3 trades that could happen before 2022 NFL Draft

by Akram Miah

With just days to go until the NFL Draft kicks off in Las Vegas, there are still teams looking to move up for  the early selections. 

General managers from across the league will be calling their rivals to see what they can offer each other. 

Even with the crazy offseason that the NFL has had this year, we could see one or two big trades still happen before April 28.   

There are several teams with some disgruntled stars on their roster. 

Being so close to the Draft, teams may be happy to move them on for a chance to make a higher selection.. 

Let’s take a look at three players who could be traded before or during the 2022 NFL Draft. 

1. Deebo Samuel

This offseason has been incredible for some of the best wide receivers in the NFL. The likes of Davante Adams and Tyreek Hill have been in blockbuster deals away from the Green Bay Packers and Kansas City Chiefs respectively. 

It comes as no surprise that the 49ers playmaker Deebo Samuel is now rumored to be on the brink of becoming the latest name to be traded.

ESPN’s Jeff Darlington first revealed the reports, stating that the star playmaker wants a change of scenery and a move closer to his home in South Carolina.

Samuel also has an issue with the a hybrid role as a receiver and a running back, which has also played into a trade request away from the Bay Area.  

Of course, there will be teams willing to throw their hat at signing such an exciting playmaker like Samuel.

There are several contenders to think about; The New York Jets, Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers have all been reported to be interested in Deebo’s services. 

As we’ve previously stated, the most realistic option is potentially the Jets as they have been waiting for  a star receiver for some time. 

The AFC continues to heat up this offseason. For the Jets, the prospect of pairing Samuel with quarterback Zach Wilson would be a good way to start keeping up with the competition in their division, as Buffalo, New England and Miami have all improved their rosters this offseason. 

Now, what package could the 49ers look for? They will want to get a massive haul of picks in return, which could possibly include the Jets tenth overall pick in 2022. 

That said, Jets GM Joe Douglas won’t want to give up early picks easily. But Samuel is a proven NFL superstar. He would be well worth the trade.  

Keep a close eye on this trade as it develops before April 28.

2. Baker Mayfield

Another player that could be traded is Baker Mayfield. Everyone in the NFL knows the situation of Baker Mayfield in Cleveland.  

Having traded for Deshaun Watson back in March, the Browns have well and truly moved on from their former first overall pick.

Since then, Mayfield has gone on to say that he felt “disrespected” by the Browns. 

But with Watson potentially facing NFL suspension, the Browns may want Mayfield to stick around this year. 

Yet, there is no doubt that this will not be for the long-term. Mayfield wants out, the relationship for both parties is irreparable. 

As a result, the five-year quarterback is gaining interest from teams who need help at that position. 

Two places spring to mind for a trade. First, the Seattle Seahawks, who traded away Russel Wilson to the Denver Broncos earlier this offseason.

With uncertainty over who will be their starting QB come September, they will absolutely be enquiring about Mayfield. 

A move to the Seahawks would present a fresh start for Mayfield. He should go straight in as the QB1 over the likes of Drew Lock and Geno Smith, and it will be somewhere for him to prove to himself to be one of the league’s top QBs.

2022 is a huge year for Baker with his deal coming to an end. He’ll be desperate to seal his future with a new contract. 

The second option is the Panthers. Having Sam Darnold as QB1 is not an ideal situation for Carolina, given what happened when he was the team’s starter last year.  

They went 5-12 in 2021, but would have more belief in the skills of someone like Mayfield to bring success back to the Bank of America Stadium. 

The Panthers have a playmaking core that consists of Christian McCaffrey, DJ Moore, Robbie Anderson and Rashad Higgins. That is a quality outfit which should be part of a winning team.

Imagine what they could achieve alongside a talented quarterback. 

Baker still has the potential to go far in the NFL. At somewhere like Carolina, he can utilise and help this arsenal of weapons to become a more explosive offense. 

If this trade does go ahead, it’s not unreasonable to suggest that the Panthers  could contend for a possible playoff berth in 2022.

3. James Bradberry

New York Giants cornerback James Bradberry is also rumored to be a possible trade candidate before the NFL Draft. 

Giants general manager Joe Schoen considers Bradberry not to be a part of his rebuild plans under the new leadership of Brian Daboll. 

The former Pro Bowler is gaining interest from teams across the league, including the likes of the Bengals, Chiefs and the Raiders.

All three would consider trading for him for around a third or fourth-round pick. They can also afford the $13.4 million that Bradberry is due for the upcoming season. 

The 28-year-old is still a player who can provide coverage across the field and come up with game changing plays.

In 2021, Bradberry recorded 47 combined tackles for the Giants, as well as 17 passes breakups and a career-high four interceptions.

If he can replicate the form from the past few years elsewhere, there is no reason why Bradberry can’t go on to become one of the better players in his position.

He could be an instrumental part of a premier defense for a Super Bowl contender this year.