Following mandatory minicamp, NFL teams have several weeks to make roster changes before training camp. In that period, general managers will exchange calls, which may result in some shocking trade deals.
Last year, the Cleveland Browns dealt Baker Mayfield to the Carolina Panthers early in July. Though that's a small-scale trade that came with little surprise because of the quarterback's recent struggles, he's a former No. 1 overall pick who generated a ton of buzz last offseason.
Over the past several weeks, notable players have been subject to trade speculation because of a contract dispute, changes within their team's coaching ranks or recent roster acquisitions.
We'll revisit some of the trade chatter and highlight a couple of potential training camp holdouts who could be shipped to new teams this summer. Every scenario below would have significant playoff implications for either or both teams.
New England Patriots Acquire WR Courtland Sutton from Denver Broncos
New England Patriots receive: WR Courtland Sutton
Denver Broncos receive: 2024 2nd-round pick
The Broncos set a steep price for their top two receivers.
According to 9News' Mike Klis, they wanted a first-round pick for Jerry Jeudy or a second-rounder for Sutton in March, which seems to match ESPN NFL insider Dan Graziano's late-April report about the team's asking prices:
"Teams have known for a while the Broncos would consider moving one of their wide receivers, but they've asked for high prices in return for Jerry Jeudy or Courtland Sutton. Teams are watching to see whether Denver drops its demands for those guys, but as of now neither seems likely to get moved."
Assuming the Broncos stand pat on the compensation for Jeudy and Sutton but remain open to offers, the latter seems like a more realistic trade option because a second-round pick isn't much for a receiver-needy team in win-now mode.
Over the past few days, the Patriots have hosted wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins on his free-agent tour. The Athletic's Jeff Howe wrote, "there's optimism" for an agreement between the Patriots and Hopkins.
Nonetheless, the 31-year-old has plenty of time to make a decision on his next destination, which leaves time for other teams to sign him.
If the Patriots strike out with Hopkins, who's a big-bodied 6'1", 211-pounder, they can turn their focus to Sutton, who's also a big pass-catching target at 6'4", 216 pounds.
New England may be aggressive in search of a veteran wideout. According to NFL Network's Mike Giardi, JuJu Smith-Schuster is battling a lingering injury (knee) from the previous campaign.
In the AFC East, the Patriots need to keep pace with two rivals that made the playoffs last season and the Aaron Rodgers-led New York Jets.