Winners and Losers: Grading the Most Impactful NFL Trades of the 2025 Season
The 2025 NFL season promises to be one of the most unpredictable in recent memory, thanks in no small part to a whirlwind of offseason trades that have reshaped team rosters and redefined Super Bowl aspirations. Just last year, the Detroit Lions, against all odds, stormed to a 15-2 record, only to be stopped short in the divisional round. This year, several teams are hoping that strategic trades will give them the edge needed to make a similar leap. Let’s dive into the most impactful trades of the 2025 season, analyzing the winners and losers in these high-stakes deals.
Steelers Swing Big, Acquire DK Metcalf
The Trade: Seattle Seahawks trade DK Metcalf and a 2025 sixth-round pick to the Pittsburgh Steelers for a 2025 second-round pick and a 2025 seventh-round pick.
The Grade:
- Steelers: A-
- Seahawks: B
The Breakdown: The Pittsburgh Steelers, desperate to inject life into their receiving corps, made a bold move by acquiring DK Metcalf. The Steelers have struggled with receiver production for years, and landing a player of Metcalf’s caliber is a significant upgrade for veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Metcalf’s dynamic receiving skills are anticipated to invigorate Pittsburgh’s passing game, giving Rodgers a lethal target.
For the Seahawks, the trade signals a potential rebuild. While losing Metcalf hurts, the acquired second-round pick provides valuable draft capital to address other needs. However, some argue that Seattle didn’t get enough in return for a player of Metcalf’s caliber, especially considering their lack of a clear plan at receiver.
Commanders Load Up on Offense: Deebo Samuel and Laremy Tunsil Arrive
The Trades:
- San Francisco 49ers trade Deebo Samuel to the Washington Commanders for a 2025 fifth-round pick.
- Houston Texans trade Laremy Tunsil and a 2025 fourth-round selection to the Washington Commanders for 2025 third- and seventh-round selections and 2026 second- and fourth-round selections.
The Grades:
- Commanders: B+
- 49ers: C+
- Texans: B+
The Breakdown: The Washington Commanders are betting big on their young quarterback, Jayden Daniels, by surrounding him with talent. Acquiring Deebo Samuel gives Daniels a versatile weapon who can make plays as a receiver and a runner. Samuel’s playmaking abilities are expected to bolster Washington’s offense.
The Commanders also addressed their offensive line woes by trading for Laremy Tunsil. Tunsil is one of the premier blindside protectors in the league, and his arrival should help keep Daniels upright and healthy. The Commanders paid a hefty price for Tunsil, but protecting their young quarterback is paramount.
The 49ers, on the other hand, continue to shed salary. While Samuel is a dynamic player, his departure opens up cap space and allows the 49ers to address other needs. The Texans also made a smart move, acquiring valuable draft picks for Tunsil. These picks will help them continue to build their roster for the future.
Raiders Roll the Dice on Geno Smith
The Trade: Seattle Seahawks trade Geno Smith to the Las Vegas Raiders for a 2025 third-round pick.
The Grade:
- Raiders: C+
- Seahawks: B-
The Breakdown: The Las Vegas Raiders, still searching for stability at quarterback, traded for veteran Geno Smith. Smith’s experience and leadership are expected to provide a steadying influence in Las Vegas. The Raiders’ lack of consistency has been detrimental at times, and Smith could be the reliable veteran they need to take a step in the right direction.
The Seahawks, in turn, signed Sam Darnold to a lucrative deal, signaling a new direction at quarterback. While Smith had a solid season in 2024, the Seahawks clearly believe that Darnold offers more long-term potential.
Bears Bolster Offensive Line with Thuney and Jackson
The Trades:
- Kansas City Chiefs trade Joe Thuney to the Chicago Bears for a 2026 fourth-round selection.
- Los Angeles Rams trade Jonah Jackson to the Chicago Bears for a 2025 sixth-round selection.
The Grades:
- Bears: B+
- Chiefs: C+
- Rams: C+
The Breakdown: The Chicago Bears are committed to protecting their quarterback and establishing a strong running game. Acquiring Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson significantly upgrades their offensive line. These moves should help the offensive line go from an area of weakness to a position of strength for Chicago.
The Chiefs and Rams, on the other hand, are willing to part with valuable offensive linemen for draft capital. These moves could be cost-cutting measures, or they could signal a belief that they can find adequate replacements in the draft or free agency.
Eagles and Browns Swap Quarterbacks: Pickett to Cleveland
The Trade: Philadelphia Eagles trade Kenny Pickett to the Cleveland Browns in exchange for Dorian Thompson-Robinson and a 2025 fifth-round selection.
The Grades:
- Browns: C+
- Eagles: B+
The Breakdown: The Cleveland Browns, in need of a young quarterback to develop behind their starter, Deshaun Watson, traded for Kenny Pickett. Pickett gets a fresh start after being benched in Pittsburgh, and the Browns hope that he can reach his potential in a new environment.
The Eagles, content with their quarterback situation, were able to acquire a draft pick and another backup quarterback for Pickett. With Tanner McKee showing promise, Pickett became expendable, and the Eagles made a smart move to acquire additional assets.
Cowboys Acquire Pickens to Boost Receiving Corps
The Trade: Pittsburgh Steelers trade George Pickens and a 2027 sixth-round pick to the Dallas Cowboys for a 2026 third-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick.
The Grades:
- Cowboys: B+
- Steelers: C+
The Breakdown: The Dallas Cowboys, after neglecting the wide receiver position in the draft, made a splash by acquiring George Pickens. Pickens is a dynamic downfield threat who should complement CeeDee Lamb. This is an outstanding trade for the Cowboys.
The Steelers, on the other hand, continue to stockpile draft picks. However, some question whether they gave up too much potential by trading Pickens, especially considering their need for playmakers on offense.
Dolphins and Steelers Swap Defensive Pieces
The Trade: Miami Dolphins trade Jalen Ramsey, Jonnu Smith, and a 2027 seventh-round selection to the Pittsburgh Steelers for Minkah Fitzpatrick and a 2027 fifth-round selection.
The Grades:
- Steelers: B+
- Dolphins: C+
The Breakdown: The Steelers continue to add talent to their defense, acquiring Jalen Ramsey and Jonnu Smith. Ramsey gives them another top cornerback, while Smith provides a pass-catching option at tight end.
The Dolphins, on the other hand, are willing to part with Ramsey and Smith for Minkah Fitzpatrick, a safety they drafted years ago. This move could be a salary dump, or it could signal a belief that Fitzpatrick is a better fit for their defense.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 NFL season is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent memory. These trades have created winners and losers, but ultimately, the success of these moves will be determined by what happens on the field. As the season approaches, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see which teams made the right moves and which ones will be left regretting their decisions.