Top 5 NFL Players Most Likely to Be Traded in the 2022 NFL Offseason

Top 5 NFL Players Most Likely to Be Traded in the NFL Offseason

With the Divisional Round of the NFL Postseason on tap for this weekend, that officially means there are just seven games left until the offseason. Well, okay, eight for all the Pro Bowl truthers out there. At any rate, the offseason always brings about some surprises, typically in the form of free-agent signings and/or major trades between teams. We have even seen marquee superstars switch teams in recent years. Considering some of the rumblings coming out of certain locker rooms, it wouldn’t come as a shock if more stars are on the move in the 2022 NFL offseason.

Of course, the biggest trade that was reported to be a done deal last offseason involving Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers never happened. After going out and all but officially winning his second straight MVP Award, relations seem to have been repaired between Rodgers and the Packers front office. However, those who have been keeping a close eye on the NFL rumor mill know full well that there are some other star quarterbacks who could possibly be donning new jerseys next season.

The following looks at five players who are most likely to be traded from their current teams in the upcoming NFL offseason.

5 NFL Players Most Likely to Be Traded in 2022 Offseason

Jimmy Garoppolo — QB, San Francisco 49ers

It truly is a rather peculiar situation that Jimmy Garoppolo currently finds himself in. Despite all of those so-called football “experts” on Twitter, Garoppolo has clearly emerged as the best quarterback right now on the 49ers roster over rookie No. 3 draft pick, Trey Lance. Yet, as he and the 49ers continue their playoff run into the Divisional Round, one can’t help but figure Garoppolo will not return to the Bay Area next season. 

When the 49ers traded up to take Lance third overall in the 2021 NFL Draft, they essentially committed to a future without the 30-year-old Garoppolo. Unless Kyle Shanahan and his staff decide Lance is still not ready to take over the reins full-time next season, it would be foolish from a financial standpoint to bring back their elder QB. Garoppolo will carry nearly a $27 million cap hit in 2022, the final season on a five-year deal. While the Niners could opt to cut Garoppolo instead (dead cap hit of only $1.4 million), they will almost certainly be able to obtain some assets in return from a quarterback-starved team.

Gardner Minshew — QB, Philadelphia Eagles

After being traded from the Jacksonville Jaguars to the Eagles last August, it is almost certain that Gardner Minshew will be on the move again in the 2022 NFL offseason. Considering some of the quarterbacks who were starting down the stretch of last season, the fact that Minshew was riding the pine was quite pathetic. In all honesty, he probably should have been starting over Jalen Hurts on his own team, but we’ll save that debate for another day. After coach Nick Sirianni reaffirmed the team’s commitment to Hurts moving forward, one has to believe the Eagles would entertain offers for a player they only view as a backup.

There will certainly be an incentive for Philadelphia to move Minshew this offseason given that 2022 is the final year on his rookie contract. Thus, this is essentially their only chance to net any sort of significant return package should a suitor view Minshew as their future starter. For the sake of football fans everywhere, let’s hope that “Minshew Mania” is back up and running come Week 1 of next season.

Russell Wilson — QB, Seattle Seahawks

Although Russell Wilson still has two more years remaining on the four-year deal he signed back in 2019, there will certainly be more trade buzz surrounding the star QB in the offseason. In fact, some Seahawks fans might have grown numb to such rumors by now. Last offseason, in particular, several media outlets reported tremendous tension between Wilson and the team. After enduring his first losing season and missing the playoffs for only the second time in his career, might the 33-year-old be ready for a change of scenery?

Of course, for Wilson to be traded, he would almost certainly have to go to the Seahawks’ front office and demand it. Given that there were reportedly issues between the two sides after last season’s 12-4 campaign, it seems plausible that there could be more discontent after going 7-10. Despite his high salary, there figure to be plenty of suitors for a quarterback with Wilson’s exceptional resume. While a lot of people speak like it is certain Wilson will depart from the Pacific Northwest this offseason, it would be odd to see Pete Carroll embrace a full-scale rebuild given that he is the oldest head coach in the NFL.

Tua Tagovailoa — QB, Miami Dolphins

Does anyone have any idea what the Dolphins are doing anymore? Do the Dolphins even know what the Dolphins are doing? The stunning decision to fire head coach Brian Flores after the regular season ended could serve as a precursor to further changes. Apparently rallying from a 1-7 start to finish 9-8 despite having one of the worst offensive lines in the NFL wasn’t enough for Flores to keep his job. After two rocky seasons after being drafted fifth overall, might Tua Tagovailoa also be on the move this offseason?

Depending on who comes in as the next head coach, Miami could very well opt to go in a different direction at quarterback next season. While the Deshaun Watson rumors are likely dead now that Flores is out of town, it will be curious to see what direction the front office decides to go in moving forward. Given that he is still on a rookie contract, Tagovailoa could be a cheap QB option for a team willing to continue his development. 

Daniel Jones — QB, New York Giants

The losing seasons all sort of string together for most Giants fans at this point. Because of this, some might be surprised to learn that 2022 is already the final year on Daniel Jones’ rookie contract. Having now rid themselves of GM Dave Gettleman, the man who drafted Jones sixth overall out of Duke in 2019, the Giants could conceivably move on from their starting quarterback in the offseason as well.

The decision on whether or not to trade Jones will ultimately come down to the outlook of the new GM and coach that New York eventually hires. If the 24-year-old does not fit in with their rebuild plan, offers will almost certainly be entertained. With two of the first seven picks in the 2022 NFL Draft, it wouldn't be hard for a new regime to draft Jones' replacement. While the Giants may opt to move on, by no means are all of their struggles over the last few seasons Jones’ fault. In fact, he has already progressed a great deal and should wind up should continue to be a starter for an NFL team. Whether or not that team is the Giants remains to be seen.