7 NFL players who will be prime trade targets in 2025 feat. Kirk Cousins and George Pickens

The 2025 NFL offseason will follow the conclusion of the 2024. Teams eliminated from Super Bowl contention can now focus on improving their rosters for next season. One avenue for doing so is exploring the trade market, which could include these seven players

Here are some players who could be prime targets in this year's trade market.

Prime trade targets for 2025 NFL offseason

2025 trade targets

#1. Deebo Samuel

Deebo Samuel regressed in nearly every receiving category this year, despite Brandon Aiyuk suffering a season-ending injury. The San Francisco 49ers may also need to free up cap space with Brock Purdy seeking a contract extension, so Samuel could potentially be on the trade block.

#2. Deshaun Watson

Deshaun Watson has failed to be the elite quarterback the Cleveland Browns were hoping for when they traded for him. They may now look to flip him during the offseason and use their second-overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft on a new quarterback.

#3. Kirk Cousins

Kirk Cousins joined the Atlanta Falcons during the offseason but was benched for rookie Michael Penix Jr. before completing his first year with the team. It's likely that the Falcons will stick with Penix going forward, making Cousins an ideal trade target for teams seeking a veteran quarterback.

#4. Derek Carr

Derek Carr has been mediocre at best since joining the New Orleans Saints. The franchise is now in a full rebuilding phase and is seeking a new full-time head coach, so it would make sense for them to explore younger options at the position.

#5. Davante Adams

Davante Adams joined Aaron Rodgers on the New York Jets this year prior to the trade deadline. If Rodgers decides to retire, or if the team moves on from him, it wouldn't be surprising to see them shop Adams during the 2025 NFL offseason as well.

#6. George Pickens

George Pickens has had a controversial year with the Pittsburgh Steelers, including verbal altercations with fans and questionable behavior with the media. He has also struggled with dropped passes, so the franchise could move on from him rather than give him the contract extension he's likely seeking.

#7. Kyle Pitts

Kyle Pitts has had an extremely disappointing run with the Atlanta Falcons, despite being one of the most athletically gifted tight ends in the NFL. He is coming up on a potential contract extension, but it’s unclear if the team is willing to offer one, making him a potential trade target.