With the NFL's final preseason games in the rearview mirror, teams are now facing the daunting task of finalizing their 53-man rosters. This pivotal period often brings a flurry of last-minute trades as teams look to either offload players to save money or acquire assets to fill a roster hole. Let’s evaluate some of the most prominent players who could find themselves in a new uniform before the regular season begins.

Quarterbacks on the Trade Block

The quarterback market is a hot topic, with several teams looking to either move on from a veteran or find a reliable backup. The most intriguing names being discussed include:

  • Kenny Pickett: With the Cleveland Browns having a crowded quarterback room, a trade involving Pickett seems plausible. He’s currently listed as the backup to Joe Flacco, but with two younger rookies also on the roster, the Browns could decide to move Pickett to make room for their developing talent.

  • Kirk Cousins: After a quiet offseason, the possibility of a Cousins trade has cooled, but it’s not out of the question. The most likely destination, if a trade were to happen, would be a team with an injured starter, such as the Los Angeles Rams, who have a familiar connection with Cousins from his time in Washington.

Veteran Skill Players Who Could Get Traded

Beyond quarterbacks, several high-profile veterans at skill positions could be on the move as their teams look to get younger and cut salary.

  • Brian Robinson Jr., RB, Washington Commanders: With the emergence of a talented seventh-round pick and another young running back showing promise, Robinson’s name has been in the rumor mill. The Commanders may look to trade him to a team in need of a powerful runner, especially as he enters the final year of his contract.

  • Adam Thielen, WR, Carolina Panthers: The Panthers signed Thielen in 2023 to provide leadership for their young offense. However, with the team now having a deep roster of promising young receivers, the 35-year-old Thielen could be a veteran who is dealt to a contender in need of a reliable slot receiver. A reunion with his former team, the Minnesota Vikings, is a possibility.

  • Kyle Pitts, TE, Atlanta Falcons: This is a surprising and highly speculative rumor. While the Falcons have committed to Pitts by picking up his fifth-year option, his production has not been what was expected since his stellar rookie year. Some analysts believe a team in need of a high-upside pass-catcher, like the Panthers, might be willing to trade for him to help their young quarterback.

Assessing the Trade Landscape

The NFL is a business, and roster cutdown day is a harsh reality. For teams, a trade is often a better option than simply releasing a player, as it allows them to recoup draft capital instead of losing an asset for nothing. For players, a trade can be a fresh start and a chance to prove themselves in a new system. It will be fascinating to see which of these trade candidates ultimately find a new home before the first game kicks off.


This video provides an excellent deep dive into some of the latest rumors swirling around the league before Week 1.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TkxPR2OnlXU


Video credit: New York Post