NFL Trade Targets 2020: One player every team should trade for this offseason
NFC North
Chicago Bears: Adoree’ Jackson, CB, Titans
This is a make-or-break season for GM Ryan Pace and head coach Matt Nagy. If they can’t get the Bears back on a winning track, they will likely be gone after the season. The problem is, the team has a lot of holes: running back, wide receiver, offensive line, linebacker and cornerback are the spots where it could stand to improve. However, the corner spot opposite Kyle Fuller is the most critical spot that needs to be addressed.
The Titans have a few starting-caliber players at the position and could potentially deal one of them away. They would prefer to deal Malcolm Butler but the Bears don’t have the cap space to acquire him. Instead, Pace should set his sights on Adoree’ Jackson, the explosive athlete who still hasn’t hit his ceiling yet. Although the price is higher (probably a third-rounder), it would be worth it to pick up a potential long term piece opposite Fuller.
Detroit Lions: Lonnie Johnson Jr., CB, Texans
For a team that picked in the top five of this year’s draft, the Lions don’t have too many gaping holes. The defense could definitely still use some help though. Head coach Matt Patricia runs a lot of man-heavy coverage schemes, and they could still use some help at corner after signing Desmond Trufant and drafting Jeffrey Okudah third overall.
Adding another starting quality corner that can play both inside and outside cornerback would still be smart. GM Bob Quinn and Patricia should call Bill O’Brien, their former staff mate in Houston, to see if he would give up one of his cornerbacks. Lonnie Johnson Jr. is young and has plenty of experience. It might take a third or fourth-rounder to obtain him but he would be a solid addition to the Lions secondary.
Green Bay Packers: Kenny Stills, WR, Texans
The Packers haven’t drafted a receiver in the first round since Javon Walker in 2005. That was 15 years ago. Outside of Davante Adams, Aaron Rodgers doesn’t really have any true threats at the wide receiver position. It was highly surprising that the position wasn’t addressed in the draft, as it was one of the deepest draft classes at the position in recent memory.
Luckily, there are receivers to be acquired via trade. The Texans have some to spare, even after trading away DeAndre Hopkins. Kenny Stills is a burner who would fill a huge need the Packers have, as Rodgers really doesn’t have a true deep threat and number two wideout. Like the last couple of proposed trades, the Packers could scoop him up for a third or fourth-rounder.
Minnesota Vikings: Dante Pettis, WR, 49ers
Despite trading away Stefon Diggs and drafting Justin Jefferson to replace him, the Vikings still could use some help at receiver. No. 1 receiver Adam Thielen can play all over the field and so can Jefferson. A third receiver with the capability to do that would be ideal for offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak’s system.
Dante Pettis has shown flashes since being drafted a couple years ago but now he’s buried on the depth chart. He should go to a team that could give him a chance to produce. The Vikings have a need for a versatile third receiver. For a Day 3 pick, Pettis could give them a player that fills that role.