By Peyton Schultze

Great veteran signal callers such as Tom Brady and Philip Rivers figure to be well-sought-after players in this year’s free agent crop (via Pro Football Talk).

Now that the Super Bowl has come and gone and the Kansas City Chiefs have been crowned as world champions, the NFL offseason is officially upon us.

In the coming weeks and months, expect plenty of player movement from some of the biggest names in the league. Could Tom Brady really leave New England? Will Odell be traded from the Browns after a poor first season? Which teams are willing to sign a quarterback? Which contenders will sign a key player to get them over the top? These questions will all be answered soon enough and it will be fascinating to see how the offseason unfolds.

With that being said, here are our surprising, interesting, and exciting free agency and trade predictions for the 2020 NFL offseason.

Free Agency

Quarterback Tom Brady, New England Patriots

Although there have been a ton of rumors, it seems nearly impossible to picture Brady in another uniform (via NBC Sports and Patriots.com).

There’s been a ton of rumors about where Tom Brady will end up playing next season, but could he really end up leaving the team he grew up with?

To put it simply, it seems like there is just about no chance. Even though he has been linked to AFC teams such as the Raiders, Chargers, and Titans, the potential threat of leaving seems like nothing more than contract leverage in terms of his worth to the Patriots. Brady is the face of the franchise, and it would not make a ton of sense for Brady to leave behind a Boston fan base that reveres him in high regard as much as any group of fans in sports. In addition, the organizations that have been linked to him are known for having minimal success and plenty of turmoil over the past 20 years, which makes it unlikely that he would want to sign with them. Would he really want to suit up for LA’s least-talked about team? Or for a Raiders’ fan base that dislikes him as much as any player in the league? Or for a Colts team that ratted him out for deflated footballs? All of these scenarios seem unlikely at best, and Brady should be back with the Patriots again in the twilight of his career.

Other Possible Destinations: Las Vegas Raiders, Los Angeles Chargers, Tennessee Titans

Quarterback Philip Rivers, Indianapolis Colts

If he doesn’t decide to hang up his cleats, Rivers would be a great fit for an Indianapolis team that wants to win now (via USA Today and World Sport Logos).

Now that the Los Angeles Chargers have officially moved on from quarterback Philip Rivers, it is a big mystery where, and even if, the quarterback will sign in the offseason.

Although Rivers actually has some pretty solid fits for him around the league such as the Buccaneers and Titans, the Colts should be the clear favorite to sign him in the offseason. Rivers was not great by any means last year, but he was playing behind a terrible offensive line that failed him week in and week out. If Rivers decided to head toward Indy to play behind one of the league’s best offensive lines, as well as with a solid collection of offensive weapons, the pairing could work great and produce solid results at the top of the AFC South. It is certainly a mystery if Rivers has much left in the tank, but since the team seemed to have lost confidence in Jacoby Brissett by the end of the season, the Colts should go all-in. This move would be quite ideal for both parties involved, and would have the potential to immediately throw Indianapolis back into the Super Bowl conversation.

Other Possible Destinations: Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Chicago Bears, Tennessee Titans

Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, Chicago Bears

The addition of a solid quarterback like Bridgewater could help vault the Bears back into Super Bowl contention (via Bicycling and Pinterest).

One of the biggest offseason mysteries in the league surrounds quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, who is scheduled to hit free agency after a very good season for the Saints in relief as their backup quarterback.

Bridgewater could easily be considered an elite backup in the league, but many also view him as a potential starter for a handful of teams. With a cautious approach that preaches ball control and taking care of the football, Bridgewater would be a great fit for several teams in need of quarterback for next season. The Saints would be the clear favorite if Drew Brees decides to call it quits, but the Bears should be more interested than any other team in the NFL. Bridgewater would instantly be thrown into an intense quarterback battle with Mitchell Trubisky, which could end up serving the Bears well in the short and long terms. If Bridgewater could at least limit the turnovers and help to compliment one of the league’s elite defenses by taking care of the football as the starter, the Bears have a chance to get back into the playoffs and make a deep run. There is virtually no risk in bringing in Bridgewater, and Chicago would be very wise to sign him to produce even more competition in their locker room.

Other Possible Destinations: New Orleans Saints, Miami Dolphins, Los Angeles Chargers

Quarterback Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys

If Brady doesn’t become available, the Cowboys should do whatever it takes to bring back star quarterback Dak Prescott (via Blogging the Boys and Amazon).

Dak Prescott figures to have a ton of spotlight on him in the offseason based on his contract negotiations, and it will be interesting to see just how messy the numbers get in his pursuit to get a worthy deal.

Even though there will likely be several rumors of the Cowboys not being able to secure a deal, it is hard to imagine Prescott ending up anywhere else other than Dallas next season. One of the only reasonable situations that would see Dak in another uniform is if the Cowboys decided to pursue Tom Brady, but even that seems unlikely with age and actual performance in the equation. With that being said, look for Jerry Jones and the Cowboys to finally come to terms with Prescott in the form of a franchise tag or a mega-deal in the mid to upper 30’s (in terms of millions). If Prescott isn’t signed by Dallas and hits the open market, look for him to receive offers from nearly any team in need of a quarterback. It’s hard to imagine a young superstar like Prescott in any other uniform right now, and it seems likely that he’ll be representing The Star once again in 2020.

Other Possible Destinations: New England Patriots, Los Angeles Chargers, Miami Dolphins

Wide Receiver AJ Green, Seattle Seahawks

Even though injuries have piled up over the course of his career, AJ Green would be a phenomenal fit for Russell Wilson and the Seahawks’ offense (via Empire Sports Media and YouTube).

AJ Green was forced to miss all of last season with an injury, but he will definitely be one of the top offensive free agents on the market in the offseason.

One team that seems like a near-perfect fit for Green is the Seattle Seahawks. Seattle is a great team ready to win now, but they certainly need one more receiving target on the outside to compliment Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf. Green would fill that void immediately, and it is not hard to envision a great connection being formed right away with quarterback Russell Wilson. However, Green should have his fair share of suitors even despite his recent injury history, especially in the form of up and coming teams like the Denver Broncos and Buffalo Bills, as well as budding contenders such as the Green Bay Packers and New England Patriots. Seattle would be the ideal fit for him, but also don’t rule out a late push from the Bengals in their pursuit to pair the still-talented receiver with their likely-new rookie quarterback in the form of 2019 Heisman Trophy winner, Joe Burrow.

Other Possible Destinations: Denver Broncos, Cincinnati Bengals, Green Bay Packers

Wide Receiver Emmanuel Sanders, Green Bay Packers

Sanders’ veteran leadership would help bring another deadly component to a Packers’ team on the verge of a Super Bowl appearance (via USA Today and The Home Depot).

Emmanuel Sanders is certainly one of the marquee offensive difference makers in this year’s free agency class, and it would not be a surprise to see him sign with a Super Bowl contender in the last big contract of his career.

It is clear that the San Francisco 49ers would want to bring back the veteran Sanders, but it is unclear if he has that same type of affection after a mysterious postseason run with a shaky Jimmy Garoppolo at quarterback. Although Sanders will likely be met with big offers from teams such as the Seahawks and Patriots, the Packers seem like a great fit for the speedy wide receiver in Matt LaFleur’s second year as head coach. Aaron Rodgers and the Packers definitely need one more impact player on the outside for their passing game after being exposed by the 49ers in the playoffs, and Sanders’ role as a veteran leader would fit right in with what Rodgers wants out of his wide outs. With a short-term deal spanning two to three years, Sanders would be a great #2 wide receiver to Davante Adams and help to form one of the better receiving duos in all of football in the last years of his career as a still-great wide receiver.

Other Possible Destinations: San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks, New England Patriots

Tight End Austin Hooper, New England Patriots

Hooper would instantly become a favorite target of Brady’s if he were to take his talents to Massachusetts (via Hogs Haven and Patriots.com).

After Rob Gronkowski’s sudden retirement from the NFL, New England’s production from their tight ends drastically declined in 2019.

Although it is still a mystery if Tom Brady will return to the team in 2020, New England is going to have to make some major upgrades in their receiving department regardless. One of these areas is at the tight end position, where a stud player like Austin Hooper could make a major difference after a great year with the Falcons. Hooper is already one of the best at his position in the entire league, and an addition to a New England offense that struggled a year ago could be gigantic for the Patriots’ title hopes in 2020. However, there’s a strong possibility that Atlanta will push hard to bring him back to their own squad to help out Matt Ryan and company, so watch for Atlanta to even top a potential offer from any other suitor like the Patriots. Hooper’s offers will be one of the more interesting stories to watch in free agency, and it will not be a shock if he ends up suiting up with the six-time Super Bowl champions next fall.

Other Possible Destinations: Atlanta Falcons, Buffalo Bills, Chicago Bears

Running Back Melvin Gordon, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Gordon would be a crucial workhorse running back for a Tampa Bay team full of many explosive offensive weapons (via NFL and 1000 Logos).

Melvin Gordon’s reliability fell off a bit for the Chargers in 2019, but he still remains one of the better running backs in the league when healthy and focused.

While Gordon doesn’t figure to be back with Los Angeles next year, it is still somewhat of a mystery who is willing to take a risk on the former Wisconsin running back after an ugly contract holdout. One team that could, and should, afford to take the risk are the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Bucs have one of the most potent offensive units in the league with Mike Evans and Chris Godwin on the perimeter, but they still lack a running back who can produce weekly for them. Gordon fits that mold, and his addition could help take Tampa Bay to the next level and into possible NFC South contention under head coach Bruce Arians. It is certainly a risk that may not be worth it, especially considering Gordon’s high salary demands, but the Bucs may want to go all-in and put all of their chips on the table for a solid running back still in the midst of his prime.

Other Possible Destinations: Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Redskins, Buffalo Bills

Defensive End Chris Jones, Baltimore Ravens

Chris Jones’ versatile abilities on the defensive line would add even more pressure for opposing offenses facing the Ravens (via The Clarion-Ledger and Pinterest).

Chris Jones may have been the best defensive player for the Chiefs during their immaculate Super Bowl run, and his talents will be desired by many teams in free agency.

Although Jones could very likely end up right back with Kansas City in free agency, there are several other contenders that may end up offering more money to him. One of these teams is the Baltimore Ravens, who would be making a major power move in the conference if they were to steal Jones away from one of their fellow AFC heavyweights. In terms of a personnel fit, Jones would be a major part of helping to stop the run against great running backs such as Derrick Henry, who gashed Baltimore in their lone playoff game in the past season. In addition, this could be a move that could get the Ravens over the hump in the AFC and back into the Super Bowl for the first time in the Lamar Jackson era. It would be a stunning move, but watch out for the Ravens in this year’s free agency class.

Other Possible Destinations: Kansas City Chiefs, Indianapolis Colts, Arizona Cardinals

Cornerback Bryon Jones, Houston Texans

After the Texans failed to stop any opposing passing games last season, Jones would help boost their secondary in a major way (via Blogging the Boys and World Sport Logos).

With the Cowboys having so many star players to pay right now, they could easily end up losing one of their most important in stud cornerback, Byron Jones.

Jones will have plenty of willing suitors in the upcoming free agency period, but the Houston Texans make more sense than any team in the league in terms of a potential signing. Not only would the move keep Jones in the state of Texas, but Jones would immediately become the centerpiece of the Texans’ secondary as their #1 corner. Houston’s passing defense struggled to stop even a nosebleed a year ago, and they will certainly be desperate to make a big move in order to keep themselves at the top of the AFC South. In addition, the corner has been overshadowed by his peers on defense during his time and Dallas, and his exit seems more likely than any of the other free agent Cowboys. Although Jones will get a ton of offers from big teams ready to win a Super Bowl now, the Texans just make too much sense if he decides to leave Jerry Jones and the Cowboys in the dust.

Other Possible Destinations: New York Giants, New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Additional Landing Spots

Drew Brees to the New Orleans Saints
Jameis Winston to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Yannick Ngakoue to the Las Vegas Raiders
Jadeveon Clowney to the Miami Dolphins
Shaq Barrett to the Arizona Cardinals
Derrick Henry to the Tennessee Titans
Ryan Tannehill to the Tennessee Titans
Amari Cooper to the Dallas Cowboys
Brandon Scherff to the Seattle Seahawks
Jack Conklin to the Los Angeles Chargers
Chris Harris Jr. to the Philadelphia Eagles
Arik Armstead to the San Francisco 49ers
Bud Dupree to the Pittsburgh Steelers
Matthew Judon to the New York Giants
Justin Simmons to the Denver Broncos

Trade Scenarios

Wide Receiver Odell Beckham Jr., Las Vegas Raiders

Odell Beckham Jr. would be a flat out superstar under head coach Jon Gruden for the Raiders in their first year in the Sin City (via Complex and Quora).

Beckham Jr. clearly wanted out of Cleveland last season, and there is a solid chance he could get his wish in the coming offseason.

Although Odell has dealt with plenty of controversy on and off-the-field in his short career, there is no denying his incredible talent when healthy. A season ago, with the Browns struggling to meet any sort of expectations, Odell produced perhaps the worst year of his career with Baker Mayfield throwing him the football. If Odell pushes the Browns even further and demands to be traded, the Raiders make a ton of sense. Remember how excited Raider Nation was when they traded for Antonio Brown a season ago, before all of the future chaos would ensue? Imagine that excitement times fifty in their first year in Las Vegas, where Odell would essentially thrive in Jon Gruden’s offense and undoubtedly boost his personal brand even more in one of the nation’s brightest and most entertaining cities.

Other Possible Destinations: San Francisco 49ers, New England Patriots, New York Jets

Running Back Le’Veon Bell, Washington

The Redskins need a reliable running back sooner rather than later in order to help develop their very young offense (via Bleacher Report and Chris Creamer’s Sports Logos).

Le’Veon Bell was supposed to be the answer to the Jets’ previous offensive woes.

Instead, in the first year under controversial head coach Adam Gase, Bell’s numbers fell off the side of a cliff behind a weak offensive line and extremely poor playcalling nearly every week. The Jets already look like they’re ready to move on from their well-paid superstar running back, and a team like Washington looks like they could be a sneaky team in some deals this offseason. Although Washington has had some success with running backs such as Adrian Peterson and Derrius Guice in the past few years, they are in desperate need of another offensive playmaker to help out their young quarterback in Dwayne Haskins. Bell fits that call immediately, and he could actually find some great success in the organization behind a pretty good offensive line. Although Washington has typically failed to make these type of deals in the past, this would be a splashy first move from new head coach, Ron Rivera.

Other Possible Spots: Pittsburgh Steelers, Detroit Lions, Miami Dolphins

Running Back Todd Gurley, Miami Dolphins

With Todd Gurley reportedly on the table, Miami would be a great destination for him with tons of draft capital (via New York Post and YouTube).

This could be more shocking than any move all offseason if it were to go down.

Just a year after being regarded as one of the best running backs in football and helping to lead the Rams all the way to the Super Bowl against the New England Patriots, Los Angeles has said that “all options are on the table” regarding the star running back in the coming offseason. With declining numbers and a major contract on his hands, the Rams could look to get Gurley off their books and move him to a team with a ton of draft capital in order to take some financial stress off their backs. Luckily for Miami, they have no clear answer at running back right now, and they also possess a ton of upcoming draft picks that the Rams are in need of right now. Although it would likely take a solid collection of picks, this could be one of the most surprising deals in recent history in trading away a running back who is supposed to be in the prime of his career.

Other Possible Spots: New York Jets, Buffalo Bills, Denver Broncos

2020 NFL Offseason Player Predictions