5 offseason trades that will move the needle in the 2021 season

This offseason, with the salary cap being as tight as it is, there weren't that many possible trades in the NFL. However, of the trades that were finalized, there are some that could really turn their teams around for the upcoming 2021 season.

5 offseason trades that will have the largest impact

#1 OT Orlando Brown to the Kansas City Chiefs

It's no secret that the Kansas City Chiefs' offensive line completely crumbled last season. The Chiefs believe it even cost them their second Super Bowl victory in as many seasons. This offseason, the Chiefs made it their mission to rebuild the offensive line in front of Patrick Mahomes, and rebuild they have.

Looking to predict NFL playoff Scenarios? Try our NFL Playoff Predictor for real-time simulations and stay ahead of the game!

One of the biggest additions is the acquisition of left tackle Orlando Brown from the Baltimore Ravens. The two-time Pro Bowler will now have the responsibility of protecting Patrick Mahomes' blind side. Brown is one of the strongest offensive linemen in the NFL and should put a stop to the pressure on the left.

Orlando Brown Jr. couldn't be more ready to protect his new QB. ‼️ (via @thecheckdown, h/t @arrowheadpride) @ZEUS__57 | @PatrickMahomes | @Chiefs pic.twitter.com/JL9znAsdUZ
— NFL (@NFL) June 9, 2021

Expand Tweet

#2 WR Julio Jones to the Tennessee Titans

The trade that rocked the NFL! Julio Jones was traded from the Atlanta Falcons to the Tennessee Titans this offseason. Jones was seemingly itching to leave Atlanta, and after a bevy of speculation over where he would be traded, Tennessee won the stakes.

Julio Jones will add another dimension to a Tennessee Titans offense that already has A.J. Brown and Derrick Henry. Not only does it give quarterback Ryan Tannehill another offensive weapon, it also makes it harder for opposing defenses. With so many options on the ground and in the air, the Titans have made a major upgrade to their team.

Julio Jones 2️⃣ pic.twitter.com/8iYf4pcRu1
— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) June 8, 2021

Expand Tweet

#3 QB Carson Wentz to the Indianapolis Colts

When quarterback Carson Wentz was traded from the Philadelphia Eagles to the Indianapolis Colts, it just made sense. Wentz has struggled with injuries as well as poor on-field play with the Eagles. The Colts lost Phillip Rivers to retirement after just one season in Indianapolis and needed a starting quarterback.

Being reunited with his former offensive coordinator, now Colts head coach Franck Reich, might just be what Wentz needs at this point in his career. The Colts have built one of the best offensive lines in the NFL and Wentz has reliable running backs and receivers to make his job easier in Indy.

Frank Reich’s confidence in Carson Wentz speaks volumes towards QBs capabilities for 2021 season https://t.co/G7aGVSWoy5
— Spyll (@spyllit) June 11, 2021

Expand Tweet

#4 QB Matthew Stafford to the Los Angeles Rams

Even before the 2020 regular season ended, it was speculated that the Detroit Lions would trade quarterback Matthew Stafford. The Los Angeles Rams emerged victorious from this one. Jared Goff had his moments, and even led the Rams to the Super Bowl. But his inability to win it all seemed to force the Rams' hand, following which they traded him to the Detroit Lions.

Stafford should now have the ability to make a playoff push, something he wasn't able to do with the Lions. Even though the Lions had an abysmal 5-11 record in 2020, Stafford threw for 4,084 passing yards and twenty-six touchdowns.

#5 OT Trent Brown to the New England Patriots

In an effort to add depth and experience to the offense, the New England Patriots traded for offensive tackle Trent Brown from the Las Vegas Raiders for a fifth-round pick, in a move that took many by surprise. This will be Brown's second tenure with the Patriots; he won the Super Bowl with New England in 2018.

In 2019, Brown allowed just one sack in one of his best pro seasons, earning a trip to his first NFL Pro Bowl.

From yesterday. And yes, Gunner caught that and Trent Brown remains an incredibly large human. #Patriots pic.twitter.com/ZsvHYZ83Wx
— Michael Giardi (@MikeGiardi) June 11, 2021

Expand Tweet

About the author

Bethany Cohen is an NFL writer at Sportskeeda, with a rich prior 15-year experience in the sports writing industry, primarily covering the MLB and MiLB. She majored in Communications from the University of South Florida and has previously worked for top companies such as Examiner.com and Legends on Deck.

Bethany owes her NFL allegiance to the Pittsburgh Steelers owing to their long-standing tradition and competitiveness. She is a fan of old stalwarts such as Terry Bradshaw and Franco Harris and would love to watch them in the 1970s if she manages to get her hand on a time machine. She also acknowledges the greatness of modern icons like T.J. Watt for his desire to continuously improve despite being on top. She admires coaches Mike Tomlin and Andy Reid for their longevity and success.

The ace reporter credits her knowledge and love for the sport to be her biggest reporting strengths. Prior fact-checking is a big component of her process and she always scours through additional sources to ensure complete accuracy in her content.

Super Bowl XLIII, when the Steelers won the the grand prize after Santonio Holmes’ epic catch in the end zone with just seconds left on the clock is etched in Bethany’s memory forever. When she is free of her professional commitments, she likes to attend sports events and music concerts.

Know More

College World Series Bracket 2025: Full list of teams heading to Omaha for a chance at national title

Edited by Colin D'Cunha