There is still a ton of time left in the 2023 NFL offseason. Could we still see three major trades happen that would shake up the NFL? Just because we’re late in the offseason, doesn’t mean we still can’t see some fireworks.
There has been some drama lately related to players and their current contracts. Some players seem to want to be traded and a big reason why for some of those players would be their desire for a new contract.
At the end of the day, the NFL is a business, and tough decisions are always needing to be made. There are a few players that I think have a chance to be traded this offseason before week one. Who would these players be?
2023 NFL Offseason: Three big trades we could still see
DE Danielle Hunter to the Denver Broncos
There has been reported trade interest in Minnesota Vikings’ DE Danielle Hunter, who is making just barely over $5 million this year and is desiring a new contract. Couple this with the Vikings parting with several veteran players this offseason and it’s easy to see why Hunter could have a new team in 2023.
He’s still just 28 years old and is coming off a double-digit sack season. He’s been one of the better pass rushers in the NFL, and would make a lot of sense on the Denver Broncos. The Broncos’ GM, George Paton, was in the Vikings’ front office when Hunter was drafted.
The Broncos are also already without Baron Browning, who needs a knee procedure to repair a partially torn meniscus. The team did sign Frank Clark recently, but it’s expected that he’d play defensive end. Hunter can lineup with his hand in the dirt or as an EDGE rusher. Denver should make this move in the 2023 NFL offseason.
WR Mike Evans to the New England Patriots
Mike Evans has been one of the most consistent players in the NFL in this generation. He’s been in the NFL for nine seasons and has had at least 1,000 yards in each of those seasons, an NFL record. It’s truly insane how productive he’s been.
Evans is not yet 30 years old and would be a nice short-term fix at WR for the New England Patriots. They did sign JuJu Smith-Schuster in free agency, but outside of him, they don’t really have anyone else of note at the position.
Evans would form a nasty duo with Smith-Schuster and would present Mac Jones with an ideal situation in the passing game, along with having two excellent tight ends in Hunter Henry and Mike Gesicki.
RB Saquon Barkley to the Cincinnati Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals can still save over $10 million against their cap if they cut Joe Mixon, who is coming off an inconsistent season. Saquon Barkley also seems to be upset at the Giants for the lack of progress on getting him a long-term deal.
I am a strong advocate against paying running backs, but teams still do it. The Bengals did it a couple of years ago with Mixon, so it’s clear that they value the position. Why not make an offer for Barkley, a much better RB, and part with Mixon?
The Bengals could offer Joe Mixon and a draft pick to the Giants for Barkley. There have been some crazy moves made in the 2023 NFL offseason, and this could be another one.