2025 NFL Offseason Trade Block Big Board After Super Bowl LIX
Super Bowl LIX is over, and free agency isn't scheduled to officially begin until March 12. What will NFL teams do in the meantime? Analyze the trade market, of course.
Early offseason trades are a common occurrence for a few reasons. For one, teams and players coming off disappointing seasons often know that change could be beneficial. Secondly, some teams often struggle to get under the salary cap ahead of the new league year. They typically look to deal players who might become cap casualties anyway.
Trade rumors also swirl this time of year because, well, there isn't exactly any on-field action to discuss. And as potential trade targets come to light, teams with a buyer's mentality become interested.
Because of contract and cap implications, we're unlikely to see a stream of trade activity until March. However, teams are already putting together their wish lists for the 2025 market.
We're here to do the same. Here's a look at Bleacher Report's post-Super Bowl trade board, based on factors like player upside, past production, positional value, contract status and any relevant recent buzz.
The Selection Process
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As we did during the regular season and with our post-regular season trade board, we began with 15 players who have either bounced around the rumor mill already or who would be logical trade candidates—based on factors like age, recent production contract value and cap space.
Players were then ranked on talent, positional value and likely availability to reach our top 10. It never hurts to ask about a player, but if they can't be had at a reasonable price point, they can't be considered a top trade target.
At this point in the offseason, the financials are a big factor. A productive player like Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews (673 yards, 11 TDs in 2024) wouldn't even garner trade consideration under other circumstances. However, the 29-year-old is entering the final year of his contract, and the Ravens could save $11 million by dealing him.
With tight end Isaiah Likely in the fold and just $7.2 million in projected cap space, Baltimore could indeed consider moving Andrews. Teams in need of a tight end should at least be calling.
One notable player who is off our list entirely is Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill. Though the 30-year-old generated some trade buzz at the end of the regular season, he recently told Up & Adams (h/t NFL Media's Kevin Patra) that he doesn't want to leave Miami.
After coming up with a list of 15 players, we trim it to our top 10, who we'll examine in-depth, along with their most sensible suitors. Our honorable mentions are:
Mark Andrews, TE, Baltimore Ravens
Jack Conklin, OT, Cleveland Browns
Jadeveon Clowney, Edge, Carolina Panthers
Mazi Smith, DT, Dallas Cowboys
Quay Walker, LB, Green Bay Packers
10. Evan Neal, OT, New York Giants
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The Cowboys may choose to hold onto Smith, hoping that he can turn things around in time to shed the dreaded bust label. For New York Giants offensive tackle Evan Neal, that time may have already passed.
Neal failed to establish himself as a reliable starting right tackle during his first two seasons, which led to New York's 2024 offseason acquisition of Jermaine Eluemunor. While Neal started 13 games as a rookie, he has only made nine starts since.
In his 22 career starts, Neal has allowed 11 sacks, according to Pro Football Focus.
The Giants may simply look to get something of value in return for Neal before he enters the final year of his rookie contract—we'll go ahead and assume that Joe Schoen won't exercise Neal's fifth-year option.
While Neal may not have long-term value for the Giants, it doesn't mean he can't find success elsewhere. Mekhi Becton's 2024 redemption campaign with the Philadelphia Eagles shows that sometimes a change of scenery—and, in his case, a change of position—can allow a previously disappointing player to thrive.
It wouldn't be a total shock to see Philadelphia take a flier on Neal, if the Giants are willing to deal with a division rival. The Eagles might be willing to give him a shot at guard, as they did with Becton, and it wouldn't hurt them to add depth at right tackle.
Lane Johnson is still at the top of his game but will turn 35 in May.
The Los Angeles Rams may also want to kick the proverbial tires on Neal. Left tackle Alaric Jackson is an impending free agent, while right tackle Rob Havenstein will turn 33 in May and missed time with injuries (shoulder/ankle) in 2024.
Potential Suitors: Los Angeles Rams, Philadelphia Eagles
9. Germaine Pratt, LB, Cincinnati Bengals
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The Cincinnati Bengals are set to undergo a defensive overhaul this season, and it would seem that linebacker and team captain Germaine Pratt wants no part of it.
According to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero, Pratt has requested a trade out of Cincinnati.
While the Bengals may not be overly eager to deal their leading tackler, they may consider doing so for a strong offer. The 28-year-old is entering the final year of his contract, and Cincinnati could save $5.6 million by trading him. While that may not seem like a substantial amount, the Bengals could use all of the cap space they can get while pondering new contracts for players like Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and Trey Hendrickson.
Pratt should interest teams in need of linebacker help. He racked up 143 tackles, two interceptions and two forced fumbles in 2024 and has played at least 15 games in all six of his pro campaigns.
The Indianapolis Colts are the most logical landing spot for Pratt. Linebacker E.J. Speed is an impending free agent, and Indy recently hired former Bengals defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo for the same position.
According to Rapoport, Pratt “was close” to Anarumo.
The Kansas City Chiefs should also be interested in Pratt if he’s available. The Chiefs have a handful of key contributors scheduled to hit free agency—including starting linebacker Nick Bolton—and have just $15.7 million in projected cap space.
Potential Suitors: Indianapolis Colts, Kansas City Chiefs
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8. Davante Adams, WR, New York Jets
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Davante Adams is still a productive receiver (1,063 yards, 8 TDs in 2024) and will likely be available at a reasonable price. The New York Jets are set to move on from quarterback Aaron Rodgers, according to Fox Sports' Jay Glazer, and they could look to dump Adams as well.
Trading Adams would save a whopping $30 million in 2025 cap space.
The Jets are highly unlikely to find a trade partner for Rodgers, since they'd have to wait until after June 1 to find any cap relief. A release with a post-June 1 designation is far more likely.
While Adams may be readily available, he ranks low on our list for a couple of reasons. For one, he'd come with a $35.6 million base salary, which is excessive for a 32-year-old receiver. Secondly, he may only be willing to land with a contender after forcing his way away from the Las Vegas Raiders only a few months ago.
Realistically, Adams' best landing spot may be with whatever team decides to sign Rodgers as a free agent after his release.
If we're looking at realistic playoff hopefuls with the cap space to target Adams, though, two teams make sense.
The Washington Commanders could use a high-end No. 2 receiver opposite Terry McLaurin and have $80.5 million in projected cap space. The Los Angeles Chargers have $65.6 million in projected cap room and could use a veteran to partner with young wideouts Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston.
Adams is likely to have a very limited market unless he's willing to take a substantial pay cut for a team like the Pittsburgh Steelers or play for a rebuilding team like the New England Patriots.
Potential Suitors: Los Angeles Chargers, Washington Commanders
7. Greg Newsome II, CB, Cleveland Browns
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Facing a projected $34.2 million cap deficit, the Cleveland Browns have one of the league's worst financial situations entering the offseason. With no way out of Deshaun Watson's albatross of a contract, Cleveland will likely need to offload salary and reload with rookie contracts.
Trading one of their top cornerbacks could be an option for the Browns, as ESPN's Ben Solak suggested earlier this month:
"With no contending future in sight, I expect the Browns to trade players for picks. Both cornerbacks Denzel Ward (who had an excellent season) and Greg Newsome II (who had an uncharacteristically shaky season) should be made available, and one will be dealt."
Ward and Newsome would both have value on the trade market. However, moving Ward before June 1 would cost Cleveland another $5.8 million in cap space. Trading Newsome would erase his entire $13.4 million salary from the books.
Newsome is a much more realistic target for cornerback-needy teams. And while he did have a down year in 2024, he was terrific the previous season, allowing an opposing passer rating of just 74.8 in coverage.
The Lions could use a young cornerback of Newsome's caliber, especially with 2024 starter Carlton Davis scheduled to hit the market. Injuries played a role, but Detroit still finished this past season ranked 30th in passing yards allowed.
The Green Bay Packers should also be interested in Newsome if he's available. Eric Stokes never quite panned out as a running mate to Jaire Alexander, and he's scheduled to be a free agent. Newsome's inside-outside versatility would be an asset in defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley's scheme.
Potential Suitors: Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers
6. Tyrann Mathieu, S, New Orleans Saints
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As previously mentioned, the Saints are in a horrendous cap situation entering the offseason. They can be expected to take calls on several pricey veterans ahead of free agency—many of whom could become cap casualties if they aren't dealt.
Safety Tyrann Mathieu looms as a potential cut or trade candidate, though possibly not an immediate one. If he's traded after June 1 or released with a post-June 1 designation, the Saints can save $7.3 million in cap space. Moving him before then would only save $16,000 in cap room.
If a team is willing to agree to a post-draft trade, it may be able to get quite a bargain. Mathieu started all 17 games for New Orleans and finished with 62 tackles, seven passes defended and three interceptions. He also allowed an opposing passer rating of just 76.4 in coverage.
The 32-year-old would come with a base salary of only $6.3 million.
The Bengals should be very interested in Mathieu if he becomes available before or after the draft. Cincinnati lacked difference-makers in its secondary this past season, and new defensive coordinator Al Golden could use a playmaker like Mathieu.
The Chiefs should also be interested. Mathieu, who played for Kansas City from 2019 to 2021, is already familiar with Steve Spagnuolo's defense. The Chiefs could be in need of safety depth with Justin Reid scheduled to be a free agent.
Potential Suitors: Cincinnati Bengals, Kansas City Chiefs
5. Kirk Cousins, QB, Atlanta Falcons
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In terms of positional value, Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins tops the list. He plays the game's most important position and played well in 2024 before he was impacted by elbow and shoulder injuries.
"Against the Saints, got hit pretty good in my right shoulder and elbow and from there kind of dealing with that was something I was working through and just never really could get it to where I wanted it," Cousins told NFL Network's Good Morning Football (h/t Marc Raimondi of ESPN).
Cousins had the Falcons sitting at 6-3 entering that Week 10 matchup with the Saints.
A four-time Pro Bowler, Cousins could still help a team in need of a starting quarterback—Atlanta is no longer one, as it is poised to turn the offense over to Michael Penix Jr.
However, Cousins lands in the middle of our list because a trade could get complicated. Atlanta would have to eat $37.5 million in dead money to trade Cousins, and it might also have to agree to pay a large chunk of next year's $27.6 base salary.
The Falcons would also have to send Cousins to a preferred destination, since his contract includes a full no-trade clause.
If all that transpires, Cleveland could be an ideal landing spot for the 36-year-old. The Browns need a QB, and Kevin Stefanski coached Cousins for two years with the Minnesota Vikings.
Cousins could also be a fit for the Jets, who will likely need a new bridge quarterback once they make the split with Rodgers official.
Potential Suitors: Cleveland Browns, New York Jets
4. Deebo Samuel, WR, San Francisco 49ers
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San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel is on the trade market. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Samuel requested a trade at the end of the 2024 season and has been granted permission to seek a trade partner.
Samuel is coming off a down season, one he finished with only 806 scrimmage yards and four touchdowns. However, he’s still a capable, and versatile, runner and receiver who could help another offense.
Samuel finished the 2023 season with 1,117 yards and 12 touchdowns.
There are two reasons Samuel doesn’t rank higher on this list. For one, his 2024 decline can’t be ignored. Secondly, the cost to acquire Samuel could be quite high.
The issue is that the 29-year-old still has $31 million in dead money on his contract. Trading him before June 1 would cost San Francisco and additional $15.2 million in 2025 cap space. Trading him after June 1 would save $5.2 million in cap space. If a team wants to acquire Samuel early in the offseason, it’ll likely need to offer up a trade package that truly entices the 49ers.
That said, a team would be getting quite a bit of value in return. Samuel is a starting-caliber player and would come with a base salary of just $1.2 million.
That makes Samuel a fit for virtually any receiver-needy team, especially those short on financial flexibility.
The Steelers could provide a prime landing spot less than a year after they tried to acquire 49ers receiver Brandon Aiyuk—according to Rapoport, they had the "parameters" of an Aiyuk deal in place with San Francisco before the receiver signed an extension instead.
While Pittsburgh has $37.3 million in projected 2025 cap space, a team-friendly contract could be beneficial. The Steelers need to figure out their quarterback situation and are due to give T.J. Watt an extension.
The New England Patriots lead the league in projected cap space but could still be very interested in Samuel’s services. Upgrading Drake Maye’s supporting cast should be the primary goal this offseason.
Potential Suitors: New England Patriots, Pittsburgh Steelers
3. Myles Garrett, Edge, Cleveland Browns
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In terms of pure talent, Myles Garrett is the top player on our board. The 2023 Defensive Player of the Year is likely to be a first-ballot Hall of Famer and is still in his playing prime. The 29-year-old, however, is looking to continue his career outside of Cleveland.
Garrett officially requested a trade early this offseason and made that request public during Super Bowl week.
“The goal was never to go from Cleveland to Canton, it has always been to compete for and win a Super Bowl,” Garrett said in a statement, per Rapoport.
Availability is the reason Garrett doesn’t top our list outright. The Browns simply aren’t willing to move him, and they appear firm in their stance.
“The Browns told him they wouldn’t deal him,” The MMQB's Albert Breer wrote. “They’ve messaged that to other teams.”
At this point in the offseason, it would likely require an overwhelming offer—likely, much more than two first-round picks—to pry Garrett away from Cleveland. If the Browns were to trade their best player, they’d have to eat $36.2 million in dead money to do it.
If the Browns become more open to making a deal—or a team simply decides that the talent is worth the cost—Garrett would be a logical target for any team in need of pass-rush help.
Given the likely price point, Garrett would make the most sense for a team with an open Super Bowl window. The Lions are right at the top of the list, as they’re coming off consecutive playoff appearances and need a top-tier pass-rusher opposite Aidan Hutchinson.
The Buffalo Bills could also be interested in Garrett if he becomes available. Buffalo has struggled to get past Kansas City in the postseason and just watched the Eagles wreck the Chiefs with a powerful defensive front.
The Bills are facing an $18 million cap deficit but would eagerly make room for Garrett’s modest $1.2 million base salary.
Potential Suitors: Buffalo Bills, Detroit Lions
2. Tyler Lockett, WR, Seattle Seahawks
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We’re now hitting the sweet spot talent and availability meet. Seattle Seahawks receiver Tyler Lockett tallied just 600 receiving yards and two touchdowns this past season but was serving as a third target behind DK Metcalf and Jaxson Smith-Njigba. He had four straight 1,000-yard seasons before Smith-Njigba was drafted in 2023 and finished the 2023 season with 894 yards.
Entering the final year of his contract, the 32-year-old is a prime trade candidate for Seattle. Trading him would save $17 million in cap space and appears to be a move that the Seahawks are at least considering.
“I think we’re working through that right now,” head coach Mike Macdonald recently told reporters when asked if Lockett would be on the roster in 2025.
With Seattle facing a $19.4 million cap deficit, Lockett can likely be had—potentially at a bargain price.
This could make Lockett a very attractive target for the Cowboys. Dallas is short on cap space but needs to find a dependable No. 2 receiver to pair with Lamb. Lockett’s $10 million base salary isn’t egregious, and acquiring him shouldn’t dramatically impact the Cowboys’ draft capital.
It’s worth noting that new Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer previously coached Lockett as Seattle’s offensive coordinator.
The Las Vegas Raiders could also be interested in Lockett. New head coach Pete Carroll coached the wideout for the bulk of his NFL career, and the Raiders could use another talented pass-catcher to partner with Jakobi Meyers, Tre Tucker and Brock Bowers.
Presumably, the Raiders will be eyeing a quick turnaround with a new quarterback in 2025.
Potential Suitors: Dallas Cowboys, Las Vegas Raiders
1. Cooper Kupp, WR, Los Angeles Rams
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Like Lockett, Rams receiver Cooper Kupp could be available for a relative bargain this offseason. Earlier this month, Kupp relayed that Los Angeles was looking to find a trade partner for him but made clear his intention to continue playing in 2025.
“I was informed that the team will be seeking a trade immediately and will be working with me and my family to find the right place to continue competing for championships,” Kupp posted on X.
While Kupp will turn 32 in June and has had his share of injury issues over the past few seasons, he’s been a No. 1-caliber receiver when healthy. He topped 1,900 receiving yards back in 2021 and tallied 710 yards and six touchdowns this past season while serving as L.A.’s No. 2 target behind Puka Nacua.
Yet, the Rams may be willing to accept a modest offer. Trading Kupp would save $12.5 million in 2025 cap space, and it’s a move Los Angeles has been weighing.
According to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, the Rams considered moving Kupp at the 2024 trade deadline but ultimately decided against it. Kupp’s statement suggests that L.A. is ready to flip the switch on a deal.
With a reasonable base salary of $12.5 million, Kupp should interest just about any Super Bowl hopeful in need of receiver help. He’d be a logical fit for Washington, where he could provide Jayden Daniels with a stellar receiving duo on the perimeter.
Kupp would also be a sensible target for the Bengals, who may lose No. 2 receiver Tee Higgins in free agency.
Bengals head coach Zac Taylor was the Rams’ assistant receiver coach during Kupp’s rookie season and also spent the 2018 season alongside Kupp in L.A.
Potential Suitors: Cincinnati Bengals, Washington Commanders
*Cap and contract information via Spotrac. Advanced statistics from Pro Football Reference unless otherwise noted.
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