Seven Unexpected Trades That May Still Occur Following Early 2025 NFL Free Agency

The NFL offseason is always filled with intrigue and excitement as teams try to improve their rosters, shed bad contracts, and position themselves for a future Super Bowl run. Early 2025 NFL free agency has already been active with significant signings and transactions that could set the stage for the next few months of roster moves. However, while free agency is often the headline-grabbing portion of the offseason, the trade market tends to open up later when teams assess their roster and decide to make bold moves for the sake of the present or future.

While some trades are expected, there are always a few that come as a complete surprise. Teams are constantly evaluating their options, and with free-agent acquisitions impacting the depth chart, there’s always room for a shakeup through trades. Here are seven unexpected trades that could still occur following the early 2025 NFL free agency period, taking into account salary cap constraints, positional needs, and potential team dynamics.

1. Kyler Murray to the Minnesota Vikings

It may seem shocking, especially given that Kyler Murray just signed a major extension with the Arizona Cardinals in 2023, but the trade of Murray to the Minnesota Vikings could make sense for both teams under certain conditions. The Vikings are in win-now mode, with Kirk Cousins’ contract expiring after 2025, and they’ve shown no real commitment to drafting a franchise quarterback. Minnesota is armed with a high-powered offense but lacks the franchise quarterback that many believe could push them into the Super Bowl conversation.

On the other hand, the Cardinals are entering a rebuilding phase. Murray has struggled with consistency and injuries over the past couple of seasons, and the team might feel that it’s time to hit the reset button at quarterback. Moving on from Murray could give Arizona more cap flexibility and allow them to draft a younger, cheaper QB in the upcoming drafts.

A trade to Minnesota could bring back a first-round pick and several mid-round picks, giving the Cardinals the resources they need to build their future. The Vikings could swap Cousins for a quarterback they can build around for years to come, solidifying their offense while possibly giving them more stability under center in the long term.

2. Aaron Donald to the Kansas City Chiefs

Aaron Donald is widely regarded as one of the most disruptive defensive players of his generation. The Los Angeles Rams, after winning the Super Bowl in 2021, are now facing difficult salary cap decisions. After a down year in 2024, the Rams could decide to part ways with the aging Donald in an effort to clear cap space and start looking toward the future.

On the other hand, the Kansas City Chiefs have proven they’re a Super Bowl contender every year under Patrick Mahomes. With the defense showing potential but still needing to improve, the Chiefs could use a dominant force like Donald to shore up their defensive front. His addition would bolster a pass rush that’s been inconsistent, despite the success of young players like Chris Jones. Donald could make an immediate impact and give Kansas City a true playmaker on defense, pushing them closer to another Super Bowl.

The Rams would likely demand a first-round pick in return for Donald, especially considering his status as one of the league’s top defensive linemen. With the Chiefs already deep in talent but needing to keep a competitive edge, it’s entirely possible that they make this bold move.

3. Derrick Henry to the Buffalo Bills

Derrick Henry’s time with the Tennessee Titans has been filled with incredible individual performances, but after a tumultuous 2024 season, there is a growing sense that the Titans are on the verge of a rebuild. With running backs like Henry often approaching the twilight of their careers around 30, Tennessee may want to explore trading him while his value is still high and while they can get something significant in return.

For the Buffalo Bills, the running back position has been a point of concern for some time. While Josh Allen’s legs can cover some of the gaps, Buffalo’s inability to establish a consistent run game has been evident in their playoff losses. Henry would give them a physical, game-changing presence in the backfield that could balance their offense and take some of the pressure off Allen.

This trade would be a risk for the Bills, but Henry’s proven track record and the fact that he’s still one of the most dominant running backs in the league could be enough to push Buffalo’s offense to a level it hasn’t reached yet. In exchange, the Titans would likely receive a high draft pick and a player or two to help their rebuilding process.

4. Jalen Ramsey to the Dallas Cowboys

Jalen Ramsey, the star cornerback for the Los Angeles Rams, has been one of the league’s top defensive players for years, but the Rams are once again in a position where they could offload aging veterans to save cap space. Ramsey, despite being one of the league’s best cornerbacks, comes with a hefty contract, and the Rams might see a trade as an opportunity to bolster their rebuilding efforts.

The Dallas Cowboys, on the other hand, could be looking to add one more elite player to their defense as they continue to chase a Super Bowl under head coach Mike McCarthy. The Cowboys have a solid defense, but they could use another lockdown cornerback to complement Trevon Diggs. Ramsey could instantly elevate a defense that has already been one of the league’s best and give the Cowboys a more complete team.

Dallas has the cap space and draft assets to make such a move, and Ramsey’s competitive nature and experience could mesh well with the Cowboys’ defensive culture. For the Rams, a trade would likely bring back a combination of picks and younger players to help with the rebuild.

5. DeAndre Hopkins to the New England Patriots

DeAndre Hopkins, the star wide receiver for the Arizona Cardinals, has already expressed frustration with the direction of the team, and a trade could be in his future. As Arizona looks toward the future, moving on from an aging receiver with a massive contract could be a smart financial decision. Hopkins is still one of the most talented wide receivers in the NFL, but he’s been part of a losing effort in Arizona for a few seasons now.

For the New England Patriots, adding a top-tier receiver has been a long-standing need. While Mac Jones showed flashes of potential in his first few seasons, the lack of high-quality weapons at wide receiver has hindered the offense’s growth. Hopkins would provide the Patriots with the kind of elite playmaker they need to challenge in the AFC East. With Bill Belichick’s track record of making bold moves to secure future success, a trade for Hopkins would be the type of move that could change the dynamic of the Patriots’ offense.

A trade would likely involve a second-round pick or a combination of players and picks, as Hopkins’ age and contract could make him a bit of a gamble for a team like the Patriots. However, if the team believes it’s close to competing for a playoff spot, the trade could make sense.

6. Tua Tagovailoa to the Las Vegas Raiders

The Miami Dolphins have a good roster, and Tua Tagovailoa showed promise early in his career, but there have been constant injury concerns surrounding him. With the Dolphins putting the pieces together for a potential championship run, the team may decide that they need a more reliable quarterback under center to compete at the highest level.

The Las Vegas Raiders, under new leadership, could be looking for a quarterback that fits their offensive philosophy. While Jimmy Garoppolo is a solid option, the Raiders may not view him as the long-term solution. Tua, while still a question mark due to his injury history, could be a worthwhile gamble for the Raiders, especially if Miami is willing to take a second-round pick and a player for him.

This trade would benefit both teams. Miami could clear the air on the quarterback position by making a change, while the Raiders would acquire a potential franchise QB, provided he can stay healthy.

7. Dante Fowler Jr. to the Cleveland Browns

Dante Fowler Jr. is coming off a solid 2024 campaign, but his time with the Atlanta Falcons may soon come to an end due to their cap constraints and their focus on building a younger roster. Fowler, a pass-rushing specialist, could still be an asset for a team looking to shore up their pass rush in 2025.

The Cleveland Browns have shown promise on defense but have struggled to consistently generate pressure. While they have Myles Garrett as one of the top pass rushers in the league, adding a veteran like Fowler could take their defense to the next level. The Browns have the cap flexibility to make a move like this and could trade a mid-round pick to acquire Fowler for a season or two.

This trade would provide Fowler with an opportunity to play for a playoff-contending team while giving the Browns another weapon to pair with Garrett in the pursuit of a deep playoff run.

As the 2025 NFL offseason continues to unfold, these seven unexpected trades illustrate how teams are constantly evaluating their roster and adjusting their strategies. Whether it’s a quarterback trade like Kyler Murray to the Vikings or a defensive star like Jalen Ramsey heading to the Cowboys, these hypothetical moves highlight how the NFL landscape is always evolving.

These trades might seem bold or unlikely right now, but they could make a significant impact on the teams involved. Whether they’re clearing cap space, securing future assets, or pushing for a Super Bowl in the present, these trades could reshape the future of several NFL franchises in ways fans will remember for years to come.