Odell Beckham Jr.
This move has been rumored for quite some time. Depending on what happens with Dallas in the offseason, you can envision a scenario in which the Cowboys look for some more explosiveness on the perimeter. CeeDee Lamb is by far the most talented player within the position. With all due respect to Michael Gallup and Noah Brown, we aren’t sure if either can be a true No. 2 receiver for a Super Bowl contender. Further away from his knee surgery, Beckham Jr. should be fully healthy after sitting out all of this past year. He is more than capable in giving Dallas a legitimate threat alongside the aforementioned Lamb. He may even come to the Cowboys on a rather team-friendly deal.
Prediction: Dallas Cowboys
DeAndre Hopkins
All reports have pointed to the Cardinals steering towards a rebuild which would likely see them moving on from some of their stars. Of course, the biggest prize for potential trade partners is WR DeAndre Hopkins who is still among the league’s most talented pass catchers. After serving a suspension to the start the year, Hopkins made nine appearances in ’22 and finished the year with 64 receptions, 717 yards and three scores.
He’s still just 30 years old (the same as Davante Adams), and would likely be dealt for at least a couple of high-value draft picks. The Bears could hold all the cards as it pertains to the NFL Draft. Chicago could find itself with a boatload of picks if it deals the No. 1 overall selection. Packaging a few of those to get Justin Fields a legit option on the outside seems like a savvy move.
Prediction: Chicago Bears
Orlando Brown Jr.
Orlando Brown Jr.’s season has not gone exactly as expected. Last offseason, Brown Jr. signed a one-year deal with the Chiefs in hopes of reaching an agreement on a lucrative, long-term contract down the road. Though Brown Jr. was once again elected a Pro Bowler (fourth selection), he did not have a season indicative of an elite offensive tackle. Brown Jr. led all tackles in QB hurries allowed (36) and several metrics had him ranked as the Chiefs’ worst starting offensive lineman. Though he might not end up being the highest-paid at the position, left tackle is a premium position and teams are always in need of offensive linemen. The Falcons need to compliment their bevy of skill players with a strong offensive line.
Prediction: Atlanta Falcons
Aaron Rodgers
It felt like Green Bay losing to Detroit in Week 18 to be officially eliminated from the postseason was the final nail in Aaron Rodgers’ tenure with the Packers. Both sides moving on appears to be in order as the Packers attempt to move forward with Jordan Love, while Rodgers searches for the team that will be home to his final act. While Rodgers is coming off a career-worst season, he’s just a year removed from being named back-to-back MVP and throwing 85 TDs in a two-year span.
The most fun scenario for all parties would be Rodgers going back West to play for the 49ers — the team that opted for Alex Smith over him 18 years ago. Rodgers with Christian McCaffrey, Deebo Samuel, and George Kittle — with Kyle Shanahan calling plays — would be a sight to see.
Prediction: San Francisco 49ers
Josh Jacobs
Josh Jacobs made Vegas’ decision to not pickup his fifth-year option an expensive mistake. Jacobs exploded in ’22 as he led the league in rushing yards (1,653) in what was a career year. The fourth-year back has always been talented, but it seemed like he flourished in Josh McDaniels’ rushing scheme. Jacobs is a punishing runner who is constantly breaking tackles and finding extra yards. While those sort of rushers don’t typically have lengthy careers, Jacobs is still just 24 years old and certainly has plenty left in the tank. If the Raiders can’t come to terms on a long-term deal with their All-Pro RB, expect them to utilize the franchise tag to prolong a potential deal for another year.
Prediction: Las Vegas Raiders
Tom Brady
Brady’s time in Tampa Bay seems to be coming to a close. After spending three years with the Buccaneers, it’s time for the GOAT to move on. Where his next destination will be is currently uncertain. There’s a general feeling that the Las Vegas Raiders will almost certainly be in contention to sign Brady. The Josh McDaniels connection is there, and Brady would be joining a stacked offense which includes Davante Adams and Josh Jacobs. The 49ers are another potential option, as they were Brady’s childhood team and would become an instant favorite in the NFC. Some pundits have even floated a reunion in New England as a possibility.
In the end, we’re going to go with the team that nearly signed him two years ago. The Miami Dolphins even lost a draft pick for tampering with the seven-time Super Bowl champion. Brady joining forces with coach Mike McDaniel while tossing passes to Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle would be a disaster for the rest of the league.
Prediction: Miami Dolphins
Lamar Jackson
Is it possible we’ve seen Lamar Jackson’s final game in Baltimore? Jackson is set to be a free agent this offseason, and the two sides have struggled to come to terms on a long-term deal. Jackson is a former league MVP, though his play dipped in ’22. Baltimore has also struggled mightily in the postseason recently. The most obvious choice for the Ravens is to use the franchise tag on Jackson, but that could create a whole new set of issues if Jackson refused to play under that designation. That could open up a potential trade, and there will be a line of teams pining for the dynamic Jackson’s services.
The Dolphins, Raiders, Giants and Jets, among others, are all potential landing spots. One team to look out for is the Atlanta Falcons. Atlanta has all of its picks (including No. 8 this year), a ton of salary cap (to ink Jackson to a mega-deal), and even have a young QB it could ship back to Baltimore in Desmond Ridder.
Prediction: Atlanta Falcons
