NFL Trade Requests: Who’s moving where?
While the idea of being traded in the NFL is rare compared to other sports, big names are still being moved from time to time. So far this offseason, four notable players have requested trades. Let us look into teams that should pursue these players this offseason.
4. David Njoku, Cleveland Browns
To start our list, we have Browns TE David Njoku. Njoku, 23 is entering his fourth season in the NFL and has been decent at best. Despite that, contract disputes have led him to request a trade.
Arizona Cardinals
One team that could acquire Njoku is the Arizona Cardinals. Led by QB Kyler Murray and offensive mastermind Kliff Kingsbury, the Cardinals are an up-and-coming team in the NFC, and they just traded for WR DeAndre Hopkins. Njoku would be a nice fit for this team because he is athletic and versatile in an offense that consists of a lot of stunts, fakes, and “trick plays.” Njoku’s value is not higher than a mid-round pick, so the Cardinals may be able to get him at a relatively cheap price. This would be a very solid move for Kingsbury and the Cardinals.
Tennessee Titans
After coming off an appearance in the AFC championship games, the Titans are looking to follow up that season with improvement. David Njoku would be an extremely good fit here, mainly because of the style that the Titans play at. They are a ground-and-pound team that uses the play action very often, a tight ends dream. Njoku would be joining Jonnu Smith to make a very solid duo at the tight end position. For the value of the deal, this would be a smart, disciplined move by the Titans.
Green Bay Packers
The team that I feel this makes the most sense for is the Green Bay Packers. After finishing 13-3 and going to the NFC championship game, there is still a question about the depth on the offensive side of the ball. With the departure of TE Jimmy Graham and nobody notable taking over, trading for Njoku makes too much sense. It would give QB Aaron Rodgers another receiving option, plus provide depth at a position where they are lacking. If I am the Packers, I am negotiating with the Browns right now.
3. Raheem Mostert, San Francisco 49ers
The most recent player to request a trade in the NFL is RB Raheem Mostert of the San Francisco 49ers. The 27-year-old finally found himself in 2019 and is now trying to make more money. The 49ers would not budge, making Mostert request a trade. What teams make sense for Mostert?
Houston Texans
While there are some names in Houston at the running back position, Raheem Mostert would be an excellent fit in Houston. Duke Johnson is more of a scatback who catches passes, and David Johnson is injury prone. If Mostert was added, he could share carries with David Johnson to help not only Mostert, but also keep Johnson healthy. It also gives Deshaun Watson another option to throw to out of the backfield, along with a speedy receiving core. I wouldn’t give up a ton, but for the right price, this could be a good deal.
Atlanta Falcons
Like the Texans, this deal would have to do with the health of their current running back. Atlanta signed RB Todd Gurley to a one-year deal, which is a steal if he can return to his old self. The only problem is that Gurley’s knee issues have been going on since college, so they may never go away. If Mostert was traded to Atlanta, Gurley would have a lot less on his plate. Plus, Mostert’s explosiveness would be a good fit for the Falcons’ offense. I do not expect Atlanta to make this deal, but it would be a good fit and I would not be surprised if there were negotiations.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The best fit for Raheem Mostert would be with Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Bucs are loaded on the offensive side of the ball with receivers like Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, but the running game has been inconsistent for many years. RB Ronald Jones is a solid back, but if Mostert was there, he would get the bulk of the carries, like a 70/30 split. Brady has always benefited from a solid running game, especially throwing to running backs out of the backfield. Adding Mostert can help in this matter too. I would not be surprised if Raheem Mostert ends up in a Buccaneer uniform in 2020.
2. Yannick Ngakoue, Jacksonville Jaguars
The past couple of months has been a warzone for the Jaguars and DE Yannick Ngakoue. Ngakoue has had problems extending from contract issues to twitter wars with the owner’s son. There is bad blood that may not be fixable between the Jags and the Ngakoue, so a trade almost seems inevitable.
Cleveland Browns
The first team that comes to mind for Ngakoue is the Cleveland Browns, who are coming off a disappointing 6-10 year. Everyone is focused on the offense, but there needs to be an improvement on the defensive side of the ball too. In 2019, the Browns ranked 30th in rushing defense, giving up 2,315 rushing yards (144.7 per game). A guy like Ngakoue on the defensive line can be a difference-maker, especially when Myles Garrett is on the other side. The Browns can vastly improve in 2020, and trading for Ngakoue can only help those improvements.
Las Vegas Raiders
With the move to the new city and the history of the team, Ngakoue would have a real shot at becoming a star on an already good defense. Also, the Raiders have a ton of cap space, so if they wanted to, they could give Ngakoue the money that Jacksonville will not give him. The Raiders have been mediocre or bad for a long time, but 2019 showed some promising signs. Ngakoue being traded here may be one of the bigger pieces to the start of a turnaround for the Raiders.
Seattle Seahawks
The team that can most benefit by acquiring Yannick Ngakoue is the Seattle Seahawks. When the Seahawks were at the top of their game, Seattle was built from their defensive line on. While it may not be the same, even with this trade, the Seahawks line is just not that good. In 2019, they were ranked 22nd in rushing defense and 27th in passing defense, both at the bottom of the league, clearly the weaker part of their team. If the Seahawks can add a guy with the talent of Ngakoue, it will help the whole Seahawks defense get back to being a relevant defense.
1. Jamal Adams, New York Jets
The Jamal Adams saga has been going on for an exceptionally long time, and it seems to have finally turned a corner. Adams gave the Jets a list of teams he would like to be traded to, and is showing no signs of playing with the Jets again, even though he is still under contract. Anyone would be a suitor for a player like Adams, but here are the top three options.
Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys and Jamal Adams have been linked for a while, but no movement has been made, mainly because of the asking price from the Jets. Dallas is a team that is going to be hard to stop on the offensive side of the ball, but the defense remains a question mark. Their secondary is young, so adding a guy like Adams to it would help fill that hole. With an already good team, a trade for Adams can push the Cowboys to the top of the NFC.
Philadelphia Eagles
Staying in the NFC East, the Philadelphia Eagles would also be a good fit for Jamal Adams. The Eagles have been great in the trenches for a few years, but have struggled at skill positions, particularly their secondary. With the addition of Darius Slay this offseason already, trading for Jamal Adams would make the Eagles secondary go from bad to great very quickly. The Eagles are known for making a big splash like this, so I would not be surprised if Adams is in a different green uniform in 2020.
Seattle Seahawks
Once again, the Seattle Seahawks are the best option for a defensive player. Adding a player like Jamal Adams would obviously be a huge boost for Seattle, but one that would automatically make them Super Bowl contenders, if they were not already. While the value is high, the Seahawks can give up draft capital to go for a Super Bowl in 2020, and I think Adams is a player that would be worth overpaying for.
Stats from profootballreference.com
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