The roster-building process for NFL teams proceeds into the summer months. Earlier this week, the 49ers acquired edge rusher Bryce Huff in a trade with the Eagles. Which deal could come next? Well, a number of players have requested trades this offseason, including 2024 sack leader Trey Hendrickson and two-time Pro Bowl CB Jaire Alexander. With all of that in mind, we asked our analysts this question:
Which trade do you want to see before the 2025 NFL season begins?
Trey Hendrickson to the Philadelphia Eagles.
The Eagles dominated the Chiefs in the Super Bowl with a relentless pass rush, but Philadelphia has questions on that front heading into the 2025 campaign, given the loss of Josh Sweat, Nolan Smith's injury and the inherent need for young guys like Moro Ojomo (2023 seventh-round pick) and Jalyx Hunt (2024 third-rounder) to level up. General manager Howie Roseman hit big on the trade for wide receiver A.J. Brown in 2022. Trading for Hendrickson, who's in a contract standoff with the Bengals, could provide a similar effect for the defense. Plus, the Eagles just cleared more cap space by dealing Huff. This would be a case of the rich getting richer -- and a move I wouldn't put past Philly.
Tyreek Hill to the New England Patriots.
Hill has been at the center of Dolphins headlines this offseason. It actually started when he voiced his frustrations at the end of a disappointing 2024 campaign in Miami, both for the Fins (who finished below .500 for the first time since 2019) and Hill (who missed the Pro Bowl for the first time in his nine-year career). The star receiver publicly expressed a desire to play elsewhere, an idea the Dolphins nixed and Hill himself quickly backtracked on. However, I'm not convinced Miami will keep him, considering his off-field issues and the fact that the franchise can save nearly $15 million by moving him, per Over The Cap. The Dolphins might be wary of trading within the division, but if not, the Patriots and Drake Maye certainly could use Hill's services in the passing attack. New England has admirably overhauled the offense this offseason, and Hill would continue that trend by giving Josh McDaniels a guy who can elevate his attack to the next level due to his speed and field-stretching ability.
Trey Hendrickson to the Washington Commanders.
This situation seems to be worsening by the day, which is a great reason why the Bengals should move Hendrickson before the season. He clearly could supply tremendous value to another team -- since he led the league with 17.5 sacks last year -- and Cincinnati needs to change a downward trajectory after missing the last two postseasons. Washington is a contender that could desperately use the pass-rush help and has the cap space to make this move happen with QB Jayden Daniels on a rookie deal. It’s also apparent Cincy isn't willing to pay Hendrickson what he wants in a hyper-inflated edge rusher market. The Bengals thought they could appease him, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins with new deals when the offseason began. Two out of three ain’t bad.
Jalen Ramsey to the Los Angeles Rams.
Ramsey and the Dolphins have mutually agreed to explore trade options, and there's no doubt the Rams are a realistic landing spot. Even head coach Sean McVay has commented on the possibility of reuniting with the veteran cornerback in Los Angeles, where Ramsey helped the franchise win a Super Bowl in the 2021 season. He is still playing at a high level despite turning 30 years old last October and would add championship experience to the team's secondary. If the two sides can strike a deal, it could be a key move in Los Angeles' quest to get back to the Super Bowl.
Trey Hendrickson to the New England Patriots.
The Bengals are unlikely to be interested in moving Hendrickson, as that's not how they roll. However, if there is a divorce, New England is a good new partner. Mike Vrabel could use a legit No. 1 edge to anchor his defense, and the Pats still have cap space. Sure, they've shelled out a lot on D already this offseason, but they should continue to take big swings while Drake Maye is still on a rookie deal. Adding Hendrickson would get them a big stride closer to threatening the Bills' divisional dominance.
Mark Andrews to the New York Jets.
There has been some speculation this offseason about the Ravens moving their longtime tight end. He's been a very reliable player (minus that drop in the Divisional Round loss), but this is a business after all. Andrews is a free agent in 2026, and with Baltimore needing to allocate money elsewhere (SEE: renegotiating Lamar Jackson's contract), the team could save $11 million against the cap and gain future draft capital by trading him. In come the Jets, who are in the middle of a rebuild and need more pieces to help Justin Fields jump-start the offense. New York did draft Mason Taylor in the second round, but bringing in Andrews for a year to aid this unit and mentor the rookie makes sense.
Beaux Limmer to the Detroit Lions.
As we head into summer, this is the time of year when sudden personnel losses spur action. Well, Detroit suffered a crushing blow this week with the abrupt retirement of Pro Bowler Frank Ragnow. What if the Lions replace one 6-foot-5 center out of Arkansas with another 6-foot-5 center out of Arkansas? Yes, Ragnow entered the league as a pedigreed first-rounder while Limmer didn’t come off the board until late in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Regardless, Limmer was immediately thrust into the lineup by injuries last season, and the rookie ultimately made 16 starts, including both Rams playoff games. Unfortunately, a couple tough snaps against Jalen Carter sealed Los Angeles’ fate in the Divisional Round loss at Philadelphia. And it was those kinds of pass-blocking breakdowns from the youngster that motivated the Rams to bring back old center Coleman Shelton in free agency, inherently sending Limmer to the bench. All in all, though, Limmer acquitted himself pretty well in Year 1, particularly as a run blocker. Detroit’s offensive line remains secure on the edges with Penei Sewell and Taylor Decker, but the interior is riddled with questions. The Lions just signed Trystan Colon, but I’d like to see them add more to the stew. Detroit’s rise has been fueled in a big way by a beastly offensive front, so the Lions can’t leave anything to chance with this unit. And Brad Holmes has already established a fruitful trading relationship with former boss Les Snead, so it’s not hard to imagine these two working out a deal here.
