Realistic NFL Trades That Could Happen This Offseason

For the 20 teams that failed to make the 2019 NFL playoffs, the 2020 offseason is already underway. While some are undergoing changes to the front office, all are likely looking to remake their rosters in the coming months.

Free agency and the draft provide the most obvious opportunities to add new talent. However, there is a big wild card in the form of the trade market. Just because a player isn't available to be signed or drafted doesn't mean he isn't available—as deals involving Odell Beckham Jr., Joe Flacco, Dee Ford and Frank Clark proved last offseason.

While some potential trades would come as major shocks, others seem almost destined to unfold. Here, we'll dig into the latter group, examining the swaps that make almost too much sense not to happen.

Jamal Adams to Dallas Cowboys for 2nd- and 3rd-Round Picks, Cameron Fleming

David Dermer/Associated Press

The New York Jets might not be on the cusp of playoff contention, but they have some solid young building blocks: quarterback Sam Darnold, wideout Jamison Crowder and safety Jamal Adams. One of them, however, may be gone before the end of the offseason.

According to SNY's Ralph Vacchiano, the Jets could look to trade Adams and running back Le'Veon Bell.

Trading a premier 24-year-old safety doesn't make a ton of sense in a vacuum. But general manager Joe Douglas may see more value in a trade now than in the final two years of Adams' rookie contract (assuming the fifth-year option is exercised). If so, a deal with the Dallas Cowboys would make perfect sense.

According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Dallas inquired about Adams before the trade deadline, and New York asked about the availability of right guard Zack Martin and then left tackle Tyron Smith.

While the Cowboys aren't likely to part with either, they could offer backup tackle Cameron Fleming, who has a club option for 2020.

Adams would give Dallas the Pro Bowl safety it's been missing on defense. Cameron and a couple of Day 2 draft selections would give Douglas capital to put toward rebuilding the offensive line.

Le'Veon Bell to Kansas City Chiefs for 3rd-Round Pick

David Dermer/Associated Press

Dealing Bell would be more understandable for the Jets, as his acquisition was a move made by former general manager Mike Maccagnan. And head coach Adam Gase doesn't appear particularly enthralled with Bell.

"He's under contract for three more years," Gase told reporters when asked if he wanted Bell back, per Brian Costello of the New York Post. "You can ask [GM Joe Douglas] tomorrow. ... I'm not in charge of personnel."

If neither Gase nor Douglas is married to Bell, then it would make sense to try moving his $52.5 million contract.

One team that would be a trade fit is the Kansas City Chiefs.

The Chiefs, the AFC's No. 2 seed, have one glaring weakness on offense: They lack a workhorse running back. Kansas City shuffled between Damien Williams, LeSean McCoy and Darrel Williams in the regular season, and no one reached the 500-yard mark in rushing.

As a team, the Chiefs averaged just 98.1 rushing yards per game.

Bell could help bolster the running game while also providing Patrick Mahomes with another receiving option.

Odell Beckham Jr. to San Francisco 49ers for 1st-Round Pick

Rick Scuteri/Associated Press

According to Rapoport, Cleveland Browns general manager John Dorsey told wideout Odell Beckham Jr. that he won't be traded. The problem is that Cleveland and Dorsey "mutually parted ways" on Tuesday, which should reopen speculation about Beckham's future.

The San Francisco 49ers would make a ton of sense if the Browns wish to move Beckham. Head coach Kyle Shanahan said on The Adam Schefter Podcast in April that San Francisco "looked into" acquiring Beckham when he was still with the New York Giants.

Furthermore, Beckham's personal relationship with 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo could play a part.

"He talks to Jimmy on and off the field," one source said, per Peter Botte of the New York Post. "They have a friendship that is more than just saying hello."

San Francisco midseason acquisition Emmanuel Sanders is slated for free agency, and Beckham could give Garoppolo the No. 1 target he needs. A late first-round pick would be a small price to pay, especially with San Francisco's Super Bowl window wide-open.

And a first would help Cleveland recoup some of what it surrendered for Beckham in the first place. While the Browns would have to find a pass-catcher to replace him, they'd still have Jarvis Landry, who was Baker Mayfield's go-to target in 2019.

Cam Newton to Tampa Bay Buccaneers for Two 2nd-Round Picks

Mike McCarn/Associated Press

The Carolina Panthers are one of the teams searching for a coach in the early offseason. They also face a tough decision on the future of quarterback Cam Newton. The 2015 MVP, Newton has not played to that level over the past two seasons.

According to Rapoport, the Panthers will try to trade Newton if "they can get a large deal."

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers could be interested, as they have their own decision looming with quarterback Jameis Winston. Giving Winston another year under the franchise tag to prove himself is an option, though head coach Bruce Arians doesn't seem to view it as a priority.

"[If] we can win with this [quarterback], we can definitely win with another one too," Arians said, per ESPN's Jenna Laine.

There is an obvious health risk with Newton, but there's just as much uncertainty surrounding Winston and his ability to be a franchise quarterback. If Arians and the Buccaneers want to take a chance, perhaps it would be better to gamble on a signal-caller who has already shown he can lead a team to the Super Bowl.

A 2020 second-rounder and a future second-rounder should be enough of a "large deal" to land Newton, as a loaded free-agent class—including Tom Brady, Drew Brees, Teddy Bridgewater and Philip Rivers—will impact his trade value.

Josh Rosen to New England Patriots for 3rd-Round Pick, Deatrich Wise Jr.

Brynn Anderson/Associated Press

How the New England Patriots approach the 2020 draft may hinge on how competitive Bill Belichick believes the team can be next season. If he views New England as a title contender, the Patriots probably won't use their first-round pick on a quarterback. However, they may do so with a mid-draft selection, as has been common during the Belichick era.

Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores, who came from New England last offseason, knows the drill and could offer up backup quarterback Josh Rosen for one of those mid-draft picks. Miami traded a second- and fifth-round pick for Rosen during April's draft but only gave him a limited opportunity to push for the starting role in 2019.

Armed with three first-round selections, the Dolphins are in prime position to choose a new quarterback to play understudy behind Ryan Fitzpatrick.

According to Darren Hartwell of NBC Sports Boston, the Patriots are likely to end up with two third-round compensatory picks. Giving up one—along with a role player nearing the end of his contract—for the 2018 No. 10 pick would be a solid deal for New England, which could then develop Rosen alongside Jarrett Stidham.

A third-round pick is less than the Dolphins surrendered for Rosen, but it would be good compensation for a player they may no longer want. Rotational defensive end Deatrich Wise Jr., who is entering the final year of his rookie deal, is one of Flores' former players and could help bolster the Miami defense.

O.J. Howard to New England Patriots for 3rd-Round Pick

Phelan M. Ebenhack/Associated Press

Miami isn't the only Florida team that may try to pry some assets away from New England. The Buccaneers could take advantage of the Patriots' lack of offensive weapons and deal underutilized tight end O.J. Howard.

According to Albert Breer of SI.com, New England approached Tampa Bay about acquiring Howard before the trade deadline, only to be rebuked. This offseason, the Buccaneers could decide it's time to deal Howard.

While he is a capable pass-catcher—he finished 2019 with 34 catches, 459 yards and a touchdown—Arians doesn't appear particularly high on him.

"He's a talented, talented guy, but it's not showing up on Sundays," Arians said, per Eduardo A. Encina of the Tampa Bay Times.

If the Bucs can get one of the Patriots' comp picks for Howard—who is entering the final year of his rookie contract (there is a fifth-year option available)—it would be a win for both franchises.

Contract information via Spotrac.