NFL Draft Weekend Trade Candidates: Veterans Who Could Be on the Move

While the draft is primarily focused on acquiring new talent and maneuvering the board with pick-for-pick trades, it’s also a period where active players are often on the move. Some teams look to get younger and cheaper, while others go all-in and trade picks to acquire veteran help. Sometimes, players request trades after seeing who their team selects, like in 2023 when D’Andre Swift asked for a trade after the Lions took Jahmyr Gibbs 12th overall. Here’s a breakdown of players who could find themselves in new uniforms by the end of draft weekend.

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Players That Could Be Moved During the NFL Draft 

Atlanta Falcons

QB Kirk Cousins
After returning from an Achilles tear in 2023, Cousins didn’t look like the same quarterback. His on-field performance and stats suffered,he was tied for the most interceptions in 2024, and he was eventually benched for first-rounder Michael Penix Jr. The selection of Penix already created a rocky foundation, and now a split seems inevitable. However, Cousins has a no-trade clause and wants to start, while the Falcons are looking to get something of value back. A trade designated post-June 1 would also incur a $12.5 million cap hit for Atlanta, making the situation even more complicated.

RB Tyler Allgeier
Allgeier, in the final year of his rookie deal, quietly had a productive 2024 season, averaging 4.7 yards per carry. While this draft class is deep at running back, a team that misses out early might turn to a proven, cost-effective option like Allgeier. Though more likely to be moved at the trade deadline, a draft day deal shouldn’t be ruled out.

Baltimore Ravens

TE Mark Andrews

 Entering the final year of his contract, Mark Andrews bounced back from a slow start to post 673 yards and 11 touchdowns. Despite his production, the Ravens may look to the future and opt for a younger, cheaper alternative in Isaiah Likely. Andrews’ age and contract could lead Baltimore to explore trade options.

Buffalo Bills

RB James Cook
James Cook reportedly wants $15 million annually on a new deal, something the Bills have been unwilling to offer. Although both sides attempted to negotiate this offseason, no progress was made. With a deal looking unlikely, the Bills could opt to draft a running back early and pair him with Ray Davis, their 2023 fourth-round pick who averaged just under 4 yards per carry as a rookie. This would allow them to deal Cook while his value is still high.

Cincinnati Bengals

DE Trey Hendrickson
After securing new deals for Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, it seemed like Hendrickson might be next. However, talks have reportedly gone quiet. Hendrickson, who led the league in sacks, wants to be paid like a top edge rusher, while the Bengals are wary due to his age. If edge-needy teams strike out in the draft, Hendrickson could become a top trade target.

Cleveland Browns

CBs Greg Newsome & Martin Emerson
Both corners are entering the final year of their deals and underperformed in 2024 compared to previous seasons. The Browns hold the second overall pick, and there’s buzz about them selecting elite athlete Travis Hunter. GM Andrew Berry has said they view Hunter as a wide receiver first, but if they choose to play him at corner, one of Newsome or Emerson could be moved.

Dallas Cowboys

S Donovan Wilson
Wilson, also in a contract year, hasn’t lived up to the expectations set when he signed his deal. With Dallas already dealing with multiple roster holes, moving Wilson might feel like addition by subtraction. The Cowboys recently extended LB/S hybrid Markquese Bell, who could step into Wilson’s role.

Denver Broncos

TE Adam Trautman
Trautman is another player in the last year of his contract. The Broncos signed Evan Engram in free agency and reportedly have strong interest in LSU’s Mason Taylor, who has ties to new staff member Brian Niedermeyer. If Denver selects a TE in the draft, Trautman’s days in orange and blue could be numbered.

Green Bay Packers

CB Jaire Alexander
When healthy, Alexander remains one of the league’s best corners, but staying on the field has been a major problem. He’s only played seven games in each of the last two seasons. Teams that miss on top corners in the draft could take a chance on Alexander if they believe he can stay healthy.

Jacksonville Jaguars

RB Travis Etienne
After a disappointing 2024 season where he was largely outplayed by Tank Bigsby, Etienne could be on the move. He’s in the final year of his deal and sharing the backfield already. If the Jaguars want to save cap and focus elsewhere, they might deal Etienne.

Las Vegas Raiders

QB Aidan O’Connell
Coming off a solid 2024, O’Connell could be a strong option for a team in need of a backup or bridge quarterback. Rumors suggest the Raiders have been shopping him for a Day 3 pick. If a team misses on its preferred QB in the draft, O’Connell could be a fallback option.

Los Angeles Rams

TE Tyler Higbee
With both Higbee and Colby Parkinson carrying nearly $10 million cap hits, it may not make financial sense to keep both. Higbee, who’s coming off an injury and entering the final year of his deal, could be the odd man out if the Rams want to get younger or add another TE in the draft.

Miami Dolphins

CB Jalen Ramsey
Reports surfaced last week that Ramsey and the Dolphins have agreed to seek a trade. Despite his age and contract, Ramsey can still contribute at a high level, especially for a team in win-now mode. Interested teams may wait to see how the draft plays out before pulling the trigger.

New Orleans Saints

QB Derek Carr
There are rumors that Carr is exaggerating or fabricating a shoulder injury due to dissatisfaction with the Saints’ reported interest in drafting a QB. Whether or not that’s true, Carr’s time in New Orleans may be winding down. With two years left on his contract and a new coaching staff in place, a split feels inevitable.

New York Giants

DE Kayvon Thibodeaux
The Giants must decide whether to pick up Thibodeaux’s fifth-year option. With the third overall pick, they’re in position to draft Penn State’s Abdul Carter, a potential blue-chip edge rusher. If they do, Thibodeaux could be relegated to a rotational role or moved for draft capital.

Philadelphia Eagles

TE Dallas Goedert
Goedert, entering the final year of his deal, is 29 and carries an $11 million cap hit. The Eagles, who’ve made tough decisions in the past due to cap constraints, may decide to part ways. Goedert still offers strong value for any team in need of a veteran tight end.

Pittsburgh Steelers

EDGE T.J. Watt
While the Steelers appear to be going all-in after trading for D.K. Metcalf, contract extension talks with Watt have been surprisingly quiet. He’s still an elite pass rusher, but age and price could make both sides hesitant. While unlikely, don’t rule out a surprise move if a team is willing to pay a premium.

Seattle Seahawks

RB Kenneth Walker
Walker is in the final year of his rookie deal and has dealt with multiple injuries. His efficiency has declined each year, but he’s still young and talented. If teams strike out on RBs in the draft, Walker could become an intriguing trade option.

Tennessee Titans

QB Will Levis
With the Titans expected to draft Cam Ward first overall, Levis becomes expendable. The team already signed veteran Brandon Allen to support Ward. Levis may prefer a situation where he has a shot to start or develop into a starter down the line.

Washington Commanders

RB Austin Ekeler
Ekeler is aging and in the last year of his deal. The Commanders reportedly want a back who can run and catch, and while Ekeler fits that mold, they might prefer a younger option. With Brian Robinson Jr. also hitting free agency in 2025, they may decide to keep the younger, more durable back.

Honorable Mentions 

• Arizona Cardinals: James Conner, RB
  
• Baltimore Ravens: David Ojabo, EDGE
  
• Cincinnati Bengals: Andrew Billings, DT
  
• Cleveland Browns: Jadeveon Clowney, EDGE
  
• Detroit Lions: Alex Anzalone, LB
  
• Detroit Lions: Amik Robertson, CB
  
• Denver Broncos: John Franklin-Myers, EDGE
  
• Houston Texans: Dameon Pierce, RB
  
• Jacksonville Jaguars: Chad Muma, LB
  
• Kansas City Chiefs: Joshua Williams, CB
  
• Kansas City Chiefs: Leo Chenal, LB
  
• Las Vegas Raiders: Michael Mayer, TE
  
• Minnesota Vikings: Harrison Phillips, DT
  
• New York Giants: Devin Singletary, RB
  
• New York Giants: Evan Neal, RT
  
• Philadelphia Eagles: Bryce Huff, EDGE