The 11 Offseason Trades We Want to See: Barnwell Maps New Homes for 15 Players

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Predicting the NFL Offseason: 11 Trade Proposals to Reshape the League

Barely a week removed from Super Bowl LX, the National Football League (NFL) landscape is already buzzing with speculation about the upcoming offseason. While immediate deals can sometimes materialize through established relationships, most significant player movements are the result of a meticulously planned, often lengthy, negotiation process. Front offices meticulously weigh their options, balancing the potential gains from free agency against the strategic advantages of trades. This involves extensive dialogue with agents to gauge player interest and assess the feasibility of acquiring key talent.

As the league approaches the new NFL year in early March, a period traditionally marked by impactful transactions, the focus shifts to identifying potential blockbuster moves. This analysis presents 11 hypothetical trade proposals, designed to make strategic sense for all parties involved. While the allure of acquiring high-profile quarterbacks like Joe Burrow or Lamar Jackson is undeniable, the emphasis here is on players who are more realistically expected to be part of trade discussions in the coming weeks. This includes veterans facing potential free agency or cap-casualty situations, offering a pathway for teams to address roster needs.

Each proposal aims to outline the rationale behind a player becoming a trade target, suggest a fair compensation package, and identify potential landing spots. The valuation of these trades draws upon historical precedents, acknowledging that while past deals provide a framework, outliers like the DeAndre Hopkins and Quinnen Williams trades demonstrate that unique circumstances can significantly alter outcomes. Draft capital, as always, remains a crucial component in the vast majority of these proposed exchanges.

Scenario 1: Kyler Murray to the New York Jets

A compelling hypothetical trade sees quarterback Kyler Murray heading from the Arizona Cardinals to the New York Jets, with the Cardinals receiving a 2026 sixth-round pick and the Jets acquiring Murray along with a 2026 fourth-round pick. By the midpoint of the 2025 season, it was evident the Cardinals were moving on from the Kyler Murray era. A foot injury sidelined the former No. 1 pick for the remainder of the season, with Jacoby Brissett capably filling in. While the Cardinals have a new coaching staff, the decision regarding their franchise quarterback ultimately rests with ownership. Arizona's challenge in finding a suitable trade partner stems from Murray's substantial contract, which guarantees over $78 million in 2026 and 2027. Several teams, including the Vikings (salary cap issues), Browns (financial constraints with Deshaun Watson), Falcons (preferring an under-center offense), Raiders (likely drafting a QB), and Colts (expected to re-sign Daniel Jones), appear unlikely suitors. The Steelers, under Mike McCarthy, might also not be an ideal fit. This leaves the Dolphins and Jets as potential destinations, reminiscent of the Tyreek Hill sweepstakes. Given the Dolphins' recent coaching changes and focus on managing Tua Tagovailoa's contract, the Jets, under a coach like Aaron Glenn who may be incentivized to make aggressive moves, appear to be the more logical fit. Despite potential QB struggles in 2025, the Jets possess significant cap space (nearly $79 million) and a wealth of draft capital, making them capable of absorbing Murray's contract and providing him with an opportunity to revitalize his career.

Scenario 2: Maxx Crosby to the Chicago Bears

Another significant proposed transaction involves star edge rusher Maxx Crosby moving from the Las Vegas Raiders to the Chicago Bears in exchange for wide receiver DJ Moore and a 2026 first-round pick. Crosby has historically shown loyalty to the Raiders, but recent events, including being held out late in the 2025 season as the team pursued the top draft pick, suggest a potential shift. While Crosby has not publicly requested a trade, his future in Las Vegas appears uncertain following the departure of coach Pete Carroll. His contract extension, structured to facilitate a trade before the 2026 season, minimizes dead cap money for the Raiders. However, the compensation for a player of Crosby's caliber, despite his age (turning 29 in August) and injury history, would need to be substantial. Reports suggest the Raiders would demand a return comparable to what the Micah Parsons trade yielded, a figure likely considered unrealistic given Crosby's age and injury context compared to Parsons' prime status.

These are just two of the 11 proposed trades, offering a glimpse into the strategic maneuvering and player movement that defines the NFL offseason. The analysis continues to explore other potential deals involving players like Mac Jones, A.J. Brown, and more, painting a picture of a league poised for significant transformation.

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