Predicting The 2025 NFL Preseason Trade Market: One Key Player Per Team

Michael

5 min read

Post on Aug 09, 2025

4.6

Share

Predicting the 2025 NFL Preseason Trade Market: One Key Player per Team

The NFL preseason is always a whirlwind of activity, and the trade market is no exception. While predicting the future is inherently risky, analyzing current team needs, contract situations, and potential roster logjams allows us to speculate on potential blockbuster deals before the 2025 season kicks off. This year, we're focusing on one key player per team who could be on the move. Get ready for some bold predictions!

The Rationale Behind the Trades

Before diving into the specifics, it’s important to understand the underlying factors influencing these potential trades. Factors like salary cap constraints, emerging young talent outperforming veterans, and a team's overall strategic direction all play crucial roles. A team might trade a high-priced veteran to free up cap space and rebuild, or they might trade a talented player who doesn't fit their new scheme.

The Predictions: One Key Player Per Team

Predicting trades is a complex process, but let's take a look at some players who might find themselves in new uniforms come 2025:

AFC

• Buffalo Bills: Stefon Diggs, WR. While Diggs is a top receiver, the Bills might look to acquire younger talent and free up cap space if his production dips or if a younger receiver emerges. A trade could net them valuable draft picks.
• Miami Dolphins: Xavien Howard, CB. Howard’s age and contract situation could make him a trade candidate, especially if the Dolphins prioritize other positions or find a younger cornerback who’s exceeding expectations.
• New England Patriots: Mac Jones, QB. If the Patriots continue to struggle offensively, they could explore a quarterback upgrade, potentially trading Jones for draft capital or another player.
• Baltimore Ravens: Roquan Smith, LB. If the Ravens find a cost-effective replacement, Smith’s hefty contract could make him expendable in a salary-cap-conscious move.
• Cincinnati Bengals: Tee Higgins, WR. While a talented receiver, if the Bengals want to keep Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase happy, they might look to consolidate their resources and trade Higgins for a package that strengthens other areas of the team.
• Cleveland Browns: Denzel Ward, CB. Similar to Howard, Ward's contract and age could make him a candidate for a trade if the Browns identify a suitable replacement.
• Pittsburgh Steelers: Najee Harris, RB. With a running back by committee approach potentially on the horizon, Harris's future with the Steelers remains uncertain, and a trade could open opportunities for younger backs.
• Kansas City Chiefs: Travis Kelce, TE. While almost unthinkable, Kelce's age could lead to a trade if the Chiefs prioritize a long-term strategy and focus on younger players at the tight end position.
• Los Angeles Chargers: Khalil Mack, OLB. Mack’s age and injury history could contribute to a trade, allowing the Chargers to invest in younger pass rushers.
• Las Vegas Raiders: Davante Adams, WR. Adams's contract could make him a trade target if the Raiders need to shed salary and rebuild.
• Denver Broncos: Russell Wilson, QB. If Wilson continues to underperform, the Broncos could make the tough decision to move on and seek a fresh start at quarterback.
• Houston Texans: Will Anderson Jr., OLB. (If he significantly underperforms expectations). While this is a long shot, if Anderson doesn't meet expectations, the Texans might consider trading him to recoup assets. This scenario is highly unlikely but highlights the volatility of NFL player performance.

NFC

• Philadelphia Eagles: Darius Slay, CB. Slay's age and contract could make him a trade chip as the Eagles manage their cap space and build for the future.
• Dallas Cowboys: Tony Pollard, RB. Pollard’s impending free agency and the Cowboys' need for offensive line improvements could lead to a trade to acquire more draft capital.
• New York Giants: Saquon Barkley, RB. Barkley’s contract situation could force the Giants to explore trade options, especially if they choose to prioritize other positional needs.
• Washington Commanders: Chase Young, DE. Young's injury history and inconsistency could prompt the Commanders to look for a trade to acquire additional draft capital.
• Green Bay Packers: Jordan Love, QB. If Love doesn't meet expectations, the Packers might look to trade him before he becomes too expensive.
• Minnesota Vikings: Za'Darius Smith, OLB. Smith’s contract and potential decline in performance could make him a trade candidate.
• Chicago Bears: Justin Fields, QB (Only if a monumental offer arrives). This is highly unlikely, but a team desperate for a top quarterback might offer the Bears an irresistible trade package.
• Atlanta Falcons: Kyle Pitts, TE. If Pitts doesn't live up to his potential, the Falcons may explore a trade to recoup value.
• New Orleans Saints: Michael Thomas, WR. Thomas's injury history and contract could lead to a potential trade, freeing up resources for the Saints.
• Carolina Panthers: Brian Burns, DE. Similar to other high-priced veterans, Burns could be moved for draft capital if Carolina shifts priorities.
• San Francisco 49ers: Deebo Samuel, WR. If contract negotiations stall, the 49ers might explore moving Samuel to get draft picks or other talented players.
• Seattle Seahawks: DK Metcalf, WR. Metcalf's contract situation may prompt Seattle to trade him if they can secure a suitable return.

Disclaimer: These predictions are based on current situations and are subject to change. Player performance, coaching decisions, and unexpected circumstances can drastically alter the landscape of the NFL preseason trade market. This analysis serves as speculation and potential discussion points rather than definitive predictions.

What are your thoughts? Which trades do you think are most likely to happen? Share your predictions in the comments below!