The idea is for veterans acquired via free agency or trade to help improve a team whether it's going from mediocrity to the playoffs or playoff participant to Super Bowl contender. The Rams hit the jackpot last year by making an offseason trade with the Lions where two first-round picks, a third-round pick and quarterback Jared Goff were dealt for quarterback Matthew Stafford. The Rams are the reigning Super Bowl champions largely because of the upgrade at quarterback.

Ten veteran newcomers making a difference at the quarter mark of the 2022 season have been identified. Contribution and salary were taken into account when making the selections. A couple of lower-cost additions who are turning out to be pleasant surprises have been included.

 

Tyreek Hill, Dolphins

Signability prompted the Chiefs to move Tyreek Hill, who was entering a contract year, in March. He was dealt to the Dolphins for five draft picks: 2022 first-, second- and fourth-round picks in addition to 2023 fourth- and sixth-round selections.

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2022 NFL Trade-Block Big Board Entering Week 5

Hill received a four-year, $120 million contract extension, which has $72.2 million in guarantees, from Miami where $52.535 million was fully guaranteed at signing. Realistically, Hill has a three-year extension for $75 million because of $45 million in 2026, the final contract year.

The Dolphins have one of the NFL's most potent passing attacks in large part to Hill. He's leading the NFL with 477 receiving yards and is tied for second with 31 receptions. His eight receiving plays of 20 yards or more are the most in the league.

 

 

A.J. Brown, Eagles

The Titans surprisingly traded A.J. Brown to the Eagles during the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft for 2022 first-round and third-round picks rather than pay him in a rapidly escalating wide receiver market. The Eagles gave Brown a four-year, $100 million extension containing slightly more than $57 million of guarantees in connection with the trade.

Brown is the top-flight receiving threat the Eagles have been sorely lacking. Third-year quarterback Jalen Hurts taking a big step forward this season has coincided with Brown's arrival. Brown has 25 receptions for 404 receiving yards and a touchdown as the Eagles are the NFL's only undefeated team at 4-0. His receiving yards rank third in the league. Barring injury, Brown should shatter his career-best marks of 70 catches and 1,075 yards with the Titans during the 2020 season.