QB Carousel: Predicting the Next Big Quarterback Trade in the 2025 NFL Season

QB Carousel: Predicting the Next Big Quarterback Trade in the 2025 NFL Season

The NFL is a league of constant change, and perhaps nowhere is that more evident than at the quarterback position. Just ask the Atlanta Falcons, who handed Kirk Cousins a hefty $180 million contract, only to draft Michael Penix Jr. weeks later, effectively signaling the beginning of the end for Cousins in Atlanta. With the 2025 season fast approaching, the QB carousel is already spinning, and several high-profile players could find themselves on the move.

The State of the 2025 Quarterback Market

Heading into the 2025 season, several teams find themselves in precarious situations at quarterback. Some are looking for upgrades, while others are seeking stability after disappointing performances or injuries to their starters. According to NFL analysts, as many as eight teams could be in the market for a new quarterback. This creates a volatile environment ripe for trades, especially as teams assess their options during training camp and the early weeks of the season.

Potential Trade Candidates

Several quarterbacks stand out as potential trade candidates in 2025:

  • Kirk Cousins (Atlanta Falcons): The Falcons’ investment in Michael Penix Jr. makes Cousins expendable. Despite his hefty contract, Cousins’ experience and proven ability to be an efficient passer will make him an attractive option for teams seeking a veteran presence. Several teams holding open quarterback competitions, like the Cleveland Browns, Indianapolis Colts, and New Orleans Saints, could come calling about Cousins should their QB battles go awry.

  • Anthony Richardson (Indianapolis Colts): After a disappointing start to his career in Indianapolis, the Colts may decide to move on from Richardson. His athleticism and potential could entice a team willing to take a chance on developing his raw talent.

  • Kyler Murray (Arizona Cardinals): Despite flashes of brilliance, Murray’s tenure in Arizona has been inconsistent. If the Cardinals struggle in 2025, they could opt to start fresh and trade Murray to a team willing to gamble on his upside.

  • Jameis Winston (New York Giants): The Giants signed Russell Wilson to a short-term deal and drafted Jaxson Dart in the first round, leaving Winston as the team’s presumptive QB3. Winston figures to be most teams’ top trade target when a quarterback injury inevitably happens.

  • Will Levis (Tennessee Titans): With the Titans clearly moving forward with Cam Ward as their franchise quarterback, Levis becomes expendable. He’s still on his rookie contract, which makes him affordable for a backup, but the Titans will certainly be open to flipping him for a pick to build up the rest of the roster if something comes along that makes sense.

Teams in Need of a Quarterback

Several teams could be in the market for a quarterback via trade:

  • Cleveland Browns: Despite having Deshaun Watson on the roster, his inconsistent play and high salary could prompt the Browns to explore other options. With a crowded quarterback room including Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, Dillon Gabriel, and Shedeur Sanders, the Browns are likely to trade one of these guys before the season starts to ease the logjam.

  • New Orleans Saints: The Saints’ quarterback situation is far from settled. If neither Tyler Shuck nor Spencer Rattler emerges as a clear starter, the Saints could look to acquire a veteran via trade.

  • Minnesota Vikings: With second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy taking over the keys to the offense, the Vikings have been linked to a potential quarterback trade that would add insurance behind McCarthy.

  • Las Vegas Raiders: Despite signing Geno Smith, the Raiders could still be in the market for a quarterback, especially if Smith struggles. Tom Brady, who is now part of the Raiders’ operations, loves Shedeur Sanders and could look at this as an opportunity to go get a young quarterback to replace Geno Smith.

The Contract Factor

Contract situations will play a significant role in determining which quarterbacks are traded. Teams will be looking for players who offer both talent and value, and those with burdensome contracts may be harder to move. For example, Kirk Cousins is the most expensive backup in football with a $27.5 million guaranteed salary in 2025. Atlanta was asking teams to pay far too much of Cousins’ remaining $27.5 million guaranteed salary, while Cousins threatened to exercise his no trade clause if dealt before the draft to a team that did not promise it wouldn’t draft another young passer like the Falcons did last year.

Dak Prescott of the Dallas Cowboys is the highest-paid at his position, making $60 million per season. Lamar Jackson signed his big contract about two years ago now, so he’s due for a new one. The deal is worth just $51 million per year, which is crazy to say, but if Jackson is next up for a deal, you’d have to figure that he could land around $62 million per year or even more.

Impact of the 2025 Draft

The 2025 NFL Draft will also influence the quarterback carousel. Teams that miss out on their preferred quarterback prospects may become more aggressive in the trade market. Quarterbacks like Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders are projected to be top picks, and their landing spots could alter the landscape of the league.

Predicting the Moves

Predicting quarterback trades is always a difficult task, but based on the current landscape, here are a few potential scenarios:

  • Kirk Cousins to the Cleveland Browns: The Browns need a reliable quarterback, and Cousins could provide that stability.

  • Anthony Richardson to the Washington Commanders: The Commanders are in rebuilding mode and could take a chance on Richardson’s potential.

  • Jameis Winston to the Minnesota Vikings: The Vikings need a quality backup for J.J. McCarthy, and Winston fits the bill.

The 2025 NFL season promises to be another exciting year for quarterback movement. With several teams in need of a change under center, the QB carousel is sure to keep spinning.