The Washington Commanders traded running back Brian Robinson Jr. to the San Francisco 49ers for a 2026 sixth-round draft pick in late June. Robinson, a third-round pick in 2022, had consistently run for between 733 and 799 yards in each of his three seasons with Washington, primarily contributing as a runner rather than a receiver. The trade was anticipated after Robinson did not participate in the Commanders’ preseason game, signaling his expendability following the emergence of Chris Rodriguez Jr. and rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt. Robinson played 52% of offensive snaps last season and is known mostly for his rushing ability, with limited yards gained beyond what was blocked for him.
San Francisco likely acquired Robinson to provide depth behind star running back Christian McCaffrey, who largely handles receiving duties out of the backfield. The 49ers had been dealing with injuries at the running back position, though backup Isaac Guerendo has recently returned to practice. Despite the addition, Robinson is signed to just a one-year deal and is unlikely to be more than the third-best back on the team, making the cost of a sixth-round pick somewhat steep in the eyes of some analysts.
Jets reinforce defensive line with Harrison Phillips
The New York Jets acquired defensive tackle Harrison Phillips from the Minnesota Vikings in exchange for a 2026 sixth-round pick and a 2027 seventh-round pick, while the Vikings received two sixth-round picks for 2026 and 2027. Phillips, 29, is a veteran known for his run-stopping ability, having ranked among the league’s top interior defenders in run stop win rate (RSWR) during the 2021 and 2023 seasons. Although his RSWR declined to an average level in 2024 and he lacks pass-rushing prowess, Phillips is expected to help shore up the Jets’ defensive tackle position, especially after Byron Cowart’s ankle injury.
The Jets gave up multiple later-round draft picks but negotiated for the Vikings to cover half of Phillips’ $7.4 million salary, providing some cap relief. It is not strictly a one-year rental, as Phillips is under contract for $7.5 million in 2026, depending on his performance. This move complements prior defensive additions, including Jowon Briggs, who showed promising run-stopping metrics in limited snaps last season.
Minnesota, flush with depth after acquiring Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave and dealing with a significant salary cap deficit in 2026, appeared comfortable trading Phillips to gain draft capital and reduce salary commitments.
Broncos trade wide receiver Devaughn Vele to the Saints
The Denver Broncos sent wide receiver Devaughn Vele to the New Orleans Saints in exchange for a 2026 fourth-round pick and a 2027 seventh-round pick. Vele, who had a promising rookie season, recorded 475 receiving yards and 41 catches while playing mostly from the slot. His receiving metrics were solid for a rookie, especially his open target score. Denver, despite Vele’s production, chose to make the deal due to their depth at wide receiver with players like Courtland Sutton, Marvin Mims Jr., Troy Franklin, and a 2025 third-round pick, allowing them to capitalize on compensation for Vele’s age (27) and experience.
For New Orleans, adding the 6-foot-5 Vele helped address a glaring lack of height behind star receivers Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed. His ability to play the slot complements the existing receiver core, and he is expected to be a cost-controlled option for several seasons, potentially aiding the team’s young quarterback, either Tyler Shough or Spencer Rattler. While the draft capital exchanged might be concerning for a rebuilding team, it is viewed as a strategic acquisition to bolster the offense.
Texans swap receiver John Metchie III for tight end Harrison Bryant with the Eagles
The Houston Texans traded wide receiver John Metchie III and a 2026 sixth-round pick to the Philadelphia Eagles for tight end Harrison Bryant and a 2026 fifth-round selection. This trade saw both teams regain picks they had previously traded away, effectively restoring their original draft positions. Metchie, a 2022 second-round pick who missed his rookie season due to leukemia, has had limited impact with only 40 receptions and 412 yards over the past two seasons.
The Eagles, thin at wide receiver after losing key players, hope to unlock Metchie’s potential despite his low yards per route run. Their current depth includes Jahan Dotson, Ainias Smith, and Johnny Wilson, none of whom have firmly established themselves. Houston, meanwhile, bolstered its tight end group with Bryant, who despite limited 2024 production, offers potential as a blocking and receiving asset within a group led by Dalton Schultz and others. The Texans look to improve blocking, a noted weakness with Schultz and Cade Stover ranking low in run and pass block metrics, potentially enhancing the offense’s balance.
Dolphins acquire tight end Darren Waller from Giants
The Miami Dolphins traded a 2026 conditional sixth-round pick to the New York Giants in exchange for tight end Darren Waller and a 2027 seventh-round pick. Waller, who retired in 2024 after an injury-plagued career, returns to the <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/”>NFL to fill a depleted tight end room that included only underperforming options like Julian Hill and Pharaoh Brown. Miami aims to add a reliable receiving target alongside stars Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle for quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
Though 32 years old and out of football for a year, Waller’s previous success—such as a 700-yard season in 2020—and superior receiving skills compared to Miami’s current tight ends make him a valuable addition. The deal was low risk for the Dolphins, costing little more than late-round pick swaps and possibly up to $5 million in salary. For the Giants, the trade was essentially a minor gain, recovering a pick for a retired player without affecting salary cap space significantly.
Dolphins and Steelers complete blockbuster trade involving Jalen Ramsey and Minkah Fitzpatrick
The Miami Dolphins sent cornerback Jalen Ramsey, tight end Jonnu Smith, and a 2027 seventh-round pick to the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and a 2027 fifth-round draft pick. This surprise June trade shifted two premier defensive players between teams facing different strategic directions.
Ramsey joins a Steelers defense led by veterans like T.J. Watt and Cameron Heyward as Pittsburgh seeks to maximize remaining championship windows. Despite being generally viewed as past his prime at 30 years old, Ramsey’s coverage statistics remain solid, including allowing only 0.9 yards per coverage snap last season while mostly playing outside cornerback. The Steelers may use him in a hybrid role combining nickel corner and safety, differing significantly from Fitzpatrick’s deep safety role last season. Financially, the Steelers assumed nearly Ramsey’s entire $26.6 million 2025 salary, with non-guaranteed team control for several more years, marking a significant commitment.
Fitzpatrick brings two years left on a contract costing Miami about $15.5 million in 2025 and $17.6 million in 2026, representing good value for a Pro Bowl safety. Miami addressed their safety needs following the loss of Jevon Holland by also signing low-cost players Ashtyn Davis and Ifeatu Melifonwu, making Fitzpatrick a key piece in stabilizing their defense. The Dolphins also received a late-round draft pick swap in their favor.
Jonnu Smith, reunited with offensive coordinator Arthur Smith from their time together in Tennessee and Atlanta, is expected to play a multi-tight end role in Pittsburgh alongside Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington. While Smith just completed a career-best season, Pittsburgh’s extension offer suggests they see immediate value despite previous inconsistent performances over his career.
The trade illustrates Miami’s strategic cap management and roster refocus, whereas Pittsburgh is taking a gamble on Ramsey’s potential return to elite form amid significant salary cap investment.
49ers strengthen pass rush by trading for Bryce Huff
San Francisco acquired edge rusher Bryce Huff from the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for a 2026 midround draft pick. Huff, once a high-end free agent signing for the Eagles, has struggled recently following promising seasons with the Jets. Despite a steep decline in pass rush effectiveness and playing time in 2023 and 2024, the 49ers are betting his last season was an outlier and see value in his situational pass rushing ability opposite Nick Bosa.
Huff’s pass rush win rate remains better than average despite a recent slowdown in get-off times, and the 49ers plan to utilize him primarily in pass-rushing downs while relying on rookie Mykel Williams for run defense. Defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, who previously coached Huff in New York, is expected to unlock more of his potential. Financially, San Francisco benefits from Huff’s restructured contract, which reduces the 2025 cap hit to just under $8 million, making the risk manageable for a team with Super Bowl aspirations.
Philadelphia views Huff as expendable given their depth at edge rusher, featuring veterans Azeez Ojulari, Joshua Uche, and promising rookie Jalyx Hunt. Although the Eagles did not receive significant return value, saving salary and gaining a draft pick was viewed as a reasonable outcome.
Implications of recent NFL preseason trades
As NFL teams finalize their rosters ahead of the 2025 regular season, these notable trades highlight the intense, chaotic, and turbulent nature of roster building in a salary-cap constrained league. The Brian Robinson Jr. trade emphasizes how teams are balancing immediate needs with long-term depth, often making moves that draw mixed reactions due to the perceived value exchanged.
Teams like the Dolphins and 49ers maneuvered aggressively to plug critical holes on offense and defense while managing salary limitations. Meanwhile, the Steelers’ bold acquisition of Jalen Ramsey underscores the high-stakes risks franchises take betting on past stars regaining form. The Vikings‘ and Jets‘ defensive tackle swap illustrates how injuries and salary cap issues force recalibrations even among established units.
With weeks until the first regular-season kickoff, these transactions will heavily influence depth charts, strategic plans, and expectations. Analysts and fans alike will watch closely to see which gambles pay off – an unpredictable, frenetic period emblematic of the NFL‘s chaotic pre-season period.