The 2023 NFL Draft is less than a week away, but the latest group of college prospects won’t be the only players finding new homes during the event. Trades are inevitable, and while the vast majority of transactions are strictly based on picks, there is a good chance that a few veteran players will be traded during the NFL Draft. So, which players are most likely to find a new home?
Note: This list does not include Aaron Rodgers, as he has already indicated his desire to join the New York Jets.
5 Players That Could Be Traded During 2023 NFL Draft
DeAndre Hopkins, WR
No matter what the Cardinals organization wants you to believe, it is only a matter of time before DeAndre Hopkins has a new NFL home. The wide receiver is on the wrong side of 30 and is going to earn a massive salary in 2023, so it doesn’t make sense for the Cardinals to bring him back for another year. Hopkins might be on the older side, but last year proved that he still has plenty in his tank and should be a welcome addition to a competing team.
Best Team Fits: Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, Baltimore Ravens
DeAndre Hopkins ONE-HANDED TOUCHDOWN pic.twitter.com/5Plsq82Zqz
— PHNX Cardinals (@PHNX_Cardinals) October 30, 2022
Budda Baker, S
Speaking of great Cardinals looking for new homes, Budda Baker wants a trade, and Arizona could grant his wish if the price is right. While he is only entering his age-27 season, there is a chance that the rebuilding Cardinals value picks more than they value the proven veteran. Baker is still at the top of his game and should net a sizable return if traded during the NFL Draft.
Best Team Fits: Cincinnati Bengals, Miami Dolphins, Los Angeles Chargers
Jerry Jeudy, WR
The Denver Broncos don’t have a single pick in the 2023 NFL Draft until the third round, but that could change with a Jerry Jeudy trade. With Courtland Sutton and Tim Patrick already extended, the Broncos could decide to part ways with a talented youngster in Jerry Jeudy. While Hopkins certainly has the higher pedigree, don’t be surprised if the cheaper and younger Jeudy nets a larger return in a trade. Additionally, because he is only entering his age-24 season, a team doesn’t need to be in Super Bowl or bust mode to make an offer.
Best Team Fits: New England Patriots, New Orleans Saints, Carolina Panthers
Derrick Henry, RB
Derrick Henry is still one of the most ferocious running backs in football, but he is wasted on a Titans organization that is about to go through a bit of a rough patch. The team missed their Super Bowl window and now has to deal with an aging Ryan Tannehill, no proven receivers, and the worst offensive line in the NFL. Tennessee should embrace the rebuild and trade Derrick Henry to the highest bidder during the NFL Draft.
Best Team Fits: Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys, Kansas City Chiefs
Trey Lance, QB
The San Francisco 49ers are going to move forward with Brock Purdy, which means that Trey Lance will be traded, possibly during the 2023 NFL Draft. Having only started four games in the past two seasons, Lance might not be able to earn a starting job right away, but he should have enough interested teams willing to roll the dice on a former top-three pick.
Best Team Fits: Minnesota Vikings, Tennessee Titans, Baltimore Ravens
Main Photo: Corey Perrine – USA Today Sports
