Best trades of the 2023 offseason so far

The 2023 offseason has been a rollercoaster of a ride up until now, with so many deals across the NFL, including many trades which have sent shockwaves across the league.

News that the New York Jets are sending their former second-round pick to the Cleveland Browns, who were in need of additional wide receiver talent, is the latest deal to hit the headlines, but where does

Here are our top trades of the offseason so far:

5. Cowboys trade for Stephon Gilmore

The Dallas Cowboys have got themselves a steal in trading for Stephon Gilmore. Giving up just a fifth round selection for a player of his calibre is great business, especially in an area where the team needs help.

Yes, Gilmore is 32, and not 100% the players he once was. But the former NFL Defensive Player of the Year is still one of the better corners in the league and was a major player in the Colts’ victories when they got them in 2022. Gilmore will bring that big game mentality to Dallas, a become a valuable asset on the defense.

4. Browns trade for Elijah Moore

The Browns got great value in acquiring Moore. Trading away selection No.42, while also getting the Jets third-rounder in return as well, is smart, particularly because they wouldn’t have someone better than Moore at the position if they had stuck with the pick.

The Browns have been active on the free agent market, but nearly all their work has come on the defensive side of the ball. Adding Moore gives them a valuable piece to their offense for years to come.

3. Giants trade for Darren Waller

We know the narrative. The Giants sent their third-round pick to Las Vegas, which acquired the selection by sending their former first-round pick, wide receiver Kadarius Toney, to the Chiefs during the 2022 season, in exchange for Waller. So in short, the G-Men traded Toney for star tight end.

The 6-6, 255-pound pass-catcher will become a central piece to the New York offense, hopefully unlocking Daniel Jones‘ deep passing game since he had seven catches of 20 or more yards downfield, the most among all tight ends last season, despite missing eight games with injuries. 

It is going to be incredibly exciting to see this partnership blossom in 2023.

2. Dolphins trade for Jalen Ramsey

The Rams went all in on their drive to win Super Bowl LVI, but a disastrous 2022 season has caused them to explore ways to reset. We know that they have been looking to offload some of their big-name players, and the Dolphins managed to get themselves a steal by landing one of the premium cornerbacks in the NFL.

Los Angeles will receive a Day 2 draft pick and a former third-round tight end in Hunter Long, but it isn’t great value. The Dolphins will be delighted at what they’ve got, another piece to this ever growing team of superstars.

They have done some shrewd business already this offseason. But getting an All-Pro on the cheap must be the sweetest feeling for Miami.

1. Bears trade #1 overall pick in 2023 NFL Draft to the Panthers

This is a real win-win for both teams.

The Panthers have given up a lot, probably over-spent. But Frank Reich and the Carolina front office know just how important and valuable getting the choice of draft QBs will be for the future of this franchise.

Chicago on the other hand get the building blocks to start competing. DJ Moore is a true WR1 for the Bears offense, they still have a top ten pick in this year’s draft, and they’ve also acquired a 2023 second rounder, a 2024 first rounder and a 2025 second rounder. Add that on to the incredible free agency period they had, Ryan Poles has built a very strong side for 2023.

The Bears get assets to build around Justin Fields, and the Panthers are going to get a new franchise QB. This is excellent business for both teams, but the Bears must be delighted with the haul they got.