15 NFL Candidates on the Trading Block in 2025 offseason
The NFL offseason is when front offices earn their paychecks and make tough calls that can shape a franchise for years. Some moves are obvious—rosters get younger, contracts get too heavy, and injuries take a toll—but others come as a shock. This year, several big names could be on the move for reasons ranging from financial headaches to locker room shakeups. Let’s check out 15 NFL stars who might be playing elsewhere in 2025.
Kirk Cousins, Quarterback, Atlanta Falcons
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The Falcons went all-in on Kirk Cousins last offseason, handing him a four-year, $180 million deal. Less than a year later, they might be looking for an exit. Cousins’ Achilles injury was a brutal setback, and when he did play, he wasn’t the same guy who once picked defenses apart with precision. Now, Atlanta has a decision to make: stick with a 36-year-old coming off a major injury or hand the offense to their first-round pick, Michael Penix Jr. The latter seems more likely, which means the Falcons will have to find a trade partner willing to absorb Cousins’ contract.
D.K. Metcalf, Wide Receiver, Seattle Seahawks
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At his best, Metcalf is a matchup nightmare—too fast for linebackers, too big for corners. But the problem is, we haven’t seen him at his best consistently. His numbers have dipped, and with Jaxon Smith-Njigba emerging as a true No. 1 option, Seattle might decide to move on. Metcalf is still young, and his raw athleticism will always have suitors, but the Seahawks have other priorities, including keeping guys like Kenneth Walker III and Charles Cross around.
Deebo Samuel, Wide Receiver, San Francisco 49ers
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Samuel has been a vital part of Kyle Shanahan’s offense, but he’s also been banged up a lot. San Francisco has already locked up Brandon Aiyuk and drafted Ricky Pearsall, meaning Samuel may no longer be essential to their long-term plans. His yards-per-route-run numbers have declined, and his after-the-catch magic isn’t quite what it used to be. The 49ers would love to keep him, but they can’t pay everyone, and with big extensions coming for Brock Purdy and key defenders, Samuel could be the odd man out.
Tyreek Hill, Wide Receiver, Miami Dolphins
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Miami’s offense has been all about speed, and Hill is the engine that makes it go. But after missing the playoffs, he made some cryptic comments that suggested he might want out. He’s under contract through 2026, but if Hill has one foot out the door, Miami might decide to get ahead of the situation rather than deal with a distraction all season. He’s still one of the league’s most feared receivers, and even at 31, he’s a game-changer. If the Dolphins entertain offers, the Chargers—who just lost Keenan Allen and Mike Williams—could be a logical landing spot.
Garrett Wilson, Wide Receiver, New York Jets
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Wilson has been the Jets’ best offensive player since he stepped onto the field. Still, there’s no guarantee he’ll be around much longer. New York’s front office is in flux, and if they opt for a total reset, Wilson could be their best trade chip. There have also been whispers that his chemistry with Aaron Rodgers hasn’t been great, which is something the Jets can’t ignore. Moving Wilson would be a huge decision, but if the team is bracing for a rebuild, they might as well see what kind of blockbuster package they can get in return.
George Pickens, Wide Receiver, Pittsburgh Steelers
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There’s no doubt that Pickens has all the talent in the world. He makes highlight-reel plays look easy, but he also disappears at times, and his effort has been questioned. The Steelers have to ask themselves if he’s worth a long-term investment. If they’re unsure, it makes sense to see what the trade market looks like. A receiver-needy team with a strong locker room—maybe the Packers or Cowboys—could take a chance on him, believing they can get the best out of him.
Derek Carr, Quarterback, New Orleans Saints
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The Saints are in salary cap trouble. Carr had one of his best statistical seasons when he was healthy, but that’s the issue—he wasn’t on the field enough. His cap hit jumps to $51 million in 2025, and New Orleans simply can’t afford to keep him at that number. If a team like the Patriots or Broncos is desperate for an experienced quarterback, the Saints might find a way to offload him before they’re forced to cut bait.
Quay Walker, Linebacker, Green Bay Packers
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Walker hasn’t been the game-changing linebacker that the Packers thought he would be. His tackling has improved, but his struggles in pass coverage have been glaring—quarterbacks have targeted him with success, and he’s been slow to react in key situations. Now, Green Bay has a decision to make, and the emergence of young linebackers like Edgerrin Cooper could make Walker expendable.
Sam Hubbard, Edge Rusher, Cincinnati Bengals
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Hubbard has been a rock-solid presence on the Bengals’ defensive line for years. He’s not a flashy pass rusher, but he’s been reliable, tough against the run, and a respected leader in the locker room. Having said that, his recent production dipped, and Cincinnati might be looking to get younger and faster on the edge. Trey Hendrickson remains the team’s top pass rusher, but he needs more help, and Hubbard’s decline in pressures suggests his best years might be behind him.
Martin Emerson Jr., Cornerback, Cleveland Browns
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Emerson’s rookie season in Cleveland gave the Browns hope they had found a long-term starter at cornerback. But his development has stalled, especially in the 2024 season when he took a noticeable step backward. His coverage numbers were concerning—opposing quarterbacks had success throwing in his direction, and his PFF coverage grade was among the worst in the league for starting corners.
Mazi Smith, Defensive Lineman, Dallas Cowboys
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Smith was supposed to be a disruptive force in the middle of Dallas’ defense when they took him in the first round of the 2023 draft. Instead, he’s been a liability. He hasn’t developed as a pass rusher, and his ability to clog running lanes has been inconsistent at best. At this point, Dallas has to decide if they still believe in Smith’s potential or if they should try to find a trade partner while there’s still some value left.
Trevor Penning, Offensive Tackle, New Orleans Saints
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Penning’s struggles in pass protection have been a major concern. Despite his first-round pedigree, he’s failed to secure a long-term starting role. The Saints need offensive line upgrades, and thus, Penning could be on the trade block. The Cardinals and Patriots both need young tackle depth and could see value in developing him. If New Orleans wants to protect its quarterback better, moving Penning and finding a more reliable option is a strong possibility.
Tyrann Mathieu, Safety, New Orleans Saints
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Mathieu has been a leader in the Saints’ secondary, but at 32, his play has declined. His coverage and tackling have dipped, and his cap hit in 2025 makes him a financial liability. New Orleans might look to move him post-June 1 to free up cap space. A contender like the Eagles or 49ers could use his veteran presence.
Evan Neal, Offensive Tackle, New York Giants
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Neal’s struggles in pass protection have landed him in an uncertain position. His footwork and technique remain inconsistent, and the Giants are running out of patience. Given that Jermaine Eluemunor is expected to start at right tackle, Neal could be on the move. The Raiders, or even the Panthers, might take a chance on his first-round pedigree.
Kenyon Green, Guard, Houston Texans
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Despite the Texans’ initial hope, Green hasn’t lived up to expectations so far. Injuries have played a role, but even when he’s been healthy, his pass protection has been shaky, and he hasn’t provided the dominant run blocking Houston was banking on. Now that C.J. Stroud is emerging as a franchise quarterback, protecting him is priority number one, and the Texans may not have the patience to keep waiting for Green to develop.