- Multiple receivers might be on the transfer: While Terry McLaurin is a headliner, different former prime picks may swap groups, too.
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Estimated Reading Time: 14 minutes
The 2025 NFL offseason has already introduced a slew of blockbuster strikes. Among the gamers moved within the 5 months for the reason that 2024 season ended are Geno Smith, Jalen Ramsey, D.Okay. Metcalf, Joe Thuney and Jonnu Smith.
Pre-draft trades are usually extra frequent within the soccer panorama, however gamers inevitably get squeezed out of beginning roles as coaching camps acquire momentum and coaches higher perceive their present rosters. On prime of that, extensions typically face a fork within the highway as Week 1 rolls round, with groups having to weigh whether or not a participant would possibly maintain out.
From lingering famous person edge rushers to younger gamers on the fringes, listed below are 15 names to watch on the commerce block as coaching camps start.
EDGE Trey Hendrickson, Cincinnati Bengals
While T.J. Watt was rewarded with a record-setting three-year, $123 million extension, strife stays on the similar place throughout the AFC North. Hendrickson, who’s getting into the ultimate yr of his deal, has but to be given a monstrous contract by the Bengals.
Even although he’s on the mistaken aspect of 30, Hendrickson has displayed little signal of decline. Last season, his 83 pressures tied for fourth, whereas his 90.4 PFF pass-rushing grade ranked fifth amongst certified defensive linemen. Moreover, Hendrickson’s pass-rush win charge has sat above 20% in every of the previous two years and has by no means fallen beneath 16% throughout his 4 campaigns with Cincinnati.
The Bengals completed the 2024 season ranked twenty eighth in defensive success charge and twenty sixth in workforce PFF pass-rushing grade, and that was with Hendrickson placing collectively an All-Pro season. This contract scenario has dragged on for months and grow to be publicly acrimonious, leaving Cincinnati underneath stress to pay Hendrickson earlier than the beginning of the yr. If that doesn’t occur, then a commerce may lastly materialize.
WR Terry McLaurin, Washington Commanders
McLaurin has been the spine of Washington’s offense since being drafted in 2019, regardless of enduring a bevy of quarterbacks. Still, the workforce hasn’t budged relating to his expiring contract.
With Jayden Daniels throwing him the ball, McLaurin flourished in 2024. His 84.8 PFF receiving grade was the most effective since his rookie yr, and his 65.8% contested catch charge was his greatest but within the NFL.
Over the previous 4 seasons, McLaurin’s 88.6 PFF receiving grade ranks nineteenth amongst certified wideouts, and his 4,656 receiving yards are tied for eleventh most. It can be harmful for the Commanders to commerce their greatest offensive weapon after loading up round Daniels, however McLaurin hasn’t hid his displeasure of not but being paid, going as far as to carry out.
EDGE Micah Parsons, Dallas Cowboys
Parsons was eligible for an extension as early as final offseason and nonetheless has not been granted a market-resetting deal. The longer this saga endures, the extra probably it’s that Parsons may not be paid by Dallas.
Since being drafted twelfth total in 2021, Parsons has grow to be one of many best defenders within the NFL. In that span, the previous Nittany Lion has accrued 2.70 PFF Wins Above Replacement, which trails solely Myles Garrett. On prime of that, Parsons has secured an 89.7 PFF total grade or higher in all 4 seasons, together with at the very least a 91.6 PFF pass-rushing grade in each season.
Fortunately for Dallas, Parsons has not outwardly held out or made extra of a show surrounding his contract. If the entrance workplace can’t pony up a deal that surpasses Watt’s, then one of many league’s greatest younger gamers may swimsuit up in a brand new residence — as unfathomable because it nonetheless may appear.
WR Ja’Lynn Polk, New England Patriots
Polk doesn’t fairly align with the star energy of the primary few names on this record, however this upcoming coaching camp can be pivotal for the second-year receiver.
A second-round decide by New England in 2024, Polk endured a depressing inaugural season, recording a forty five.4 PFF receiving grade. His foremost concern was drops, along with his 14.3% drop charge the sixth highest amongst receivers with 30 or extra targets.
What compounds the stress on Polk is New England’s investments in a beforehand poor huge receiver corps. With Stefon Diggs, rookie Kyle Williams and Mack Hollins all getting into the fray, that doesn’t go away a lot margin for error for Polk. Don’t be shocked if the revamped Patriots half methods with the previous Washington stud after just one yr — particularly with a brand new teaching employees in place.
WR Jauan Jennings, San Francisco 49ers
Jennings will not be as a lot of a family identify, however he’s a standout receiver in his personal proper. Entering the final yr of his two-year, $15.39 million deal, Jennings reportedly is looking for both a increase or a commerce.
Amid one of many extra injury-plagued seasons for a workforce in latest reminiscence, Jennings quietly flourished with the 49ers in 2024: His 83.7 PFF receiving grade slotted fifteenth amongst certified wideouts. On prime of that, Jennings additionally positioned within the prime 20 in yards per route run (2.26) and passer score when focused (103.2). His prowess as a blocker — recording a 73.8-plus PFF grade in each move blocking and run blocking — solely enhances his worth.
With Brandon Aiyuk nonetheless recovering from a detrimental knee damage and Ricky Pearsall additionally beginning camp on the bodily unable to carry out record, the chances appear slim that San Francisco would deal a priceless asset in Jennings. However, he’s actually price greater than his present contract signifies, and if the 49ers aren’t incentivized to maintain and lengthen him, he would make a number of groups content material.
WR Adam Thielen, Carolina Panthers
The Panthers constructed on their late-season progress through a stable offseason, buying marquee expertise on each side of the ball. But a aspect impact of these personnel adjustments is a logjam at huge receiver, which may relegate Thielen.
Even at age 34, Thielen carried out admirably with Carolina in 2024. The veteran produced a 76.5 PFF receiving grade with 2.06 yards per route run whereas additionally sitting 73rd in separation charge and sixty fifth in separation charge in opposition to single protection.
On the floor, it might appear quixotic for the Panthers to commerce a participant nonetheless going robust in Thielen. But with eighth-overall decide Tetairoa McMillan getting into the fold, head coach Dave Canales successfully has two beginning spots for 3 gamers: Thielen, Jalen Coker and Xavier Legette. Thielen is the oldest and on an expiring contract, which might determine to make him essentially the most expendable; in spite of everything, the Panthers may probably receive a stable draft decide as a substitute of preserving him in a restricted function.
WR Romeo Doubs, Green Bay Packers
The Packers made their residence followers ecstatic after they picked Matthew Golden within the first spherical of this yr’s draft. However, their huge receiver group remains to be a query mark, particularly because it pertains to Doubs.
Since being taken within the fourth spherical in 2022, Doubs has grow to be a stable choice for Green Bay. Last season, he turned in a 71.0 PFF receiving grade with 1.62 yards per route run. However, his drop charge has sat above 9% in two of his three seasons, and well being has additionally been a problem, with Doubs logging lower than 700 snaps in two of three campaigns.
Golden figures to be Jordan Love’s WR1, particularly with Christian Watson sidelined but once more. Green Bay additionally added rookie Savion Williams to the combo, which means that the workforce wasn’t happy with its receiver play from a yr in the past. Will the Packers lastly transfer on from considered one of Doubs, Jayden Reed or Dontayvion Wicks, every of whom has proven flashes however not developed in full? The most probably would determine to be Doubs, who’s successfully taking part in on a one-year deal in 2025.
TE Tyler Higbee, Los Angeles Rams
Although the Rams have ushered in a brand new receiving corps prior to now few years, Higbee has lengthy been a staple of Sean McVay’s offense. At the identical time, the workforce’s latest tight finish investments may sign that Higbee’s time in Los Angeles is nearing its finish.
Higbee was efficient when on the sphere final yr, handing over a 76.4 PFF total grade with a 79.1 PFF receiving grade — his greatest since 2019. But the 32-year-old performed solely 128 snaps attributable to a knee damage and is within the remaining yr of his present contract.
The Rams’ jubilation in touchdown second-round tight finish Terrance Ferguson is eye-opening, particularly as a result of the workforce has looked for a coveted weapon for a number of offseasons. On prime of that, Los Angeles returns Davis Allen (63.3 PFF run-blocking grade) and Colby Parkinson (66.2 PFF pass-blocking grade) as depth behind the newcomer. Los Angeles parted with Cooper Kupp earlier this offseason, and Higbee could also be subsequent in line.
QB Kenny Pickett, Cleveland Browns
Pickett has already endured a whirlwind of a previous few seasons, together with going from the Super Bowl champion Eagles to a murky Browns’ quarterback competitors. Now, he might be on the transfer but once more.
Cleveland took a flier on the previous first-round decide after he performed a reserve function in Philadelphia, through which he generated a 63.0 PFF passing grade on solely 51 dropbacks. Pickett’s PFF passing grade has steadily declined in every of his three NFL seasons, peaking with the Steelers as a rookie in 2022.
With Deshaun Watson probably out for all of 2025, the Browns added each Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders with mid-round picks on prime of signing veteran Joe Flacco. Even at 40, Flacco (70.7 PFF passing grade final yr) profiles because the probably starter. Cleveland may minimize or commerce both of its younger arms, however Pickett appears essentially the most possible to be each decrease within the pecking order and dealt, on condition that he can be a free agent subsequent offseason.
WR Treylon Burks, Tennessee Titans
Like many different names on this record, Burks was a adorned participant coming into the NFL however has not seen his profession skyrocket as anticipated. After recurring hypothesis about his being traded, the time might lastly arrive in 2025.
Viewed as Tennessee’s A.J. Brown alternative because the 18th-overall decide in 2022, Burks has repeatedly underwhelmed throughout his time within the Music City. In 2024, he was focused solely eight instances, posting a 53.3 PFF receiving grade with 34 whole yards. Over the previous two years, the Arkansas alumnus has caught a meager 20 passes.
The Titans upgraded their receiving corps for No. 1 total decide Cam Ward through veterans Tyler Lockett and Van Jefferson, along with rookies Chimere Dike and Elic Ayomanor. With 2025 being his final season underneath contract, Burks is working out of probabilities to show himself in Tennessee, persevering with to slip down the depth chart.
OL Liam Eichenberg, Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins appear between making an attempt to contend whereas preserving the longer term in thoughts. After already buying and selling a number of stars this offseason, Eichenberg might be a logical participant to depart subsequent.
Eichenberg, a former second-round decide, has not been what Miami probably had hoped he would grow to be. In 4 years with the Dolphins, he has by no means posted above a 53.1 PFF total grade, nor a PFF pass-blocking grade of even 50.0. Playing over 1,000 snaps at solely proper guard final yr didn’t appear to supply Eichenberg a lot consistency, both.
The Dolphins upgraded their inside offensive line in a serious approach this offseason by signing James Daniels and drafting Jonah Savaiinaea within the second spherical, each of whom look like multi-year starters at guard subsequent to Aaron Brewer up the center. Eichenberg faces an uphill battle to compete for enjoying time, particularly contemplating he’s beginning camp on the PUP record.
QB Jameis Winston, New York Giants
After spending the beginning of his NFL profession because the Buccaneers’ major signal-caller, Winston is deep into his second act as a journeyman backup. That highway might embody one other cease quickly.
While with the Browns in 2024, Winston tallied a 69.5 PFF passing grade with 11 big-time throws and 18 turnover-worthy performs. The 31-year-old displayed that he’s nonetheless able to slinging the ball at a excessive degree in spurts, producing 82.0-plus PFF passing grades in opposition to the Steelers and Bengals final yr.
The Giants are prone to begin both Russell Wilson or first-round decide Jaxson Dart, leaving Winston because the workforce’s presumptive QB3. New York may maintain the previous first total decide in that function, however Winston figures to be most groups’ prime commerce goal when a quarterback damage inevitably occurs.
CB Riley Moss, Denver Broncos
The Broncos have spent a good portion of their offseason property bolstering one of many NFL’s greatest defenses from a yr in the past, together with drafting cornerback Jahdae Barron within the first spherical. That may go away a participant like Moss on the block.
In his first season as a starter, Moss produced a 56.0 PFF protection grade with a 57.8 PFF total grade. Still, the Iowa product turned heads early within the yr, securing three single-game 72.0-plus PFF protection grades within the first 5 contests of 2024.
How Denver configures its secondary can be telling for Moss’ outlook. The Broncos determine to have two good inside choices in Barron and Ja’Quan McMillan, however will the Texas rookie additionally man the skin CB2 spot subsequent to reigning Defensive Player of the Year Pat Surtain II? Denver might retain the 25-year-old Moss as depth, but when his function is constricted, different groups may come calling.
Dl DaQuan Jones, Buffalo Bills
Even after making the AFC Championship but once more, the Bills retooled a defensive position that ranked twenty seventh in workforce PFF run-defense grade. Jones did not assist issues in that division.
After dominating with an 82.9 PFF total grade in 2023, Jones took a step again final yr. The 33-year-old registered only a 53.4 PFF run-defense grade with a dismal 24.2% missed deal with charge — the 14th highest amongst any defender to play 600 or extra snaps.
Buffalo went to the inside trench effectively many times this offseason, signing free brokers Michael Hoecht and Larry Ogunjobi whereas additionally drafting T.J. Sanders and Deone Walker within the first 4 rounds. With Jones having just one yr left on his contract, the Bills might infuse youthful vitality instantly alongside a place group that wants it.
WR John Metchie III, Houston Texans
Houston’s offense declined in 2024, ending nineteenth in total EPA per play and solely twenty first in passing EPA per play. While the workforce’s receivers weren’t a perpetrator, the workforce has a contemporary crop on the place, which may go away Metchie with no designated spot.
Since being picked within the second spherical in 2022, Metchie has failed to succeed in even a 60.5 PFF receiving grade in a full yr. Across the previous two seasons, the Alabama product sits in simply the twenty sixth percentile in yards per route run (1.02) and has hauled in solely 49 catches for 519 yards.
After dropping Stefon Diggs and with Tank Dell struggling a severe knee damage late final season, the Texans acquired Christian Kirk through commerce and drafted Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel. Considering that Nico Collins can even return, that probably positions Metchie behind all of these choices, if not additionally newcomers Justin Watson and Braxton Berrios. Still solely 25, Metchie would probably garner curiosity from across the league.