1 Trade Each NFL Team Should Consider Before the 2025 Season Starts

Training camps are getting started around the NFL over the next week or so, and ideally, every team has filled all of its roster holes at this stage. However, that's never the case in a salary-capped league as each club has question marks heading into the campaign, some more than others. 

With that in mind, what is one trade each team should consider before the calendar turns to September and the 2025 season starts?

The trades featured here can be for a specific player or a general position, depending on team needs, but the goal with each suggested transaction is to patch up at least one hole on each club's roster. Or, in some cases, building for the future by moving on from a veteran who is expected to have a reduced role this fall.

Also, any players who have asked to be dealt this offseason or are currently seeking a new contract will be factored into the decision for each team.

AFC East

AP Photo/Michael Dwyer

Jahlani Tavai

Buffalo Bills: S Tyrann Mathieu, New Orleans Saints

The Buffalo Bills are one of a few teams that have close to a complete roster, though safety remains a question mark.

The position was one of their needs this offseason, but the front office didn't do much at that spot besides adding depth with Darrick Forrest and Jordan Hancock.

So, if the rebuilding Saints are willing to put the 33-year-old Mathieu on the trade block, Brandon Beane should give Mickey Loomis a call.

Miami Dolphins: Add a veteran cornerback

Yes, the Dolphins are in this spot because they decided to get younger at corner this offseason, letting Kendall Fuller go and trading Jalen Ramsey away. However, the defense is currently expected to start Storm Duck and Cam Smith on the boundary, both of whom have little NFL experience.

At the least, it couldn't hurt to have a veteran voice in that position group to help guide the young bucks along.

New England Patriots: Flip LB Jahlani Tavai for draft capital

This is a change of pace since it's a team giving away a player to receive future assets instead of adding someone who can help this season.

The Patriots extended Christian Elliss and signed Robert Spillane in free agency this offseason, making Tavai's role on the team unclear this fall. So, moving on from a guy who might not see the field much in exchange for picks who can help the front office build around Drake Maye would be a smart move. 

New York Jets: Add a veteran LB

With C.J. Mosley out of the picture, Jamien Sherwood is expected to own the second starting linebacker spot in New York. He is coming off a strong campaign but didn't play much defensively before last season. Meanwhile, the Jets are very young and lack depth at the position.

So, swinging a deal for a veteran backer to serve as an insurance policy behind Sherwood and Quincy Williams wouldn't be a bad idea. 

NFC East

AP Photo/Seth Wenig

Kayvon Thibodeaux

Dallas Cowboys: Add a veteran CB

The Cowboys have some uncertainty at cornerback heading into training camp with Trevon Diggs and rookie Shavon Revel Jr. coming off torn ACLs from last season.

While the addition of Kaiir Elam can help, he struggled to see the field in Buffalo last season. 

So, Dallas should explore the idea of trading for a veteran cornerback with starting experience to help bridge the gap until Diggs is ready to return. Or, it could add a nickelback to replace Jourdan Lewis, who signed with the Jaguars in free agency.

New York Giants: Flip Edge Kayvon Thibodeaux for draft picks

It feels like this has been on the table since the Giants were getting heavily linked to Abdul Carter ahead of April's draft. It makes sense, seeing as the organization will likely commit to Carter and Brian Burns on the edge for the long haul, and the front office signed Chauncey Golston in free agency to further supplement the position.

Meanwhile, Thibodeaux has two years left on his contract and has been productive throughout his career, meaning New York could get a good haul for the 2022 first-round pick. That should be enticing for a team that enters the season with questions at quarterback.

Philadelphia Eagles: Add a veteran CB

The defending Super Bowl champions lost a lot of key defensive players this offseason, including starting corner Darius Slay.

While Adoree' Jackson was added in free agency to add experience to the position group, he has struggled to stay healthy throughout his career and isn't more than an average player.

In other words, the Eagles should look into what corners are available on the trade block to bolster their chances at defending the crown.

Washington Commanders: Add a veteran CB

This was a need for the Commanders last year, hence the midseason trade for Marshon Lattimore. But he wasn't very reliable in Washington. The only other notable veteran at the position the front office brought in this offseason was Jonathan Jones, who also didn't play particularly well in 2024.

Meanwhile, the team has Super Bowl hopes and is looking to take advantage of Jayden Daniels being on a rookie contract. So, shoring up the secondary with a veteran would be in line with how GM Adam Peters has operated over the last two offseasons.

AFC North

AP Photo/Stew Milne

Trey Hendrickson

Baltimore Ravens: Add a veteran OL

The Ravens are currently expected to enter the season with a fairly young offensive line, especially on the right side. While Roger Rosengarten and Daniel Faalele got plenty of valuable experience last year, it couldn't hurt to explore the trade market and see if a veteran lineman—or two—is available just in case of an emergency. 

Cincinnati Bengals: Flip DE Trey Hendrickson for draft picks

The Hendrickson contract saga has been going on for a while, and a resolution doesn't appear to be in sight. Meanwhile, the Bengals used a first-round pick on Shemar Stewart, who is also engaged in a contract dispute with the club, and they have Joseph Ossai and Myles Murphy to line up at defensive end. 

If Cincinnati isn't going to pay the 2024 sack leader the money he's looking for, then it should trade him sooner rather than later to maximize its return. 

Cleveland Browns: Flip QB Joe Flacco for draft picks

While Flacco could be the starting quarterback in Cleveland this year, let's be honest, the Browns are going to have a tough time being a playoff contender this season. 

So, allowing Kenny Pickett, Dillon Gabriel or Shedeur Sanders to see if they can be the franchise's future behind center is a better long-term plan than trotting out a 40-year-old who is on a one-year deal.

Meanwhile, trading Flacco would yield some draft capital from a team that could use a veteran backup.

Pittsburgh Steelers: WR Jauan Jennings, San Francisco 49ers

Speaking of quarterbacks in their 40s, the Steelers should consider adding another receiver for Aaron Rodgers.

Robert Woods is projected to be their No. 2 out wide, and Jennings is basically a younger and (at this stage in their careers) better version of Woods.

It was reported recently that the current 49er is looking for a new contract or trade out of San Francisco as he's coming off his best NFL season with 77 catches, 975 yards and six touchdowns, all of which were career highs.

NFC North

AP Photo/Kamil Krzaczynski

Aidan Hutchinson

Chicago Bears: Add another edge-rusher

This time last year, the Bears were looking to add a pass-rusher to play opposite Montez Sweat and settled on Darrell Taylor. But he didn't pan out with a career-low three sacks in 2024, so Chicago let him walk during free agency. 

Now, it's back to square one for Chicago general manager Ryan Poles, meaning he should explore the trade market for an edge-defender again. 

Detroit Lions: Add a veteran IOL

While an edge-rusher might seem like the obvious move here, too, Aidan Hutchinson and Marcus Davenport will be back this season. Also, Za'Darius Smith has expressed interest in returning to the Lions even after being a salary-cap casualty this offseason. 

Meanwhile, Detroit surprisingly lost longtime starting center Frank Ragnow this summer to retirement. That leaves the offense with some question marks on the interior offensive line, and swinging a deal for a veteran would be a smart move for an expected Super Bowl contender.

Green Bay Packers: DE Trey Hendrickson, Cincinnati Bengals

This would depend on how much money Hendrickson is looking for, but the Packers currently have $35.5 million of cap space available in 2025, per Over The Cap, and need an edge-rusher.

Granted, OTC lists Green Bay's 2026 cap space at just $17.1 million, so this would take some financial maneuvering by Brian Gutekunst and Co.

If the Cheeseheads can make the finances work, their Super Bowl odds should see a significant increase by adding last year's sack leader.

Minnesota Vikings: Add a veteran CB

With Byron Murphy Jr. covering the slot in nickel personnel, the Vikings are expected to start Isaiah Rodgers and Jeff Okudah at the two cornerback spots on the boundary. Rodgers and Okudah were backups for the Eagles and Texans, respectively, a year ago, so it couldn't hurt to add another veteran into the mix.

AFC South

AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack

Travis Etienne Jr.

Houston Texans: Flip WR John Metchie III for picks

The Texans already brought in several veterans to help with the offensive line, and they have a strong roster. At this stage, it might make more sense to consider a trade that benefits the team in the future rather than getting an immediate return. 

Metchie is entering a contract year and will likely be buried on the depth chart in Houston.

However, the 2022 second-round pick has plenty of talent and could be an intriguing option for a team that needs wide receiver help, creating an opportunity for the Texans to get something for a player who will likely ride the bench this fall. 

Indianapolis Colts: Add a veteran IOL

The Colts lost Ryan Kelly and Will Fries in free agency, creating a need for a first-string center and guard. As a result, Tanor Bortolini is expected to be elevated into the starting lineup, and Matt Goncalves will transition from tackle to guard. 

That's putting a lot of faith into a couple of second-year pros, so it wouldn't be a bad idea to bring in an experienced interior offensive lineman as an insurance policy. A bonus would be if said player has experience lining up at center and guard.

Jacksonville Jaguars: Flip RB Travis Etienne Jr. for picks

Tank Bigsby was the Jaguars' leading rusher last year, and the organization spent a fourth-round pick on Bhayshul Tuten during the draft. That signals Etienne's time in Jacksonville is nearing an end, especially since he's entering a contract year. 

Given the offense's depth at running back, getting something in return for a player who likely doesn't have much of a future with the team would be a smart investment.

Tennessee Titans: See what the return for WR Treylon Burks could be

It's hard to imagine the Titans can get anything more than a seventh-round pick for Burks, but at this point, even that would be worth the trade. 

The 2022 18th overall selection heads into training camp buried on the depth chart and as a cut candidate. So, Tennessee might as well see if it can get anything in return for him.

NFC South

AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman

Tyrann Mathieu

Atlanta Falcons: Flip Kirk Cousins for picks

There aren't many starting quarterback spots open around the league right now, so Cousins might be stuck in Atlanta until another team suffers an injury in training camp. If that happens, the Falcons should act quickly and just get what they can for the 36-year-old since the team doesn't plan on playing him this season.

Carolina Panthers: Add a tight end

The Panthers' current tight ends leave something to be desired. While the hope is Ja'Tavion Sanders grows in year two, he wasn't the same after suffering a neck injury last season, catching just four passes for 40 yards in five games after getting hurt. 

So, it wouldn't be a bad idea to add someone to the position group as an insurance policy at the least.

New Orleans Saints: Flip older defensive players for picks

The Saints have several defenders who are in or near their mid-30s, with Tyrann Mathieu, Cameron Jordan and Demario Davis. While they all have impressive resumes and have played well recently, New Orleans should be rebuilding this season. 

Moving on from Mathieu, Jordan and/or Davis would not only give the organization assets to build for the future, but it would also make way for younger players on the roster to get some extra playing time and development. 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Add an OT

Tristan Wirfs recently had knee surgery, which could threaten his availability to start the season. So, the Bucs should consider bringing in another veteran offensive tackle just in case the All-Pro isn't ready to go or suffers a setback/reaggravates the injury at some point during the campaign.

AFC West

AP Photo/Kyusung Gong

Mike Williams

Denver Broncos: Add a WR

To be honest, the Broncos have a pretty strong roster where there isn't much room for improvement heading into the season. But if the front office is looking to make one deal, adding some depth to the wide receiver room is an option.

Kansas City Chiefs: Add a G

A lot of the talk surrounding the Chiefs' offensive line is centered around the left tackle spot, since Josh Simmons and Jaylon Moore are entering a position battle. But what gets lost in the conversation is that the team will be breaking in a new left guard, and the majority of contenders are young and inexperienced.

So, what might be best for Kansas City is to let Simmons and Moore duke it out in training camp and bring in one more contender on the interior.

Las Vegas Raiders: Add an experienced CB

The Raiders are very young at cornerback, as free-agent signing Eric Stokes has the most NFL experience after playing four seasons with the Packers.

But the 26-year-old might not even start in Las Vegas, meaning the secondary could feature two to three starters who are on rookie contracts.

Additionally, the Silver and Black have more questions than answers at nickelback, so swinging a trade for a corner should be on the table.

Los Angeles Chargers: Add a WR

Situations change quickly in the NFL. Two weeks ago, it looked like the Chargers were going to be set at wide receiver heading into the 2025 season. However, Tre Harris hasn't signed his rookie contract, and Mike Williams is beginning training camp on the PUP list. 

Now, Los Angeles is looking a little thin out wide, and it would make sense to bring in some outside help.

NFC West

AP Photo/Stephen Brashear

Kenneth Walker III

Arizona Cardinals: Add a WR

The Cardinals enter the 2025 season as a sneaky team that could surprise some people. However, the offense could afford to add some depth at wide receiver behind Marvin Harrison Jr.

That might be just what Arizona needs to be a contender in the NFC West this year.

Los Angeles Rams: Add a CB

Sean McVay was vocal about his interest in bringing Jalen Ramsey back to Los Angeles. That’s for good reason, as the Rams could use some help at cornerback. With Ramsey off the table, Les Snead should utilize his famous ‘F them picks’ strategy to get the defense a proven player who can help the secondary. 

San Francisco 49ers: Add a WR

The 49ers are in an interesting spot with their wide receivers. Brandon Aiyuk will start training camp on the PUP list and may not be ready for Week 1, while Jauan Jennings recently gave the club an ultimatum for a new contract or a trade. 

That could force San Francisco to lean on the position group's depth at the beginning of the 2025 season, so adding another wideout should be on the table for John Lynch.

Seattle Seahawks: Flip RB Kenneth Walker III for picks

Walker is entering a contract year and has had declining production since his rookie season. Meanwhile, Zach Charbonnet was more efficient in 2024, averaging half a yard more per carry than Walker. Also, Damien Martinez has the makings of being a steal as a seventh-round pick.

The Seahawks might want to see how the running backs look in training camp before being completely comfortable making a move. But, especially if he doesn’t have a future with the club, getting something for the 2022 second-round pick wouldn’t be a bad idea.