NFL Draft Day trades are a time-honored tradition in the NFL, and the 2023 NFL Draft is sure to be no exception expect to see some massive deals go down.
The Carolina Panthers will set everything off with the 2023 NFL Draft. They didn’t wait until Draft Day to make a massive deal to move up to the No. 1 overall pick. Once the Panthers make their pick, expect some massive deals to go down. Draft fans know trades are inevitable. Just look at the 2022 NFL Draft, so memorable where wide receivers were the belle of the ball. The Baltimore Ravens traded Marquise Brown to the Arizona Cardinals, a move that could pay dividends for both teams in the future.
The Philadelphia Eagles shocked everyone by trading with the Tennessee Titans to land Pro Bowl wide receiver AJ Brown, a move that proved beneficial for their quarterback. In the second round, the Houston Texans made a savvy move by trading with the Cleveland Browns to select John Metchie III, a speedy player who will undoubtedly help their future quarterback. And the New Orleans Saints traded up to select Chris Olave, who dominated as a rookie and is expected to have an even better season with Derek Carr at quarterback.
This year won’t be any different but don’t expect to see a Lamar Jackson trade on this list. The NFL made it clear, quarterback-needy teams are not interested in trading for a 26-year-old quarterback and former MVP who became the life of a franchise.
5 trades that could go down during the 2023 NFL Draft
5. Aaron Rodgers to the New York Jets
Wake me when this is over because the Aaron Rodgers trade to the New York Jets has been a long time coming. However, what makes this deal interesting is the Green Bay Packers’ desire for top-tier compensation. It’s not hard to see why, given Rodgers’ multiple MVPs, Pro Bowl appearances, and All-Pro selections. It doesn’t mean they will get it. There is no way the Jets are coming off of that No. 13 pick. After all, the Jets have been smartly adding more draft capital to their arsenal. Currently, the Jets have three picks in the first two rounds.
The Jets shouldn’t have to offer more than their two second-round picks for Rodgers and a conditional pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. After all, Rodgers is a one- or two-year rental, and the Packers can’t expect much more than that. While the Jets aren’t in a rush to make a move, they know the Packers are desperate to move Rodgers and there aren’t any other teams in play. Being patient and waiting until after the first round of the draft is a smart play for the Jets.
Ultimately, draft day may be the perfect time for the Jets to pull the trigger on the Rodgers trade, but only after they’ve made their first-round pick. The Jets shouldn’t budge on their offer, as they have the leverage in this situation. With their draft capital and patience, the Jets are well-positioned to make a move that could pay off big in the short term while not sacrificing their future.