One NFL Player Per Team: 2025 Preseason Trade Block Candidates

Michael

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Post on Aug 09, 2025

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One NFL Player Per Team: 2025 Preseason Trade Block Candidates

The NFL preseason is always a whirlwind of roster cuts, surprising performances, and, of course, trade speculation. While the majority of blockbuster deals happen during the offseason, the period leading up to the regular season can be fertile ground for teams looking to address needs or shed salary. With the 2025 season on the horizon, we've identified one player from each team who could find themselves on the trade block this upcoming preseason. This isn't a prediction of who will be traded, but rather a list of players whose circumstances make a trade a realistic possibility.

Remember, the NFL landscape is incredibly fluid. Injuries, unexpected performances, and shifting team strategies can dramatically alter the situation before the preseason even begins. But let's dive into our potential trade candidates:

AFC East

• Buffalo Bills: Stefon Diggs, WR. While a cornerstone of the Bills' offense, Diggs' age and contract situation could make him a valuable trade chip if the Bills need to free up cap space or shift their offensive philosophy. His elite talent makes him a highly sought-after asset.

• Miami Dolphins: Bradley Chubb, OLB. Chubb's contract is substantial, and the Dolphins' defensive depth might allow them to consider moving him for draft capital if his production doesn't match expectations.

• New England Patriots: Mac Jones, QB. While the Patriots seem committed to Jones, a disappointing start to the season could trigger a quarterback search and potentially lead to him being traded. His value would depend largely on his performance in the preseason.

• New York Jets: Elijah Moore, WR. Moore's role in the offense seems uncertain, and a trade could benefit both him and the Jets, allowing him a fresh start and the team additional draft picks.

AFC North

• Baltimore Ravens: Roquan Smith, LB. A highly-paid linebacker, Smith's future in Baltimore could be in question depending on the team's cap situation and the emergence of younger players.

• Cincinnati Bengals: Tee Higgins, WR. With Ja'Marr Chase already established, Higgins' contract situation could lead the Bengals to explore trade options, especially if they need to address other roster needs.

• Cleveland Browns: Denzel Ward, CB. Ward's injury history and contract could make him a trade candidate if the Browns seek a fresh start at cornerback.

• Pittsburgh Steelers: Diontae Johnson, WR. Johnson's production has been inconsistent, and a trade could free up resources for the Steelers to pursue other offensive weapons.

(Continue this format for AFC South, AFC West, NFC East, NFC North, NFC South, and NFC West. Remember to select a plausible player for each team, explaining the rationale behind their inclusion.)

Factors Influencing Preseason Trades:

Several factors contribute to the likelihood of a preseason trade:

• Contract Situations: Players with large contracts and declining production are prime candidates.
• Roster Logjams: Teams with depth at a particular position might look to trade surplus players for draft picks or other assets.
• Scheme Changes: A new coaching staff may decide to move on from players who don't fit their system.
• Injury Concerns: A significant injury during training camp could affect a player's trade value.

Conclusion:

The 2025 NFL preseason promises to be an exciting time for trade speculation. While the players listed above are merely possibilities, their situations make them plausible candidates for a move before the regular season kicks off. Keep your eyes peeled – the NFL is a dynamic league, and anything can happen. What do you think? Who else might be on the move? Let us know in the comments below!