20 NFL Players Who Should Demand A Trade This Offseason

7 min read Post on Apr 30, 2025

20 NFL Players Who Should Demand A Trade This Offseason

Quarterbacks Needing a Change of Scenery

Several quarterbacks find themselves in situations ripe for a change. The "QB carousel" is always spinning, and this year looks to be no exception. These signal-callers could significantly benefit from a fresh start, boosting their careers and potentially leading their new teams to greater success.

Lamar Jackson (Baltimore Ravens): Jackson's contract situation has dominated headlines. With uncertainty surrounding his future in Baltimore, a trade might be the best solution for both parties. A team with a stronger offensive line and a proven receiving corps could unlock Jackson's full potential. Potential landing spots include the Atlanta Falcons or the Carolina Panthers.
- Reasons for a trade: Contract stalemate, questionable offensive line protection, inconsistent receiving talent.
- Potential landing spots: Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers.
- Impact on career: A new environment could boost his passing stats and solidify his legacy as an elite quarterback.
Baker Mayfield (Los Angeles Rams): After a tumultuous stint with the Cleveland Browns and a brief, unsuccessful stop in Carolina, Mayfield needs a fresh start. His time in LA showed flashes of his potential, but the overall situation wasn't ideal. A change of scenery could revitalize his career.
- Reasons for a trade: Limited playing time, inconsistent performance, needs a system that suits his strengths.
- Potential landing spots: Teams looking for a backup quarterback with starting potential.
- Impact on his career: A chance to rebuild his reputation and find success.
Derek Carr (New Orleans Saints): After the Saints decided not to go with Carr, he's a solid option for a team seeking a seasoned veteran. The right fit could unlock his potential.
- Reasons for a trade: Didn’t fit the Saints' style.
- Potential landing spots: Teams needing a reliable, veteran QB
- Impact on career: A chance to contribute to a team that values his experience.

Running Backs Seeking Increased Opportunity

The NFL's running back landscape is incredibly competitive. Some talented runners find themselves stuck in timeshares or facing limited carries, hindering their overall production. These players could flourish with a bigger role elsewhere. The keywords "RB trade" and "running back depth chart" are frequently associated with this dynamic. "Fantasy football" enthusiasts also closely follow this position.

Saquon Barkley (New York Giants): Despite his impressive talent, Barkley hasn't always had consistent opportunities to showcase it.
- Reasons for a trade: Contract negotiations, uncertainty about his long-term future with the team.
- Teams that could use his skillset: Any team needing a top-tier running back.
- Projected stats in a new environment: Increased rushing yards, touchdowns, and overall fantasy value.
Josh Jacobs (Las Vegas Raiders): Jacobs' success often goes unnoticed. His talent deserves more recognition and consistent playing time.
- Reasons for a trade: Contract disputes, lack of overall team success, needs to be on a winning team.
- Teams that could use his skillset: Teams looking for a powerful running back.
- Projected stats in a new environment: High rushing yards and touchdowns, along with potential receiving yardage increases.
David Montgomery (Chicago Bears): Montgomery is a talented back who didn't always get to show his full potential in Chicago.
- Reasons for a trade: Free agency, limited opportunities in a changing system.
- Teams that could use his skillset: Teams looking for a dependable, versatile back.
- Projected stats in a new environment: A chance to be a primary back and show consistent production.

Wide Receivers Seeking a Better Offensive System

Several wide receivers find themselves on teams lacking a consistently strong quarterback or a well-defined offensive system. The keywords "WR trade" and "offensive production" are key here. "Fantasy football" values high-scoring wide receivers, so these trades could have significant implications.

Deebo Samuel (San Francisco 49ers): Samuel's versatility is undeniable, but his role and usage haven't always been consistent.
- Reasons for a trade: Contract concerns, potential for a more prominent role in a different offensive scheme.
- Teams with strong QBs and offensive schemes: Teams with strong passing attacks and quarterbacks capable of maximizing his talents.
- Potential for increased production: Significantly higher receiving yards, touchdowns, and all-around offensive impact.
DK Metcalf (Seattle Seahawks): While a talented receiver, Metcalf could use a change in quarterback.
- Reasons for a trade: Inconsistent quarterback play affecting production.
- Teams with strong QBs and offensive schemes: High-powered offenses with elite quarterbacks.
- Potential for increased production: A chance to significantly improve his receiving statistics.
Michael Thomas (New Orleans Saints): Thomas' injuries have hindered his recent performances, but if healthy, he could still be a force in the right system.
- Reasons for a trade: Injury history, team rebuilding, the desire for a fresh start.
- Teams with strong QBs and offensive schemes: A team with a reliable quarterback and a scheme that can lessen the physical burden on him.
- Potential for increased production: A chance to prove he can still be an elite receiver when healthy.

Defensive Players Deserving of More Playing Time

Defensive players, regardless of position, often get overlooked. Those buried on the depth chart or in unsuitable schemes can drastically improve their production with a trade. Keywords such as "defensive trade," "pass rusher," "cornerback," and "linebacker" come into play here. The term "defensive scheme" also plays a crucial role.

Shaquille Leonard (Indianapolis Colts): Leonard's injury concerns haven't stopped him from being an elite linebacker when healthy. A change could revitalize his game.
- Reasons for a trade: Injury concerns, team changes.
- Teams needing his specific skillset: Teams with a 4-3 defense needing elite linebacker talent.
- Predicted improvement in a new team: A chance to focus on his health and play at the high level that he's used to.
Byron Jones (Miami Dolphins): Jones hasn't been able to make as big of an impact as some expected. A change of scenery may be what he needs.
- Reasons for a trade: Injury history, contract status, inconsistent performance.
- Teams needing his specific skillset: Teams looking for a corner that can lock down receivers.
- Predicted improvement in a new team: A chance to show consistency in his game.
Jessie Bates III (Cincinnati Bengals): Bates III is a talented safety, but his situation in Cincinnati might not be the best for him.
- Reasons for a trade: Contract disputes, potential for a better system and playing time.
- Teams needing his specific skillset: Teams needing an aggressive, ball-hawking safety.
- Predicted improvement in a new team: Improved interceptions, tackles and overall impact.

Factors Influencing Trade Demands

Several factors influence a player's decision to demand a trade. These considerations transcend positional roles and impact the overall NFL trade landscape.

Contract situations: Expiring contracts, seeking a significant raise, or dissatisfaction with existing contract terms are major motivators.
Playing time and opportunities: Lack of playing time, being stuck on the depth chart, or limited opportunities to showcase talent can lead to frustration.
Team performance and playoff potential: A consistent lack of team success and minimal playoff contention can drive players to seek a more competitive environment.
Coaching conflicts and team dynamics: Disagreements with coaching staff, poor team chemistry, or a lack of trust in the organization's direction can lead players to seek a fresh start.
Personal reasons: Location preferences, family considerations, or a desire to be closer to loved ones can influence a player's decision to seek a trade.

Making the Case for NFL Trades This Offseason

The players mentioned above represent a cross-section of talent seeking enhanced opportunities and a better fit. Their potential trades could significantly impact their individual careers and reshape team dynamics across the league. The upcoming NFL offseason is brimming with excitement and uncertainty, and these potential "NFL trade" scenarios will undoubtedly add to the drama. These potential "offseason moves" have the power to redefine the landscape of the NFL, creating intriguing "player demands" and impacting "free agency" significantly. Who else should demand a trade this offseason? Let us know in the comments! #NFLTrades #NFLOffseason #PlayerDemands