As NFL training camps have commenced across the league, teams are actively evaluating their rosters ahead of the 2025 season. The potential Jauan Jennings Raiders trade emerges as a key storyline, reflecting how clubs seek to address positional depth and strategic needs through mid-preseason moves. Trades like these could significantly alter team dynamics and competitive outlooks as final cuts approach.
Exploring the Landscape of Possible 2025 NFL Trades
While many teams enter training camp with near-final rosters, factors such as injuries, player holdouts, and unexpected performances can shift priorities, prompting trade discussions. Teams with a surplus at specific positions may look to capitalize by trading players, while those needing solutions to contract or depth issues remain open to acquiring talent. Multiple potential trades could reshape the league’s offseason storylines, including high-profile players like Trey Hendrickson, Terry McLaurin, and <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/tag/kirk-cousins/”>Kirk Cousins.
Enhancing Detroit’s Pass Rush With Trey Hendrickson
The Detroit Lions seek to strengthen their defensive line, particularly at edge rusher, as they rebound from injuries to star player Aidan Hutchinson. Despite an aggressive defense in 2024, Detroit struggled to generate consistent pressure in the postseason. Acquiring Trey Hendrickson, who led the NFL with 17.5 sacks last season and earned All-Pro recognition, could provide the Lions with a proven pass-rush force. Hendrickson’s 57 sacks over four years rank third in the NFL, showcasing sustained productivity.
The Cincinnati Bengals, facing salary cap constraints due to investments in Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins, may be willing to trade Hendrickson amid his contract holdout. Detroit’s ample cap space—listed at $51.3 million for 2025—positions them as likely suitors, offering a second- and fifth-round draft pick as compensation. This trade would grant Detroit a vital boost on defense while giving Cincinnati financial flexibility and draft capital for future roster building.
Terry McLaurin’s Arrival Could Complete the Chargers’ Offensive Arsenal
The Los Angeles Chargers, under new head coach Jim Harbaugh, seek to upgrade their receiving corps to complement quarterback Justin Herbert. Despite reaching the playoffs with 11 wins, the Chargers’ passing game struggled in key postseason moments, highlighting a need for a dynamic wide receiver. Veteran Terry McLaurin, who amassed 82 receptions for 1,096 yards and 13 touchdowns last year, fits the bill as a reliable and explosive weapon.
In exchange for McLaurin, the Washington Commanders could receive rising talent Quentin Johnston along with second- and fourth-round picks in 2026. Johnston’s development has been uneven despite his draft pedigree, but a fresh start with Jayden Daniels under center in Washington presents an opportunity. Acquiring McLaurin would immediately deepen Los Angeles’ offense, potentially improving their standing in a competitively stacked AFC.
Kirk Cousins Poised for a Surprising Move Within the Division
The New Orleans Saints may address their quarterback uncertainty with a trade for Kirk Cousins, an unusual but logical intra-division acquisition from the Atlanta Falcons. New Orleans enters training camp without a proven NFL starter after the retirement of Derek Carr, relying instead on inexperienced options such as Tyler Shough, Spencer Rattler, and Jake Haener.
Cousins’ resume includes 288 career touchdown passes, four Pro Bowl appearances, and consistent starting experience in 159 games. His presence could immediately stabilize the Saints’ offense and mentor the young quarterbacks behind him, bridging a gap while providing a steady veteran option. The Falcons, in return, would receive a 2026 fourth-round draft pick and $10 million in cash considerations. This transaction would also add an interesting dynamic to two upcoming divisional matchups each season.
Jauan Jennings Could Strengthen the Raiders’ Receiving Corps
The Las Vegas Raiders, guided by head coach Pete Carroll and quarterback Geno Smith, have improved in multiple offensive areas but still seek a reliable perimeter receiver. Jauan Jennings, who produced 77 catches for 975 yards and six touchdowns in 2024, appears as an ideal addition. His physical play style and ability to execute blocks fit well with a Raiders offense expected to emphasize their running game, especially with the drafting of Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty.
With nearly $49 million in 2025 salary cap space, the Raiders are positioned to absorb Jennings’ contract and offer an extension if desired. The trade package under discussion includes a third-round draft pick and wide receiver Tre Tucker heading to the San Francisco 49ers. While the 49ers would lose a veteran contributor, they have confidence in rookie Ricky Pearsall and offseason acquisition Demarcus Robinson to maintain depth.
For Jennings, joining Las Vegas presents an opportunity to compete for a leading role in a physical, run-focused offense, complementing Jakobi Meyers and tight end Brock Bowers. This acquisition could also allow younger receivers such as Jack Bech and Dont’e Thornton Jr. time to develop without immediate pressure.
Chicago Bears Target Travis Etienne Jr. to Boost Ground Game
The Chicago Bears have revamped their offensive line and seek to support young quarterback Caleb Williams by improving their rushing attack. The addition of running back Travis Etienne Jr., a versatile player who has achieved back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing seasons and can contribute in the passing game, aligns with this strategy. Chicago’s rushing offense struggled significantly in 2024, ranking near the bottom of the league in multiple efficiency metrics.
Etienne, entering the final year of his rookie contract, saw his role reduced in Jacksonville as carries were shared with Tank Bigsby. The Jaguars might look to move Etienne due to his declining efficiency and looming free agency. A trade involving a 2026 third-round draft pick to Jacksonville would provide the Bears with a dynamic backfield partner for D’Andre Swift, potentially elevating their offensive ceiling in 2025.
Patriots Could Add Kyle Pitts to Support Drake Maye’s Development
The New England Patriots have displayed interest in tight end Kyle Pitts, who, despite underwhelming recent seasons, remains an under-25 player with upside. Pitts posted a career-low 602 receiving yards in 2024 with four touchdowns but demonstrated his breakout potential with a 1,026-yard rookie campaign. Atlanta Falcons’ salary cap and roster considerations, including preparing for an extension of Drake London, make Pitts a realistic trade candidate.
The Patriots, holding over $60 million in cap space, could integrate Pitts alongside Hunter Henry in two-tight-end sets to enhance rookie quarterback Drake Maye’s tools. The proposed trade would send a 2026 third-round pick and tight end Austin Hooper to Atlanta, balancing depth and future draft value. If Pitts regains form, New England would strengthen a key offensive position; if not, they keep flexibility beyond 2026.
Steelers Eye Romeo Doubs to Reunite with Aaron Rodgers
The Pittsburgh Steelers, after trading George Pickens, need to reinforce their wide receiver group opposite DK Metcalf. Romeo Doubs, currently with the Green Bay Packers, fits this requirement as a proven contributor averaging over 600 receiving yards the past two seasons. His youth, production, and favorable $3.5 million cap hit make him attractive, especially with Pittsburgh holding $32.2 million in cap room.
Doubs’ contract situation and concussion history give Green Bay incentives to trade for draft capital, with a 2026 third-round pick as the expected return. Joining the Steelers would reunite Doubs with quarterback Aaron Rodgers, potentially enhancing chemistry and offensive effectiveness.
Kayvon Thibodeaux Could Fortify Titans’ Defensive Edge
The Tennessee Titans may pursue Kayvon Thibodeaux from the New York Giants to boost their pass rush. The Giants, after drafting high-end defensive players and considering cap payroll, face a surplus at edge rusher and could move Thibodeaux, who produced 21 sacks and 127 tackles over 43 career games. A recent injury slowed his momentum, but his talent remains evident.
“Working on a big edge rusher project and the most improved NFL edge in 2024 was Kayvon Thibodeaux. Much more precise with his hands and his long-arm was more effective. Really like him as a #3 who can win with power and speed pic.twitter.com/6qs1vNC6vl” —James Foster (@NoFlagsFilm)
Trading Thibodeaux would free substantial salary cap space and provide draft capital for the Giants, while the Titans would acquire a young, ascending edge rusher to shore up a defensive position weakened by Harold Landry III’s departure. Tennessee’s current edge duo lacks proven pass-rushing impact, making Thibodeaux’s acquisition a strategic priority to complement their emerging offense led by quarterback Cam Ward.
Miami Dolphins Could Enhance Tight End Depth via Cole Kmet Trade
The Dolphins face thin depth at tight end following the Jonnu Smith trade and the uncertain status of Darren Waller. Cole Kmet, a dependable veteran who started all 17 games in 2024 with 47 receptions and four touchdowns, could provide immediate stability. Meanwhile, the Chicago Bears, who drafted Colston Loveland and added receiver Luther Burden III, may reduce Kmet’s role, making him a tradable asset while he remains under team control through 2027.
A trade involving a 2026 third-round pick to Chicago would benefit Miami by supplying a reliable, versatile tight end to complement their offense. This addition could balance the Dolphins’ position group and improve offensive consistency next season.
49ers Acquire Kendrick Bourne to Support Wide Receiver Depth
The San Francisco 49ers could bring back veteran wide receiver Kendrick Bourne to bolster receiver depth amid uncertainties surrounding Brandon Aiyuk’s health and the rumored trade of Jauan Jennings. Bourne’s familiarity with head coach Kyle Shanahan’s system and ability to contribute immediately make him a practical target.
With limited opportunities in New England due to competing weapons and recent injury recovery, Bourne’s futures are unclear. A trade sending him to the 49ers for a 2026 sixth-round pick would help San Francisco shore up depth behind Jakobi Meyers and new acquisitions. Bourne, under contract through 2026 with a manageable cap number, could be an essential veteran presence during this transitional period.
Implications and Outlook for the NFL 2025 Season
These potential trades, including the Jauan Jennings Raiders trade, highlight how teams are actively managing their rosters during training camps to optimize for success. Moves that address clear needs, such as the Raiders solidifying their receiving corps or the Lions adding pass-rush potency, could shape competitive balance in 2025. Teams like the Saints and Titans may embrace veteran leadership or youth through these negotiations.
Such transactions emphasize the fluidity of NFL rosters leading up to the regular season, where financial management, player potential, and strategic fit align to influence trade decisions. Observers should closely monitor how these possibilities evolve, as final trades will impact team chemistry and performance outlook across the league.