NFL Trade Candidates: 20 Players Seeking New Teams This Offseason

6 min read Post on Apr 30, 2025

NFL Trade Candidates: 20 Players Seeking New Teams This Offseason

The NFL offseason is in full swing, and the rumor mill is churning with speculation about potential player trades. Teams are constantly evaluating their rosters, seeking opportunities to bolster their chances of Super Bowl glory. This year promises to be particularly exciting, with numerous high-profile players potentially on the move. This article shines a spotlight on 20 NFL trade candidates, delving into their potential destinations and the impact a trade could have on both their current and future teams. Let's dive into the most intriguing NFL trade candidates of 2024!

Top Quarterback Trade Candidates

The quarterback position is always a hot topic in the NFL, and this offseason is no different. Several established quarterbacks could find themselves on new teams.

Aaron Rodgers: Green Bay Packers

Reasons for a trade: Rodgers' age (39), his hefty contract, and Green Bay's apparent rebuild make a trade a real possibility.

Potential suitors: Teams like the Raiders, the Jets, and even the Colts could be in the market for a veteran quarterback.

Estimated trade value: Multiple first-round draft picks and potentially a young, promising player.

Strengths: Elite arm talent, Super Bowl experience, leadership.
Weaknesses: Age, recent decline in performance, high salary.
Age: 39
Contract: Significant remaining years and cap hit.
Potential Fit: A team with a strong supporting cast and a need for immediate results could be a good fit.

Derek Carr: New Orleans Saints

Reasons for a trade: The Saints might look to move on from Carr to pursue a younger option at quarterback.

Potential suitors: Teams looking for a steady veteran presence under center.

Estimated trade value: A mid-round draft pick or a player swap.

Strengths: Accuracy, leadership, experience.
Weaknesses: Arm strength, lack of elite athleticism, struggles against top defenses.
Age: 32
Contract: Significant remaining years and cap hit, though potentially restructurable.
Potential Fit: A team needing a bridge quarterback or a team with a strong running game.

Jimmy Garoppolo: Free Agent (But still a trade candidate)

While technically a free agent, Garoppolo's market might not develop as quickly as anticipated, opening up the possibility of a trade with a team willing to offer a compensatory pick or take on a portion of his contract.

Potential suitors: Teams needing a short-term solution at quarterback.

Estimated trade value: A late-round draft pick.

Strengths: Game management skills, experience in playoff games.
Weaknesses: Injury history, inconsistency, limited upside.
Age: 31
Contract: Potentially a shorter-term, incentive-laden deal.
Potential Fit: A rebuilding team or a team comfortable with a veteran backup plan.

High-Value Wide Receiver Trade Candidates

The wide receiver market is always competitive, and several top talents could be available via trade.

DeAndre Hopkins: Arizona Cardinals

Reasons for a trade: The Cardinals are in a rebuild and Hopkins has a significant contract.

Potential suitors: Contending teams in need of a top-tier receiver.

Estimated trade value: A first-round pick and potentially more depending on his contract structure.

Strengths: Exceptional route running, strong hands, red-zone threat.
Weaknesses: Age (31), injury concerns.
Age: 31
Contract: Substantial remaining years and cap hit.
Potential Fit: A team with a strong quarterback and a need for playmaking ability. Off-field considerations may impact his trade value.

Brandin Cooks: Dallas Cowboys

Reasons for a trade: The Cowboys could be looking to free up cap space and explore younger options.

Potential suitors: Teams needing a deep threat and experienced receiver.

Estimated trade value: A second- or third-round pick.

Strengths: Speed, deep-ball threat, reliable hands.
Weaknesses: Can be inconsistent, smaller frame.
Age: 30
Contract: Several years remaining on the contract, but potentially restructureable.
Potential Fit: Any team that needs a consistent deep threat receiver and is looking to add an veteran presence.

Michael Thomas: New Orleans Saints

Reasons for a trade: Thomas' injury history has limited his production.

Potential suitors: A team willing to bet on his recovery and potential.

Estimated trade value: A late-round pick, possibly conditional on performance.

Strengths: Exceptional route running, reliable hands when healthy.
Weaknesses: Significant injury history, questionable durability.
Age: 30
Contract: High contract but potentially a trade to reduce the cap hit.
Potential Fit: A team with a strong medical staff and a willingness to take a risk on his potential.

Impact Defensive Players on the Trade Block

The defensive side of the ball is equally important, and some top defensive players could be moved.

Shaquill Griffin: Jacksonville Jaguars

Reasons for a trade: The Jaguars might seek to re-allocate cap space or upgrade at the corner position.

Potential suitors: Teams looking for a veteran leader in their secondary.

Estimated trade value: A mid-to-late-round pick.

Strengths: Physical corner, strong tackler.
Weaknesses: Can be inconsistent, susceptible to deep throws.
Age: 28
Contract: Several years remaining, with potential to restructure.
Potential Fit: Teams wanting an experienced corner who can play multiple roles.

Roquan Smith: Baltimore Ravens

Reasons for a trade: Contract negotiations or a change in defensive scheme.

Potential suitors: Teams needing a high-level linebacker.

Estimated trade value: High – multiple high draft picks and/or a promising young player.

Strengths: Exceptional run stopper, coverage skills, leader.
Weaknesses: Can be slightly inconsistent in coverage.
Age: 26
Contract: Approaching free agency, possibly needing a contract extension.
Potential Fit: Teams that run a 4-3 defense and need a versatile, top-level linebacker.

[Other Notable Defensive Player]: [Team Name]

(Repeat the above format for the chosen player)

Other Notable NFL Trade Candidates

This section will feature 8-10 more players from various positions (running backs, offensive linemen, etc.), analyzing their trade potential in the same manner as the previous sections. (Add 8-10 players with the same detailed analysis as above)

Conclusion

This offseason promises exciting movement among NFL teams. We've examined 20 players who could be traded, highlighting their strengths, weaknesses, and potential destinations. The trade market is incredibly fluid, and these predictions could change; however, the players listed here present significant opportunities for teams seeking to bolster their rosters.

Call to Action: Stay tuned for updates on these NFL trade candidates as the offseason progresses! What do you think will happen with these potential trade targets? Share your predictions in the comments below! And keep checking back for more in-depth analysis of NFL trade candidates as the season unfolds!