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NFL Free Agency predictions: Big WR trades are coming

By Lou Scataglia

Wide receiver Terry McLaurin #17 runs for a gain as offensive guard Wes Schweitzer #71 of the Washington Football Team blocks. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
Wide receiver Terry McLaurin #17 runs for a gain as offensive guard Wes Schweitzer #71 of the Washington Football Team blocks. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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The coming free agency period is set to be very dramatic yet again. Let’s make some spicy predictions and see what teams make big moves.

In the modern day NFL, instant gratification has taken over as teams are now being more aggressive in trying to find quick solutions to create a contending roster.

Rookie QBs are being played quicker, heavy free agency investments are still common and massive trades are now becoming more common.

This offseason will be no different.

So, let’s make some huge, wild, and crazy free agency predictions.

NFL Free Agency predictions: Big WR trades are coming

1. Lamar Jackson is traded to the Detroit Lions

The first free agency prediction will consistent of the Detroit Lions and Baltimore Ravens building a massive deal to send Jackson to the Motor City.

This is not an indictment on Jared Goff as he was excellent in 2022, but Jackson is more dynamic and younger.  The Ravens would receiver Goff and some draft picks in return for the former MVP, and I do think Baltimore could pick up right where they left off with Goff and multiple high draft picks.

2. Brandin Cooks is traded to the Denver Broncos

The second prediction I’ll make is Brandin Cooks being shipped to the Denver Broncos.  Cooks was drafted by Sean Payton and the New Orleans Saints and is averaging just under 1,000 yards a year during his nine year career.

Denver needs a true speed threat on the outside as KJ Hamler has not panned out, and the Texans are clearly rebuilding, so it does not make sense to continue to hang onto Cooks.  This would give Payton and old friend back and Russell Wilson another legitimate weapon.

3. DeAndre Hopkins is traded to the Chicago Bears

The Bears need to add some pass catchers in free agency, and we can say with strong certainly that DeAndre Hopkins could be moved.  I’m not sure if the Cardinals have a strong enough opinion on Hopkins to trade him out of the conference, but if not, the Bears make sense.

They have cap space and if they truly want to build around Justin Fields, acquiring a difference maker on the outside makes sense.

4. Derek Carr signs with the Panthers, Jimmy Garoppolo signs with the Jets, and Ryan Tannehill gets cut and signs with the Atlanta Falcons

The last prediction might not be crazy, but these potential QB moves will make headlines.  Derek Carr signing with the Panthers makes a ton of sense as Frank Reich has done well with veteran QBs before and the NFC South is wide open.  Carr is a decent enough QB to help get that team, with a stout defense and strong offensive line back to the playoffs.

Jimmy Garoppolo will sign with the New York Jets in free agency.  There is a connection there with Robert Saleh from their time in San Francisco, and Jimmy G would give them a couple of years to find a true long-term option.

Ryan Tannehill’s contract would give the Titans over $20 million in cap savings if cut, and with a GM in Tennessee, it makes sense that Tannehill will no longer take snaps for Tennessee.  Tannehill’s best years with Tennessee came when Arthur Smith was calling plays, so the fit in Atlanta makes sense.

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