Top 20 NFL Players Expected To Be Traded This Offseason

Rajiv Sharma

6 min read

Post on Apr 30, 2025

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Quarterbacks on the Move: Analyzing the Top QB Trade Candidates

The NFL quarterback market is always volatile, but this offseason feels particularly explosive. Several teams are looking for upgrades at the most important position, while others are facing cap constraints or rebuilding efforts. The potential impact of these trades will ripple throughout the league, reshaping the competitive landscape and igniting intense "NFL quarterback trade rumors." Let's examine some of the top QB trade candidates:

• NFL quarterback trade rumors suggest a busy market for signal-callers. The sheer number of teams needing a QB upgrade makes this offseason unique. Several established quarterbacks are likely on the move, influencing the NFL free agency period.

Here are five QBs likely to be involved in significant trades:

• Player Name: Lamar Jackson

  • Current Team: Baltimore Ravens
  • Potential Trade Destinations: Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, New York Jets
  • Reasons for Trade: Contract negotiations stalled, future uncertain with Ravens.
  • Estimated Trade Value: Multiple first-round draft picks, potential players.

• Player Name: Aaron Rodgers

  • Current Team: Green Bay Packers
  • Potential Trade Destinations: New York Jets, Las Vegas Raiders
  • Reasons for Trade: End of an era in Green Bay; Rodgers seeking a new challenge.
  • Estimated Trade Value: High draft pick compensation.

• Player Name: Derek Carr

  • Current Team: Las Vegas Raiders
  • Potential Trade Destinations: New Orleans Saints, Washington Commanders
  • Reasons for Trade: Raiders rebuild after disappointing season.
  • Estimated Trade Value: Mid-round draft picks.

• Player Name: Baker Mayfield

  • Current Team: Los Angeles Rams
  • Potential Trade Destinations: Teams seeking a backup QB
  • Reasons for Trade: Free agent to be, could be traded for draft capital.
  • Estimated Trade Value: Late-round draft pick(s)

• Player Name: Daniel Jones

  • Current Team: New York Giants
  • Potential Trade Destinations: Teams seeking a young quarterback
  • Reasons for Trade: Giants might not want to overpay for Jones after a successful season.
  • Estimated Trade Value: High draft pick compensation if traded.

Defensive Stars Facing a Change of Scenery

Top defensive players are always highly sought after in trades, commanding significant value due to their impact on game outcomes. Their presence can elevate a team's defense dramatically. The "NFL defensive trade rumors" are swirling around several elite talents this offseason. We're looking at players who could be traded due to contract issues, team restructuring, or a simple desire for a fresh start.

Here are five defensive players who could be traded:

• Player Name: Shaquill Griffin

  • Current Team: Jacksonville Jaguars
  • Potential Trade Destinations: Teams needing cornerback help
  • Reasons for Trade: Contract situation, potential cap savings for Jaguars
  • Estimated Trade Value: Mid-round draft pick

• Player Name: Roquan Smith

  • Current Team: Baltimore Ravens
  • Potential Trade Destinations: Teams looking to bolster their linebacker corps
  • Reasons for Trade: Contract negotiations.
  • Estimated Trade Value: High draft pick compensation

• Player Name: Jalen Ramsey

  • Current Team: Los Angeles Rams
  • Potential Trade Destinations: Any team looking to improve their secondary
  • Reasons for Trade: Rams' salary cap issues.
  • Estimated Trade Value: High draft pick compensation

• Player Name: Micah Parsons

  • Current Team: Dallas Cowboys
  • Potential Trade Destinations: Unlikely to be traded
  • Reasons for Trade: Highly unlikely, considered a cornerstone of the Cowboys defense.
  • Estimated Trade Value: Essentially untradeable.

• Player Name: Darius Leonard

  • Current Team: Indianapolis Colts
  • Potential Trade Destinations: Teams needing a top-tier linebacker
  • Reasons for Trade: Potential cap casualty.
  • Estimated Trade Value: High draft pick compensation.

Offensive Weapons Seeking New Opportunities

The demand for talented offensive players, particularly wide receivers and running backs, is always high in the NFL. These players can instantly transform an offense and are often the centerpiece of trade discussions. "NFL offensive trade rumors" are frequently focused on these positions, and this offseason is no different.

Here are five offensive skill position players who might be on the move:

• Player Name: Dalvin Cook

  • Current Team: Minnesota Vikings
  • Potential Trade Destinations: Teams needing a featured running back
  • Reasons for Trade: Contract situation, potential cap savings for Vikings.
  • Estimated Trade Value: Mid-round draft pick(s).

• Player Name: Austin Ekeler

  • Current Team: Los Angeles Chargers
  • Potential Trade Destinations: Teams looking for a proven running back
  • Reasons for Trade: Contract situation.
  • Estimated Trade Value: High draft pick compensation.

• Player Name: DK Metcalf

  • Current Team: Seattle Seahawks
  • Potential Trade Destinations: Teams in need of a WR1
  • Reasons for Trade: Seahawks might want to re-tool their team.
  • Estimated Trade Value: High draft pick compensation.

• Player Name: Deebo Samuel

  • Current Team: San Francisco 49ers
  • Potential Trade Destinations: Teams that need a dynamic receiver.
  • Reasons for Trade: Contract issues, could be traded for cap relief.
  • Estimated Trade Value: High draft pick compensation.

• Player Name: Davante Adams

  • Current Team: Las Vegas Raiders
  • Potential Trade Destinations: Teams in need of an elite wide receiver
  • Reasons for Trade: Raiders could move on from Adams to re-tool.
  • Estimated Trade Value: High draft pick compensation.

Factors Influencing NFL Trades This Offseason

Several factors play a crucial role in shaping the NFL trade landscape this offseason. "NFL salary cap" restrictions force teams to make difficult decisions, while the value of "NFL draft picks" significantly influences trade negotiations. Team needs and player desires also heavily impact trade decisions.

• Salary Cap Space: Teams with limited cap space are more likely to trade away high-salary players to create room for other signings or future acquisitions.

• Draft Picks: Teams with abundant draft picks are often in a stronger position to acquire players through trades.

• Team Needs: The specific needs of each team will dictate which players they are willing to target. Teams rebuilding might prefer draft picks, while contenders might seek proven stars.

• Player Desires: Players' preferences can play a role in trade negotiations, although teams generally maintain final say.

Predicting the Winners and Losers of the Offseason Trades

Analyzing the potential trades requires looking beyond the immediate impact. "NFL trade analysis" needs to consider the long-term implications for each team. Some teams might make shrewd moves, strengthening their rosters for years to come, while others may regret impulsive decisions. Predicting the outcomes is part of the fun of the NFL offseason. This will drastically affect "NFL power rankings" as the dust settles. "NFL predictions" are always challenging but based on these factors, some teams are positioned for success, while others might struggle.

Conclusion:

This offseason promises significant changes to NFL rosters, with the top 20 players listed above likely to be at the heart of the action. The factors influencing these trades are complex, but analyzing team needs, salary cap situations, and player desires helps us predict potential outcomes.

Call to Action: Stay tuned for more updates on the latest NFL trade rumors and keep checking back for in-depth analysis of the biggest moves impacting the league. Follow us to stay informed about every exciting NFL player trade this offseason!