This isn't your grandfather's NFL anymore. A league that was once known to rarely make trades and move players around has dramatically altered course in the past few years, which makes things all the more interesting for us as fantasy football managers.
In 2022, we saw players like Tyreek Hill, A.J. Brown, and Davante Adams all find themselves in new locations for various reasons. Today's GMs are not afraid of making a trade if they believe it can help set their team up for success down the line.
With that in mind, here are 10 players that could potentially be on the move this offseason.
10. Brandin Cooks (WR - Houston Texans)
It's no secret that Cooks desperately wants out of Houston. His social media was littered with his frustrations at the 2022 NFL Trade Deadline, but he was ultimately kept around by the team due to his contract. The veteran wide receiver wants no part in a complete rebuild, which is understandable, and he'd prefer to be shipped off to a contending team ASAP.
That may have changed now that Houston's in a prime spot to select one of the 2023 NFL Draft's best quarterbacks, but at 30 years old, he'd still likely desire playing with a more proven quarterback that he can chase a championship ring with together. Cooks can still play at a high level too, so he won't have a shortage of suitors if he is officially put on the trade block within the next couple of months.
Likely Destinations: Dallas, Green Bay, Kansas City
9. Dalvin Cook (RB - Minnesota Vikings)
Considering the names that are likely to be available in the free agent running back class this year, plus the surplus of young talent in the NFL Draft, it's highly unlikely that any team would be willing to send away draft capital for a veteran running back. However, Cook has the pedigree and production to his name to potentially have some suitors if it's made known that he's available.
If the Vikings trade Cook with a post-June 1 designation, they'll accrue just $3,000,000 in dead money, but they'll save over $11,000,000 on the cap. This team will have to make a decision on Alexander Mattison as he is set to hit free agency, and they may choose to go with the younger - and less expensive - option with more tread on his tires and dedicate Cook's contract to fixing the defense.
Likely Destinations: Atlanta, LA Rams, Miami
8. Deandre Hopkins (WR - Arizona Cardinals)
The Cardinals have a completely new regime in town, and it seems as though the team is barreling toward a rebuild. Hopkins has been great for the Cardinals - aside from his suspension in 2022 - but he's now on the wrong side of 30 and may not want to stick around for a rebuild. Kyler Murray is unlikely to play much in 2023 due to his injury, and it may be wise for Arizona to recoup some draft capital by trading Hopkins while he still holds solid value.
The Cardinals would take a hit from a salary cap perspective to do this trade, but it might be worth it in their eyes if they know they're not going to compete in 2023 anyway. If it becomes known that Hopkins is on the trade block, the list of teams looking to acquire him would be extensive.
Likely Destinations: Buffalo, Chicago, NY Giants
7. Keenan Allen (WR - Los Angeles Chargers)
Allen's one of the best wide receivers the league has to offer when he's fully healthy. Unfortunately, Allen does have a lengthy injury history and missed several games this past season, which doesn't bode well for his outlook with the Chargers when you consider the fact that he's going to carry a $21,700,000 cap hit into 2023.
Obviously, Los Angeles would love to keep the veteran wide receiver around, but they simply may have to make a tough decision to move on from him to address other key needs on their roster. Despite the injury concerns, though, Allen would figure to have significant interest on the trade market.
Likely Destinations: Chicago, Dallas, New England
6. Aaron Rodgers (QB - Green Bay Packers)
We're still waiting for Rodgers to emerge from the darkness to share his revelation regarding his future in the NFL, but all reports indicate that the team is ready to move on from their long-time starting quarterback, regardless. This regime drafted Jordan Love in the first round several years ago with the hope that he would be the heir apparent to Rodgers, and they're appearing to be finally ready to give him his shot.
The issue standing in everyone's way is Rodgers' massive contract and the dead money the Packers would accrue if they were to trade him. It's not impossible, but it would take some cap gymnastics to make a trade work. There will be win-now teams ready to acquire his services, but what will the compensation be? Multiple first-round picks for a quarterback that may play one or two more years - albeit it still at a high level - seems a bit excessive.
Likely Destinations: Las Vegas, NY Jets
