Draft Day is approaching, and every fan base of the NFL 32 teams is filled with excitement and nervousness about which direction their team will head over the seven rounds spread across three days. But as these teams draft college kids and hope they become franchise players, they also are making trades. They aren't only trading up or trading back in the draft, but they are also making trades that see current players sent to new teams on Draft Day. It could be because of looming contract talks or situations not just working out.
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Last year, we saw the Philadelphia Eagles trade for wide receiver A.J. Brown from the Tennessee Titans in the first round of the draft, and that played out pretty well.
Other players who have been traded during the draft include:
- Randy Moss, who was traded from the Raiders to the Patriots in 2007.
- Jerome Bettis, who was traded from the Rams to the Steelers in 1996.
- Trent Williams, who was traded from Washington to the 49ers in 2020.
Whether it's early or late in the draft, trades involving players happen — and this year, we could see a handful of players traded to a new team during the NFL Draft.
DeAndre Hopkins, Arizona Cardinals
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The Arizona Cardinals acquired wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins at a bargain price and could get more back than what they trade him for. However, it seems that a release or some mid-round draft picks are the only things left on the table. Things have not gone well for either side since Hopkins joined the team, and he has made it known that he is ready for a new chapter in his career. Teams that could trade for Hopkins include the Kansas City Chiefs and the Buffalo Bills.
Austin Ekeler, Los Angeles Chargers
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Austin Ekeler has been very public about his displeasure with the Chargers organization and has made it known that he has requested a trade from the team. Ekeler, averaging over 1,600 scrimmage yards and 19 touchdowns over the last two seasons, is ready for a payday and will want a contract extension as a part of this trade. Teams that could trade for Ekeler include the Philadelphia Eagles and the Chicago Bears.
Jonah Williams, Cincinnati Bengals
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When you get replaced on your current team and are told you will be moving to the other side of the offensive line, that can cause frustration that leads to a trade request. And that is exactly what has happened with the Cincinnati Bengals and Jonah Williams following the Bengals' signing of Orlando Brown Jr. Williams, who is only 25 years old, could be traded for a mid-round pick and become a steal for whoever acquires him. Teams that could trade for Williams include the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Dallas Cowboys.
Montez Sweat, Washington Commanders
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The Washington Commanders could have one of the most expensive defensive lines in the NFL. Daron Payne and Jonathan Allen combine for over $40 million in cap space, and Chase Young is nearing his team option decision and/or contract extension, leaving Montez Sweat as the odd man out. But rather than let him walk, the Commanders could get some type of value for him in return. Teams that could trade for Sweat include the Kansas City Chiefs and the Cleveland Browns.
