Top 10 Trade Candidates, 1 Dark Horse to be Moved as NFL Offseason Kicks Off

HM: Mark Andrews, Baltimore Ravens

Mark Andrews, at one time, was considered one of the best tight ends in the game, but following his injury in 2023, the Oklahoma product has looked like he's lost a step. In 2024, Andrews ended the year with 673 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns, but his backup, Isaiah Likely, saw an increase in usage as he continued to turn heads. Following Andrews' drop in the playoffs, which ultimately cost the Baltimore Ravens a chance at the Super Bowl, the bad taste in Ravens fans' mouths may be the final memory they have of him if an unexpected offseason move goes down.

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2) DK Metcalf, Seattle Seahawks

DK Metcalf is one of the recent stars who requested a trade-out of his situation. He went on record to make it clear he prefers a move to a contender. The talented pass catcher has been a force since entering the league and has quickly garnered interest from many teams. However, with the Seattle Seahawks likely prioritizing the best offer they can, Metcalf's wish to land with a contender may be the least of the worries for the front office.

Potential Landing Spots: Buffalo Bills, New England Patriots, Las Vegas Raiders, Pittsburgh Steelers

3) WR Tee Higgins, Cincinnati Bengals

The Cincinnati Bengals have been adamant about keeping Tee Higgins in Cincy, even to the point the team franchise tagged the star wideout. While their focal point is agreeing to a contract extension with the playmaker, they still have to worry about inking a deal with Ja'Marr Chase, who has been vocal about his desired future contract. Just because Higgins is tagged doesn't mean he can't be dealt (i.e., L'Jarius Sneed last offseason).

Potential Landing Spots: Carolina Panthers, New England Patriots, Jacksonville Jaguars

4) DL Trey Hendrickson, Cincinnati Bengals

Trey Hendrickson has been one of the most dominant pass rushers in the league, totaling 17.5 sacks in each of his last two seasons. As the Cincinnati Bengals continue to navigate a crucial offseason for the franchise, the team granted the defender's wish to seek a trade. He looks to be one of the next big names on the move as the offseason begins. Less than 24 hours after his request, Hendrickson reportedly already has a robust market for his services, which could increase how quickly he's dealt.

Potential Landing Spots: Indianapolis Colts, Chicago Bears, Washington Commanders

5) QB Geno Smith, Seattle Seahawks

Geno Smith hasn't been listed as a trade candidate yet, but as the Seahawks continue to trend toward a bit more of a roster retooling, it wouldn't be a surprise if the team elected to move off their 34-year-old quarterback. If he is made available for trade, plenty of QB-needy teams may inquire, even if it's only as a stop-gap option.

Potential Landing Spots: Las Vegas Raiders

Update: Smith was dealt to the Las Vegas Raiders

6) LB Germaine Pratt, Cincinatti Bengals

Germaine Pratt was one of the first players to make his trade request public as the NFL season ended. The Bengals linebacker has put together back-to-back seasons with 100+ tackles, which has turned heads around the league. However, Pratt has also struggled in some areas on the field, mainly pass coverage. Nonetheless, at only 28 years old, it wouldn't be a shock to see teams take their shot at landing a versatile defender.

Potential Landing Spots: Arizona Cardinals, Indianapolis Colts

7) CB Greg Newsome II, Cleveland Browns

Greg Newsome II hasn't been listed as a trade candidate yet, but it wouldn't be a shock to see another Browns defender request out of Cleveland as their future seems to look gloomier by the day. With winning as the primary focus for many top competitors, including Newsome II, keep an eye on his situation in the AFC North.

Potential Landing Spots: Washington Commanders, New Orleans Saints

8) QB Kirk Cousins, Atlanta Falcons

Kirk Cousins signed with the Atlanta Falcons in the offseason, but it didn't stop the team from drafting his future replacement with the No. 8 overall pick in the NFL Draft a month later. Furthermore, it took no time for the NFC South squad to pivot to rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. after the veteran gunslinger's struggles hindered the team more than it helped them. On a lucrative contract, Cousins will likely be cut before he is traded. However, in the same breath, stranger things have happened, and if a team gets desperate at any point (Raiders), you never know. 

Potential Landing Spots: Las Vegas Raiders

9) S Tyrann Mathieu, New Orleans Saints

Tyrann Mathieu was a big-time signing for the New Orleans Saints a couple of offseason ago. A homecoming for the LSU product was a dream come true for both him and New Orleans residents, but after multiple down years for the Saints, a complete roster shakeup seems to be near with new head coach Kellen Moore in town. With rumors of Mathieu being cut, it wouldn't be a shock to see a team searching for secondary help offer a late-round pick to keep the Saints from losing him for nothing.

Potential Landing Spots: Pittsburgh Steelers, Kansas City Chiefs

10) Cooper Kupp, Los Angeles Rams

Cooper Kupp never requested a trade, but the Los Angeles Rams made it clear that they wanted to move in a different direction following the end of the season. The Rams' general manager, Les Snead, said there was a world where Kupp remained a Ram, but it was the least likely of the outcomes. Flat-out releasing the former Triple Crown winner is a more likely result than him staying in Los Angeles. As the team continues to seek a trade destination for the pass catcher, his time playing for Sean McVay seems to be nearing an end.

Potential Landing Spots: Jacksonville Jaguars, Pittsburgh Steelers

HM: Mark Andrews, Baltimore Ravens

Mark Andrews, at one time, was considered one of the best tight ends in the game, but following his injury in 2023, the Oklahoma product has looked like he's lost a step. In 2024, Andrews ended the year with 673 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns, but his backup, Isaiah Likely, saw an increase in usage as he continued to turn heads. Following Andrews' drop in the playoffs, which ultimately cost the Baltimore Ravens a chance at the Super Bowl, the bad taste in Ravens fans' mouths may be the final memory they have of him if an unexpected offseason move goes down.

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