12 Last-Minute NFL Trades We Expect Before Training Camp Starts
Training camp is nearly here, and that means front offices are tweaking rosters, testing depth, and eyeing players who might fit better elsewhere. While the biggest names aren’t likely to move just yet, there’s no shortage of realistic trades that could help both sides. These 15 trades actually make sense right now.
Kirk Cousins to Browns
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After tearing his Achilles in 2023, Kirk Cousins bounced back with Atlanta in 2024 and completed 68.4% of his passes. Cleveland has uncertainty under center, and head coach Kevin Stefanski knows Cousins well from their Minnesota days. A reunion would give the Browns a stable QB option.
Kayvon Thibodeaux to Titans
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Thibodeaux showed he could be a dominant edge rusher with 11.5 sacks in 2023 and a Pro Bowl nod. But the Giants now have Brian Burns and first-rounder Abdul Carter off the edge, which leaves Thibodeaux’s role in question. Tennessee, however, needs a top-tier pass rusher to balance its young offense.
Greg Newsome II to Dolphins
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Newsome might not start in Cleveland this year and is heading into the final year of his rookie deal. That’s the kind of situation Miami loves to exploit—low-cost, high-upside. They’d get a plug-and-play option for a shaky secondary, and Cleveland gets value now instead of letting him walk next spring.
Shelby Harris to Falcons
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Harris isn’t a star, but he’s a dependable veteran run-stopper, and that’s exactly what Atlanta lacks in the middle. Atlanta’s run defense ranked 26th in 2024, and their current interior group needs more experience. Harris would slot in immediately and bring toughness and leadership to a defensive line that needs both.
Cole Kmet to Chargers
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Kmet is fresh off a career-best six touchdowns in 2024, but still lost his long-term starting role when the Bears drafted Colston Loveland. The Chargers, transitioning under Greg Roman, need a tight end who can block and catch, and pairing him with Justin Herbert could quietly become one of the league’s better connections.
Treylon Burks to Raiders
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Burks has struggled to stay healthy and make an impact in Tennessee. A fresh start might help, and Las Vegas has an open competition behind Davante Adams. Geno Smith is already airing it out in Chip Kelly’s pass-happy offense, so Burks could carve out a role.
Kendrick Bourne to Eagles
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Before his ACL injury in 2023, Bourne was New England’s most consistent receiver; he notched 37 catches and four touchdowns in just eight games. The Patriots have since restocked their WR room and left Bourne potentially expendable. In Philly, he’d give Jalen Hurts a crafty route-runner to complement A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith
Allen Lazard to Steelers
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Lazard posted just 311 receiving yards with the Jets last season and struggled to connect with quarterbacks not named Aaron Rodgers. He’s no longer essential with Rodgers back and the Jets stacked at wideout. Pittsburgh, however, needs a reliable red zone option after losing Diontae Johnson.
John Metchie III to Bengals
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Cincinnati needs depth behind its starting trio at receiver. Metchie hasn’t seen consistent snaps in Houston and might get squeezed out of a crowded wideout room. He’s flashed enough to intrigue a team like the Bengals, who could give him a real shot at WR4.
Cameron Jordan to Commanders
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Jordan has spent his entire 13-year career with the Saints, racking up 117 career sacks, eight Pro Bowl nods, and a spot on the 2010s All-Decade Team. However, New Orleans is clearly in transition, while Washington could use rotational help on the edge to support a top-five defense.
Michael Carter II to Lions
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Detroit needs help after parting ways with C.J. Gardner-Johnson. Carter has been solid for the Jets but could lose snaps in a reworked defense. His contract is manageable, and the Lions would benefit from his versatility. This would be the kind of under-the-radar move that ends up being surprisingly important in January.
Will Levis to Seahawks
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If the Titans are all-in on Cam Ward, Levis becomes expendable. Seattle’s QB depth behind Geno Smith is thin, and Levis fits the mold as a developmental backup with upside. Tennessee could recoup a mid-round pick and fully reset at quarterback.
Jerry Jeudy to Panthers
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Jeudy hasn’t quite delivered in Denver, and the Broncos might finally be ready to move on. A change of scenery could help Jeudy tap into the promise he showed at Alabama. Denver probably wouldn’t get a high pick, but clearing space and getting a fresh start works for them, too.
Josh Uche to Ravens
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Uche’s role declined under New England’s new coaching staff. He’s a classic speed rusher—undersized but disruptive in spurts, and Baltimore thrives with rotation-heavy pass rushers. The Ravens could send a Day 3 pick to the Patriots and add him to a group that already includes Odafe Oweh and David Ojabo.
Demario Douglas to Colts
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Douglas was a bright spot in an otherwise bland Patriots offense last year, but New England’s WR overhaul could limit his snaps. Indy could use more explosiveness in the slot, especially with Anthony Richardson returning. Douglas fits Shane Steichen’s system and wouldn’t cost much to acquire.