NFL Rumor Mill: Who’s Next on the Trade Block After Ramsey-Fitzpatrick Deal?

By Jason Bolton July 01, 2025 04:14

The NFL offseason has already been a whirlwind of blockbuster trades, with the recent Minkah Fitzpatrick-Jalen Ramsey swap between the Dolphins and Steelers setting the tone for what could be a frenetic summer of player movement. As teams recalibrate their rosters, the question on everyone’s mind is: Who’s next on the trade block?

Quarterbacks Leading the Rumor Mill

The quarterback carousel is always the hottest topic in trade speculation, and this year is no different. Kirk Cousins, despite signing a massive four-year, $180 million contract with the Atlanta Falcons last offseason, is reportedly available. After being benched last season and with rookie Michael Penn poised to start, Atlanta stands to save $27.5 million in cap space by trading Cousins post-June 1, making a deal more feasible. According to NFL analyst reports, teams looking for a veteran presence might consider Cousins a valuable addition despite his hefty contract.

Other QBs generating buzz include Will Levis and Sam Howell, both young signal-callers who might be moved as teams seek to optimize their depth charts ahead of the 2025 season. The demand for quarterbacks remains high, and any team looking for a bridge or developmental option could be active in trade talks.

Skill Position Players in Flux

Trade rumors also swirl around several skill position players. Tyreek Hill, the Miami Dolphins wide receiver, remains a wild card. After his controversial Week 17 exit and ongoing personal issues, Hill has hinted at openness to a trade. Miami’s front office is reportedly considering moving on to avoid distractions, which could make Hill one of the most impactful trade candidates this offseason.

Wide receivers like George Pickens and Brandon Aiyuk are also on the radar. Pickens was traded to the Dallas Cowboys recently, but Aiyuk’s name continues to surface in trade discussions, especially with teams seeking to bolster their receiving corps. The Pittsburgh Steelers, having lost Pickens, are reportedly eyeing veteran receivers, which could influence trade dynamics around players like Allen Lazard, who has ties to new Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

Defensive Stars and Contract Questions

The defensive side is equally active. The Steelers’ acquisition of Ramsey has intensified speculation around T.J. Watt, their star edge rusher. Watt is holding out for a contract extension, and rumors suggest the Steelers might consider trading him if no deal is reached. Watt’s $21 million salary for 2025 and the evolving edge rusher market complicate negotiations. Teams in need of a pass rusher could be monitoring this situation closely.

Other defensive players rumored to be available include Trey Hendrickson and Ogbo Okoronkwo, edge rushers who could draw interest from playoff contenders looking to strengthen their pass rush.

Teams Likely to Be Aggressive Sellers

Several franchises are positioned to be sellers before the trade deadline. The Dallas Cowboys and Houston Texans, for example, might move veterans to accumulate draft capital or clear cap space. The Dolphins’ decision to trade Ramsey underscores that even star players are not immune if the fit isn’t right.

What’s Next?

With the 2025 NFL Draft approaching, trade activity is expected to accelerate. General managers will balance the desire to improve immediately with the need to build for the future. As Chris Grier, Miami’s GM, put it regarding the Ramsey trade, “These decisions aren’t done quickly, and they’re not taken lightly... it’s about what’s best for the team moving forward”.

In this climate, players like Cousins, Hill, Watt, and others could be on the move, reshaping the league’s landscape. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the rumor mill churns, with every trade carrying the potential to alter playoff trajectories.

Key Players Rumored on the Trade Block:

QB Kirk Cousins: $180M contract, Falcons looking to trade post-June 1
WR Tyreek Hill: Controversial exit, Dolphins open to trade
DE T.J. Watt: Contract holdout, Steelers weighing options
WR Brandon Aiyuk: Trade rumors amid receiver market shakeup
RB Breece Hall: Jets’ potential trade candidate

As the NFL gears up for an eventful offseason, the trade market promises to be as dynamic as ever, with teams maneuvering to position themselves for success in 2025 and beyond.