NFL Trade Rumors on Kirk Cousins, Jakobi Meyers and More with Latest Predictions

The NFL's 2025 trade deadline is now less than a week away. At 4 p.m. ET next Tuesday, the deadline will pass, and after that, teams will have to wait until the offseason to make deals.

While we still don't know how this year's playoff race will shape up, we have a good idea of which teams are likely to make a push and which are not. NFL teams know this too, which means we should see clear buyers and sellers over the next week.

Based on the trade buzz, we're unlikely to see a shortage of either this year. Let's dive into some of the latest and make a few predictions.

Kirk Cousins, QB, Atlanta Falcons

AP Photo/Danny Karnik

The Atlanta Falcons were forced to turn to backup quarterback Kirk Cousins in Week 8, but the 37-year-old isn't about to replace Michael Penix Jr. as Atlanta's full-time starter—barring a significant injury issue, of course.

According to USA Today's Tyler Dragon, Cousins would prefer to find a starting opportunity elsewhere:

"The Falcons backup QB still desires an opportunity to start elsewhere, a person with knowledge of the situation told USA TODAY Sports. They spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter. However, no trade appears to be imminent."

There are several teams that could use Cousins, including his former employer, the Minnesota Vikings. Minnesota hasn't been eager to rush J.J. McCarthy (ankle) back on the field, and Carson Wentz is out for the year with a shoulder injury.

The problem is that Atlanta still fancies itself a playoff contender and isn't going to let its backup quarterback go for proverbial pennies. And no team is likely to surrender a Day-2 pick for Cousins and his $27.5 million base salary.

Prediction: Cousins remains in Atlanta.

Jakobi Meyers, WR, Las Vegas Raiders

AP Photo

It certainly feels like the Las Vegas Raiders could move wide receiver Jakobi Meyers at the trade deadline. He's an impending 2026 free agent who requested a trade in the offseason. The Raiders are sitting at 2-5 and recently added wideout Tyler Lockett.

According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, other teams believe that Meyers can be had—though that isn't a consensus opinion.

"Multiple execs told me they believe the team is open to a deal but is not actively looking for trade partners," Fowler wrote. "Another, however, believes the Raiders would prefer to wait until after the season to make any sweeping changes, due in part to the presence of Pete Carroll."

The reality is that Las Vegas doesn't have much to gain by keeping a veteran receiver who doesn't want to be there. Meyers should be on the move, and the receiver-needy Steelers feel like a perfect destination.

According to The Athletic's Dianna Russini, the Steelers have been "making calls" about receivers.

Prediction: Meyers is traded to Pittsburgh.

Jermaine Johnson, Edge, New York Jets

AP Photo/Adam Hunger

Quarterbacks and receivers may be in demand at the deadline. Pass-rushers certainly will be. No playoff-caliber team can have enough good sack artists, and we've seen edge-rushers like Nick Bosa and Dorance Armstrong suffer season-ending injuries.

The one-win New York Jets can expect to get calls on one of their young pass-rushers, even if they're not eager to deal. Jermaine Johnson, who is set to play on the fifth-year option next season, is the most logical candidate.

"My sense after asking around is that New York would be more willing to part with Johnson than Will McDonald IV if it made any move at the position," Fowler wrote. "...Johnson has garnered a bit of interest thus far."

The Jets finally got in the win column this past Sunday, but they're unlikely to make a playoff run. They're even more unlikely to view Justin Fields as the long-term answer at quarterback, which means they should be interested in adding 2026 draft capital—which they could expect in a Johnson trade.

With the Dallas Cowboys finally open to adding defensive help, a Dallas-New York deal feels logical.

Prediction: Johnson is traded to the Cowboys.

Jerome Ford, RB, Cleveland Browns

AP Photo/Rick Osentoski

Jerome Ford might not be the biggest name, but he's a quality running back who has handled the Cleveland Browns' starting duties before. With rookies Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson now in Cleveland's backfield, he's also likely to be available.

The question is whether Cleveland can find a trade partner.

"The Browns are open to dealing Ford, who has 1,463 career rushing yards and 12 scrimmage touchdowns," Fowler wrote. "The tailback market hasn't intensified, though."

While running backs might not be in high demand right now, teams do need them. Cam Skattebo is the latest starter to suffer a significant injury. Omarion Hampton, Najee Harris, James Conner, Austin Ekeler and others have been bitten by the injury bug as well.

Though the Los Angeles Chargers have found a viable replacement in Kimani Vidal, they could use a back like Ford for depth. According to Dragon, they have "made inquiries."

Ford, who is an impending 2026 free agent, would be a sensible budget addition for L.A.

Prediction: Ford is traded to the Chargers