2025 NFL Offseason Trade Block Big Board Entering Wild Card Playoffs
While the 2024-25 NFL playoffs are just getting underway, the 2025 offseason has already begun for 18 of the league's 32 teams. This year's non-contenders are already searching for ways to improve through free agency, the draft and the trade market.
The legal-contact window will open on March 10, with the new league year officially beginning on March 12. That's when players can be officially signed and when most teams in the trade market will be open for business.
Bleacher Report recently provided an updated look at the top 50 players scheduled for unrestricted free agency. Here, we'll dive into the other side of the early offseason coin and examine the top potential trade targets.
Here's our first trade board of 2025, based on factors like player upside, past production, positional value, contract status and any relevant recent buzz.
The Selection Process
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During the regular season, we began the board-building process by examining 15 players who had been the focus of trade speculation or who would have been realistic trade candidates based on contract status, roster situations and/or team records.
Players were then ranked on talent, positional value and likely availability to reach our top 10.
We'll largely follow the same process here, though the criteria for selecting and ranking players is a bit different.
Players dealt ahead of the in-season deadline were mostly those on expiring contracts and/or players who could bring value to teams essentially out of playoff contention. Everything resets in the offseason, which makes uncovering viable trade targets a little trickier.
We'll focus primarily on players who have already been the topic of trade speculation and those whose contract situations could be problematic for franchises with salary-cap issues. Young players who aren't meeting expectations with their current teams will also be considered, as will potential cap casualties who could bring value in a trade.
Players will still be ranked based on the aforementioned criteria. Our honorable mentions, who just missed the top-10 cut, are:
- Miles Sanders, RB, Carolina Panthers
- Martin Emerson Jr., CB, Cleveland Browns
- Derek Carr, QB, New Orleans Saints
- Aaron Rodgers, QB, New York Jets
- Sam Hubbard, DE, Cincinnati Bengals
10. J.J. McCarthy, QB, Minnesota Vikings
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Minnesota Vikings rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy ranks low on our list because Minnesota is unlikely to move the Michigan product less than a year after selecting him in the first round. However, he has to be included for two reasons.
For one, McCarthy missed his entire rookie season following knee surgery, and while he was sidelined, Sam Darnold emerged as a Pro Bowl quarterback. Darnold is an impending free agent, and if the Vikings pay to retain him, they may also have to commit to him as the QB of the future.
Secondly, other teams are sure to inquire about McCarthy if Darnold is re-signed. The 2025 draft class features no "sure things" at quarterback, and trading multiple picks for McCarthy may be more attractive than trading up for Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders.
"In a limited quarterback draft class, where there are far more teams that need quarterbacks than quarterbacks who actually can step in right away, I definitely think teams will be checking in with the Vikings to see if they have any interest in trading J.J. McCarthy," ESPN's Adam Schefter said on Unsportsmanlike (beginning at the 30-second mark).
Schefter also suggested that Minnesota could expect a first-round draft pick and more if it does decide to deal the rookie. Is it likely? Probably not. If the Vikings believe in Darnold and can flip McCarthy for a premier prospect like Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty or Penn State pass-rusher Abdul Carter, and add extra draft capital, it's far from impossible.
At the very least, we can expect McCarthy's name to tumble through the rumor mill throughout the early offseason.
As for teams that could pursue the soon-to-be 22-year-old, we have to consider those that don't have a long-term quarterback plan and who fell outside of the top three in the draft order. The Las Vegas Raiders and New York Jets should be considered prime candidates.
Potential Suitors: Las Vegas Raiders, New York Jets
9. Quay Walker, LB, Green Bay Packers
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The Vikings don't quite know what they have in McCarthy, which is why they may be willing to keep the quarterback for at least another season even if they retain Darnold. The Green Bay Packers, however, have gotten multiple looks at 2022 first-round pick Quay Walker.
While the Georgia product has been a regular starter, he hasn't played up to his draft status and has been the epitome of serviceable. He's tallied 341 tackles and 6.5 sacks in 43 starts but has also been credited with 20 missed tackles and has allowed a completion rate of over 70 percent in coverage.
It feels likely that Green Bay will decline the fifth-year option on Walker's contract, which will make 2025 a contract year. And if the Packers aren't sold on the 24-year-old's long-term prospects, they may look to cash in while they can.
Walker ranks low on our list because the Packers aren't in a dire cap situation—they have $64.4 million in projected cap space—and could be hesitant to trade starters while they are contending. General manager Brian Gutekunst has already shut down the idea of trading standout cornerback Jaire Alexander in the offseason.
Should a team make an enticing offer for Walker, however, the Packers will probably listen.
Teams that might consider Walker include the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Cincinnati Bengals. The Bengals need to shore up a defense that ranked 19th against the run in 2024, while the Buccaneers could potentially lose linebackers Lavonte David, K.J. Britt and Joe Tryon-Shoyinka in free agency.
Potential Suitors: Cincinnati Bengals, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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8. Evan Neal, OT, New York Giants
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Walker may be relatively difficult to pry away from the Packers. If a team offers anything of substance for offensive tackle Evan Neal, the New York Giants will probably oblige.
The 2022 first-round pick simply hasn't developed into a dependable starter for New York. He started 13 games as a rookie but has only started nine games since. In his 22 career starts, he's allowed 11 sacks, according to Pro Football Focus.
There's a reason the Giants got Jermaine Eluemunor in 2024 free agency. They didn't trust the tackle they drafted seventh overall two years earlier. There's virtually no chance the Giants will exercise Neal's fifth-year option, and they'll probably move him for a middling trade package.
That doesn't mean that Neal wouldn't have value to another team. He's still a 24-year-old player at a premium position, and we've seen young linemen reignite their careers in new situations before—Mekhi Becton did exactly that in 2024 by moving from tackle to guard for the Philadelphia Eagles.
Teams that could be interested in Neal are those with questions at offensive tackle who want a low-risk rookie contract. The Cleveland Browns are just such a team.
Jedrick Wills Jr. hasn't worked out as Cleveland's left tackle and is an impending free agent. The Browns are projected to be $21 million over the salary cap and are likely to use the second overall pick in the draft on a new quarterback.
Neal played left tackle in college and could be worth a flier.
The Baltimore Ravens are projected to have just $11.8 million in cap space and could lose Ronnie Stanley in free agency. Pairing a rookie tackle with Neal could be a strategy the Ravens consider.
Potential Suitors: Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns
7. Jadeveon Clowney, Edge, Carolina Panthers
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The Carolina Panthers head into 2025 knowing that they have their quarterback in Bryce Young. Surrounding Young with an improved offensive supporting cast will likely be Carolina's top priority this offseason.
While the Panthers have $32.8 million in projected cap space, they may look to generate more room to target better players in free agency. That could leave pass-rusher Jadeveon Clowney on the trade market.
Clowney was impactful in 2024, recording 5.5 sacks and 22 quarterback pressures in 14 games. However, he's now entering a contract year, and Carolina could save $7.8 million by releasing him or $9.8 million by trading him. That's a significant amount of cap space for a team likely to be pursuing pass-catchers in free agency.
Because Clowney could realistically be a cap casualty, his price on the trade market will likely be low. That could make him particularly attractive to a team with playoff aspirations and in need of pass-rushing help.
The Buccaneers could use edge help even if they retain Tryon-Shoyinka. The Atlanta Falcons need pass-rushing help however they can get it. The Falcons recorded just 31 sacks in 2024, and their lack of a consistent pass rush played a big role in them missing the playoffs.
Atlanta traded for Matthew Judon last offseason. It could make a similar move this offseason if Clowney is made available.
Potential Suitors. Atlanta Falcons, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
6. Christian Kirk, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars
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It'll be a mild surprise if Jacksonville Jaguars receiver Christian Kirk isn't traded at some point this offseason. Jacksonville found its new No. 1 receiver in rookie Brian Thomas Jr., and it was reportedly close to dealing Kirk before he suffered a season-ending broken collarbone.
"The Steelers were in the process of trying to get a deal done for Christian Kirk, and league sources told ESPN there was a reasonable chance that the Jaguars wide receiver was going to wind up in Pittsburgh," Schefter posted on X on November 2.
Kirk is entering the final year of his contract, and trading him would save $10.8 million in cap space. While the Jags are projected to have $43.6 million in cap space, that's a lot of potential savings for a player who may no longer be in the team's long-term plans.
While Kirk has had only one 1,000-yard campaign in his career and is coming off a significant injury, he's only 28 years old and could be targeted by contenders and rebuilding teams alike.
The Patriots fall firmly into the second category. Maye needs a better receiving corps, and Kirk would be a fine No. 2 or No. 3 option. New England will likely pursue a top receiver like Tee Higgins or Chris Godwin in free agency, but it could certainly find a spot for Kirk on the depth chart.
Pittsburgh is also a logical landing spot, given the Steelers' prior interest.
Potential Suitors: New England Patriots, Pittsburgh Steelers
5. Tyrann Mathieu, S, New Orleans Saints
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The New Orleans Saints may take calls on a number of players this offseason. Their 2024 campaign showed that they aren't on the verge of contention, and with a new head coach incoming, a rebuild is in order.
That rebuild will likely include moving on from aging and pricey veterans, as New Orleans is projected to be $80.2 million over the salary cap.
Contending teams looking for a playmaker in the secondary should place calls about safety Tyrann Mathieu. While the 32-year-old isn't the Pro Bowl talent he once was, he was productive this past season.
Mathieu started all 17 games for New Orleans and finished with 62 tackles, seven passes defended and three interceptions. He allowed an opposing passer rating of just 76.4 in coverage.
A team may be able to acquire Mathieu for a relative bargain, especially if it is willing to wait to finalize the deal. The Saints can save $7.3 million in cap space by trading Mathieu after June 1 but only $16,000 by trading him before then.
The Detroit Lions, who took a chance on Jamal Adams this season but ultimately parted ways, could be interested. Safety isn't a massive need for Detroit, but it will be interested in adding playmakers to its defense.
The Bengals should also be interested. Cincinnati lacked difference-makers in its secondary, and poor defense was the biggest reason it missed the playoffs this season. Bringing players like Mathieu into the fold could put the Bengals right back into the postseason mix.
Potential Suitors: Cincinnati Bengals, Detroit Lions
4. Davante Adams, WR, New York Jets
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The New York Jets are facing some difficult decisions with wide receivers Garrett Wilson and Davante Adams.
Wilson will be extension-eligible this offseason, and if Rodgers returns to the Jets—a prospect that feels unlikely—he may demand that his next contract comes from somewhere else. Even if Rodgers is released or traded, Wilson could wind up on the trade block.
"New York also received calls from teams interested in trading for Wilson after they acquired Davante Adams in October, and while they had no interest back then, a new GM might see him as trade piece to help them acquire a new QB in the draft," NFL Media's Ian Rapoport wrote on December 31.
However, a reset without Rodgers is more likely, and moving the 24-year-old Wilson wouldn't be in New York's best long-term interests. Trading Adams, on the other hand, could help significantly.
While the trade value of the 32-year-old Adams has taken a hit over the last two years, he's still a productive pass-catcher. Trading him would also save $30 million in cap space.
Because of Adams' age and contract—he's set to carry a base salary of $35.6 million in 2025—he may be readily available for a bargain, though only a fit for playoff-ready teams in need of receiver help.
The Steelers fit that mold, as do the Los Angeles Chargers. Of course, if a team does trade for the 41-year-old Rodgers or signs him following his release, that team would instantly become a potential landing spot for Adams.
Potential Suitors: Los Angeles Chargers, Pittsburgh Steelers
3. Jack Conklin, OT, Cleveland Browns
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The Browns' cap situation isn't as dire as New Orleans', but it's certainly not good. Cleveland is likely to use the second overall pick in the draft on a quarterback, and it desperately needs to upgrade its offensive supporting cast.
The Browns need a starting-caliber left tackle, and they need to either re-sign or replace running back Nick Chubb.
While hanging onto two-time first-team All-Pro right tackle Jack Conklin would make sense, so would moving him to generate cap space and acquire more draft capital. Conklin is a high-level starter when healthy, but, because of Deshaun Watson's albatross of a contract, the Browns need to restock the roster with rookie contracts.
Dawand Jones played well at right tackle, though he's struggled to stay on the field. Moving Conklin after June 1 would save $17.4 million in cap space.
Conklin, who will turn 31 in August, should have several good years ahead of him. He'd be a fine addition for a rebuilding team with cap flexibility.
The Patriots fall into that category, as their line was a mess in 2024, and no team is projected to have more cap space this offseason. Demontrey Jacobs started 13 games this season and was responsible for 11 penalties and nine sacks allowed, according to Pro Football Focus.
The Tennessee Titans have $67.6 million in projected cap space and need an upgrade over Nicholas Petit-Frere at right tackle—he was responsible for 10 penalties and 10 sacks allowed in 2024, according to Pro Football Focus.
Former Browns offensive line coach Bill Callahan now holds the same position in Tennessee.
Potential Suitors: New England Patriots, Tennessee Titans
2. Kirk Cousins, QB, Atlanta Falcons
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Kirk Cousins' spot on this list may seem high, given the late struggles he had before being pulled for rookie Michael Penix Jr. However, it's worth noting that Cousins popped up on the injury report with shoulder and elbow ailments in mid-November, just as his slide was beginning.
Neither Cousins nor the Atlanta Falcons made noise about the injuries, but considering how well Cousins was playing in September and October, it's fair to wonder if he was healthy down the stretch. It's also fair to wonder how much better Cousins could be another year removed from his torn Achilles.
According to NFL Network's Cameron Wolfe, the Falcons don't plan to release Cousins but will "listen to teams in regards to trade offers."
If Atlanta wants to get value in return for Cousins, it may have to eat a large chunk of the $65 million in dead money remaining on his contract. It may also have to agree to pay a portion of next year's $27.6 base salary while agreeing to send Cousins to his preferred destination—he has a no-trade clause.
While Cousins' situation includes a lot of "ifs," he's likely to be this year's budget veteran quarterback a la Russell Wilson in 2024. Through that lens, a couple of teams appear to be logical landing spots.
The first is Cleveland, which may draft a quarterback but choose to sit him in 2025. Head coach Kevin Stefanski coached Cousins for two years with the Vikings, and if Atlanta will pay part of Cousins' salary, he'd be a sensible bridge quarterback.
The Jets could be interested in Cousins under similar terms. If Rodgers departs, New York will need someone to guide its offense through the 2025 season.
Potential Suitors: Cleveland Browns, New York Jets
1. Tyreek Hill, WR, Miami Dolphins
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Tyreek Hill will turn 31 in March, and his production took a dive this season. However, he's still a speedy difference-maker and would likely be the top receiver on the trade market if made available.
Miami Dolphins general manager Chris Grier stated that Hill didn't request a trade during a meeting this week, according to ESPN's Marcel Louis-Jacques.
However, Hill's comments following Miami's season-ending loss to the Jets—a game Hill refused to enter—have certainly opened the door for speculation about his future.
"It was great playing here, but at the end of the day, I gotta do what's best for my career, because I'm too much of a competitor to be just out there," Hill said.
Trading Hill after June 1 would save Miami $16 million in cap space. He's signed through 2026, but if he's truly unhappy with the Dolphins, Miami should strongly consider cashing in now.
Miami can't expect to get back what it invested in Hill—first- and second-round picks along with three Day 3 selections—but a second-round pick would probably be reasonable. Hill will carry a base salary of only $10 million in 2025, though his salary will balloon to $30 million in 2026.
Hill's comments suggest that he'd prefer to land with a contender, so rebuilding teams are probably out of the question.
It's not hard to connect the dots from Hill to the Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs are projected to have $22.9 million in cap space next season and have a history of bringing back former players. While receiver Rashee Rice is expected to be healthy next season, the idea of partnering Hill with Rice and Xavier Worthy could be intriguing.
Cincinnati could also be a viable landing spot if the Bengals don't retain Tee Higgins. The Bengals want to get back to contention in a hurry, and partnering Hill with Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase and Chase Brown might give them the most explosive offense in the league.
Potential Suitors: Cincinnati Bengals, Kansas City Chiefs
Cap and contract information via Spotrac. Advanced statistics from Pro Football Reference unless otherwise noted.
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