With the 2020 NFL Draft fast approaching, there are several quality veteran players who could be traded for additional compensation on draft day.
We’ve already seen some incredible trades happen this offseason where a player was swapped for NFL Draft capital. Two players returned a first-round pick for their services, as both Stefon Diggs and DeForest Buckner were traded for an additional Day 1 selection.
Brandin Cooks was traded for the third time in his career, netting a second-round pick in a receiver-heavy class. Even DeAndre Hopkins, whom most thought would be a lock to be on Houston’s starting roster in 2020, was traded for an aging running back and additional draft capital.
We could see more notable veterans moved during the NFL draft. Last year, Josh Rosen’s name came up in trade rumors prior to the Arizona Cardinals selecting Kyler Murray. After the Cardinals committed to the rookie out of Oklahoma, Rosen was firmly on the block and dealt to the Miami Dolphins for the No. 62 overall selection. Linebacker Dekoda Watson and defensive tackle Hassan Ridgeway were also dealt during the draft for late-round picks.
It’s rare to see franchise-altering players dealt during the NFL draft, but it does happen on occasion. During the 2007 NFL Draft, the Oakland Raiders sent Randy Moss to the New England Patriots for the 110th overall pick. As everyone remembers, Moss went on to have three 1,000-yard seasons in New England and broke Jerry Rice’s record for most touchdown receptions in a single season.
The players on this list may not have the upside of Moss but they could become a key piece on their new team and make history themselves. Let’s look at five players I believe could be dealt during the 2020 NFL Draft.
5. Andy Dalton, QB
Just like last year’s Arizona Cardinals, the Cincinnati Bengals seem primed to move on from their previous year’s starting quarterback to select their franchise passer with the No. 1 overall pick. All signs point to LSU’s Joe Burrow being the first quarterback off of the board, which would send Andy Dalton to the bench.
There had been rumors earlier this offseason that the New England Patriots could be a landing spot for Dalton, but those have since subsided as they signed Brian Hoyer to compete with Jarrett Stidham. Nonetheless, multiple other teams could be on the market for a capable backup quarterback who only has one year remaining on his contract.
Dalton is currently due $17.7 million for 2020, but the Bengals are not on the hook for any of that salary should they move on from him. Several teams with an unsettled backup quarterback situation like the New York Jets and Buffalo Bills could be interested in acquiring Dalton, as they have the cap space to take on his contract and could use a veteran presence behind their young passers.
In any event, it’s probable any deal involving the veteran returns low draft compensation and necessitates a restructuring of Dalton’s contract to some extent. While one could argue the Bengals should keep Dalton to mentor Burrow for a year, they may not have the luxury.
With only $8 million in cap space and seven draft picks to sign, it’s possible they trade Dalton and acquire a cheaper backup currently on the market like Trevor Siemian or Blake Bortles. Dalton’s days in Cincinnati are numbered.
Projected Draft Compensation: 2020 fifth-round pick
4. Josh Rosen
Another quarterback who may potentially get moved (again!) is Josh Rosen. With the near certainty that the Miami Dolphins draft a quarterback, there’s not much room for Rosen on the roster. The former No. 10 overall pick had a horrendous campaign with Miami, completing 53% of his passes for 567 yards, one touchdown, and five interceptions in his five games of action.
Nonetheless, former first-round picks are granted the benefit of the doubt more often than not, and Rosen is no exception. Rosen had played with some of the worst supporting casts in his career; his offensive lines in both Arizona and Miami allowed him to be sacked a combined 61 times in just 19 games. According to PlayerProfiler, his supporting cast efficiency in each of his two seasons ranked outside of the top-30 NFL teams.
While Rosen has shown moments of promise, he’s merely a speculative asset right now. Teams like the New England Patriots, Green Bay Packers and New Orleans Saints may be willing to acquire him in the hopes he could develop into a long-term backup or potential successor. Those organizations are much more established and well run than Rosen’s previous stops, so there is potential for the former UCLA Bruin to experience a career resurrection under those head coaches.
The Dolphins have no need for Rosen, as Ryan Fitzpatrick is a serviceable stopgap quarterback and could mentor the incoming rookie passer. Rosen will probably fetch similar compensation to Dalton, mainly because Rosen is only due $5 million over the next two years. Nonetheless, the former first-round pick could once again be moved after Miami secures their franchise passer.
Projected Draft Compensation: Conditional 2020 sixth-round pick
3. Matt Breida
Although Matt Breida was brought back on a second-round tender by the San Francisco 49ers, I have to imagine his name will come up in trade talks during this draft. The 49ers have five running backs on their roster (not to mention their fullback Kyle Juszczyk) who could operate as a lead or complimentary runner, and I believe Kyle Shanahan knows he can grab another running back in undrafted free agency if needed.
Breida will most likely be on the block because he saw the least utilization among the active runners down the stretch. Tevin Coleman and Raheem Mostert each saw double-digit carries in at least one playoff game, while Breida only filled in when Coleman went down. Breida only received nine total carries during the playoffs, with one touch in the NFC Championship Game and none in the Super Bowl.
Yet, Breida could have some value to teams in need of a change of pace back. Breida is only 24 years old and runs a 4.44-second 40-yard dash. He averaged over five yards per carry last season and ranked sixth in runs that went for 15 or more yards. He is a talented player, but the 49ers have little need for him, especially with Jeff Wilson and Jerick McKinnon likely to see some more action in 2020.
While this class is deep at running back, teams like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers or Tennessee Titans may look to ship off a late-round pick for a veteran running back that could contribute immediately. Breida won’t cost much but he could make some game-changing plays for whatever team acquires his services.
Projected draft compensation: Conditional 2020 sixth-round pick
2. Trent Williams
Trent Williams is one of the few names on this list that would be an immediate starter for whatever franchise is able to acquire him. After holding out last season, the Washington Redskins had finally given his agent permission to seek a trade earlier this offseason. Yet, there have not been any recent discussions regarding a potential deal. As the draft approaches, I believe the Redskins will relent while they are still able to acquire 2020 draft capital.
Williams has been a standout player at the tackle position for some time, only allowing one sack and nine quarterback hits in 2018; he gave up zero sacks in 2017 despite playing 615 snaps at the position.
Williams has also been selected to the Pro-Bowl five times and made AP’s second-team All-Pro in 2015. While his best years may be behind him, he’s a capable left tackle with only one year at $12.5 million left on his contract.
There’s always a need for starting offensive linemen, so there should be a fair share of suitors for Williams’s services. What is likely holding up any trade from being completed is the Redskins are not getting as much compensation as they would like for their disgruntled left tackle, given they have lost all leverage in negotiations by now.
They should get a high second-rounder, but I think they’ll end up settling for a third-round pick and an additional selection in 2021.
Projected draft compensation: 2020 third-round pick and 2021 fifth-round pick
1. Yannick Ngakoue
Yannick Ngakoue’s situation is very similar to Trent Williams’ ordeal. The Jacksonville Jaguars‘ young defensive end no longer wants to be on the team, yet he’s currently stuck in Jacksonville since he was hit with the franchise tag. Ngakoue has made it abundantly clear on social media that he no longer wishes to be part of the organization and will not play another down as a Jaguar.
This puts Jacksonville in a tough situation. They currently have little leverage in trade negotiations, as Ngakoue’s refusal to play for the team will make it difficult for them to feign that they are fine with keeping him. While teams are likely low-balling the Jaguars right now for Ngakoue, someone should end up sending them a decent offer by the time draft day rolls around.
Ngakoue will likely demand a long-term deal as part of any trade, and his play certainly warrants a hefty extension. The former 2016 third-round pick has accumulated eight or more sacks and 14 or more quarterback hits in each of his four NFL seasons. He’s only missed one game in his entire career and would be a cornerstone defensive end for another team. Given the scarcity of game-changing pass rushers, he should have no shortage of suitors.
While Ngakoue is worth a first-round pick like DeForest Buckner garnered this year and Frank Clark garnered last year, I don’t believe the Jaguars will net such a return. As the draft gets closer and picks start being made, there is less and less of a likelihood Jacksonville will get a first-rounder. Ultimately, I believe he gets dealt for a high second-round pick and two additional mid-rounders. Nonetheless, his time in Jacksonville is coming to a close.
Projected draft compensation: 2020 second-round pick, 2020 fourth-round pick and 2021 fourth-round pick