Each team could still use a piece to help for 2020 and these are NFL trade targets for all 32 teams in the league.
The majority of the 2020 NFL offseason is behind us as the main free agency period and the draft have already taken place. But despite the two big offseason events already being in the books, that doesn’t mean there still aren’t things to be done, including some potential big-time NFL trades.
Of course, we’ve already seen a number of meaningful NFL trades in the 2020 offseason. Whether it’s DeAndre Hopkins being traded to the Cardinals, Stefon Diggs getting traded to the Buffalo Bills, DeForest Buckner being dealt to the Colts or a number of other deals.
Now inching closer to the summer and, thus, training camps, every team is still looking for ways to improve their rosters and any trades may be the quickest and most effective way to do so. So let’s look at one NFL trade target that every team should be trying to make a deal for in the 2020 offseason.
AFC East
Buffalo Bills: Yannick Ngakoue, EDGE, Jaguars
Let’s start off with a big one right? Yannick Ngakoue has said multiple times that he doesn’t want to be in Jacksonville anymore. He even went as far as to tweet directly at Tony Khan, the son of Jaguars owner Shad Khan. It’s safe to say a number of teams are interested in him.
The Bills have some capable pass rushers such as Jerry Hughes, Mario Addison and A.J Epenesa, but they need a game-breaker to take their defense to a truly elite level. Ngakoue could do that and more — but he won’t come cheap. He will need a new long-term deal, plus at least one if not multiple first- and second-round picks. However, Buffalo is poised to make that leap to winning the division plus a potential deep playoff run, meaning it may be worth it.
Miami Dolphins: Justin Evans, S, Buccaneers
The Dolphins patched a lot of holes this offseason, aggressively using both free agency and the draft to improve their roster. However, one major hole looms: safety. So far, they are projected to start Eric Rowe and Bobby McCain at the position, even though both of them are cornerbacks by trade.
One of the best ways left to improve the roster is via trade. After taking Antoine Winfield Jr. in the second round of this year’s draft, the Bucs have a surplus at safety. Parting with a former second-rounder in Justin Evans would sting, but they have the depth to replace him. It shouldn’t take more than an early Day 3 pick for the Dolphins to acquire him and install him at one of the safety spots.
New England Patriots: Cameron Brate, TE, Buccaneers
Ever since Rob Gronkowski retired, then un-retired and was traded to the Buccaneers, the Patriots have had a huge hole at tight end. They have other big needs at wide receiver and on defense but tight end will probably be the easiest hole to fill after the draft. So why not approach the team that landed both Gronkowski and quarterback Tom Brady from them so far this offseason?
Like Evans, Cameron Brate shouldn’t take more than a Day 3 pick to obtain. He has a $4.5 million cap hit, so it may take some maneuvering to land him. Nevertheless, he can fill a big need in their offense, and he still has a couple of years left on his deal too.
New York Jets: Hakeem Butler, WR, Cardinals
Is this a home run target? Maybe not. However, Hakeem Butler’s potential could definitely make it that. He lost most of his rookie season to injury but he has a lot to give to this offense as long as he stays healthy. He was one of the steals of last year’s draft and Jets quarterback Sam Darnold still needs targets. Even after adding Breshad Perriman (free agency) and Denzel Mims (draft), the loss of former top receiver Robby Anderson hurts.
Much like the last two trade targets, Butler could be had for a Day 3 pick. Not a bad way to pick up a receiver that could grow into a No. 1 for many years to come. That’s one thing Darnold desperately needs.