2023 NFL Draft candidates: Derrick Henry, DeAndre Hopkins among 13 big-name veterans who could be moved

Most of the big names available this NFL offseason have found new homes or cashed in on old ones. All eyes are now on the 2023 NFL Draft, where at least four – maybe five – different quarterback prospects they are expected to quit on day one. But the incoming freshmen may not be the only difference makers to gain new seats this weekend.

That’s right: we’re talking about draft day trades. As all 32 teams prepare their rosters for an influx of new talent, many will look to increase or improve their draft capital by selling expendable veterans. So here’s a look at 14 different candidates to shop at this week’s marquee event.

For more draft content, check out our latest prospect rankings and draft picks, as well as our “With the First Pick” NFL Draft podcast featuring former Vikings general manager Rick Spielman. (See the latest episode below.)

Do not care their mutual attraction from months past, Jackson and the Ravens find themselves in an odd situation after the former MVP acquired the non-exclusive franchise tag and revealed he requested a trade from Baltimore. Jackson has drawn virtually no interest as a technical free agent, mostly due to his stated contract demands, but what if a QB-needy team takes a first-round draft pick? Losing such an electric, if recently fragile, athlete would be a major blow to the Ravens, but it would save the team at least $32.4 million in 2023 and, depending on the throwback, could force the team to reset at right center. away If a quarterback-needy team loses a target in the draft, a move for Jackson would be a strong move.

Logical landing places: Colts, Falcons, Titans

He’s technically locked up through 2023 with the franchise tag, but that doesn’t mean the Raiders wouldn’t show or claim interest in him if a future long-term deal is unlikely. Coach Josh McDaniel, remember, comes from a multi-back Patriots system, even if he relied heavily on Jacobs in 2022. And the veteran player teased frustration with the current regime following the departure of Darren Waller this off-season. By moving the 25-year-old workhorse, Vegas will immediately save $10 million.

Logical landing places: Bills, Cardinals, Seahawks

Whenever he’s on the field, Henry takes over the Tennessee offense; to this day, no one matches his combination of size (6-3, 245), speed and experience at the position. But in three of the last four seasons, he’s surpassed 300 tackles, suffering a serious injury in between. In other words, depreciation exists. The Titans are in a rebuilding phase, or at least they should be, and they can save $6.3 million by trading the big man, who is entering a contract year. They say they’re not shopping him, but they’ve said the same thing about QB Ryan Tannehill, and he’s clearly expendable as Tennessee explores the best prospects at the position.

Logical landing places: Bills, Falcons, Seahawks

At full speed, Cook remains one of the top rushers in the NFL, coming off his fourth straight 1,000-yard campaign. But he’s 28 years old and has been plagued by injuries, has accumulated 1,500 career touches and is due at least $14 million over the next three years. Minnesota hasn’t been shy about parting ways with fan favorites to free up cash this offseason. Cook’s departure would allow the Vikings to save nearly $8 million via trade, allowing Alexander Mathison to become the next backfield rotation.

Logical landing places: Bills, Bengals, Ravens

If Los Angeles is serious about keeping members of Justin Herbert’s supporting cast, they will find a way to give Ekeler the raise he has publicly requested, even if only for this season. On the other hand, Ekeler himself doesn’t seem ready to make it through the season if he doesn’t get more money. Similar to Christian McCaffrey with his reliable high-volume pass-catching, he’s getting paid quite a bit at $6.125 million per year (13th among RBs) entering his contract year. However, the Chargers could get $6.25 million in savings if they do deal with a contender and address the position with some cheaper gambles.

Logical landing places: Eagles, falcons, airplanes

One of the more obvious trade candidates of the offseason, Hopkins remains an elite tackle when healthy, but he has missed 15 games over the past two years and is due nearly $30 million next season at age 31. Kyler Murray needs guns just like anyone else, but 2023 is a real transition year in Arizona as Jonathan Gannon transforms the culture. Marquise Brown is also a stretch and eligible for an extension, and Hopkins, whose exit would save $8.9 million immediately, remains a borderline No. 1 contender.

Logical landing places: Bills, Chiefs, Lions, Packers, Panthers, Ravens

After a solid 2021 season in his first year under Nick Sirianni (43 catches, 647 yards), Watkins’ speed didn’t match his productivity as he finished 3rd behind AJ Brown and Devonta Smith during the Eagles’ Super Bowl run. His weak arms could convince hyperactive GM Howie Roseman to offload him a year before his contract, saving $2.7 million immediately.

Logical landing places: Chargers, Colts, Falcons, Titans

Oliver has been a durable fixture in Buffalo’s interior for the past four years, but he is entering a contract year and could be looking for a lucrative extension after making massive trades for veterans like Javon Hargrave on the open market. Sean McDermott would certainly prefer to keep him around as the Bills make another run at a title, but if they can reallocate the $10.8 million he’s due in 2023 and further bolster Josh Allen’s weapons, an early split may not be switched off.

Logical landing places: Bears, Cardinals, Lions, Saints

An underrated front-court mainstay for Indianapolis alongside DeForest Buckner, Stewart has been durable and strong as a starter on the interior the past four years. He also has a fair deal to pay $10.875 million in 2023, given the slightly inflated DT market. But the Colts have reason to focus more on the offense under coach Shane Steichen, especially with a new QB. Dealing Stewart before his contract expires in 2024, starting at age 30, will also net him $9.6 million.

Logical landing places: Bears, Chargers, Cowboys, Saints

White, a polarizing four-year starter in Tampa Bay, is an athletic freak who has drawn high praise from coach Todd Bowles and posted gaudy numbers for the position. But he’s in a contract year and could make near-record money despite mediocre grades as a reliever, is reportedly asking for a trade this week. Trading him would deprive the club of a defensive leader, but would immediately save $11.7 million as the team prepares for potentially big moves after Tom Brady.

Logical landing places: Bills, Broncos, Chargers, Raiders

Young looked set to become a cornerstone for the Commanders when he was taken No. 2 overall out of Ohio State and then made the Pro Bowl as a rookie. However, injuries have plagued him and Washington ever since declined to pick up his fifth-year option. Could another team be willing to give up something of value and hope they can capitalize on his immense upside?

Logical landing places: Chiefs, Lions, Seahawks, Texans, Bills

baker requested a trade from Arizona earlier this offseason and given the position the roster is in, it might make sense for the team to let him have his way and start adding to their draft pick closet. A strong secondary who plays much bigger than his size (5-10, 195 pounds), Baker has also shown himself to be very durable, missing just five games in six seasons. He has base salaries of $13.1 million and $14.2 million over the next two years, and should be able to maintain a high level of play even after that, as he is due in 2024. is only his age-28 season.

Logical landing places: Eagles, Patriots, Colts, Commanders

Similar to Ekeler and Cook, Mixon is likely already too expensive for his team to pay him again, and the organization may look to acquire a cheaper and/or younger position. Bengals brass are unsurprisingly uncertain about Mixon’s future with the team, and if he isn’t traded, he could become a team casualty at some point this summer. As for which teams might need linebackers, that’s a trickier question.

Logical landing places: Eagles, Buccaneers, Saints, Rams, Bills