Technically, the 2025 NFL free agent market doesn’t begin until March 10, when all 32 teams can begin negotiations with agents of players whose contracts are expiring. Even then, signings won’t be completed until March 12th. However, teams can already negotiate deals for players and draft picks.
Trades also won’t be official until March 12 at 4 p.m. ET, but that doesn’t mean the parameters of a potential deal can’t be discussed. In fact, some of the most notable recent trades occurred before the free agent market officially began, such as Matthew Stafford’s move from the Detroit Lions to the Los Angeles Rams in 2021, when L.A. reached an unofficial agreement in late January.
With that in mind, which big names could be the subject of trade talks before the free agent market opens? Some of these veterans are already looking to find new owners, while others are unlikely to be traded, but they are all expected to generate some level of interest in the coming weeks:
The Los Angeles Rams won the Super Bowl in 2021 after adding Stafford’s big arm to their All-Star roster, but now they’re focusing on a younger core of players, and Stafford is reportedly looking for a raise at age 37. The upshot: Los Angeles has reportedly allowed Stafford’s agent to discuss potential contracts with other teams. That’s no guarantee that Stafford will play elsewhere, but if the Rams really aren’t willing to pay more money for a talented but aging signal-caller, they’ll certainly listen to any premium offers.
Pickett was replaced by the Pittsburgh Steelers last offseason during the team’s quarterback overhaul, so he’s not exactly a prospect as a starter. Still, at just 26 years old, with 25 career starts and fresh off a season of learning as the No. 2 player on the Super Bowl-winning Philadelphia Eagles, Pickett could be an attractive low-risk, high-reward option for a rebuilding team. Consider the New Orleans Saints, who just hired former Eagles coordinator Kellen Moore. Philadelphia also has young Tanner McGee as a backup.
The oversized No. 1 wide receiver may no longer be Seattle’s No. 1 wide receiver, with young Jackson Smith-Njiba set to be the Seahawks’ top receiver in 2024. That doesn’t mean Seattle will be in a hurry to dispense with Metcalf, as the other starter, Tyler Lockett, is 33 years old. But Metcalfe’s price tag is also high, set to exceed $30 million by 2025, and he’s under contract for just one more season. The potential benefit of auctioning him off now? Take back resources and allocate them to other areas of need, like the offensive line.
The matter has essentially already begun, with the San Francisco 49ers reportedly allowing the former All-Star to explore other opportunities. It’s not that Samuel isn’t a good fit for Kyle Shanahan; at full speed, he’s still a versatile fireworks display. The issues are his availability and mixed health, as well as the fact that his contract is set to expire after 2025. While Brandon Ayuk is also recovering from injury, trading Samuel to another team would also make the 49ers more reliant on 2024 rookie Ricky Pearsall.
His name doesn’t carry as much weight as wide receivers like Metcalf and Samuel, but Kirk has quietly been one of the better possession targets in the NFL when healthy. Unfortunately, he just finished two straight injury-riddled seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars, who now have another reason to move on thanks to star rookie Brian Thomas II. With a salary of over $24 million in the final year of his contract, he could be a low-priced candidate for another team in desperate need of an experienced safety valve.
A joke in Atlanta due to his relative lack of use since making his 1,000-yard debut in 2021, the former first-round pick is exactly the kind of cornerstone the Falcons should keep and maximize, considering Pitts is only 24 years old and possesses the skills of a wide receiver. But if they don’t have a long-term major plan for the tight end, now is the time to gather offers before the 2025 contract season. Imagine a contender like the Eagles upgrading the position by pursuing his potential.
The Cleveland Browns have insisted they have no intention of trading Garrett, but when a generational talent goes public with a strong desire for a fresh start, then it’s only a matter of time before the dam breaks. Of course, as long as Garrett is telling the truth, he’s prioritizing a Super Bowl bid over a lucrative new contract from the Browns. Either way, teams will be knocking on Cleveland’s door for a shot at one of the game’s most threatening edge rushers.