Now that the Super Bowl is all that’s left in this most recent chapter of the NFL, the most intriguing part of the offseason is approaching: trade season.
In each of the last several offseasons, there have been multiple blockbuster moves. Most notably, in 2022, the Houston Texans acquired three first-round draft picks, two fourth-round draft picks and one third-round draft pick in exchange for quarterback Deshaun Watson and a sixth-round draft pick.
The Texans could find themselves in a similar situation this offseason after quarterback C.J. Stroud further continued his playoff struggles in his third NFL season.
With major names potentially on the move, fans tracking how these decisions might reshape the league often keep an eye on NFL odds on Stake as trade speculation builds.
QB Reset is Needed in Houston
The Texans have the roster to be a serious contender in this league. The one thing holding them back is quarterback play.
Stroud’s production has declined in each season of his NFL career. With Head Coach DeMeco Ryans yet to comment on a possible extension for Stroud, it might be time for Houston to pull the plug on the former No. 2 overall pick out of Ohio State.
Mock Trade:
New York Jets Receive: QB C.J. Stroud
Houston Texans Receive: Pick 44, Pick 175, and Pick 210
This mock trade gives Houston flexibility with their roster decisions, as Stroud’s potential contract could hurt their chances of extending players such as All-Pro edge rusher Will Anderson Jr., who will be demanding a hefty amount of money that could see him land amongst the highest-paid edge rushers of all time.
With the picks acquired from New York, Houston could look into LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier who was one of the preseason favorites to be the No. 1 overall pick. However, Nussmeier did not perform up to expectations this year, though that could be credited to the fact that LSU lost four starting offensive linemen to the 2025 NFL Draft, along with Nussmeier facing an abdominal strain throughout the 2025 season.
Oregon QB Dante Moore deciding to forgo the NFL Draft and return for his junior year leaves the Jets stranded with the No. 2 overall pick and in desperate need of a QB. With the weak options for QB in free agency, and at the top of the draft, plus the seat warming underneath Darren Mougey and Aaron Glenn, a trade for Stroud could be exactly what they need to get New York back in playoff contention.
Pittman’s Time in Indianapolis is Over
When the Colts extended Michael Pittman to a three-year, $70 million contract last offseason they envisioned him being their top wide receiver for years to come. Since signing his extension, Pittman has totaled only 1,592 receiving yards. Normally, that wouldn’t be so bad, but with Pittman being owed $29 million next season, his days in Indy could be numbered.
Mock Trade:
Buffalo Bills receive: Michael Pittman and Pick 230
Indianapolis Colts receive: Pick 166
Pittman’s contract destroys the little trade value that he still has. The Colts could just outright release him this offseason.
This mock trade would allow the Colts the cap space to re-sign standout WR Alec Pierce, who is set to hit the open market this offseason. Pierce impressed this year gaining over 1,000 yards on just 47 receptions. Pierce does not need a massive workload to affect the game, he can take the top off the defense at any given moment. The Colts would be wise to retain him.
Ever since they traded away Stefon Diggs, the Bills have been looking for a new WR1 for their superstar QB Josh Allen. So far the Bills have been unsuccessful in doing so, but adding Pittman would massively improve their lackluster wide receiver room. He would jump in and immediately be the WR1 on day one.
Crosby Unhappy in Las Vegas?
The Raiders frustrated their star edge rusher Maxx Crosby at the end of last season. The Raiders shut him down to end the year, even though Crosby felt he was healthy enough to finish out the season.
Shortly after Vegas’ announcement, Crosby shared a story on Instagram of him playing basketball, suggesting that he was in fact perfectly healthy. It was a move that some viewed as passive-aggressive.
https://twitter.com/nfl_dovkleiman/status/2005117185476407805?s=46&t=nShf5rykVLP3om1r7kpqtg
When the Raiders told Crosby they were shutting him down, he immediately left the building. This was the start of the trade rumors surrounding Crosby.
Mock Trade:
Chicago Bears receive: Maxx Crosby
Las Vegas Raiders receive: Pick 25 and a 2027 second-round draft pick.
The Raiders probably won’t want to move off of one of the top edge rushers in the NFL, but Crosby could force their hand. The Raiders would get a good return for Crosby to help further build their team around potential No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza.
The Chicago Bears being able to add an edge rusher like Crosby to their already impressive defense could slingshot them into being true Super Bowl contenders. Crosby would add another dominant edge rusher alongside Montez Sweat. With that much talent on the defensive line it would be challenging for opposing offenses to consistently drive down the field.
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