NFL Draft: Watch for these trades, free agent moves
Jeremy Bissett predicts 10 trades likely to disrupt draftboards.
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With NFL teams facing cap constraints, the offseason is full of potential game-changing trades as they eye the wave of upcoming 2026 free agents. These moves could reshape rosters across the league, from star wide receivers and top-tier cornerbacks to backup quarterbacks and underperforming Jaguars.
Let’s be clear: the following trades and acquisitions aren't just thought exercises — each one is a football and financial move that makes sense and could truly alter the 2025 NFL draft board.
Let’s dive in!
1. Titans acquire QB Jake Browning
Trade Summary
Titans Receive: Jake Browning
Bengals Receive: 2025 sixth-round pick (No. 180). Cap saved: $1.03 Million
Why it makes sense:
With Brian Callahan now head coach of the Titans, a reunion with Cincinnati’s Jake Browning makes it perfectly reasonable. Browning filled in admirably for Joe Burrow in 2023, showcasing poise and accuracy and posting a 97.1 passer rating. He provides solid veteran depth behind Will Levis for the Titans and gives them flexibility to address other roster needs. Meanwhile, the Bengals free up a backup quarterback spot and gain a draft pick in the process. It’s a low-risk, high-reward move that benefits both teams.
2. Saints Acquire QB Kenny Pickett
Trade Summary
Saints Receive: Kenny Pickett
Eagles Receive: Third-round pick (No. 71), sixth-round pick (No. 207). Cap saved: $2.62 million
Why it makes sense:
In a twist of fate, Kenny Pickett reunites in New Orleans with his old offensive coordinator, Kellen Moore, who recently helped lead the Philadelphia Eagles to a Super Bowl victory. Pickett is a trade target for the second consecutive year, but the reunion feels like destiny. Now the Saints’ head coach, Moore saw Pickett’s work ethic, intelligence, and toughness firsthand in Philadelphia and obviously sees the former Steeler first-round pick and starting QB as a good fit for his system. A fresh start in New Orleans could be just what Pickett needs to realize his potential fully.
3. 49ers trade Deebo Samuel to Panthers
Trade Summary
Panthers receive: Deebo Samuel, two 2025 fourth-round picks (Nos. 138, 139)
49ers receive: 2025 fourth-round pick (No. 110), two fifth-round picks (Nos. 147, 164). Dead-money hit: $10.75 million. Cap savings: $5.12 million
Why it makes sense:
Once involved in a blockbuster trade that sent Christian McCaffrey to the 49ers, the two teams are back at the negotiating table. This time, the 49ers and Panthers strike a deal, sending wide receiver Deebo Samuel to Carolina.
With San Francisco committed financially to Brandon Aiyuk and having invested a first-round pick in Ricky Pearsall, Samuel becomes expendable. The Panthers, looking to surround quarterback Bryce Young with playmakers, add a dynamic offensive weapon who brings athleticism and versatility. This move bolsters Carolina's passing attack by providing Young an experienced, physically tough target.
4. Texans pivot to Cooper Kupp
Trade summary
Rams receive: 2025 fourth-round pick (No. 127), fifth-round pick (No. 167)
Texans receive: Cooper Kupp, two 2025 sixth-round picks (Nos. 192, 203). Dead-money hit: $9.78 million. Cap savings: $20 million
Why it makes sense:
Last offseason, the Texans made a bold move, trading for Stefon Diggs, but that didn’t quite pan out as hoped. To make matters worse, the promising young receiver Tank Dell was lost to a devastating leg injury that not only ended his 2024 season but cast doubt on his future.
Undeterred, the Texans are back at it, this time focusing on adding veteran help for quarterback C.J. Stroud. Enter Kupp — a proven possession receiver who thrives in intermediate and short-yardage situations. Kupp’s reliability and ability to run block make him the perfect complement to Nico Collins, Houston’s primary deep threat. With this move, the Texans hope Kupp’s leadership and skills help take their offense to new heights.
5. Raiders add firepower: DK Metcalf to Vegas?
Trade summary
Seahawks receive: 2025 fourth-round pick (No. 107), two sixth-round picks (No. 182, 214). Dead-money hit: $13.875 million. Cap savings: $18 million
Raiders receive: DK Metcalf, 2025 fifth-round pick (No. 173)
Why it makes sense:
The Raiders are aiming to bolster their offense after selecting QB Shedeur Sanders, WR Matthew Golden, and RB Ollie Gordon III in my mock draft 1.0. Adding Metcalf would give them another game-changing weapon. New head coach Pete Carroll has always valued Metcalf’s size and ability to win contested throws. For Seattle, this trade clears cap space and provides the draft capital to improve other areas of the roster. It’s a move that helps both teams for the 2025 season.
6. Change of scenery: Pitts to Denver, Sutton to Atlanta
Trade summary
Denver receives: Kyle Pitts, 2026 fifth-round pick. Dead-money hit (Sutton): $ 6.2 million. Cap savings: $14 million
Atlanta receives: Courtland Sutton, two 2025 sixth-round picks (Nos. 193, 199). Cap savings: $10.878 million
Why it makes sense:
Sean Payton has yet to establish a go-to tight end in Denver, and acquiring Kyle Pitts could give him the dynamic middle-of-the-field playmaker he needs. Underperforming in Atlanta, Pitts could thrive in a new system. Meanwhile, Sutton gives the Falcons the production and veteran leadership that will help smooth Michael Penix’s transition into a full-time starting quarterback.
7. Browns make a move for Travon Walker
Trade summary
Jaguars receive: 2025 second-round pick (No. 33), third-round pick (No. 67), fifth-round pick (No. 165), and sixth-round pick (No. 181). Dead-money hit: $6.09 million. Cap savings: $5.8 million
Browns receive: Travon Walker, 2025 fifth-round pick (No. 143)
Why it makes sense:
The Cleveland Browns aim to please Myles Garrett — provided they do not trade the six-time Pro Bowler — and boost their defensive line with this trade. Here, the Browns acquire former No. 1 overall pick Travon Walker, who has steadily grown into a key defensive asset for the Jacksonville Jaguars. While the Jaguars aren’t in a hurry to part ways with Walker, they’re exploring trade options while his value is at its peak. For Cleveland, this acquisition is all about providing Garrett with the support he’s been calling for, aiming to create a more dynamic and formidable pass rush.
8.) Cowboys trade for Travis Etienne
Trade summary
Jaguars receive: 2025 third-round pick (No. 76), two fifth-round picks (Nos. 150, 172) Cap savings: $6.14 million
Cowboys receive: Travis Etienne, 2025 fourth-round pick (No. 125)
Why it makes sense:
The Cowboys acquire a dynamic playmaker in Etienne, who looks to bounce back from a disappointing 2024 season. While the Jaguars gain valuable draft capital for a player that they mostly used as a RB2 last season anyway.
9.) Browns and Eagles trade: Greg Newsome II
Trade summary
Eagles Receive: Greg Newsome II
Browns Receive: 2026 third-round pick (acquired from Jets in Haason Reddick trade) Cap savings: $13.3 million
Why it makes sense:
The Browns clear $13.3 million in cap space, while the Eagles reinforce their secondary with a talented young corner. With veteran corners like Darius Slay Jr. and James Bradberry set to hit free agency in 2026, Newsome provides both immediate depth and a long-term solution.
10. Lions add pass-rush help, acquire Jaelan Phillips
Trade summary
Lions Receive: Jaelan Phillips
Dolphins receive: 2026 fourth-round pick, conditional 2027 fifth-round pick Cap savings: $12.25 million
Why it makes sense:
Detroit GM Brad Holmes once again embraces the role of the villain, this time capitalizing on the Dolphins’ cap struggles to land a high-upside pass rusher. Pairing Phillips with star DE Aidan Hutchinson injects some juice into a Detroit pass rush that struggled down the stretch. With financial constraints looming, Miami opts to move on from Phillips, who has battled injuries in recent years, rather than commit to a long-term extension. Meantime, the Dolphins secure solid compensation in return.
Final thoughts
This offseason is shaping up to be one of the most eventful in recent memory. Teams are positioned to make bold moves, whether it’s adding a key veteran or clearing cap space for future endeavors. Brad Holmes and the Detroit Lions are among the most intriguing front offices to watch, but don’t count out other teams to make waves with surprising trades.