5 NFL Trades That Could Happen Before the Draft |

5 NFL Trades That Could Happen Before the Draft

The 2015 NFL Draft is quickly approaching, as we are roughly one full month away from the league’s second biggest event of the year. While scouting prospects and mocking drafts (we’ll get to the latter eventually) is loads of fun, there is also reason to speculate on potential trades. The draft is usually littered with trades, after all, while we’ve already seen some huge blockbuster deals go down.

The NFL isn’t like the NBA usually, but we’ve seen huge names like Brandon Marshall, Jimmy Graham, Nick Foles, Sam Bradford, Mike Wallace, Kenny Stills and even LeSean McCoy sent packing via trade. Is there more to come? It’s almost certain, but what exactly comes next is anyone’s guess. We break down five trades that have at least been rumored or would make a ton of sense:

Adrian Peterson to Cowboys or Cardinals

Peterson is the most obvious call of the trade rumor pool. The Vikings keep saying they want to keep him, but Peterson and his agent have loudly expressed just the opposite. Peterson wants out and he won’t be released, so a trade is destined to come down sometime before the draft. Minnesota can probably get as good as a second round pick for him and the Cowboys and Cardinals figure to be his top two suitors. Other teams could still factor into the mix, but Dallas let DeMarco Murray go and Arizona saw last year that Andre Ellington may not have the makings of a feature back. Both of these teams are potential Super Bowl contenders with Peterson in place, so let the bidding begin.

Philip Rivers to Titans

Rivers won’t discuss a new contract and his deal expires after this season, making him a self-made sitting duck heading into 2015. He’s fine with that, since he doesn’t seem to be too keen on the possibility of his Chargers uprooting from San Diego and moving to L.A. With Rivers potentially on the move or even possibly retiring after this year, the Bolts may be open to unloading their franchise passer. The Titans are much more than a solid quarterback away from contending, but Rivers could be a positive step in the right direction and would go back home to Tennessee.

Drew Brees or Jay Cutler to Bills

Both Brees and Cutler are on the hotseat in New Orleans and Chicago, albeit for very different reasons. The Saints already shipped out Jimmy Graham and Kenny Stills, so you know they’re prepared to dump anyone that helps them rebuild for the long-term. Add the fact that they’re shifting to a more run-based offense and Brees’ arm becomes less of a requirement. If Sean Payton thinks the 36-year old can be replaced by someone in the draft (even though he says otherwise), then he could dangle Brees and see what he’d get in return. Cutler is only with the Bears still because of contract obligations and because Chicago has no other option. But what if they decide to start over with a rookie passer and cut their losses? Both of these teams could find a willing trade partner in Rex Ryan’s Bills, who have an elite defense and a powerful ground game but no quarterback.

Tavon Austin to Eagles

The Rams either don’t know how to use Tavon Austin or sincerely believe he can’t be effective in any role. One way or another, they’re pretty much done with the versatile offensive weapon that once was thought to be the next Percy Harvin. He’s both misused and under-utilized in St. Louis and it’s about time the Rams move on. The Eagles are one team that could want him, as they lost both Jeremy Maclin and DeSean Jackson the past two years and need a receiver that can burn defenses.

Eagles Go Get Marcus Mariota

How about a potential trade in the actual draft? This one isn’t new, which is why we put it last, but it’s definitely one to watch for. Chip Kelly would obviously love to land his former college pupil, while his system and Mariota are perfect for each other. Sam Bradford could easily have been acquired as a future trading chip, and while Philly would have to give up an awful lot to land their prized franchise passer, it’s noise that won’t quiet down until they do or don’t make this play.