5 blockbuster trades that could re-shape the NFL this offseason

The new league year begins for the NFL in less than a month. The offseason will be in full swing come March—with free agency and trades dominating the headlines.

This season could be one of the most active offseasons we’ve seen in a while. There could be tons of trades—with some involving crucial players.

Any fan would love to see their team acquire more talent to improve their rosters. Who wouldn’t? Some teams will be more active than others when the new league year begins March 13th.

Everyone has already heard multiple rumors that a few players could be moved once that vital date rolls around.

Here are five blockbuster trades that could reshape the NFL this offseason.

5. Donald Penn to the Houston Texans

The biggest need for the Houston Texans this offseason is help on the offensive line. Protecting Deshaun Watson as the be the number one priority this offseason.

In football, the best ability is availability. What good are the Texans if Watson isn’t healthy under center?

In 2018, Watson was sacked 62 times—which was the most in the NFL. The Texans could look to trade for a formidable piece along their offensive line this offseason.

Although he will be 36 soon, Donald Penn would be a nice addition from the Oakland Raiders. The Raiders have shown—under Jon Gruden—that they are willing to move their best players via trade.

With the Raiders selecting Kolton Miller last season, Penn is expendable to the Raiders. Acquiring Penn would instantly improve the Texans ability to protect their prized possession in Watson.

4. Jacoby Brissett to the Miami Dolphins

The Miami Dolphins will be in need of a quarterback as they are expected to either cut or trade Ryan Tannehill. With a new regime under newly hired head coach, Brian Flores, the Dolphins want a fresh start at quarterback.

Flores comes from the New England Patriots staff—where he was the defensive play-caller in 2018. There’s one quarterback who could be on the trade market who has ties to the Patriots.

Jacoby Brissett could possibly be moved this offseason at the right price. Brissett is heading into the final year of his rookie contract—making a trade more likely to happen on the Indianapolis Colts side.

The Colts have reiterated that they would only trade Brissett if they were “blown away” by the offer. With Andrew Luck seemingly being fully healthy, Brissett becomes nonessential.

The Dolphins could look to acquire Brissett to possibly see if he could be their guy for the future. Waiting until next season could be dangerous—as everyone is loading up to draft Tua Tagovailoa from Alabama.

3. Von Miller to the Los Angeles Rams

When the 2018 season ended, Denver Broncos GM John Elway stated that “they will explore all possibilities this offseason“. Furthermore, the Broncos have already made headlines by trading for Joe Flacco recently.

The Broncos have been stuck between a rock and a hard place since Peyton Manning retired in 2015. There has been a quarterback carousel with the likes of Brock Osweiler, Trevor Siemian, Paxton Lynch, and Case Keenum.

The Broncos are hoping Flacco can return them to their winning ways. It’s hard to believe that will happen though—with Flacco being past his prime and struggling.

The Broncos could consider all possibilities this offseason to actually rebuild. Von Miller could be moved before the season begins.

One team who could acquire the All-Pro outside linebacker are the Los Angeles Rams. The Rams are searching for edge rushers this offseason and Miller fits the bill.

Adding Miller alongside Aaron Donald and company would be downright unfair. Good luck to opposing offensive lines if a Miller trade comes into fruition.

Miller has also played under Wade Phillips when Phillips was the defensive coordinator for the Broncos just a couple of years ago. Thus, making a move for Miller very possible if he is made available.

2. Antonio Brown to the San Francisco 49ers

We all know that Antonio Brown wants to start fresh somewhere—after butting heads with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

There are plenty of problems within the Steelers locker room—with them becoming the soap opera of the NFL. First, the Le’Veon Bell situation to begin the season and the Brown situation to end it.

Just recently, Brown officially requested a trade from the Steelers. He can’t be moved until the new league year starts but teams can still make offers when they please.

There are basically 31 other teams who could use the services of Brown. Although he obviously comes with baggage, Brown is still one of the best wide receivers in the NFL.

A possible candidate to the land the dissatisfied wide receiver are the San Francisco 49ers. The 49ers under Kyle Shanahan are expected to make a leap in 2019—with Jimmy Garoppolo and Jerick McKinnon coming back healthy.

Acquiring a wide receiver of Brown’s caliber could exponentially improve the 49ers going forward.

1. Odell Beckham to the New England Patriots

Number one might come as a surprise to some but it shouldn’t be. Odell Beckham has been talked about in trade talks for the past couple of years.

The New York Giants were reportedly shopping the elite receiver before the 2018 season. Their asking price was too steep—asking for multiple first round picks.

The Giants decided to extend Beckham’s contract—giving him a 5-year, $95 million extension that begins in 2019. As a result, everyone thinks all is well for the Giants and Beckham going forward.

According to Jay Glazer, the Giants received offers for Beckham before last season’s trade deadline. He also went on to predict that the Giants would indeed move the wide receiver this offseason.

At this point, it is all hypotheticals. But what if the Giants do trade him? Who would acquire him?

The Patriots were reportedly one of the teams interested before the 2018 season. They still have plenty of assets to acquire him.

The league would be flipped on its head if a team like the Patriots were able to land Beckham.