The 2021 NFL offseason has been must see TV and the excitement may not be over yet. There is still another three months or so until the NFL is scheduled to resume play, and teams will be looking to make the appropriate moves to get the most out of their rosters in 2021.
With so much time left before the start of the season, we may not have seen the last of player movement. Obviously, free agency and the NFL Draft are done with, but teams may still want to tinker with their rosters. That is when the trade season fun can begin.
Plenty of players could be available this offseason. Some big names could be on the market and there are a few other pieces that could play good roles for another team that could be on the trade block. Only time will tell, but this could be a very busy late offseason trade market compared to recent years.
Let’s take a look at some trades that could go down before the 2021 season kicks off and some guys who could be dealt.
5. Deshaun Watson, Houston Texans
This one should come as no real surprise. Deshaun Watson and the Texans have had a major falling out this offseason and they could trade the quarterback. The Texans should have granted Watson his initial trade request so that politics and off the field issues didn’t have to be involved, but now Watson has a plethora of lawsuits he’s currently fighting while also trying to be traded away to a new NFL team.
It’s honestly hard to gauge where Watson ranks in terms of value now, but whoever winds up with him will be getting a steal. Expect teams like the Saints or Raiders to be interested in Deshaun Watson.
4. Jordan Hicks, Arizona Cardinals
Jordan Hicks is a new addition to the NFL trade block as the team recently granted him an opportunity to seek a trade from the team. Hicks and the Cardinals don’t have any tension, but the two sides did agree that a trade would better benefit each side following the draft selection of Tulsa linebacker Zaven Collins.
Hicks, 28, had a great season with the Cardinals in 2020 as he racked up 118 tackles, 11 tackles for a loss, and four passes defended. He would be a great addition to any team who needs a linebacker, and some squads like the Saints, 49ers, or Panthers could be interested in making a deal.
3. Zach Ertz, Philadelphia Eagles
Zach Ertz being on this list also should come as no surprise. The Eagles and Ertz have had their fair share of differences throughout the offseason and they have been actively searching for a trade partner for him.
Ertz is one of the best tight ends in the NFL when he’s on the field and a trade could allow him to get a fresh start with a new team and regain his old form. He could be traded to any team with a tight end need, but teams like the Carolina Panthers, Seattle Seahawks, and Indianapolis Colts really stand out.
2. Odell Beckham Jr, Cleveland Browns
Odell Beckham Jr. has been in trade rumors pretty much since he arrived in Cleveland and that hasn’t changed at all this offseason. The Browns could be open to exploring some trade options regarding Beckham Jr. due to his inconsistent play and injury history and there are more than enough teams who could be interested in bringing in the former first round pick from LSU.
The Browns have grown frustrated that OBJ has failed to gain chemistry with his teammates and Baker Mayfield, but it’s primarily because of his lack of time actually being on the field. Some interested teams in Beckham could be the New Orleans Saints, Baltimore Ravens, Indianapolis Colts, or the Green Bay Packers.
1. Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers
Aaron Rodgers being on this list shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone. Rodgers has been involved in trade rumors all offseason due to him being frustrated with the Green Bay front office and the two sides could separate this offseason.
Green Bay likes what they have in Jordan Love at the quarterback position and they could get some valuable draft insurance by dealing away their 37-year-old signal caller. Some teams that could make a lot of sense for Aaron Rodgers to be traded to are the New Orleans Saints, Denver Broncos, and Las Vegas Raiders.
