7 NFL Players Who Could Be Surprise Trade Pieces in 2025 Free-Agency, Draft Windows
NFL teams have made moves ahead of free agency, and the action will continue through the draft before a late-spring lull.
Think of a roster like a puzzle. As teams add players, other pieces may not fit.
Front offices will make room for premier free agents and top draft picks, which could make some players expendable.
In other cases, veterans with contract disputes can spur movement on the trade market. If a team isn't willing to meet a player's contract demands, it can shop him around in hopes of getting immediate compensation, usually draft capital.
As the transactions trickle in days before the new league year, let's go through seven surprise trade candidates. These players are in fluid situations because they want new contracts, face uncertainty under a new coaching staff or lack job security with the possibility of a rookie or star player taking their spot.
Players who have requested a trade aren't considered surprise trade pieces.
Brandon Aiyuk, WR, San Francisco 49ers
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Last August, Brandon Aiyuk ended his contract holdout and signed a four-year, $120 million extension with the San Francisco 49ers.ย
He had a slow start to the 2024 season, accumulating fewer than 49 receiving yards in six out of seven games before tearing his ACL and MCL in Week 7. Because of the recovery from his knee injuries coupled with a sizeable contract, Aiyuk isn't likely to draw aggressive suitors.
However, according to The Athletic's David Lombardi, who appeared on The Pat McAfee Show, clubs have inquired about Aiyuk, and the 49ers aren't "saying a firm no" about moving him.
Lombardi also noted that Aiyuk will get $20 million in guarantees on April 1, so that could be a deadline to get something done if the 49ers trade him.
Of course, a team would have to be patient with Aiyuk's return, but he's 26 years old with plenty of potential optimal years left in his career.
Arik Armstead, DL, Jacksonville Jaguars
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Last offseason, the Jacksonville Jaguars signed Arik Armstead to a three-year, $43.5 million deal that included $28 million in guarantees.
The Oregon product played 48 percent of the defensive snaps, his lowest rate since his rookie year with the San Francisco 49ers in 2015.
Armstead served mostly in a rotational role with a team that signed him to one of the biggest contracts among last year's free-agent defensive linemen.
Now, Jacksonville has a new staff that may not see him as a fit for defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile's system.
Any time a team hires a new general manager and coaching staff, underperforming high-paid veterans from the previous regime could be a cut or trade candidates.
At 31, coming off a down season with 29 tackles, three for loss, 11 pressures and two sacks, Armstead isn't going to garner much interest from suitors. He's also owed $14 million in guarantees this year.
However, if the Jaguars are willing to take on some of his 2025 salary in a deal, they may be able to find a trade partner looking for a versatile defensive lineman who can be productive in a full-time starting role.
Derek Carr, QB, New Orleans Saints
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New Orleans Saints general manager Mickey Loomis wants Derek Carr to be the starting quarterback.
However, his future in New Orleans still isn't entirely secure. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport noted that the Saints still have to agree on a new deal for the 11-year veteran if they don't want to keep him at his current $51.5 million cap number.
Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football also mentioned that while talks between Carr and new head coach Kellen Moore went well, the team and player "still have some contract stuff to figure."
The NFL draft is an unpredictable selection process. If Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders slide in the order, the Saints could attempt to move up for one of them. In that scenario, Carr could become available via trade.
The 33-year-old has a no-trade clause, but he could welcome a change of scenery if the Saints add a quarterback with a top-10 pick.
Rapoport believes Carr would have a market that might include the Pittsburgh Steelers.
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Jamel Dean, CB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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In 2023, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed Jamel Dean to a four-year, $52 million contract that included $24.5 million in guarantees. However, he has struggled to stay healthy and made few game-changing plays.
Over the last two years, the 28-year-old has missed nine contests because of injury and logged 11 pass breakups and one interception while allowing the highest passer rating rates (111 and 91.2) in his six-year career.
The Buccaneers signed Dean to an extension in his prime, but his production has been minimal, and his recent injury history raises some concern.
ESPN's Jenna Laine noted that his spotty availability may be why the Bucs move on from him.
If so, a team could acquire Dean in hopes that he will stay healthy. However, it could also cut him without any financial strings attached because his contract doesn't carry any guaranteed money into the new league year.
Romeo Doubs, WR, Green Bay Packers
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At the end of the season, running back Josh Jacobs expressed the need for the Green Bay Packers to acquire a No. 1 wide receiver during an interview with 97.3 The Game.
Previously, head coach Matt LaFleur balked at having that label for one of his wideouts, but he may change his tune after none of his pass-catchers recorded more than 55 receptions or 857 receiving yards last season.
If the Packers sign Chris Godwin in free agency, pursue Tee Higgins in a trade scenario, reunite with Davante Adams or take a wide receiver early in the draft, the move would allow them to shop one of their role-playing wideouts.
Last October, the Packers suspended Romeo Doubs for disciplinary reasons. According to Sports Illustrated's Bill Huber, the 24-year-old skipped practice because he was frustrated with his role.
Upon his return, Doubs denied that rumor.
Whether there's any kernel of truth to the rumor or not, Doubs could be a prime trade candidate because he's going into the final term of his rookie deal.
The third-year veteran has been productive despite Green Bay's crowded receiver room, hauling in 147 passes for 1,700 yards and 15 touchdowns.
The Packers have no reason to move Doubs, unless they may add a receiver who commands a high target share.
Dallas Goedert, TE, Philadelphia Eagles
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The Philadelphia Eagles must be creative with manipulating the salary cap to keep some of their impending free agents or attempt to make a blockbuster trade.
The Eagles have $21.9 million in cap space and several key playmakers set to become free agents. According to The Athletic's Dianna Russini, Philadelphia also has "real" interest in acquiring star edge-rusher Myles Garrett if the Cleveland Browns honor his trade request.
Philadelphia has designated cornerback Darius Slay as a post-June 1 cut. The front office can also shop its playmakers to clear more cap space.
The Eagles could place Dallas Goedert on the trade block. Though he played a key role in their Super Bowl run, the seven-year veteran has missed 15 games over the last three seasons.
In January, Goedert turned 30, and he's going into the final year of his contract without any guaranteed money. Because of a quality incoming tight end class, the Eagles may try to trade Goedert and replace him with a rookie early in the draft.
D'Andre Swift, RB, Chicago Bears
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Last year, the Chicago Bears signed D'Andre Swift to a three-year, $24 million contract. As part of the team's 28th-ranked scoring offense that also racked up the fewest yards, he had an inefficient 2024 season, averaging a career-low 3.8 yards per carry.
The Bears hired former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson to be their new head coach, which gives them a bright outlook on that side of the ball.
However, Swift played one season (2022) under Johnson in Detroit, and the Lions traded him to the Philadelphia Eagles the following year.
With the buzz around the quality and depth of this year's running back class, Johnson could find a potential starter at the position on Day 2, which could make the 26-year-old expendable again.
Remember, after the Lions traded Swift, Detroit completely revamped its backfield, signing David Montgomery and drafting Jahmyr Gibbs with the 12th overall pick, which drew widespread criticism.
So, don't be surprised if Johnson shakes up Chicago's backfield by approving a trade that fetches a draft pick for Swift.
Team salary-cap and player contract details are provided by Over the Cap.
Maurice Moton covers the NFL for Bleacher Report. You can follow him on Twitter @MoeMoton.
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