For many years, it was rare to see top-tier players get traded in the NFL. That has begun to shift, as stars like Russell Wilson, Davante Adams, Tyreek Hill and Christian McCaffrey all changed hands via trade over the last year.
While there haven't been as many blockbuster deals this offseason, there have been a few notable trades.
The biggest so far has been the Miami Dolphins' acquisition of cornerback Jalen Ramsey. The Chicago Bears also landed wide receiver D.J. Moore as part of the package for the No. 1 overall pick. There's also a sizable trade in the pipeline, as the New York Jets and Green Bay Packers continue to finalize a deal that will send Aaron Rodgers to the Big Apple.
Moore, Ramsey and Rodgers likely won't be the only big names moved before the 2023 trade deadline. Expect a few more landscape-shifting deals to occur as the NFL draft approaches and during the event itself.
With that in mind, here are five hypothetical trades that could shake up the league ahead of the 2023 campaign.
Bills Get a Potential Superstar for Pennies on the Dollar
Arizona Cardinals receive: 2023 third-round pick (No. 91 overall)
Buffalo Bills receive: WR DeAndre Hopkins
The Buffalo Bills are worth keeping an eye on as the 2023 NFL draft draws nearer. ESPN's Matt Miller reported it's "very possible" that they move up from No. 27, but they might be better served using that capital to acquire a more proven talent.
Arizona Cardinals wideout DeAndre Hopkins could be one such option. His star has faded in recent seasons, but he still has the potential to be one of the NFL's top wideouts.
The 6'1", 212-pound pass-catcher has been limited to only 19 games over the last two years because of injuries and a performance-enhancing-drug suspension, but he still managed to catch 11 touchdowns in that span. He looked great as recently as November before Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray went down for the year with a torn ACL.
With career numbers of 853 receptions for 11,298 yards and 71 scores, the five-time Pro Bowler has proved capable of elevating an offense. Landing with a contender like Buffalo could rejuvenate Hopkins' career as he enters his age-31 campaign.
While Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer reported the Cardinals may end up outright releasing Hopkins due to his age and pricy contract, the Bills might be able to negotiate a deal that gives Arizona some draft capital in return for paying some of his salary in 2023.
Given how ice cold Hopkins' market has been, the Bills should try to turn the No. 91 overall pick into a three-time All-Pro wideout who could take their high-powered offense to another level. If Hopkins returns to form, this move could help finally bring a Super Bowl to Buffalo.
Colts Take Lamar Jackson Off Baltimore's Hands
Baltimore Ravens receive: 2023 first-round pick (No. 4 overall), 2023 second-round pick (No. 35 overall), 2024 first-round pick, 2024 second-round pick
Indianapolis Colts receive: QB Lamar Jackson
The Indianapolis Colts haven't had stability at quarterback since Andrew Luck's abrupt retirement ahead of the 2019 season. They churned through a series of past-their-prime veterans or fliers before hitting a low point with Matt Ryan in 2022.
While the Ryan experiment didn't pan out, it did result in the Colts landing the No. 4 overall pick. They'll could use that selection on a signal-caller, but it may not be the best move for the organization as it stands now.
Two of the three teams selecting ahead of the Colts, the Carolina Panthers and Houston Texans, clearly need a passer. The third (the Arizona Cardinals) is a popular pick to trade back with a franchise that covets a quarterback, which means there could be slim pickings by the time Indianapolis is on the clock.
If the Colts aren't sold on one of the remaining quarterbacks at No. 4, they should get the Baltimore Ravens on the line and swing a blockbuster deal for an already established star in Lamar Jackson.
While Indianapolis owner Jim Irsay said that "it's important not to compromise your future" to acquire "great, dynamic players", Jackson would be a massive upgrade under center. The 2019 NFL MVP has the potential to lead Indy to its first title since Peyton Manning won in 2006, while it's far from guaranteed that any rookie in this class will even be a productive player in the NFL.
With a supporting cast that includes 2021 rushing champion Jonathan Taylor and an emerging star wideout in Michael Pittman Jr., the Colts could go from the league's basement to a deep playoff run with one splashy move to bring in Jackson.
Given his status as a non-exclusive franchise-tagged player, the Colts could technically acquire Jackson for only two first-rounders if they tender him a contract that the Ravens won't match. However, Baltimore could threaten to meet that number. The Colts would be better served coming up with a package that would guarantee Jackson winds up in Indy.
A pair of first-rounders and some extra value, such as the No. 35 overall pick and a second-rounder next year, could do the trick here.