As the 2024 NFL season enters its final stretch, attention is gradually shifting toward the 2025 offseason. Many teams are already recognizing that their chances of competing for a Super Bowl are slim, prompting a focus on roster improvements for the upcoming season. With free agency approaching in March and the NFL draft scheduled for April, the trade market remains an active avenue for change. The previous offseason saw notable trades, including those involving Stefon Diggs and Brian Burns, raising questions about which standout players may be next in line to change teams this offseason.
Rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr., drafted eighth overall in 2024, is viewed as the cornerstone for the Atlanta Falcons' future. The team made a significant investment last offseason by signing veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract, only to follow that decision by selecting Penix shortly thereafter. While the Falcons are currently leading the NFC South and appear poised for a playoff appearance, the question remains: Is there a need to expedite Penix’s development at the risk of disrupting the current successful momentum? Cousins carries a $40 million cap hit for the next season, yet his proven effectiveness may afford him a robust trade market, potentially making this an intriguing storyline for the offseason if the Falcons consider favoring their young quarterback.
First-year head coach Mike Macdonald's vision for the Seattle Seahawks is under scrutiny, particularly regarding the future of veteran quarterback Geno Smith. Following a remarkable career resurgence, Smith leads the NFL in passing yards per game, yet he also has the highest number of interceptions in the league. While it appears the Seahawks might retain Smith as he embodies a blend of skill and experience, the upcoming offseason could present an opportune moment to trade him for significant value, especially since his contract expires after the 2025 season. If the Seahawks view backup Sam Howell as a suitable option, trading Smith could free up $25 million in cap space. Even if Seattle struggles to close out the current season, a desperate team may eagerly pursue Smith for a short-term commitment.
Deebo Samuel’s performance has not met the expectations tied to his lucrative contract, making him a potential trade candidate for the San Francisco 49ers this offseason. Facing a growing cap crunch, particularly with a substantial contract negotiation looming for quarterback Brock Purdy, the 49ers may need to make financial sacrifices. Samuel, a key player on the 49ers roster, is now viewed as expendable, especially after the team extended contracts for both Brandon Aiyuk and Jauan Jennings. Despite concerns over Samuel’s ability to thrive within head coach Kyle Shanahan’s offensive scheme, his solid age and potential to contribute may attract interest from other teams.
Cleveland Browns lineman Joel Bitonio, a mainstay with the team, faces an uncertain future as his contract expires after the 2025 season. Having played 11 seasons with the Browns, the 34-year-old may contemplate retirement, prompting discussions regarding his future. Although the organization would prefer to retain him, the reality of free agency looms, and Bitonio might seek an opportunity to compete for a Super Bowl, a pursuit the Browns have struggled to undertake during his tenure. Recognizing the team's lack of playoff success and enduring quarterback challenges may lead to considerations surrounding Bitonio's situation moving forward.
The Jacksonville Jaguars find themselves in a troubling position as the 2024 season unfolds, leading to discussions about potential trades, including that of running back Travis Etienne Jr. After missing his rookie season due to injury, Etienne emerged as a dynamic contributor, amassing significant scrimmage yards in both 2022 and 2023. However, as he shares snaps with fellow running back Tank Bigsby, questions about his future with the franchise have surfaced. Despite the setbacks faced by Etienne in the current campaign, his age and capability still render him a valuable asset, meaning the Jaguars could reasonably anticipate worthwhile offers in trade talks during the offseason.
Amid swirling rumors regarding Cooper Kupp and the Los Angeles Rams, the prospect of a trade appears plausible although the team's commitment to Kupp remains strong. With Puka Nacua emerging as a star in his own right, the Rams may consider building around Nacua while potentially moving Kupp to optimize cap management. Although trading Kupp could result in a significant dead cap hit, the savings achieved through a post-June 1 trade could offer flexibility. Furthermore, with Kupp’s guaranteed salary for 2025 being relatively low, both he and prospective teams might be inclined to negotiate a restructured deal. As long as quarterback Matthew Stafford is on the roster, trading Kupp may not be the preferred course of action, yet the idea certainly presents an interesting option in the Rams' strategy.
Recognized for their financial prudence, the Cincinnati Bengals are approaching a pivotal moment concerning star receiver Ja'Marr Chase. Renowned for his exceptional synergy with quarterback Joe Burrow, Chase has become instrumental in the Bengals’ success, making his potential departure particularly unappealing for the team. Nevertheless, with a remarkable 2024 season under his belt, Chase’s value has escalated, and the negotiation for an extension may become contentious, especially after the Bengals previously hesitated to offer a substantial contract. If extensions do not materialize and Chase’s demands ascend above $150 million, the potential for him to seek a trade looms large, a scenario that could threaten the Bengals’ Super Bowl aspirations as they navigate negotiations for their key player.
