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The 2024 NFL offseason will soon see many players changing teams. Some teams will shell out major cash to haul in top free agents. Elsewhere, some teams may utilize the franchise tag to avoid losing a top piece for free. But of course, there is always a possibility of trades occurring this time of year.
Finding the adequate trade value is always a bit tricky. Some teams are also in different life cycles and windows than others, making a potential deal spur out of nowhere. In the end, there are some players that are found in the midst of many trade rumors for the 2024 NFL offseason. We are not saying that all of these players are guaranteed to be on the move. But for the sake of some entertaining ideas and logical landing spots, we have come up with five trades that we would like to see in the 2024 NFL offseason.
Who could benefit most from a change of scenery? Which veterans may have to be shipped out, due to large cap hits? Let’s kick it off with our first of five trades that we would like to see happen in this 2024 NFL offseason.
WR Brandon Aiyuk To The Indianapolis Colts
The San Francisco 49ers just lost Super Bowl LVIII to the Kansas City Chiefs. It was a difficult ending for many top San Francisco players. But in particular, the situation surrounding wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk appears to be messy. The 49ers are already over the cap and in the red with their 2024 salary cap. Many offensive pieces not named Aiyuk have already been paid extensively. And on top of that, there appears to be some frustration that Aiyuk has with San Francisco.
After the Super Bowl loss, Aiyuk took to Instagram and posted, “don’t forget what got you there.” While that cryptic post could mean anything, the lack of consistent looks he received in the Super Bowl likely played a part. Even Aiyuk’s brother quickly took to social media after the big game saying, “This is the exact reason why we leaving San Francisco. Thank you 49ers for drafting my brother, we are forever grateful.”
Social media antics have not always led to immediate breakups in the NFL. But with already paying Deebo Samuel a significant chunk of cash and with Aiyuk entering the fifth-year option season on his rookie deal, a change could come quickly. If so, San Francisco is arguably losing their best all-around wide receiver.
Why The Colts Make Sense
The Indianapolis Colts will have a key free agent case with their own number one wide receiver, Michael Pittman Jr. Indianapolis could always franchise tag Pittman Jr. But if not, things get even more interesting for the Colts offense. The hope is they can retain Pittman Jr. Just imagine what adding Aiyuk would do for this offense. The wide receiver depth outside of Pittman Jr. does not inspire much confidence. Josh Downs had a fine rookie season, but will need to solidify his role further. Another top weapon for young quarterback Anthony Richardson only aids him in his development. And if the Colts wanted to try to extend Aiyuk themselves, they currently have the sixth most salary cap space, via Over The Cap.
EDGE Rusher Khalil Mack To The Los Angeles Rams
The Los Angeles Chargers have some hefty salary cap hits to deal with in 2024. For the quartet of Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack alone, they are projected to account for roughly 60 percent of the Chargers’ salary cap in 2024. Some sort of changes have to be coming, as a result. Could trading Mack be one of those?
The Chargers may not want to move on from him, especially with a new regime taking over. But right now, it feels like Los Angeles could be more willing to revamp the defense after their struggles recently. Mack was not one of those that struggled mightily in 2023. He was still fairly productive, overall, notching 17 sacks. That was his first double-digit sack season since 2018.
With that in mind, the Chargers could potentially sell the notion of Mack still being dynamic enough as he continues to get older. Surely, more than a couple of teams would have interest in the exciting pass rusher. LA could help themselves financially and add more assets for the upcoming future.
Why The Rams Make Sense
Obviously, the Los Angeles Rams have never been afraid to take swings at major stars, no matter how long they have been in the league. They have also never shied away from taking on hefty cap hits, to boot. Los Angeles was quietly strong defensively last year, despite relying on many young pieces. But with the opportunity to potentially add more power to the pass rush, the Rams may see Mack as a viable option for 2024. With him and Aaron Donald on the defensive line, Los Angeles can certainly remain competitive next season. Perhaps, the Rams take the swing and keep Mack in SoFi Stadium, just with a different shade of blue.
QB Justin Fields To The Pittsburgh Steelers
The Chicago Bears have another quarterback decision to make. While I would not place the entire blame on Justin Fields, it appears that he is done in Chicago. With the number one overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, I would expect the Bears to select Caleb Williams, resetting their clock at the position within their continuing rebuild. In turn, Fields is likely to have some suitors via the trade market.
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The rumored spots that have been discussed are all fascinating entering 2024. For instance, the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons already have recent draft picks in place with Kenny Pickett and Desmond Ridder, respectively. But with their struggles, nothing is guaranteed for those incumbent passers. But, does Fields have what it takes to win a possible quarterback competition?
Why The Steelers Make Sense
Of all of the landing spots, Pittsburgh is the most intriguing and most likely spot, in my opinion. The Steelers may not have given up completely on Pickett. But with the weapons Pittsburgh has in place, a young piece like Fields in that environment may take some pressure off of him. Head coach Mike Tomlin has also been able to get the best out of former cast offs from other organizations. Even if he has to win a quarterback competition, Fields could find his confidence with the Steelers.
WR Stefon Diggs To The Dallas Cowboys
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Call it a cheap pick or whatever, placing Stefon Diggs on the same team as his brother, Trevon Diggs. But nonetheless, there have been a few strange instances between Stefon and the Buffalo Bills in recent offseasons. Head coach Sean McDermott said he was concerned last year when Diggs opted not to show up to minicamp. That phrasing probably created a bigger stir than Diggs missing practices himself. But previously, we have seen Diggs be vocal about his stance in Buffalo and the relationship with quarterback Josh Allen has been murky at times, from the outside looking in.
With these constant questions of if they will move on or not, maybe the Bills finally pull the trigger this offseason. Buffalo is in a difficult spot, in terms of salary cap space. Their current core is aging in key spots. And for Diggs himself, he saw a major decline in production throughout the second half of 2023.
Why The Cowboys Make Sense
Outside of the Diggs brother’s connection, Dallas is entering a pivotal season in 2024. Dak Prescott is likely going to get another contract extension soon, so long as they continue to believe in him. Other young stars like CeeDee Lamb and Micah Parsons will need new deals soon, as well. And at head coach, Mike McCarthy is entering a contract year next season. With an even greater make-or-break campaign in Dallas in 2024, the Cowboys could take a chance on Diggs. And with the other offensive weapons in place, he would not have to carry the offense in Dallas, compared to what he was doing as a weapon in Buffalo.
SAF Justin Simmons To The Philadelphia Eagles
Justin Simmons may not carry as much star power nationally, compared to some of these other names. But for a constantly struggling Denver Broncos team, Simmons has been a consistent contributor. His ball production at safety is rare. Add in his instincts and coverage skills against pass catchers of all shapes and sizes, and he deserves more attention.
Simmons is entering the final year of his current contract in 2024. Reportedly, teams discussed the idea of trading Simmons with the Broncos prior to the 2023 trade deadline. Therefore, those talks may resonate, once again. Like some of these other teams, Denver is currently in the red in cap space. We also know that Sean Payton is not afraid to make wide-sweeping changes to his team in one offseason.
Why The Eagles Make Sense
The Philadelphia Eagles were absolutely atrocious as a secondary in 2023. Long completions down the field, yards after the catch and poor tackles all hindered Philadelphia immensely last season. The Eagles could save significant salary cap space by cutting Kevin Byard. But if they do that, only Reed Blankenship and Sydney Brown are under contract at safety in 2024. The need is there. Additionally, Simmons has past experience with new Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio. So, the fit is certainly there also.
Be on the lookout for more FPC NFL articles and analysis throughout the 2024 NFL offseason. For more great sports and NFL content, stay tuned to Full Press Coverage.
– Braden Holecek is the Kansas City Chiefs managing editor for Full Press Coverage. He covers the NFL. Like and follow on Follow @ebearcat9//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js Follow @FPC_Chiefs//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js and Facebook.