pound receiver is the most gifted in the league based on stature alone, and the 24-year-old has posted impressive production to go with his physique, having put up 216 catches, 3,170 yards and 29 scores in three seasons. However, his place with the Seahawks is questionable after star QB Russell Wilson’s departure.