Dream Offseason Trade Scenario for Every NFL Team
This time of year, all 32 NFL fanbases are filled with hope and anticipation. It doesn't matter if their team finished the 2024 season with 14 wins or four. This year is going to be different. Better. There will be respectability. The playoffs.
The Super Bowl.
There are a number of ways that teams improve their rosters this time of year, one of which is by swinging a trade. Maybe it's a move up (or down) in April's draft. Dealing a veteran player for draft capital to get younger and save money against the cap. Or even just a salary dump to get a bloated contract off the books.
Trades may not be as common in the NFL as they are in the NBA, but they're happening with more frequency in recent years. And every team has a dream trade scenario—a move that will put a roster over the top or accelerate a rebuild.
For our purposes here, "dream" is a relative concept. Plenty of teams would love to trade for Josh Allen or Lamar Jackson, but that ain't happening. However, every one of the trades listed here is grounded in at least some plausibility.
And all have the potential to propel the teams making them in 2025.
Arizona Cardinals: Acquire Packers LB Quay Walker
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After an 8-9 season, the Arizona Cardinals are at something of a crossroads. There have been rumblings that the Redbirds could make quarterback Kyler Murray available, but it's more likely that Arizona would be looking to buy than sell given how close they are to contention in the NFC West.
To get over the hump, Arizona has to do something about a defense that ranked 21st in the league this past season. The Cardinals linebacker corps could need an overhaul this offseason, and while Quay Walker of the Green Bay Packers hasn't lived up to his draft slot, Richie Bradshaw of Cardinals on SI pointed out the fourth-year pro as a potential trade target.
"The former 2022 first-round pick hasn't quite lived up to his Day 1 billing," he wrote. "Walker has managed to record 100 tackles in each of his first three NFL seasons, but he's a liability in pass coverage. The Georgia product has flashes of pass-rushing skills and he's become a more consistent tackler—not just from a numbers standpoint. It's 'buy-low' time for Walker, and the Cardinals should be ringing Brian Gutekunst's number to see if they can strike a deal for a young linebacker whose best football may still be ahead of him."
Swinging for the fences and trying to deal for a high-end edge-rusher would make a bigger splash. But fortifying the middle of the defense with a player just entering his prime could make just as big a positive impact at a fraction of the cost.
Atlanta Falcons: Find a Taker for QB Kirk Cousins
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Last offseason, the Atlanta Falcons handed veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins a four-year, $180 million contract. One year later, their dream trade scenario is finding a team willing to take the 36-year-old off their hands.
The Falcons have about one month to find a trade partner for Cousins. Then the amount of money that the Falcons owe Cousins this season only goes up.
"Cousins' $27.5 million salary is guaranteed for this year," ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported on SportsCenter. "So, he's on Atlanta's books. He's the backup quarterback right now behind (Michael) Penix. Something there has to shake out.
"The NFL Scouting Combine is in about a week-and-a-half, I expect Atlanta and Cousins' agent to talk about the future, see what they can shake out. You know, the New York Jets, once upon a time, wanted to sign Cousins. He's going to be one of the best options. He's recovered from his Achilles tear. And he's got a roster bonus due in March of $10 million, so that's sort of an artificial deadline for him to find a new team that should shake out."
This situation is similar to Russell Wilson and the Denver Broncos. Atlanta will be paying Cousins to play somewhere else in 2025. He can also veto where, as he has a no-trade clause.
But the Falcons don't need a quarterback controversy should Penix struggle out of the gate. They should shop Cousins at the combine, get what they can and move on.
Baltimore Ravens: Add Veteran WR Davante Adams
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The Baltimore Ravens aren't likely to swing any blockbuster trades in 2025. They don't have any glaring needs, and they have less than $6 million in cap space, per Over the Cap.
The Ravens might not have glaring needs, but their roster could use an upgrade or two. Zay Flowers topped 1,000 receiving yards last year, but Baltimore could use another proven wideout to help Lamar Jackson build on last year's excellent passing stats.
Mason Cameron of Pro Football Focus mentioned veteran Davante Adams as a target who makes sense for the Ravens.
"The Ravens have needed more receiver help in the form of a difference-making X-receiver after finding success with Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman in recent campaigns," he said. "Despite being snubbed for the MVP, Lamar Jackson is producing as one of the best signal callers charted in the PFF era (since 2006). His 95.3 overall grade in 2024 is the highest-ever recorded by a quarterback – playoffs included. Getting Jackson more help is crucial to capitalizing on his prolific play, and Adams could be the key."
Fitting Adams' deal under the cap would take work, but Adams would likely jump at the opportunity to play for a legitimate Super Bowl contender. With the Jets seemingly ready to move on from Adams, the 32-year-old probably wouldn't be especially expensive in terms of draft capital.
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Buffalo Bills: Add a Veteran WR on the Cheap
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The Bills aren't in position to be buyers in terms of free agency or a trade. They're already $17 million over the salary cap, so there will be restructures and a veteran cut or two. (Looking at you, Von Miller.)
The Bills do have three picks in the first two rounds of April's draft, but they dealt their third-rounder away for wide receiver Amari Cooper. That didn't pay off, although general manager Brandon Beane defended the move while speaking to reporters.
“You guys kind of know the mantra that was established this year by Josh and Joe Brady of everybody eats,” Beane said. “Adding him was not going to get away from that, but does that take a little pressure off of Shakir, Knox, Kincaid, the run game, all that? So, I do not regret the move. I think it did help us. I think it did help us despite what his personal numbers were.”
Cooper is now set to become a free agent, so the Bills could be right back where they started. The New York Jets (Davante Adams) and Miami Dolphins (Tyreek Hill) aren't likely to make a trade inside the division, but there are some veteran wideouts who could be available for a Day 3 pick.
None of Christian Kirk's $15.5 million base salary in the final year of his contract is guaranteed, so getting the 28-year-old to redo his deal shouldn't be a problem. The same goes for Tyler Lockett in Seattle.
With both players likely to be cut anyway, their teams would presumably jump at getting even a modest return in a trade.
Carolina Panthers: Trade Back From No. 8 Overall
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The Carolina Panthers showed some signs of life over the second half of the 2024 season, but they're now entering a pivotal offseason and are short on resources with which to improve the team. Carolina has less than $17 million in cap space, and the Panthers' most tradable assets are aging veterans like edge-rusher Jadeveon Clowney and wide receiver Adam Thielen.
(Thielen would be another target for the aforementioned Bills. But I digress.)
Carolina also has no shortage of needs, especially on defense. The Panthers are the only team in the league that surrendered more than 400 yards and 30 points per game last season.
The Panthers need quantity on that side of the ball almost as much as quality. They also need better pass-catchers and offensive line help, which they cannot afford as things stand right now.
That's where the eighth overall pick comes in.
Yes, the Panthers could add a potential impact player with the pick. Georgia edge-rusher Jalon Walker is a trendy choice in the mock draft community.
But the Panthers could slide back a few spots, still get one of their top targets and add a Day 2 pick. Or slide back even farther and add an extra first-rounder in 2026.
The true dream scenario is a team falling in love with a quarterback, or one of the top two passers in this year's class somehow falling to No. 8. That could land the Panthers a franchise-altering haul.
Start talking up Jaxson Dart of Ole Miss now.
Chicago Bears: Trade Up (If Necessary) for LSU Offensive Tackle Will Campbell
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It's no secret what the Chicago Bears' biggest need is this offseason. After surrendering a league-high 68 sacks in 2024, the offensive line badly needs an overhaul.
In the opinion of Daniel Jeremiah of NFL.com, the No. 1 offensive lineman in the 2025 draft class is LSU offensive tackle Will Campbell.
"Campbell has ideal height, bulk and athleticism for his position," he wrote. "In pass pro, he stays square, bends well and keeps his hands in tight. He will expose his chest at times (due to his lack of ideal length) but he’s able to recover after giving up some initial ground. He can slide and redirect with ease. He flashes the upper-body strength to torque and control defenders. In the run game, he can wash defenders on down blocks and he stays attached to/through the whistle. Some teams will be more concerned than others with his lack of length, but I don’t see it as a major issue. He is just scratching the surface of his potential and should start at tackle for a decade, provided he stays healthy."
The question here isn't whether or not the 6'6", 323-pounder would be a good fit for the Bears with the 10th overall pick. It's whether Campbell will fall that far to begin with. It would be unusual for the first offensive lineman of a draft to come off the board that late, especially one as well-regarded as Campbell.
Bears general manager Ryan Poles needs to do whatever it takes to wind up with Campbell on April 24. If that means a trade up, so be it.
Cincinnati Bengals: Tag and Trade Wide Receiver Tee Higgins
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The Cincinnati Bengals enter the offseason with $46.2 million in cap space. But they're also staring down a trio of massive contract extensions for wide receivers Tee Higgins and Ja'Marr Chase and edge-rusher Trey Hendrickson.
Per James Rapien of Sports Illustrated, the Bengals have already made a decision on one of those players. For the second straight season, they plan to franchise-tag Higgins.
"Sources say Higgins' camp expects to get tagged at this point. He would be the top free agent if he were to make it to free agency," Rapien said. "That isn't expected to happen. The Bengals will tag Higgins by the March 4 deadline.
"Their 'why' certainly feels different this time around. Last year the Bengals tagged Higgins and there wasn't much dialogue about a long-term contract. He was the only player that was tagged by his team last year that didn't sign a multi-year extension. This year feels different. The Bengals plan to sign the star receiver to a long-term deal, sources say."
The Bengals have a lengthy history of franchise-tagged players leaving the following season. But while the tag itself makes sense, the wiser course of action may be a tag-and-trade.
Chase's contract will all but certainly make him the highest-paid non-quarterback on offense in the NFL. Given how atrocious the Cincinnati defense was a year ago, dealing the NFL's reigning sack leader seems unwise.
Higgins is an excellent player who would generate all kinds of interest on the trade market. But he's not irreplaceable, and paying two wideouts $30-plus million per season is going to make overhauling the defense that much more difficult.
Unless the Bengals get better defensively, their Super Bowl aspirations in 2025 are dead in the water.
Cleveland Browns: Get Two 1st-Rounders in a Myles Garrett Megadeal
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While 2023 Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett has requested a trade, Cleveland Browns general manager Andrew Berry told reporters that the team has no intention of moving the star edge-rusher.
"My anticipation, expectation is that he'll have a direct ticket from Cleveland to Canton at the end of his years and expect him to be here and retire a Brown, quite frankly," Berry said. "I think you can assume that we do anticipate at some point doing a third contract with Myles. We want him to retire here."
The financials of a Garrett trade are tricky, too. Dealing him would mean a massive dead cap hit for a Browns team that's already in the worst salary-cap situation in the AFC.
But if some team is willing to offer a package that includes a pair of first-round picks, Berry should strongly consider acquiescing to Garrett's request.
To be frank, the Browns are a mess. Their cap situation is a disaster thanks to the abomination that is the Deshaun Watson contract. Their quarterback situation remains unsettled. They have multiple needs on both sides of the ball.
The Browns aren't going to be contenders in 2025. Contending in 2026 isn't especially likely, either. Garrett will turn 30 in late December.
Trading the team's best player won't make fans happy. But it will accelerate the latest rebuild in Cleveland.
Dallas Cowboys: Trade Edge-Rusher Micah Parsons...For the Right Price
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An extension for edge-rusher Micah Parsons is one of the biggest items on the Dallas Cowboys' offseason to-do list.
But the 25-year-old told Patrik Walker of the official Cowboys website he also wants to see Dallas be aggressive in free agency:
"I want to see us be aggressive, and I wanna see us get players that's gonna help us—that's gonna come in and make an impact. And I wanna see us bring back our own players that are just as important, and let's see what we can do there. There's been a new wave in the NFL. You saw it with the Rams, and [even though they] drafted some of those guys, you always can't hit like that—you know what I mean? The 49ers went and got Javon Hargrave, and they went and got some impactful players on their side."
The problem is the Cowboys are annually up against the cap, and 2025 is no different. Dallas is upside-down over $4 million as things stand.
There is another potential course of action: Trading the four-time Pro Bowler.
If Parsons became available, he would immediately become a wildly coveted asset. He might not have the track record or accolades of Myles Garrett, but he's just entering the prime of his career and has at least 12 sacks in all four professional seasons.
It would take a massive haul to make trading Parsons worthwhile: Multiple first-rounders or a package of picks and players who can help the Cowboys win now.
But if Dallas re-ups Parsons at well over $30 million per season, a large portion of the team's cap will be tied up in a handful of players.
That's going to make it that much more difficult to build a playoff-caliber team around them.
Denver Broncos
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Trade For Jaguars TE Evan Engram
The Denver Broncos face a pivotal offseason after last year's surprise postseason run. They are sitting on just under $35 million in cap space, but extensions for players such as wide receiver Courtland Sutton could eat up a chunk of that.
The Broncos also need to add complementary options in the passing game, especially at tight end.
Meanwhile, the Jaguars are entering a new era under head coach Liam Coen. And with veteran TE Evan Engram entering the last year of his contract, the 30-year-old could be on his way out of Duval County.
If that's the case, Matthew Schmidt of Sports Illustrated believes Denver could be a good fit for the eight-year veteran:
"Bo Nix has quietly been one of the most impressive young quarterbacks in football in 2024, and he is managing to do it with a complete dearth of top-level weapons outside of Courtland Sutton. The Broncos are particularly in need of a tight end, as Adam Trautman has been their most productive player at the position with 13 catches for 188 yards and a couple of touchdowns. Taking that into consideration, Engram would be an absolute revelation for Denver and would provide Nix with a very nice safety net on short and intermediate routes. Plus, Engram has big-play potential himself."
It's a major upgrade at arguably the weakest position on Denver's roster, and Engram would likely be available for a Day 3 pick given last year's injury-marred campaign.
Detroit Lions
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Deal for Raiders Edge-Rusher Maxx Crosby
To date, there has been no indication the Las Vegas Raiders are interested in trading edge-rusher Maxx Crosby.
The 27-year-old hasn't requested a trade, either.
However, as Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport noted for NFL.com, Crosby has expressed frustration about the constant rebuilding in Sin City. And trading him could turbocharge the beginning of the Pete Carroll era:
"Still only 27, Crosby has said before he wants to be a "Raider for life" and has been loyal to the organization. He also has been open about his frustrations with the team's seemingly endless string of changes and mounting losses. Crosby wants to win and be a big reason behind the success. While the hiring of Super Bowl winner Pete Carroll was a step toward stability, the Raiders still don't have a franchise quarterback and have a ton of work to do to field a competitive roster. Trading Crosby for a bounty of picks would be one way to expedite that process, and Crosby might welcome the change, particularly if it's to a playoff team where he knows people (e.g. Green Bay). Crosby has two years and about $44 million remaining on the contract extension he signed in 2022."
Crosby would be costly, both in terms of the draft capital needed to acquire him and the new deal he would almost certainly want.
However, there isn't a team in the NFL more in "win-now" mode than Detroit. And it's no secret the Lions need a batterymate for Aidan Hutchinson on the edge.
Who's up for a blockbuster?
Green Bay Packers
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Make a Deal for Chargers Edge-Rusher Joey Bosa
The Green Bay Packers were a playoff team in 2024, but they enter this season with defensive needs at all three levels.
They need help on the edge opposite Rashan Gary. With Quay Walker's future cloudy, linebacker could also be a need. And the Green Bay secondary needs support on the outside.
There has been no shortage of speculation the Packers could take a run at one of the elite edge-rushers in trade talks. But massive trades involving multiple early picks aren't really Green Bay's style.
However, as Cody Wilson wrote for FanSided, there's an edge-rusher with elite upside who could be available on the cheap this offseason: Joey Bosa of the Los Angeles Chargers:
"With an out in the contract that could save the Chargers nearly half of the cap hit if Bosa is cut or traded before playing out the final year of his current contract, they could be quite motivated to move him. And while it would be a gamble on the Packers part to pursue a player who has played just 28 games combined over the past three seasons, the depressed trade price as LA could just want to get anything in return could be right up Green Bay's alley."
Bosa's durability issues add considerable risk to acquiring him, but perhaps a change of scenery can jump-start a return to the 29-year-old's heyday.
If that was the case, a Day 3 price tag would make this perhaps the most prescient acquisition of the entire 2025 offseason.
Houston Texans
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Trade Up in the Draft for WR Emeka Egbuka
As a whole, the Houston Texans are in relatively good shape as a franchise. They need help on the offensive line and in the secondary, but that can be said about any number of teams.
The Texans also potentially need help at wide receiver. Stefon Diggs is a 31-year-old free agent coming off a significant injury. Once he went down last year, Houston wasn’t the same team offensively.
Given that need, no shortage of mock drafts have Houston going the wideout route. But John Crumpler of Texans Wire took that one step farther, suggesting the team should deal a third-rounder to move up and select Ohio State's Emeka Egbuka:
"His championship pedigree and production profile in the Big 10 with the Buckeyes satisfy a core Nick Caserio tenant that has been important in his first three drafts. Egbuka’s versatility in line ups at multiple receiver positions and willingness as a blocker make him a perfect fit next to Nico Collins in new offensive coordinator Nick Caley’s scheme. His time with quarterback C.J. Stroud in 2022 should make for an easier NFL transition and hopefully continue to empower their franchise quarterback as they transition to an offense built to help him."
It's a move that almost makes too much sense. Egbuka is one of the most NFL-ready wideouts in his draft class. He and Stroud have posted big numbers previously at Ohio State, where Egbuka caught 74 passes for over 1,100 yards and 10 scores in 2022.
For a Texans team in win-now mode, a third-rounder is worth getting the wide receiver tailor-made for their team.
Indianapolis Colts
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Acquire Bengals LB Germaine Pratt
There are rumors galore that the Colts could explore trading quarterback Anthony Richardson this offseason. But it's not especially likely an NFL team would give up on a top-five pick just two seasons into his career.
Never mind that Richardson wouldn't return nearly what he cost—at least not right now.
However, there's another trade that makes quite a bit of sense for the Colts.
As Justin Melo wrote for The Draft Network, veteran linebacker Germaine Pratt wants out of Cincinnati, and Indianapolis is easily the most logical landing spot:
"The Indianapolis Colts will immediately become a potential landing spot. To date, Pratt has played his entire six-year career under Bengals defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo. The Bengals parted ways with Anarumo earlier this offseason, and he quickly became Shane Steichen's new DC in Indianapolis. That familiarity should help. E.J. Speed is among the Colts’ unrestricted free agents. Speed was a workhorse for Gus Bradley's defense last season, playing more than 87% of the available defensive snaps. A couple of backup linebackers are also scheduled for free agency. Pratt could be viewed as a potential replacement in the starting lineup."
Pratt knows Anarumo's defense inside and out. The 28-year-old shattered a career best in tackles last season with 143. And he wouldn't be particularly costly in terms of salary or the draft capital needed to acquire him.
It's not as splashy as blowing up the franchise by trading Richardson, but it's often the under-the-radar moves in the NFL that make the biggest impact.
Jacksonville Jaguars
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Ship Out Running Back Travis Etienne Jr.
First off, let's get this out of the way: From all indications, rumors that quarterback Trevor Lawrence could be traded are just that, rumors.
The quarterback himself made it clear he has no desire to play for another team in 2025.
"I would've known about it if I was getting traded," Lawrence told reporters. "If that was something that was gonna happen, I'd have to be on board with it. Which I'm not. I'm happy here in Jacksonville. We wanna win a Super Bowl here and I think we can do that. I don't wanna leave Jacksonville. I'm happy here, obviously. Not going to Pittsburgh."
However, it makes quite a bit of sense for the Jaguars to part ways with their second first-round pick in 2021.
After topping 1,000 yards on the ground in each of his first two seasons, Travis Etienne Jr. had a miserable 2024—he set career lows across the board, including averaging a career-low 3.7 yards per carry.
By season's end, the 26-year-old had ceded lead back duties to Tank Bigsby.
There is zero chance the Jaguars will pick up Etienne's fifth-year option. One way or another, he won't be in Jacksonville come 2026. Trading him now would also clear all of his $6 million and change off the salary cap.
This isn't a trade that will net the Jaguars a lot in return outside that cap savings, but teams just need to know when to move on sometimes.
With Etienne, that time is now.
Kansas City Chiefs
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Trade for Seahawks Wide Receiver DK Metcalf
It's no secret the Kansas City Chiefs need wide receiver help. The team has spent more than a year throwing veteran options against the wall in the hopes one would stick.
Bleacher Report's own NFL Scouting Department recently proposed Kansas City takes a run at a reunion with Tyreek Hill.
However, there's another wideout who might be an even more intriguing option and has been mentioned as a potential trade candidate: DK Metcalf of the Seattle Seahawks.
For his part, Seattle offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak told reporters he's looking forward to working with the 27-year-old.
“A lot to work with. A lot of great skill to work with,” he said. “Down-the-field threat. Strong, physical player. Extremely excited about getting to work with him, and his physical presence. Brings a lot, can bring a lot, to our offense.”
However, Metcalf is headed into the final year of his contract, and with Jaxon Smith-Njigba usurping him as Seattle's No. 1 receiver in 2024, there has been quite a bit of speculation the Seahawks could move the two-time Pro Bowler.
It wouldn't be cheap—a deal of this magnitude could require both Kansas City's 31st overall pick and a new contract for Metcalf. But the Chiefs are one of a few teams for which dealing its first pick for a proven veteran makes sense.
And a passing attack featuring Rashee Rice and Metcalf outside and Xavier Worthy in the slot would be terrifying for opposing defenses.
Las Vegas Raiders
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Trade Up to Obtain a Top-Two QB in the 2025 Draft
The Las Vegas Raiders may be the most talked-about team in the NFL right now, considering the arrival of Pete Carroll and trade speculation surrounding edge-rusher Maxx Crosby.
However, the biggest issue facing the Raiders has to be at quarterback. New general manager John Spytek told reporters that the Vegas front office (including minority owner Tom Brady) is keeping its options open at the position:
"(Brady) was willing to do things that the ordinary football player or person wasn’t willing to do. We're going to turn over every stone to find that leader for this team, too. There are just going to be certain requirements of the job, and it doesn't necessarily take the strongest arm or the best thrower. It's the guys that will push their teammates to a place that's uncomfortable, that will give almost anything to win. That's what the best ones do, and we're going to find one of those."
The most likely outcome to the search is signing one of this year's veterans under center as a stopgap and then potentially drafting a quarterback on Day 2.
But if the Raiders traded Crosby (which isn't a crazy idea, no matter how much fans hate it), that could afford Vegas the ammunition for a second blockbuster—a move up to draft either Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders.
The Tennessee Titans have already indicated they will listen to offers for the first overall pick, and Cleveland Browns general manager Andrew Berry has compiled a long list of questionable draft moves.
For the Raiders to get back into contention in the AFC West, they have to solve the quarterback quandary.
And if the team falls in love with Ward or Sanders, they should be willing to go hard at obtaining them.
Los Angeles Chargers
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Trade for Los Angeles Rams WR Cooper Kupp
There isn't a more plausible trade in this article than the Los Angeles Chargers heading across SoFi Stadium and making a deal for Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp.
It makes so much sense for both sides that it almost certainly won't happen.
The Rams have already indicated Kupp isn't in the team's future plans. And as Jourdan Rodrigue noted for The Athletic, if the team can't make a deal, the salary-cap considerations could be rather problematic:
"If the Rams can’t trade Kupp, they could cut him. His salary in 2025 is tricky. Cutting Kupp prior to June 1 would incur $22.26 million in dead money, while only saving $7.5 million. His roster bonus of $7.5 million is due March 17. Cutting Kupp after June 1 would incur $14.8 million in dead money while saving $15 million, but the team has made it clear it is ready to move on. The Rams did not ask Kupp to restructure his existing contract, a league source said, although they probably would be willing to eat some of the money owed to him to actually get a trade done."
The Chargers could get Kupp for less than the fourth-rounder they received in the Keenan Allen trade. He's not a perfect complement to second-year wide receiver Ladd McConkey, but he would still be a big boost to the offense and an ideal mentor for their promising youngster.
Add in that Kupp wouldn't have to uproot his family, and you have the prospect of a trade that works out for both teams and the player.
Los Angeles Rams
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Round 1 Moving and Shaking
This move assumes there's more than just smoke to the rumors quarterback Matthew Stafford could join Kupp on the trading block.
If the Rams are really that committed to looking to the future despite winning the NFC West in 2024, then they might as well go all-in.
A Stafford trade would all but certainly involve at least one first-round pick. Were this a strong draft at quarterback, L.A. could package the 21st and 26th picks to move up and grab a signal-caller.
Assuming Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward are gone, though, there are no more first-round locks under center right now. Those picks alone likely don't get L.A. into the top five.
That being the case, the Rams could continue stockpiling draft capital (Les Snead has gone full George Costanza mode—doing the opposite) by dealing the 26th pick to a team at the end of Round 1 or even the top of Round 2.
That would allow the Rams' youth movement to continue, while still potentially affording Snead the opportunity to grab a Jaxson Dart or Jalen Milroe as the quarterback of the future while adding even more picks.
There's a flip side as well. If Dart or Milroe tears up draft season and their stock starts to climb, the Rams would be well-positioned to make a move and grab the young signal-caller they want.
Frankly, the likeliest outcome to all this probably remains Stafford playing one more season (at least) for the Rams. But if both he and Kupp are gone come April 24, L.A. could be one of the most motivated teams in the NFL to make like Monty Hall and make a deal.
Miami Dolphins
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Trade WR Tyreek Hill
A year ago, this would have been laughed at. In 2023, Tyreek Hill led the league in both receiving yards (1,799) and touchdown catches (13).
However, last season was a far different story. Both Hill and Jaylen Waddle struggled in a Dolphins offense that couldn't push the ball vertically.
Hill's six touchdowns tied a career low, and his reception and yardage numbers were his lowest since he missed four games in 2019. For the first time in his career, he missed the Pro Bowl.
Add in that the 30-year-old told reporters after the season finale he wanted to be traded (before walking those comments back later), and the Dolphins are considering giving the mercurial receiver what he said he wanted, per Gates Garcia and Armando Salguero of OutKick:
"He talked about being traded after the final game of the season. Then his agent and the team went into crisis management mode and Hill spent all of last week walking back his attention-seeking comments. Well, the Dolphins have final say on the matter. And they might listen to offers for Hill, multiple NFL executives believe, so as to weigh adding multiple high-round draft picks in what is effectively the player's final contract season before his salary cap number skyrockets in 2026. It would make some sense for the Dolphins to shop Hill, knowing he's already voiced what was at some point obviously in his heart."
Provided the Dolphins can land multiple high picks for Hill (in a season when the trade market is seemingly choked with wideouts), it's time for Miami to roll with Waddle at WR1 and add talent around him in the draft or free agency.
Minnesota Vikings
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Trade Either Sam Darnold or J.J. McCarthy
Having a pair of quality quarterbacks is a "problem" most NFL teams dream of. After Sam Darnold came from nowhere to have the best season of his career, that's theoretically where the Minnesota Vikings find themselves.
Second-year pro J.J. McCarthy was supposed to be the team's starter in 2024 before tearing his meniscus in the preseason.
Star wide receiver Justin Jefferson told Jonathan Adams of Athlon Sports he believes McCarthy is ready to lead the Vikings in 2025 if called upon:
"I definitely can say he’s a sponge, for sure. He’s a guy that wants to learn. He’s a guy that wants to be a top-tier quarterback in this league.
"So, our lockers are really right next to each other. So, every single day we’re chopping it up. We’re talking not only about football, but just life in general [and] what’s going on.
"And just having that connection with him before he even steps on the field is something that’s special. So, I’m excited to see what he does."
However, the Vikings shouldn't just let Darnold walk. Tagging the 27-year-old either affords them the same insurance under center the team had in 2024 or gives them all the leverage in trade talks.
That's where the fun starts. There would be considerable demand for both quarterbacks. Some team desperate for help at the position is going to offer a first-rounder for one of them.
Let the market make what appears to be a toss-up call. Add another Day 1 pick. And do something about a leaky defense that was the team's undoing a season ago.
New England Patriots
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Trade for WR Deebo Samuel
The New England Patriots are loaded for bear this offseason with a top-five draft pick and well over $100 million in cap space. That's a good thing, as the team needs offensive linemen and passing-game weapons in equal measure.
Deebo Samuel of the San Francisco 49ers isn't the best wideout potentially available via trade this year. His 51 catches last season were his fewest since 2020, and he was a forgotten man in the Niners offense for long stretches.
But those depressed numbers have also depressed Samuel's asking price. Ryan McLaughlin of Musket Fire posited that a Day 3 picks package (and perhaps veteran wideout Kendrick Bourne) should be enough to make a deal for the 29-year-old work:
"Given his skill set and versatility, a guy like Samuel would thrive in Josh McDaniels' offense. Eliot Wolf should certainly call John Lynch and the 49ers about Samuel. The Patriots have the middle-round pick flexibility to give up a fourth or a fifth-round pick—or maybe both, plus a veteran like Bourne—for Samuel. The 49ers have numerous top-line players they'll have to pay for the next two offseasons, and Samuel knows his time in San Francisco is coming to an end. So, if the Patriots want to prove to Maye that they're serious about upgrading the offense, this is a splash the team needs to make."
Trade for Samuel. Sign another wideout in free agency. Consider a trade back from No. 4 overall if it means adding another first-rounder. Hit the offensive line hard.
All those things are doable, and they would give quarterback Drake Maye a fighting chance in 2025.
New Orleans Saints
23 of 32
Get QB Derek Carr off the Books
Frankly, if the Saints were really going to follow a "dream" scenario, there would be a fire sale in the Big Easy this year. The beginning of a full-blown, ground up rebuild.
As constructed, the Saints aren't a contender. They aren't going to be one. And the salary-cap situation is almost laughably bad.
But they have demonstrated repeatedly they aren't going to do that. So, the best beleaguered fans of a team barreling toward long-term irrelevance can likely hope for is getting quarterback Derek Carr's salary off the books.
Of course, to hear Saints general manager Mickey Loomis tell it, he thinks New Orleans can rebound quickly—with Carr leading the offense.
"I have a high level of confidence in Derek. Listen, he did some really good things here, has done some really good things here," he told reporters. "When you don't have your top two receivers and you don't have that special weapon in Taysom Hill and we don't have the middle portion of our offensive line and we have a rookie left tackle, there are some tough circumstances for a quarterback. So, I think he's done a lot of good things."
The situation is complicated by a couple of things. Carr has a no-trade clause, so he'd have to sign off on a deal. He has also said he's not interested in taking a pay cut.
With the 33-year-old carrying a cap hit north of $50 million in 2025, the Saints have three options. Re-do Carr's deal again and dig the hole even deeper; release him outright; or find a team he is willing to play for and take what they can get.
All three of those scenarios are more nightmare than dream. But at least a trade gets the Saints something in return.
This year is not going to be fun in New Orleans.
New York Giants
24 of 32
Trade Up to No. 1 Overall
The New York Giants are one of a number of teams that have been mentioned as a trade partner with the Rams for Matthew Stafford.
But ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that if L.A. is looking for a first-rounder for the 37-year-old, it won't be coming from Big Blue.
“Let me be very clear: That pick is not in the conversation if Matthew Stafford and the Rams can’t get a deal worked out—and if Matthew Stafford becomes available and all of a sudden the Giants surface as a contender,” he told the New York Daily News. “If all those things happen … there is no way in hell that the Giants are giving up the third overall pick for Matthew Stafford. Zero. Zero.”
It's a wise stance. The Giants are hardly positioned to contend next year, and Stafford is not a long-term solution. If New York is going to start throwing picks around, it makes more sense to make a play for Tennessee's first overall selection and a choice of quarterbacks.
ESPN's Jordan Ranaan noted that bumping up two spots could be done without a second first-round pick:
"The Giants' first and second-round picks (Nos. 3 and 34) provide similar or more value than the top pick based on most modern draft charts. Even the Giants' third-round pick (No. 66) and perhaps a 2026 second-round pick might provide enough value, if packaged with No. 3 overall, for the Titans to make such a move if they are not smitten with Ward or Sanders and want to defer their QB decision another year."
If that's all it takes and the Giants become enamored with Sanders or Ward, general manager Joe Schoen should go get his guy.
New York Jets
25 of 32
Deal for Kirk Cousins as a Stopgap Quarterback
This exercise assumes a trade up to get either Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders would require the Jets' 2026 first-rounder in addition to the seventh overall pick this year—and that the new regime in New York decides that price is too steep.
If that's the case, the Jets face a problem. They just tried the veteran route at quarterback with Aaron Rodgers, and it blew up in their faces in spectacular fashion.
However, long-suffering fans are desperate to have some reason for optimism—if Gang Green craters in 2025, the honeymoon for head coach Aaron Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey isn't going to last long. And the perception is that this year's Day 2 prospects aren't ready to lead an NFL offense yet,
So, for a year at least, it's stopgap time. The question is who.
Assuming the Rams are serious about shopping Matthew Stafford, he's the best of the lot. But he'll also be the most coveted—unless New York is willing to put No. 7 or a 2026 first on the table, it would likely be outbid.
It's a similar situation with Sam Darnold, even though it would be the most awkward NFL reunion in recent memory. And Carr has that pesky no-trade clause and may not be interested in moving from one also-ran to another.
That leaves Kirk Cousins, who has a no-trade clause of his own. However, there's history between the 36-year-old and Jets senior adviser Rick Spielman. And among the teams looking for a veteran QB this offseason, only the Pittsburgh Steelers offer a better chance to win than the Jets.
You read that right.
Yes, Cousins threw 16 interceptions last year. But he was also coming off an Achilles tear, played hurt part of the season and as recently as 2022 he was a Pro Bowler and 13-game winner with the Vikings. He'd also be a fine mentor for a rookie quarterback should the team draft one later.
Philadelphia Eagles
26 of 32
Trade DT Jordan Davis For a Day 2 Pick
As Jeff Kerr wrote for CBS Sports, Philadelphia Eagles defensive line coach Clint Hurtt told reporters that while tackle Jordan Davis may not have put up big numbers to this point in his career, his impact on the game goes beyond the box score:
"I'll tell you what. He's not even remotely close to being a finished product. He went from a world where all he was asked to do in college was play lateral and eat up combination blocks and let linebackers go make tackles. He already does that really, really well. So, what I'm asking him to do is splitting those combinations. When the linebackers get downhill and the double team comes off, you need to make these plays. He's getting better at that. I want him to understand that when he's in the game, he can rush the passer too. With all these physical traits, you can rush the passer. Now let's build your rush and see that come to life."
The problem for Philly is a numbers crunch. Tackle Milton Williams and edge-rusher Josh Sweat are both about to hit free agency, and edge-rusher Jalen Carter will be eligible for an extension soon as well.
The Eagles can't pay everyone, and the team also has to make a decision on Davis' fifth-year option.
The Eagles aren't going to recoup the first-rounder they invested in the 25-year-old, but there's always interest in young talent in the trenches.
And it's not hard to imagine a team ponying up a Day 2 pick the Eagles can use to add a player on the sort of rookie deal they need if they are going to keep the band mostly together for a run at a Super Bowl repeat.
Pittsburgh Steelers
27 of 32
Trade for Rams QB Matthew Stafford
Outside possibly the Detroit Lions dealing for Raiders edge-rusher Maxx Crosby, there isn't a potential trade in this column that would have a bigger impact on its team's postseason chances than the Pittsburgh Steelers bringing in Matthew Stafford.
There's uncertainty under center in both Los Angeles and Pittsburgh this offseason, and if the Rams are serious about moving on from the veteran quarterback, Jordan Dajani of CBS Sports noted the two teams getting together and making a deal could make sense:
"The Steelers may be preparing for another reset of their quarterback room, as both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields are looking for new deals. Things aren't exactly peachy in Pittsburgh right now. No one cares that Mike Tomlin hasn't registered a losing season in 18 straight years with the Steelers, because Pittsburgh hasn't won a playoff game since 2016. The Steelers have lost six straight postseason matchups, and have allowed at least 28 points in all six of those losses. It's the longest such streak in NFL history! What's the best option for Pittsburgh at quarterback? Trading up in the draft and hoping Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders is the answer? Probably not. Do the Steelers want to enter the bidding war for Sam Darnold, or take a flier on the 41-year-old Aaron Rodgers? Maybe Stafford is the best option -- if he's made available."
Stafford would be a big swing; the sort of trade we don't often see by the Steelers. But Pittsburgh gave up a lot to get Minkah Fitzpatrick back in 2020, and that was for a safety.
This is a deal for easily the best veteran quarterback who could be available in trade talks in 2025—and a move that would instantly turn Pittsburgh into a legitimate Super Bowl contender.
San Francisco 49ers
28 of 32
Swing a Deal for Ravens CB Marlon Humphrey
The 2024 season was a nightmare for the San Francisco 49ers. The team was ravaged by injuries and went from NFC champions to out of the playoffs altogether.
However, this remains a talented roster. The Niners could be equipped for a quick turnaround, provided the team doesn't spring any new leaks.
With both safety Talanoa Hufanga and cornerback Charvarius Ward set to hit free agency, the secondary has the potential to be a weak spot. The acquisition of All-Pro cornerback Marlon Humphrey could turn that weakness into a strength.
The 28-year-old missed seven games two years ago, but he turned in arguably the best campaign of his career last season, intercepting six passes. That would appear to make him an important part of the defense, and Jon Alfano of Sports Illustrated believes Baltimore should make every effort to retain the eight-year veteran"
"Humphrey, 29, has no guaranteed money remaining on his current deal, which runs through 2027. Considering the former first-round pick is coming off arguably the best year of his career, recording a career-high six interceptions and his first pick-six, he will rightfully want some more guaranteed money going forward. Due to the Ravens being tight on cap space, as previously mentioned, some speculate that they could move on from their veteran corner. However, that doesn't seem like the best decision."
Still, with Baltimore sitting on less than $6 million in cap space and offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley about to hit free agency, some tough decisions loom for GM Eric DeCosta.
If 49ers general manager John Lynch brings DeCosta a reasonable offer for Humphrey (say a third-rounder), the latter is going to at least listen.
And San Francisco has the cap space in theory to give the Alabama product the guaranteed money he seeks.
Seattle Seahawks
29 of 32
Acquire Browns OT Jack Conklin
The Seattle Seahawks narrowly missed the postseason last year, and a horrid offensive line played a big part in that.
Per Ian Hartitz of a Fantasy Life, the Seahawks sport PFF's 31st-ranked offensive line. The team was bottom-four in both yards before contact and pressure rate allowed.
Seattle ranks 29th in cap dollars allocated to the offensive line and has spent all of one top-50 pick on the O-line over the last eight drafts.
Left tackle Charles Cross is solid, but the rest of the line needs work.
Enter Cleveland Browns tackle Jack Conklin.
Conklin wasn't a star for the Browns last year, but he was decent. Unfortunately, as Candace Petraza noted for Dawg Pound Daily, his salary and Cleveland's woeful cap situation make him a candidate to be traded:
"Conklin was one of the Browns best offensive lineman in 2024. His overall PFF grade of 66.2 was about middle of the pack amongst tackles, rated 50th overall out of 144. He was, by far, the most reliable tackle the Browns had all season. And, he's an offensive lineman with experience - something Cleveland really doesn't have a ton of on the line. But, Conklin is also carrying a $14,000,000 dollar salary into next season. He might be highly sought after as teams really struggled to find consistently good play from their offensive lines outside of elite squads like the Detroit Lions and Philadelphia Eagles. So, if the Browns can trade him for someone cheaper, like on a rookie deal, or even for draft compensation, they should."
Given Seattle's own cap situation, making the money work could be tricky. But there aren't many offensive linemen available via trade in a given offseason. And this year at tackle, Conklin is the best of the lot.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
30 of 32
Add a Veteran Edge-Rusher
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are up against the salary cap—they have less than $1 million in wiggle room. They also have in-house free agents like wide receiver Chris Godwin and linebacker Lavonte David to worry about.
There are also needs that must be addressed. And right at the top of the list is help on the edge—Tampa didn't have an edge-rusher who registered five sacks in 2024.
What the Bucs need is to clear some cap space with restructures and potentially a cut or two, and then target an aging pass-rusher other teams are looking to unload.
Grant Cohn of Sports Illustrated noted that the 49ers could be looking to move on from edge-rusher Leonard Floyd:
"Floyd probably doesn't fit what Saleh is looking for in an edge-rusher opposite Nick Bosa. Floyd will be 33 next season -- he's not explosive anymore. [Robert] Saleh wants someone like Dee Ford who had the quickest first step in the NFL when he was in his prime. In addition, Floyd struggles against the run. He's not big enough to play defensive end in the 49ers' 4-3 Wide 9 scheme and was a big reason the 49ers' run defense was so poor this season. And Saleh's first job as the 49ers' defensive coordinator will be to shore up the run defense as he did immediately during his first stint as the 49ers defensive coordinator from 2017 to 2020."
Tampa's scheme is a better fit for what Floyd does well at this point, and deficiencies aside, he tallied 8.5 sacks in San Francisco last season. The draft capital required to obtain him (or Buffalo's Von Miller, or Detroit's Za'Darius Smith) would be minimal.
It's just a matter of making the money work.
Tennessee Titans
31 of 32
Trade 1st Overall Pick for a Bears-esque Haul
At this point, you're probably wondering how trading up can be the "dream" scenario for the New York Giants, while sliding back is the same for the Tennessee Titans.
It's a matter of perception of this year's quarterback class and what the Titans could get if the team did trade back.
Frankly, the package mentioned in the Giants slide shouldn't be good enough for Titans general manager Mike Borgonzi. But he has already made it clear Tennessee isn't averse to a move back in the draft.
"Draft picks are our biggest form of currency, so when there's opportunities to trade back to collect more picks, we're going to do that," he told reporters. "The quarterback is the most important position, arguably in sports. So, you have to solidify the quarterback position. We're going to be relentless attacking this until we find the answer."
It essentially comes down to how the Titans view Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders. Both are talented young signal-callers, but neither is widely viewed as a "can't-miss" franchise quarterback.
The Chicago Bears faced a similar dilemma in 2023. They had the No. 1 pick, but rather than use it, they slid back to No. 9. In return, the Carolina Panthers gave them that ninth pick, their 2024 first-rounder, two second-rounders and a solid young wide receiver in D.J. Moore.
That 2024 first-rounder? It wound up being the first overall pick again—a pick the Bears used on Caleb Williams.
If a team like the Las Vegas Raiders (No. 6), New York Jets (No. 7) or New Orleans Saints (No. 9) feels strongly enough about Ward or Sanders to offer that sort of haul to the Titans, Borgonzi shouldn't think twice.
Washington Commanders
32 of 32
Swing for the Fences on Both Sides of the Ball
This is one of the less-likely trades of this article, if only because it's rare for an NFL team to mortgage the future like this with wildly aggressive moves.
But the Washington Commanders are in a unique position. They are fresh off a surprise run to the NFC Championship Game and have a budding superstar at quarterback in Jayden Daniels who is on his rookie contract.
There's a two-year window before Daniels becomes eligible for an extension, and the team is also sitting on $75.2 million in cap space—the most in the NFC.
So, push the chips to the middle of the table. Go all-in.
Per Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, the Commanders are the betting favorites to acquire Cleveland edge-rusher Myles Garrett. So do it. Fill the team's need on the edge with a difference-maker like Garrett, Maxx Crosby of the Raiders or Trey Hendrickson of the Bengals.
And then keep going.
Offensively, the Commanders have a need for an upgrade at wide receiver opposite Terry McLaurin. So, take a run at one of the plethora of veteran receivers who are potentially available via trade.
A Day 2 selection or two may not be enough for DK Metcalf. But Cooper Kupp, Davante Adams or Deebo Samuel are another story.
The arrival of Daniels has opened a Super Bowl window for the Commanders.
Jump through that bad boy and make Washington's long-suffering fans do cartwheels in the process.
Gary Davenport is an NFL analyst at Bleacher Report. Yell at him on X at @IDPSharks.
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