The NFL Draft is the most important part of the team-building process, and every single year teams try to trade up and down to secure the future of their franchise. For some organizations, it makes sense to give up multiple assets to go after a quarterback or an elite prospect who can be the missing piece for a championship-caliber team. Other organizations, meanwhile, might have holes throughout their roster and need multiple picks to try and build a contender. No matter the reason, teams always find ways to come to terms with these win-win transactions, and the 2024 NFL Draft will be no different.
In fact, there might be more trade up scenarios than usual, at least if NFL Draft expert Daniel Jeremiah is to be believed. According to the NFL Network analyst, 4 to 5 teams will try to move up and select their quarterback of the future, as next year’s class leaves a lot to be desired. Quarterback is easily the most important position in the game, and every franchise in the league will move heaven and earth if they think it means landing a franchise passer.
I believe we'll see 4-5 teams look into moving up for a QB over the next few months. Teams aren't excited about next year's QB class.
— Daniel Jeremiah (@MoveTheSticks) February 10, 2024
7 Teams That Could Trade Up (And Down) In the 2024 NFL Draft
Which Teams Could Trade Up In the NFL Draft?
A lot can change between now and the NFL Draft, but as of this posting, it appears as though the Chicago Bears and Washington Commanders will select Caleb Williams and Drake Maye, respectively. This means that any team interested in a trade up during the NFL Draft will be doing it to select Jayden Daniels, J.J. McCarthy, or possibly Bo Nix. The point is, there are (at most) three quarterbacks worth trading up for, and four to five teams interested in making a move for a quarterback.
The team most likely to trade up in the NFL Draft is the Atlanta Falcons. This team has all the pieces to compete in a weak NFC South: their offensive line is great, the weapons are impressive, and the defense is solid. The biggest weakness is at quarterback, as Demond Ridder proved he was not the answer last year. Unless they trade for Justin Fields, don’t be surprised if the Falcons get aggressive and agree to a trade long before the draft begins.
The Denver Broncos and Las Vegas Raiders, meanwhile, are in similar boats. It’s a foregone conclusion that Denver will part ways with Russell Wilson, so this team will need a quarterback. However, Denver doesn’t have the resources to trade up in the NFL Draft unless they part ways with star cornerback Patrick Surtain. This feels unlikely, so they might just let the board come to them and select Bo Nix. The Raiders, meanwhile, need a better option than Aidan O’Connell. Trading up will not be cheap, but perhaps first-year head coach Antonio Pierce will be willing to pay that heavy price.
The Minnesota Vikings will try to trade up in the NFL Draft if Kirk Cousins leaves in free agency. This team can make the playoffs with a starting-caliber quarterback, but they have no backup plan if Cousins leaves. Last but certainly not least is the New Orleans Saints. Derek Carr’s contract will keep him around for one more year, but he’s clearly not the long-term answer. Much like when the Chiefs traded up to select Patrick Mahomes despite having a solid starter in Alex Smith, the Saints could build for the future if they fall in love with the right prospect.
Possible Trade Partners
Of course, it takes two to tango, so somebody is going to have to give up their slot in the NFL Draft if any of these teams try to trade up. The most obvious fit is the New England Patriots. While the team desperately needs a quarterback, recent reports indicate that they aren’t enamored with Daniels or McCarthy. With this in mind, they could trade back and use the multiple selections to address the holes throughout the roster. This team desperately needs help at wide receiver and offensive tackle, and the draft class is loaded with talent at both positions.
The Arizona Cardinals hold the fourth-overall pick, but they already have two first-round picks, so it’s hard to see them passing on Marvin Harrison Jr. This leaves the Los Angeles Chargers as the most likely team to trade back in the NFL Draft. The Chargers already have a franchise quarterback in Justin Herbert, but they don’t have much young talent. The veteran-heavy defense was one of the worst in the league last year, and the offense needs younger playmakers. While it’s not the most fun option, trading back and getting multiple players who can make a Day 1 impact makes a lot of sense for this franchise.
Main Photo: Nathan Ray Seebeck – USA Today Sports
