NFL free agency has slowed down after a busy first week as teams begin preparing for the NFL Draft next month.
But with the draft looming, trade talks are likely to heat up again as teams not only figure out if they can move up or down the draft board, but also evaluate if they have the picks to make a deal for an impact player currently on a roster.
We have heard plenty of trade rumors, particularly among the quarterbacks, over the last few months and have seen some pretty big names, such as Matthew Stafford, Jared Goff and Carson Wentz already be dealt.
With time for more quarterbacks, and other impact players, to be dealt we try to predict what could happen in the ensuing weeks.
Jets trade Sam Darnold to the Denver Broncos
Getty Images
If you believe wide receiver Corey Davis, the Jets plan to move forward with Sam Darnold next season. But, with the No. 2 pick in the draft and a head coach and GM who have no ties to Darnold, we’re not ready to rule that out just yet.
The Jets have reportedly wanted to at least watch Justin Fields and Zach Wilson’s pro days before making a decision on Darnold, which may be why he has not been dealt yet.
By waiting, the market has certainly simmered as other potential trade candidates have filled the quarterback gaps on their teams, but there are still some other quarterback-needy teams remaining, including the Denver Broncos.
The Broncos have lost confidence in Drew Lock and it is believed that team president John Elway was enamored with Darnold in 2018, although GM George Paton is now in charge of personnel decisions.
Yet, if Lock is not their guy and they cannot trade up out of the No. 9 spot in the draft for one of the top quarterbacks, Darnold may be the best option Denver has.
Texans trade Deshaun Watson to the Carolina Panthers
Getty Images
The odds of this trade happening have probably waned over the last couple weeks due to more than a dozen sexual assault allegations from massage therapists against Watson.
It has made the Watson trade market a much more complicated one to navigate and interested suitors may ultimately decide to stay away from trading significant draft capital for someone being accused of the things Watson has allegedly done.
Yet, earlier this week, several teams were still showing interest in Watson despite the allegations and the Panthers were believed to be “all in” on Watson prior to them.
As of March 22, Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle wrote the Panthers still have interest in the 25-year-old quarterback.
The Panthers are still in need of a quarterback and Watson is more of a sure thing talent-wise than anything they could get in the draft. It will be a risk, and again, it may not happen at all in light of recent allegations, but if Watson does get moved the Panthers will likely be the team.
Eagles trade Zach Ertz to the Indianapolis Colts
It seems inevitable that the Eagles will trade Zach Ertz, especially if they have their eyes on highly touted tight end Kyle Pitts in the NFL Draft.
Philadelphia is reportedly seeking a third or fourth-round pick for the three-time Pro Bowler and sending Ertz to reunite with his former quarterback in Indianapolis may be the ultimate outcome here.
The Colts need a veteran tight end on their roster after the Patriots snagged both of the top tight ends in free agency. Wentz and Ertz already have a good rapport and Ertz would also be reunite with his former offensive coordinator, Frank Reich, as his new head coach. It just makes too much sense for it not to happen.
Jaguars trade Gardner Minshew to the 49ers
Getty Images
The Minshew trade rumors have been percolating ever since the Jaguars signed C.J. Beathard. With Trevor Lawrence incoming, it seems as if Minshew’s days are numbered in Jacksonville.
Minshew is an intriguing trade piece. He’s talented enough to be a starter on some teams, but would also make a good backup on a playoff contender. Enter the San Francisco 49ers.
The Niners do not seem as if they are going to trade Jimmy Garoppolo after shutting down the Patriots inquiries, but trading for Minshew would give them a viable backup if Garoppolo were to struggle or be sidelined with an injury – a recurring theme during his tenure in San Francisco.
Perhaps Minshew could even light a fire under Garoppolo. It would not take long for fans to begin clamoring for Minshew if Garoppolo gets off to a slow start in 2021.
Patriots trade N'Keal Harry to Washington Football Team
Getty Images
N’Keal Harry has been a bit of a disappointment for the New England Patriots and his future with the team remains uncertain.
Among the teams monitoring Harry is the Washington Football Team. While adding Curtis Samuel in free agency to join Terry McLaurin, the Football Team is looking to add more depth at wide receiver and adding a former first-round pick would be a low-risk, high-reward move.
LISTEN NOW on the RADIO.COM App
Follow RADIO.COM Sports
Twitter | Facebook I Instagram
