1 Player Each NFL Team Should Put on the 2025 Trade Block This Preseason

With the start of the regular season less than a month away, NFL teams are running out of time to put the finishing touches on their 2025 rosters. At 4 p.m. ET on August 26, rosters must be down to 53 players.

While the goal, publicly, is to find the best 53 players to help a team compete, roster cuts aren't that simple. The NFL is a business, and managing the salary cap is part of that business. This is why dozens of good players will find themselves looking for work in late August, and it's why many will land on the trade block before then.

If a team can get something back for a player it plans to release anyway, it will. It never hurts to add draft capital, developmental players and, yes, guys who can help a team win right now.

Whether it's due to declining performance, a crowded position room, a pricey contract or other situation-specific factors, the following players should be made available before the end of the preseason.

Arizona Cardinals: DE L.J. Collier

AP Photo/Lynne Sladky

The Arizona Cardinals took steps to improve their pass rush this offseason, signing Calais Campbell and Josh Sweat before drafting Walter Nolen III and Jordan Burch. Arizona should also get 2023 second-round pick B.J. Ojulari (ACL) back at some point, and it signed Zaven Collins to a two-year extension last offseason.

All of this suggests that impending 2026 free agent L.J. Collier might not be long for the team. A 2019 first-round pick of the Seattle Seahawks, he largely disappointed before last season when he recorded a career-best 3.5 sacks and 29 tackles.

The Cardinals signed the TCU product to a new one-year deal this offseason, but with new faces in the fold, it's hard to see where he can find extensive playing time. Dumping him would save $2.3 million in cap space.

While the Cardinals couldn't expect anything substantial in return for Collier, he's a 29-year-old 2019 first-round pick who would likely net something. It's worth seeing if any teams lacking defensive depth are interested.

Atlanta Falcons: QB Kirk Cousins

AP Photo//Rick Scuteri

This is probably the most obvious entry on our entire list. Kirk Cousins has essentially been expendable since the Atlanta Falcons benched him for then-rookie Michael Penix Jr. late last season.

Trading Cousins at this point in the offseason would also save $27.5 million in cap space.

While the Falcons have insisted they're willing to keep the veteran as a pricey backup, assistant GM Kyle Smith said in April they could make a move if "something makes sense," per ESPN's Marc Raimondi.

Getting out from under Cousins' contract would, for Atlanta, make sense. The problem is the soon-to-be 37-year-old (August 19) wants to be a starter and has a no-trade clause in his contract. Right now, there simply isn't a clear opening to be had.

That could quickly change, though, if an injury occurs or another team's open QB competition goes south.

The Falcons should make it clear to 31 other teams that Cousins is available.

Baltimore Ravens: Edge David Ojabo

AP Photo/Nick Wass

The Baltimore Ravens don't have many obvious trade candidates who would also bring a valuable return. They are all-in on trying to win a Super Bowl and shouldn't be looking to move key contributors.

David Ojabo hasn't become a key contributor yet. He missed most of his 2022 rookie season while recovering from a torn Achilles, and he suffered a partially torn ACL in 2023. He appeared in 13 games last season and recorded two sacks, but he also played a mere 13 percent of the defensive snaps.

With Kyle Van Noy and Odafe Oweh leading the pass-rushing rotation and rookie second-rounder Mike Green also in the mix, Ojabo may face limited opportunities in his contract year. He'd probably benefit from a different situation, and the Ravens could save $1.8 million in cap space by moving him.

Baltimore should see whether Ojabo's draft pedigree and unrealized potential as a pass-rusher are enough to draw interest on the trade market.

Buffalo Bills: DT DaQuan Jones

AP Photo/Daniel Kucin Jr.

Like the Ravens, the Buffalo Bills have realistic dreams of a Super Bowl in 2025. However, they also face one of the worst cap situations in the league. No team has to shed more salary before August 26 than Buffalo.

This means they will face some difficult decisions in the coming weeks. They should make one of them now and place defensive tackle DaQuan Jones on the trade block.

The 33-year-old has been a good contributor in his three seasons with the Bills, but he was a liability against the run last season. Pro Football Focus ranked him 57th among all interior defenders but 122nd in run defense.

Buffalo reloaded its defensive interior this offseason, signing Larry Ogunjobi before drafting T.J. Sanders and Deone Walker.

While Ogunjobi faces a six-game suspension to start the season, the Bills have enough depth to at least see what Jones might bring in return. Moving the final year of his contract would save $7.8 million in cap space.

Carolina Panthers: WR Adam Thielen

AP Photo/Jason Behnken

With quarterback Bryce Young entering a pivotal third season, the idea of the Carolina Panthers trading top wide receiver Adam Thielen might seem unwise. However, there are a few reasons why they should consider doing it.

Yes, Thielen led all Panthers pass-catchers in receiving yards last season, logging 615 in 10 games. However, he'll also turn 35 later this month and will be a free agent in 2026. His experience and talent can help Young's development, but he has little long-term value for Carolina.

The Panthers should have themselves a new No. 1 receiver in rookie first-round pick Tetairoa McMillan. While trading Thielen might immediately hurt the offense, it would also open up opportunities for young pass-catchers like McMillan, fellow rookie Jimmy Horn Jr. and Xavier Legette.

Thielen can still produce at a high level, and he might net Carolina a fairly valuable return from a playoff hopeful in need of receiver depth.

Chicago Bears: TE Cole Kmet

AP Photo/David Dermer

The Chicago Bears have had a productive tight end in Cole Kmet since making him a second-round pick in 2020. In the five years since joining the team, he has tallied 258 catches for 2,592 yards and 19 touchdowns.

Chicago signed the Notre Dame product to a four-year, $50 million extension in 2023. Therefore, it was mildly surprising when the Bears used the 10th overall pick in April's draft on Michigan tight end Colston Loveland. Of course, his selection doesn't mean Chicago won't find a way to use both tight ends.

"The Bears are adamant Kmet will maintain a significant role despite a dip in his production last year," ESPN's Courtney Cronin wrote after the draft.

However, Kmet's long-term outlook in Chicago is murky. He's under contract through 2027 but will have just $3.2 million in dead money remaining on his contract after this season. There's a non-zero chance he will be a logical cap casualty next offseason.

The Bears would be wise to see what they can get for Kmet now. Moving him should bring an enticing return while saving a cool $10 million in cap space.

Cincinnati Bengals: Edge Trey Hendrickson

AP Photo/Kareem Elgazzar

The Cincinnati Bengals should have paid pass-rusher Trey Hendrickson at the beginning of the offseason, when he requested a new contract or a trade.

Their 25th-ranked defense was the biggest reason it didn't make the playoffs in 2024, and alienating their best defender was never a good idea.

Hendrickson did report to training camp, but he's made it clear his issue isn't resolved.

"That there are plans on not having to play under the current deal," Hendrickson told reporters last week.

If the Bengals and Hendrickson aren't close to an agreement, Cincinnati should make the 30-year-old available at a reasonable price point—they have listened to offers this offseason but have not been reasonable in their demands.

"Teams are willing to pay Trey Hendrickson the contract that he desires but have found Cincinnati’s current asking price to be 'ridiculous,' as one GM told me," The Athletic's Dianna Russini posted on X in March.

At this point, a reasonable offer would be far more valuable to the Bengals than a star who won't play on his current contract.

Cleveland Browns: QB Kenny Pickett

AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki

The Cleveland Browns are in the middle of a quarterback competition that involves Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, rookie third-round pick Dillon Gabriel and rookie fifth-rounder Shedeur Sanders.

It seems unlikely Cleveland will keep all three signal-callers on its active roster, though GM Andrew Berry has publicly said he is open to the idea.

Flacco, who helped the Browns go on a 2024 playoff run, is the "safe" option to begin the season. Gabriel and Sanders will probably both get chances to show where they can fit into Cleveland's long-term plans this year.

The Browns will have two first-round picks in 2026 and may chase a quarterback if neither Gabriel nor Sanders looks like a potential long-term option.

This will all likely leave Pickett as the odd QB out. The Browns gave up a fifth-round pick and backup Dorian Thompson-Robinson to acquire Pickett from the Philadelphia Eagles this offseason. They did so to take a flier on a 2022 first-round pick who suffered from a bad Pittsburgh Steelers offense in his first two seasons and may still have untapped potential.

Pickett, who recently returned from a hamstring injury, probably isn't the Browns' future. However, Cleveland could try flipping him, as it did Joshua Dobbs just before the start of the 2023 season.

Dallas Cowboys: Edge Micah Parsons

AP Photo/Jessica Tobias

Late last week, Dallas Cowboys star pass-rusher announced via social media that he had officially requested a trade.

The Cowboys have "no intention of trading Parsons, according to The Athletic's Dianna Russini, and franchise owner Jerry Jones has gone out of his way to downplay the request.

"This is really nothing new, at all, with Micah," Jones said, per Jarrett Bell of USA Today.

Dallas has a recent history of waiting until the last minute to reach contract agreements. This led to massive deals for wideout CeeDee Lamb and quarterback Dak Prescott—who now makes $5 million more per year than any other player. Parsons is now set to top the $41 million annually that T.J. Watt will make on his new deal.

If Parsons is prepared to leave, the Cowboys should see what they can get in return. They're unlikely to be serious Super Bowl contenders within the next few seasons, and paying more than $130 million per year for three players would be hard to justify if they aren't.

Trading Parsons would likely bring back a pair of first-round picks and more. The Cowboys owe it to themselves to see just how high his price tag might go.

Denver Broncos: DL John Franklin-Myers

AP Photo/Bart Young

Denver Broncos defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers will be a free agent in 2026 and has been angling for a new contract this offseason.

The 28-year-old didn't report for organized team activities (OTAs) and hasn't ignored the fact that teammates like Zach Allen and Jonathan Cooper have gotten extensions—or that head coach Sean Payton has publicly mentioned Nik Bonitto as an extension candidate.

"I love my brothers, we can all eat!" Franklin-Myers posted on X.

The reality, though, is that Denver can't pay everyone, and the 2018 fourth-rounder has only been with the franchise for one season. He'll turn 29 in September and should have quite a few good years ahead of him, but the Broncos may not consider him an integral long-term building block.

With rookie  Sai'vion Jones looming as a potential replacement, Denver should see what it can get for Franklin-Myers.

Presumably, Franklin-Myers would bring a respectable return after logging 40 tackles and seven sacks in 2024. There should be multiple teams willing to acquire and extend him. For Denver, trading him would save $8 million in cap space.

Detroit Lions: WR Tim Patrick

AP Photo/Rick Osentoski

Tim Patrick's 2024 comeback with the Detroit Lions was wonderful to witness. After missing the 2022 and 2023 seasons with a torn ACL and torn Achilles, he returned to fill in as Detroit's No. 3 receiver. He finished the 2024 season with 33 catches for 394 yards and three touchdowns.

The 31-year-old signed a one-year contract to return to Detroit this offseason, but he could be pushed out of significant playing time. Rookie receivers Isaac TeSlaa and Dominic Lovett both made noise in the Hall of Fame Game and had generated some attention before that in training camp.

"Campbell said Lions rookie wide receivers Dominic Lovett and Isaac TeSlaa are doing really well mentally, and they're both impressing," Brad Galli of WXYZ Detroit posted on X.

Patrick, meanwhile, has been an "afterthought at times" in John Morton's offense during camp, according to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press.

If it looks like the Utah product won't contribute consistently this season, the Lions should see what they can get for him in return. A potential contender on a tight budget could be particularly interested in Patrick and his $1.3 million base salary.

Green Bay Packers: WR Romeo Doubs

AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth

The Green Bay Packers face a potential logjam at wide receiver, even with Christian Watson still recovering from a torn ACL that he suffered in January.

After signing Mecole Hardman and using first- and third-round picks on Matthew Golden and Savion Williams, respectively, the Packers have a surplus of young receivers competing for a handful of spots.

Green Bay's initial 2024 roster included six wide receivers. If the Packers again keep six receivers, it likely leaves Hardman, Jayden Reed, Dontayvion Wicks, Romeo Doubs, Malik Heath, undrafted rookie Will Sheppard and others competing for four spots.

It would behoove the Packers to trade one of their young receivers before roster cuts, and Doubs is a logical candidate. The 25-year-old has been a productive, if inconsistent, contributor (1,700 yards, 15 TDs in 43 games) who will also be a free agent in 2026.

With Golden and Williams now in the fold, Green Bay will be less likely to keep Doubs beyond this season. Receivers regularly draw interest on the trade market, and the team could save $3.4 million by trading him.

Houston Texans: DE Denico Autry

AP Photo/Maria Lysaker

The Houston Texans are entering Year 3 of the DeMeco Ryans and C.J. Stroud era. They've reached the point where managing the salary cap while preparing to extend players like Stroud and Will Anderson Jr. will be a challenge.

The Texans currently need to trim $24.9 million in salary along with their final roster cuts to be cap-compliant.

This means Houston may have to part with some quality contributors in the coming weeks. To that end, they should place defensive end Denico Autry on the trade block and see what sort of return he might generate.

The 35-year-old only logged 13 tackles and three sacks in 10 games last season, and he was dealing with a knee injury to open camp. However, he logged 11.5 sacks just two seasons ago and could interest teams with a need on the edge.

Houston has a great starting tandem in Anderson and Danielle Hunter, and it could save $5.1 million by cutting or trading Autry. It should definitely try the latter before resorting to the former.

Indianapolis Colts: TE Mo Alie-Cox

AP Photo/Zach Bolinger

To be clear, the Indianapolis Colts should consider moving quarterback Anthony Richardson if they can get a respectable offer.

However, the 2023 fourth overall pick appears to be losing a camp competition with former New York Giants draft bust Daniel Jones.

"For the second consecutive week, Indianapolis spent most of its Saturday time in the red zone, and the results have been underwhelming, particularly for Richardson," Joel A. Erickson of The Indianapolis Star wrote.

It's hard to imagine Indy getting much more than a late-round flier in return for Richardson at this point. Putting him on the block won't increase his trade value.

However, making tight end Mo Alie-Cox available might generate some legitimate interest. The 31-year-old has appeared in all 17 games for four straight seasons and is a solid backup. While he'd have value in that role for the Colts, he's not likely to be a major part of the franchise's future.

Indianapolis just used the 14th overall pick on Penn State tight end Tyler Warren. It could save $1.3 million by trading Alie-Cox.

Jacksonville Jaguars: RB Travis Etienne Jr.

AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. is set to play on the fifth-year option in 2025, and there's no guarantee he has a future with the franchise.

New head coach Liam Coen and new GM James Gladstone had nothing to do with Etienne's selection four years ago, and the Jags added Bhayshul Tuten and LeQuint Allen Jr. to their backfield in the draft.

Unsurprisingly, trade chatter has followed Etienne throughout the offseason, though he's tried to ignore it.

"I feel like I just have to control what I can control, go out there and do my job and I'll be in a great position," the Clemson product said in June, per John Oehser of the team's official website.

With Tuten, Allen and 2024 leading rusher Tank Bigbsy in the backfield, the Jaguars could probably make do without the 26-year-old, and they should see what sort of trade interest he can generate.

While injuries have impacted two of Etienne's four seasons—he missed his entire rookie campaign with a Lisfranc injury—he has topped 1,400 scrimmage yards in the other two. Jacksonville should expect a reasonable return, and it would save $6.1 million in cap space by moving him.

Kansas City Chiefs: OL Wanya Morris

AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann

A year ago, the Kansas City Chiefs staged a competition between 2023 third-round pick Wanya Morris and second-round rookie Kingsley Suamataia at left tackle.

Neither proved to be a dependable starter, and by the end of the season, the Chiefs had added D.J. Humphries and moved Joe Thuney from guard to left tackle.

This offseason, Kansas City signed Jaylon Moore before using a first-round pick on Josh Simmons. Morris is listed as the backup left tackle on the Chiefs' initial 2025 roster, but they should make him available via trade.

Simmons appears set to start at left tackle, and Kansas City is preparing Moore to provide depth at both tackle spots and at guard.

"He's working all three of those spots, and really, both guards. So he can do either," head coach Andy Reid said, per Jesse Newell of the Kansas City Star.

Morris, 24, can provide depth, but he's unlikely to stick beyond this rookie contract. His 15 career starts and rookie salary could draw interest from budget-conscious tackle-needy teams, and the Chiefs could save $1.2 million in cap space by trading him.

Las Vegas Raiders: TE Michael Mayer

AP Photo/David Becker

Two offseasons ago, the Las Vegas Raiders used the 35th overall pick on Notre Dame tight end Michael Mayer. He figured to be the team's long-term starter until Las Vegas snapped up Brock Bowers at No. 13 last year.

Bowers then proceeded to set a rookie record with 112 catches and 1,194 receiving yards. Mayer can provide value as a backup—he had 21 catches for 156 yards last season—but the Raiders have reportedly been open to moving him.

According to Vic Tafur and Tashan Reed of The Athletic, Mayer "hasn't had the impact the Raiders hoped for."

Las Vegas should take a more active approach to moving the 24-year-old this preseason. While it's impossible to have too much talent at tight end, he probably has more value to the Raiders as a trade chip than as a bit player in the offense.

Having tallied 809 yards and nine touchdowns in his final collegiate season, Mayer should have enough untapped potential to interest other teams.

Los Angeles Chargers: WR Quentin Johnston

AP Photo/Eric Thayer

Two years ago, the Los Angeles Chargers used a first-round pick on wide receiver Quentin Johnston. Unfortunately, he hasn't quite played up to his draft status.

The TCU product got a prime opportunity to emerge last season after the Chargers parted with both Mike Williams and Keenan Allen. He had respectable numbers (55 catches, 711 yards, 8 TDs) but wasn't particularly dependable. He caught just 60.4 percent of his targets and was credited with seven drops.

After the Chargers brought back Allen, Johnston may be without a role. Ladd McConkey emerged as Justin Herbert's top target last season, and L.A. used a second-round pick on Mississippi's Tre Harris. It may also have found a gem in fifth-round rookie KeAndre Lambert-Smith, who caught two passes for 43 yards and a touchdown in the Hall of Fame Game.

If Johnston does appear to be trending toward a backup role, the Chargers should make him available while he still has some trade value. L.A. isn't going to recoup its first-round pick, but a former first-round pick on a rookie contract would generate interest.

Los Angeles Rams: TE Tyler Higbee

AP Photo/Samantha Chow

Assuming quarterback Matthew Stafford is close to 100 percent for the regular season, the Los Angeles Rams should be legitimate contenders in the NFC.

According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the 37-year-old is dealing with an aggravated disc in his back, but L.A. "has plans" for him to play in Week 1.

The Rams aren't really in a position to be dumping starting-caliber players, but they should see what they can get for tight end Tyler Higbee.

The 32-year-old has been a noteworthy piece of the offense in the past, but L.A. operated without him for most of last season as he recovered from a torn ACL and MCL.

While Higbee returned to start three regular-season games and both postseason contests, the Rams leaned on Colby Parkinson for most of the season. They also added tight end Terrance Ferguson with the 45th overall pick in April's draft.

The Rams also signed Davante Adams to pair with Puka Nacua, which will likely limit the number of targets available for the team's tight ends.

With Parkinson and Ferguson poised to be L.A.'s future at the position, the Rams could afford to move Higbee for the right offer. His return late in 2024 will help his trade value, and the Rams could save $6.7 million by trading the 32-year-old.

Miami Dolphins: WR Tyreek Hill

AP Photo/Maria Lysaker

Bleacher Report's Alex Ballentine identified cornerback Jalen Ramsey and wide receiver Tyreek Hill as two of the Miami Dolphins' post-draft trade assets.

One has already been dealt, and Miami would be wise to make the other available.

There was a time when Hill, Jaylen Waddle and Tua Tagovailoa made Mike McDaniel's offense look like the NFL's next hot thing. However, the Dolphins have cooled considerably over the last year, and it'll be a surprise if they become title contenders in 2025.

Moving Hill, who turned 31 in March, would make a lot of sense. He's still a difference-making receiver when healthy, but he probably doesn't have a future in Miami after his contract expires in 2026. The Dolphins should try getting what they can for the aging speedster while they can.

Hill's production dipped from 1,799 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2023 to 959 yards and six touchdowns in 2024.

While Tagovailoa's injuries played a role in that drop, Hill's trade value will only go down if he has another good-not-great season. Moving him now would likely bring a reasonable return while also clearing $15 million in cap space.

Minnesota Vikings: RB Ty Chandler

AP Photo/Samantha Chow

After struggling to field a consistent running game in 2023, the Minnesota Vikings have added a noteworthy running back in each of the past two offseasons. They signed Aaron Jones Sr. a year ago and traded for Jordan Mason earlier this year.

This likely leaves Ty Chandler as the No. 3 running back once again, and his role as a kick returner could also be in jeopardy. Offseason additions Rondale Moore, Tai Felton and Silas Bolden all have special teams potential.

Chandler, who has averaged 25.2 yards per return in his career, is steady but not spectacular.

If Minnesota can upgrade its return game, it should look to move Chandler ahead of his contract season. His special teams experience and solid play in 2023—he averaged 4.5 yards per carry that season while averaging just 3.3 yards per carry in 2022 and 2024—should generate some interest.

The Vikings couldn't expect a sizeable trade package, but they could save $1.1 million in cap space by dealing the 27-year-old.

New England Patriots: OL Cole Strange

AP Photo/Charles Krupa

The New England Patriots surprised plenty of folks when they took a first-round flier on Chattanooga offensive lineman Cole Strange in 2022.

While the 27-year-old has started 29 games for the Patriots, he missed most of last season with a knee injury, had his fifth-year option declined and appears to be on the roster bubble.

"He's gone from the starter at left guard to third string at center, Greg A. Bedard of Boston Sports Journal wrote. "There's still time for him to recover, but it needs to happen soon."

With Caeden Wallace, free-agent addition Garrett Bradbury and rookie Jared Wilson all pushing for playing time along the interior, now might be a good time to pivot off of Strange. He isn't likely to bring much in return via a trade, but his starting experience and draft pedigree might generate some interest.

The Patriots are highly unlikely to get a compensatory pick if they allow Strange to walk in the spring—barring a stunning change in his role and performance—so any return to go with $2.4 million in cap savings could be viewed as a win.

New Orleans Saints: TE Taysom Hill

AP Photo/Gerald Herbert

We could certainly include disappointing 2022 first-round pick Trevor Penning as a trade candidate for the New Orleans Saints. However, his switch from tackle to guard just might earn him a 2025 role with the team.

Tight end/runner/quarterback/returner Taysom Hill is likely to have multiple roles with the Saints in 2025, if he's healthy following last year's torn ACL. He opened camp on the PUP list but appears to be trending in the right direction.

"Everything has been positive," GM Howie Roseman said, per ProFootballTalk's Josh Alper.

If it seems Hill will be on track to play in 2025, the Saints should make him available via trade. The 34-year-old is set to be a free agent in the spring, and New Orleans isn't prepared to contend this season.

The market for an aging gadget player would likely be limited, and New Orleans might have to pay some of his $10 million base salary to facilitate a deal. However, getting something in return, along with a bit of cap relief, could benefit the Saints in what's shaping up to be a transition year.

New York Giants: Edge Kayvon Thibodeaux

AP Photo/Seth Wenig

If the New York Giants believe they can contend in 2025, hanging onto pass-rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux would be logical.

Even though New York traded for Brian Burns last offseason and used the third overall pick on Abdul Carter in April, a playoff-caliber team can never have too many pass-rushers.

Of course, the Giants are highly unlikely to be a playoff team this season, even with veteran Russell Wilson—and, probably at some point, rookie  Jaxson Dart—at quarterback. They did exercise the fifth-year option in Thibodeaux's contract, but he still may not be a long-term piece of New York's puzzle.

Trading the 2022 first-round pick could be a terrific move for the rebuilding Giants. After recording 17 sacks over the last two seasons, he should have decent trade value, and the Giants could use extra draft capital to put toward Dart's future supporting cast—they traded a 2026 third-round pick as part of their move to get Dart.

Moving Thibodeaux would also save $5 million in cap space. That's relevant because only the Bills need to clear more cap space before August 26 cuts.

New York Jets: WR Allen Lazard

AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack

Wide receiver Allen Lazard took a pay cut to stay with the New York Jets early this offseason. As a result, trading him would save just $2.4 million in cap space.

However, the Jets should still consider placing the 29-year-old on the trade block.

The reality is Lazard was added to complement former quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Even with a healthy Rodgers behind center last season, Lazard was more good than great, finishing with 37 catches for 530 yards and six touchdowns.

With Justin Fields coming in at quarterback, Lazard has no preexisting chemistry on which to rely. He could still carve out a role behind Garrett Wilson, free-agent addition Josh Reynolds and rookie Arian Smith.

However, the 29-year-old is reportedly struggling to make an impression.

"Lazard, having a very quiet camp, has fallen back in the receiver pecking order," ESPN's Rich Cimini wrote.

While Lazard might still be capable of contributing this season, he probably doesn't have much long-term value in New York. The Jets should look to offload the veteran and open up reps for another receiver.

Philadelphia Eagles: TE Dallas Goedert

AP Photo/Chris Szagola

Tight end Dallas Goedert played a fairly sizeable role during Philadelphia's run to Super Bowl LIV. While he missed time during the regular season, he recorded 215 yards and a touchdown during the playoffs.

Still, the Eagles pondered the idea of trading the 30-year-old early in the offseason. They received offers during the draft before the tight end agreed to a contract restructure, according to Jeff McLane of The Philadelphia Inquirer (h/t NFL Network's Mike Garafolo).

Philly should circle back and see what sort of offers it can get before the start of the regular season.

While Goedert can be a key piece of the offensive puzzle at times, the Eagles have other options at tight end. They added Kylen Granson and Harrison Bryant this offseason and saw flashes from Grant Calcaterra (298 yards, 1 TD) last year.

Goedert's restructure makes it easier for the Eagles to keep a surplus of tight ends in 2025, and trading him would only save $1.3 million in cap space. However, the impending 2026 free agent no longer appears to be a franchise centerpiece, and he's the tight end most likely to bring valuable draft capital back in a trade.

Pittsburgh Steelers: DL DeMarvin Leal

AP Photo/Matt Freed

The Steelers still have one of the best defensive linemen in the NFL in Cameron Heyward, but they've thrown a lot of darts at their defensive line in recent years, looking to complement him.

In 2022, they used a third-round pick on Texas A&M product DeMarvin Leal.

After re-signing Isaiahh Loudermilk and using a first-round pick on Derrick Harmon, the Steelers may not have a role for Leal along the line.

During OTAs, Pittsburgh started to give the 25-year-old some work at outside linebacker, according to Mark Kaboly of The Pat McAfee Show.

For Leal, it's a numbers game that he's unlikely to win. The top of the OLB chart is set with T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith and Nick Herbig, and Pittsburgh added Jack Sawyer in April.

The Steelers will save $1.4 million in cap space whether they release or trade Leal, but they should make him available via trade before outright cutting him.

Though Leal has played just 432 defensive snaps in three seasons, he's still a relatively young defender who could interest teams as a potential project.

San Francisco 49ers: DL Yetur Gross-Matos

AP Photo/Abbie Parr

To be fair, the San Francisco 49ers probably aren't looking to part with any more veterans this offseason. They've already traded Deebo Samuel while moving on from the likes of Dre Greenlaw, Talanoa Hufanga and Javon Hargrave.

They certainly shouldn't be shopping wide receiver Jauan Jennings, even though he asked for a new contract or a trade before the start of camp, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Jennings was the 49ers' best receiver last season, and GM John Lynch should be more inclined to pay him than trade him.

After signing Brock Purdy to a lucrative contract extension, San Francisco should be very eager to keep a strong supporting cast around its quarterback.

To help offset the cost of a new Jennings deal, the 49ers should consider moving defensive lineman Yetur Gross-Matos. He logged a respectable four sacks and 19 tackles last season but could be looking at a reduced role. San Francisco used a first-round pick on Mykel Williams and acquired Bryce Huff in a post-draft trade.

While the 49ers might not have a role for Gross-Matos behind Huff, Williams and Nick Bosa, he is productive enough to interest teams in need of pass-rush help. Trading him would save San Francisco $7.8 million in cap space.

Seattle Seahawks: RB Kenneth Walker III

AP Photo/Jed Jacobsohn

The Seahawks have undergone a bit of a mini-rebuild this offseason. While head coach Mike Macdonald is back for his second season—and general manager John Schneider may never go anywhere—quarterback Geno Smith, wide receiver Tyler Lockett and wideout DK Metcalf were all replaced.

The Seahawks should consider putting Kenneth Walker III on the trade block too. While the 24-year-old has been a serviceable starter for Seattle, he missed time with an ankle injury last season and is entering a contract year.

The Seahawks may not be overly eager to extend Walker beyond this season and, reportedly, have not even discussed a new deal with his agent.

"Not that I know of," Walker said in late July, per Gregg Bell of the Tacoma News Tribune.

If Seattle is willing to let Walker go next year, it should see what it can get for him now. The Michigan State product has topped 1,100 scrimmage yards twice and would undoubtedly draw interest. The Seahawks, meanwhile, could turn to Zach Charbonnet while getting a closer look at rookie Damien Martinez.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: WR Sterling Shepard

AP Photo/Seth Wenig

Last offseason, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed wide receiver Sterling Shepard, reuniting him with former Oklahoma teammate Baker Mayfield. It wasn't a headline-grabbing move.

However, Shepard rediscovered his chemistry with Mayfield and finished with a respectable 32 catches for 334 yards and a touchdown—his best numbers since 2021.

The Bucs re-signed Shepard this offseason but might not have a role for him, even with Chris Godwin still recovering from a season-ending ankle injury.

Tampa used a first-round pick on Emeka Egbuka and has reportedly seen a jump from 2024 third-round pick Jalen McMillan.

"I think that where [McMillan] left last season and the progress he showed on and off the field, and you could see that carry over into the spring," offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard told The Ronde Barber Show (h/t NFL.com's Kevin Patra).

Rookie seventh-round pick Tez Johnson and 2023 sixth-round pick Trey Palmer are also in the mix. Tampa could afford to see if Shepard can draw any interest on the trade market. Moving him would save $1.5 million in cap space.

Tennessee Titans: CB L'Jarius Sneed

AP Photo/George Walker IV

Trading cornerback L'Jarius Sneed just one year after trading for him and signing him to a four-year, $76.4 million deal would be a bold move. Given the way the past year has unfolded, however, it's a move the Tennessee Titans should consider.

Yes, adding and signing Sneed cost the team a third-round pick and $51.5 million in guaranteed money. However, he didn't play at an elite level (91.8 opposing QB rating) before suffering a season-ending quad injury. He also underwent offseason knee surgery and remains in the rehabilitation process.

Though the Titans plan to have Sneed in the starting lineup once he's healthy, they should strongly consider dangling him on the trade market.

Tennessee isn't set to be a playoff contender in the near future, and Sneed will turn 29 in January. Sending him to a contender while he still has high trade value would be sensible, and the Titans could use additional capital to improve the supporting cast of rookie quarterback Cam Ward.

Now, Tennessee would likely need to get Sneed on the preseason field and show potential trade partners he's healthy. Theoretically, though, the Titans could recoup some of the draft capital they spent to acquire the corner while saving $16 million in cap space.

Washington Commanders: WR Terry McLaurin

AP Photo/Terrance Williams

Under other circumstances, the Washington Commanders probably shouldn't even think about trading wideout Terry McLaurin.

The 29-year-old is a fantastic receiver who can aid any quarterback, and the Commanders have a second-year signal-caller in Jayden Daniels.

However, McLaurin has officially requested a trade after failing to work out a new contract with Washington. There appears to be a huge gap between what he wants and what the Commanders are willing to offer.

"It's been vast," ESPN's Adam Schefter told The Pat McAfee Show (beginning at the 29-second mark). "And so, it's up to the two sides to figure out a way to bridge their differences."

McLaurin will be a free agent next offseason, and if an extension doesn't seem imminent, the Commanders should go ahead and see what sort of offers they can get in the trade market.

If Daniels is really as talented as he seemed to be last season, he'll be able to make do with a receiving core headlined by Deebo Samuel, Noah Brown, Luke McCaffrey, Michael Gallup, Zach Ertz and rookie Jaylin Lane.

Whatever draft capital Washington would get in return could be used to add more long-term pieces to the receiving puzzle.

*Cap and contract information via Spotrac.