Trade Block Heats Up: Predicting Potential NFL Trade Candidates Before the 2025 Season

The NFL is a constantly evolving landscape, and as the 2025 season approaches, the trade winds are picking up. With teams fine-tuning their rosters and evaluating their needs, several players could find themselves on the move. As the August 26th roster cutdown looms, general managers are actively assessing their assets and exploring potential deals to bolster their squads. Let’s dive into some potential trade candidates who could be changing teams before the season kicks off.

Quarterback Carousel

The quarterback position is always a hot topic, and several signal-callers could be on the move.

Kenny Pickett (Cleveland Browns): After the Browns named Joe Flacco their Week 1 starter, Pickett’s future in Cleveland is uncertain. The Browns also drafted Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders, further complicating the quarterback room. At 27, Pickett still has upside and may seek a team where he can compete for a starting role.
Kirk Cousins (Atlanta Falcons): The Falcons drafted Jaxson Dart, and it appears they are willing to go into the season with Cousins backing up Penix. If a team suffers an injury at quarterback, Cousins could be a valuable trade target.
Sam Howell (Minnesota Vikings): With the Vikings set at quarterback with Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason, Howell may be expendable. A change of scenery could benefit the young quarterback.
Anthony Richardson (Indianapolis Colts): There is speculation that the Steelers may trade for Richardson to see if he can be their next starting QB.

Running Back Shuffle

Several running backs find themselves in crowded backfields or are seeking opportunities for more playing time.

Travis Etienne (Jacksonville Jaguars): Despite a decent 2024 season, Etienne’s role in Jacksonville is uncertain after the emergence of Tank Bigsby and the drafting of Blayshon Tuten. The Jaguars may look to recoup a draft pick by trading Etienne. The Miami Dolphins have been mentioned as a potential landing spot.
Brian Robinson Jr. (Washington Commanders): The Commanders traded Robinson to the 49ers after strong showings from youngsters like Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Chris Rodriguez Jr.
Miles Sanders (Dallas Cowboys): Sanders has struggled to find his footing in Dallas’s crowded backfield. A fresh start could benefit the former Pro Bowler.
Ty Chandler (Minnesota Vikings): With Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason ahead of him on the depth chart, Chandler could be on the move. The Houston Texans have been mentioned as a possible destination.
Antonio Gibson (New England Patriots): The Patriots drafted TreVeyon Henderson and have Antonio Gibson as a reliable veteran. If Henderson takes over, a running back-needy team like the Dolphins could inquire about Gibson.
Rhamondre Stevenson (New England Patriots): Stevenson could become a midseason trade target. The Patriots drafted TreVeyon Henderson in the second round, and the rookie looks like a future star. They also have Antonio Gibson as a reliable veteran. If Henderson takes over, a running back-needy team like Dallas could inquire about Stevenson mid-season.

Wide Receiver Market

The wide receiver market is always active, with teams looking to add playmakers to their passing game.

Adam Thielen (Carolina Panthers): With the emergence of Tetairoa McMillan, the Panthers may look to trade Thielen, who is in the final year of his contract. A return to the Minnesota Vikings has been rumored.
Kendrick Bourne (New England Patriots): The Patriots are loaded at receiver, making Bourne a potential trade target.
Ja’Lynn Polk (New England Patriots): The Patriots drafted Polk in the second round in 2024, Polk has struggled to live up to expectations in New England’s crowded receiver room. A change of scenery could help unlock his potential.
Tim Patrick (Detroit Lions): With Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams ahead of him, Patrick could be on the move. The Buffalo Bills have been mentioned as a possible destination.
Terry McLaurin (Washington Commanders): McLaurin demanded a trade early in the process when it became clear that he would not get his desired contract from the Washington Commanders.
Deebo Samuel (San Francisco 49ers): Reports of Deebo Samuel’s trade request swept through the Super Bowl news cycle this week, after the talented receiver requested the 49ers trade him during his end-of-season meeting with head coach Kyle Shanahan.

Defensive Standouts

Several defensive players could be on the move as teams look to bolster their defenses.

Trey Hendrickson (Cincinnati Bengals): Hendrickson and the Bengals have been at odds over his contract. Several teams are monitoring the situation closely. The Las Vegas Raiders have been mentioned as a possible destination.
Micah Parsons (Dallas Cowboys): Parsons has been a hot topic following his trade request. The Green Bay Packers have been mentioned as a potential destination.
Kyle Dugger (New England Patriots): After being demoted to the second team, Dugger is reportedly on the trade block.
Denzel Ward (Cleveland Browns): Despite being a top-tier cornerback, Ward’s injury history could make the Browns consider trading him.

Other Potential Trade Candidates

Evan Neal (New York Giants): The Giants may look to trade the former first-round pick if they can get something in return.
Cole Strange (New England Patriots): The Patriots may be willing to move on from the offensive lineman.

The trade block is heating up as teams make final adjustments before the 2025 season. Keep an eye on these players and others as the roster cutdown deadline approaches.