Offseason NFL Trades: 20 Players To Watch

6 min read Post on Apr 30, 2025

Offseason NFL Trades: 20 Players To Watch

Quarterbacks on the Move: Potential Trade Destinations and Impacts

The quarterback position is always a hot commodity, and this offseason is no exception. Several high-profile signal-callers could be on the move, creating a ripple effect across the league.

Aaron Rodgers (Green Bay Packers): Will He Stay or Will He Go?

The Aaron Rodgers saga continues. Will he remain in Green Bay, or will he seek a new challenge? Several teams are reportedly interested, most prominently the New York Jets and the Las Vegas Raiders. A Rodgers trade would dramatically impact both the Packers and his new team.

Rodgers' Age and Contract: At 39, Rodgers is still a top-tier quarterback, but his age and massive contract will be key factors in any trade negotiations.
Trade Compensation Expectations: The Packers will undoubtedly demand a king's ransom for a player of Rodgers' caliber, likely including multiple first-round draft picks.
Potential Landing Spots' Offensive Schemes: The Jets and Raiders possess different offensive systems, and Rodgers' fit within each scheme will be crucial in determining his ultimate destination. A team with a strong offensive line and receiving corps will be highly attractive.

Derek Carr (New Orleans Saints): A New Beginning?

After a disappointing season, Derek Carr's future with the New Orleans Saints is uncertain. His departure would open up opportunities for a younger quarterback, but his experience and leadership could be valuable assets for a team looking for a veteran presence.

Carr's Contract: Carr's contract will be a significant factor in determining his trade value.
Saints' Cap Situation: The Saints' salary cap situation will influence their willingness to trade Carr and absorb his salary.
Potential Trade Value: While not a top-tier quarterback, Carr still holds considerable value due to his experience and ability to manage a game.
Teams Looking for a Veteran QB: Several teams seeking a seasoned quarterback could be interested in acquiring Carr.

Top Wide Receivers in the Trade Market

The wide receiver position is another area where significant movement is anticipated. Several star receivers could be traded, adding another layer of intrigue to the offseason.

DeAndre Hopkins (Arizona Cardinals): A Proven Commodity

DeAndre Hopkins, despite his age and injury history, remains one of the league's most talented wide receivers. His availability will likely spark a bidding war among teams needing offensive firepower.

Hopkins' Age and Injury History: His age and past injuries will influence his trade value, but his skillset remains undeniable.
Remaining Contract: The length and terms of his remaining contract will be a major factor in trade negotiations.
Teams Needing WR Help: Numerous teams with young quarterbacks or weak receiving corps are actively seeking proven wide receivers.

DK Metcalf (Seattle Seahawks): Explosive Potential

DK Metcalf's explosive speed and playmaking ability make him one of the most coveted wide receivers in the league. While the Seahawks might prefer to keep him, a lucrative offer could prove too tempting to refuse.

Metcalf's Contract: Metcalf’s contract status will play a significant role in any potential trade.
Seahawks' Roster Needs: The Seahawks' overall roster needs will influence their decision to trade Metcalf.
Potential Trade Compensation: Given Metcalf's talent, the Seahawks would likely demand substantial compensation in any trade.
Teams Interested in Acquiring a Top Receiver: Many contenders would love to add Metcalf to their receiving corps.

Defensive Stars Potentially on the Block

The defensive side of the ball is also ripe for potential trades, with several star players potentially on the move.

Jalen Ramsey (Los Angeles Rams): A Top Cornerback

Jalen Ramsey, a lockdown cornerback, is one of the best in the game. However, his hefty contract could lead the Rams to explore trade options to create salary cap space.

Ramsey's Contract: The size of Ramsey's contract is a major factor in any potential trade.
Rams' Cap Space: The Rams' precarious cap situation makes Ramsey a prime candidate for a trade.
Potential Trade Partners: Contending teams with a need for a top-tier cornerback will be interested.
Cornerback Market Value: Ramsey's value will be determined by the current state of the cornerback market.

Shaquill Griffin (Jacksonville Jaguars): A Solid Corner

Shaquill Griffin is a solid cornerback who could be moved by the Jaguars to free up cap space. This would allow them to focus on other areas of need.

Griffin’s Performance: His consistent performance makes him a valuable asset for many teams.
Contract Details: The specifics of his contract will heavily influence any trade talks.
Jaguars’ Needs: Jacksonville's roster needs and cap space will dictate their willingness to trade Griffin.
Potential Suitors: Teams looking for defensive upgrades will see Griffin as a desirable acquisition.

Other Notable Players to Watch

Numerous other players could be involved in offseason NFL trades. Here are a few more to keep an eye on:

Quenton Nelson (Indianapolis Colts): A Pro Bowl guard who could be traded if the Colts rebuild their offensive line.
Dalvin Cook (Minnesota Vikings): A talented running back whose contract situation could lead to a trade.
Chris Jones (Kansas City Chiefs): A dominant defensive tackle who could be moved due to salary cap considerations.
Stephon Gilmore (Indianapolis Colts): A veteran cornerback whose future is uncertain.
Frank Clark (Kansas City Chiefs): A talented pass rusher who could be traded to free up cap space.
Za'Darius Smith (Minnesota Vikings): A proven pass rusher who could be moved for the right price.
Hayden Hurst (Carolina Panthers): A versatile tight end who could be a valuable addition to several teams.
David Montgomery (Chicago Bears): A productive running back looking for a new home.
James Bradberry (Philadelphia Eagles): A top cornerback who could be traded to free up cap space.
Bobby Wagner (Los Angeles Rams): Though a veteran leader, age and cap space could influence a trade.

Conclusion

The NFL offseason is a period of constant change, and predicting which players will be traded is always a challenging task. However, by analyzing player performance, contract situations, team needs, and general manager strategies, we can identify 20 players highly likely to be involved in significant offseason NFL trades. Keep a close eye on these players and their potential moves, as their destinations will shape the upcoming season’s power dynamics and playoff races. Stay tuned for more updates and analysis on the biggest offseason NFL trades! Don't miss out on the action – follow us for the latest news on all the offseason NFL trades and other breaking news in the NFL.