2023 NFL Draft trade candidates: Derrick Henry, DeAndre Hopkins among 13 big-name veterans who could be moved

Most of the big names available this NFL offseason have found new homes, or cashed in with their old ones. Now, all eyes are on the 2023 NFL Draft, where At least four — maybe five — different quarterback prospects Set to come off the board on day one. But incoming rookies may not be the only difference-makers landing in new spots this weekend.

That’s right: we’re talking draft-day trades. As all 32 teams prepare their lineups for an influx of new talent, plenty will look to increase or improve their draft capital by selling expensive veterans. So here’s a look at 14 different candidates who can be bought during this week’s marquee event.

For more draft content, check out our latest prospect rankings and mock drafts, as well as our NFL Draft podcast, “With the First Pick,” featuring former Vikings general manager Rick Spielman. (Check out the latest episode below.)

No matter Their mutual attraction for the past months, Jackson and the Ravens are in an odd position after the former MVP received the non-exclusive franchise tag and announced he requested a trade from Baltimore. Jackson has received virtually no interest as a technical free agent, largely due to his reported contract demands, but what if a QB-needy team comes out in the first round of the draft? Losing such an electric, if fragile lately, athlete would be a big blow to the Ravens, but it would save the team at least $32.4 million in 2023, and depending on the return, could potentially set the team up to reset right in the middle. Even if a quarterback-needy team loses its target in the draft, turning to Jackson would be a strong move.

Logical landing spots: Colts, Falcons, Titans

Technically he’s locked in through 2023 under the franchise tag, but that doesn’t mean the Raiders won’t show interest — or request — in the unlikely event of a long-term deal in the future. Coach Josh McDaniels, remember, comes from a Patriots system that deploys multiple backs, even if he’s leaning heavily on Jacobs in 2022. And the veteran player teased dissatisfaction with the current regime following Darren Waller’s exit this offseason. Moving the 25-year-old workhorse would immediately save Vegas $10M.

Logical landing spots: Bills, Cardinals, Seahawks

Whenever he’s on the field, Henry carries Tennessee’s offense; To date, no one has matched his size (6-3, 245), speed and experience at the position. But he has topped 300 carries in three of his last four seasons, with a serious injury in between. In other words, there is wear and tear. The Titans are in a rebuilding phase, or at least should be, and could save $6.3M by dealing the big man, who is entering a contract year. They say they’re not shopping him, but they said the same thing about QB Ryan Tannehill, and he’s clearly expendable as Tennessee looks for top prospects at that position.

Logical landing spots: Bills, Falcons, Seahawks

At full speed, Cook is still one of the NFL’s best pure rushers, fresh off a fourth consecutive 1,000-yard campaign. But he’s 28 years old with a history of serious injuries, has 1,500 career touches and is owed at least $14M over the next three years. Minnesota hasn’t been shy about bidding fan favorites leave to free up money this offseason. Cook’s departure will save the Vikings nearly $8M via trade, allowing Alexander Mattison to headline the next backfield rotation.

Logical landing spots: Bills, Bengals, Ravens

If Los Angeles is serious about maintaining an elite supporting cast for Justin Herbert, it will find a way to give Eckeler the raise he’s publicly sought, even if it’s just for this season. On the other hand, if he doesn’t get more money, Eckeler himself doesn’t seem ready to move forward in the season. Like Christian McCaffrey with his reliable high-volume pass catching, the salary is very low at $6.125M per year (13th among RBs) entering a contract year. The Chargers can get $6.25M in savings if they deal him to a contender, however, and address the position with a handful of cheap gambles.

Logical landing spots: Eagles, Falcons, Jets

One of the most obvious trade candidates of the offseason, Hopkins remains an elite technician when healthy, but he has missed 15 games over the past two years and is owed nearly $30M at age 31 this upcoming season. Kyler Murray needs weapons as much as anyone, but 2023 is a true transition year for Arizona as Jonathan Gannon remakes the culture. Marquise Brown is also on the stretch and eligible for an extension, and Hopkins, whose departure would save an instant $8.9M, still profiles as a borderline No. 1 contender.

Logical landing spots: Bills, Chiefs, Lions, Packers, Panthers, Ravens

After a strong 2021 season in his first year under Nick Siriani (43 catches, 647 yards), Watkins’ speed didn’t match his production as the No. 3 behind AJ Brown and Devonta Smith during the Eagles’ Super Bowl bid. His strong arm could convince hyperactive GM Howie Roseman to offload him before a contract year, saving $2.7M immediately.

Logical landing spots: Chargers, Colts, Falcons, Titans

Oliver has been a solid part of Buffalo’s interior for the past four years, but he’s entering a contract year and could be angling for a lucrative extension after making big deals for veterans like Jevon Hargrave on the open market. Sean McDermott will surely keep him around as the Bills make another title push, but if they can reallocate the remaining $10.8M in 2023 and further boost Josh Allen’s weapons, an early split might not be out of the question.

Logical landing spots: Bears, Cardinals, Lions, Saints

An underrated mainstay of Indianapolis’ front alongside DeForest Buckner, Stewart has been durable and solid as the starting interior man for the past four years. In 2023, the DT market increased slightly to the amount of USD 10.875M in 2023 on a fair deal. But the Colts have reason to focus more offensively under coach Shane Steichen, especially with a new QB incoming. And dealing Stewart before his contract expires in 2024, entering his age-30 season, would also clear $9.6M.

Logical landing spots: Bears, Chargers, Cowboys, Saints

A polarizing four-year starter for Tampa Bay, White is an athletic freak who has earned high marks from coach Todd Bowles and posted respectable numbers for the position. But he’s entering a contract year and could command near-record money despite a middling grade as a coverage man. Request for trade this week report. Selling him would strip the club of a defensive leader, but would save $11.7M immediately as the team prepares for possible sweeping transitions after Tom Brady.

Logical landing spots: Bills, Broncos, Chargers, Raiders

Young looked like he would be a cornerstone player for the Commanders when he was taken No. 2 overall out of Ohio State and then made the Pro Bowl as a rookie. Injuries have dogged him since, however, and Washington Declined to pick up his fifth-year option. Is the other team willing to give up something valuable and hope he can capitalize on his immense upside?

Logical landing spots: Chiefs, Lions, Seahawks, Texans, Bills

Baker Requested a trade from Arizona Early this offseason, and given the state the roster is in, it might make sense for the team to let him go and start restocking his cupboard of draft picks. A highly-effective secondary player who plays much bigger than his size (5-10, 195 pounds), Baker has also shown himself to be extremely durable, missing just five games in six seasons. He has base salaries of $13.1 million and $14.2 million over the next two years, and should be able to maintain a high level of play beyond that, as 2024 is his age-28 season.

Logical landing spots: Eagle, Patriot, Colt, Commander

Like Eckeler and Cook, Mixon is already too expensive for his team to pay him again, and the organization may consider going cheaper and/or younger at the position. Bengals brass have been surprisingly vague about Mixon’s future with the team, and if he isn’t traded, he could become a cap casual at some point this summer. As far as what teams might need for a running back, well, that’s a tough question.

Logical landing spots: Eagles, Buccaneers, Saints, Rams, Bills