More NFL trades expected before Week 1 after Myles Garrett, A.J. Brown moves

Several NFL star players are expected to be traded before the regular season, following recent high-profile transactions and historical summer trade patterns.

Mehmet Şahinoğlu ·

More NFL trades expected before Week 1 after Myles Garrett, A.J. Brown moves

More NFL player movement is being discussed ahead of the new season after headline trades sent Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams and A.J. Brown to the New England Patriots earlier this week.

Those deals reinforced that teams remain active late in the offseason and could spark additional transactions before Week 1. Recent summers have also featured significant moves, including reported swaps involving Jalen Ramsey and Minkah Fitzpatrick in July and Micah Parsons in August last year.

With less than 100 days to kickoff, several established stars are drawing interest around the league.

Wide receivers Brandon Aiyuk and George Pickens continue to dominate trade chatter. Aiyuk’s situation remains unresolved following his lengthy injury absence and San Francisco’s decision to void his guaranteed money for 2026, which has affected his market.

Multiple teams are monitoring his status, and the Washington Commanders have been linked due to Aiyuk’s past connection with quarterback Jayden Daniels. For Pickens, Dallas has signaled he will play under the franchise tag, a stance that could invite offers if the Cowboys prefer clarity over a drawn-out contract saga.

Beyond the receiver market, several high-profile names could be in play due to cap considerations, scheme fit, and shifting team timelines. The New Orleans Saints could realize notable savings by moving Alvin Kamara, a franchise cornerstone who remains productive but sits within a roster trending younger. Potential suitors mentioned around the league include the Denver Broncos and Seattle Seahawks if New Orleans opts to deal the five-time Pro Bowler.

Arizona Cardinals edge rusher Josh Sweat is another name to watch after delivering a career-best season. In his first year with Arizona, Sweat posted 12.0 sacks, four forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and 13 tackles for loss, validating the major contract he signed last offseason.

His prior relationship with Jonathan Gannon — who coordinated Sweat’s defense in Philadelphia before moving on and is now in Green Bay — has fueled talk that the Packers could emerge as a serious bidder if Arizona entertains offers.

Las Vegas Raiders star Maxx Crosby also remains a high-value trade candidate. Reports indicated he was nearly moved to the Baltimore Ravens for two first-round picks, underscoring the premium he would command. Should the Raiders revisit talks, teams with pass-rush needs such as the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles are frequently cited as logical destinations, though any deal would require significant draft capital.

Receiver market: Aiyuk’s status and Pickens’ tag

Aiyuk has not played since suffering a major knee injury in Week 7 of the 2024 season, and the combination of health questions and contract mechanics has complicated a clean resolution in San Francisco. Interest persists — and a trade remains plausible — but an acquiring team would need comfort on both medicals and price. In Washington’s case, the prospect of reuniting Aiyuk with his former college teammate Jayden Daniels is viewed as a potential fit if the value aligns.

Pickens, meanwhile, brings top-end production and volatility. Dallas’ decision to keep him on the tag preserves leverage but could extend distractions if extension talks stall. Executives around the league generally believe Dallas would draw multiple offers for a receiver of Pickens’ caliber should it decide to listen, balancing immediate help against draft assets.

Backfield and pass rush: Kamara, Sweat and Crosby

Cam flexibility is central to the Kamara discussion. Moving the veteran back could free substantial space for New Orleans while delivering a contender a multipurpose weapon. Denver and Seattle fit the profile of teams that might explore a deal if the price point and timing work before final roster cuts.

For Sweat, scheme continuity and familiarity are themes. His production spike in Arizona enhances his value, and the Green Bay link via Gannon’s past work with him keeps speculation alive. Any inquiry would need to match Arizona’s valuation of a premier edge talent under contract.

Crosby’s case sits at the top of the market. Prior interest reportedly reached the two–first-round-pick threshold, a level that narrows the field to true contenders with draft flexibility. If Las Vegas opens the door, expect a bidding environment built around premium picks and immediate roster impact.

With camps approaching, front offices are weighing health, cap space and 2025 outlooks. Names may continue to surface, but any late-summer trade will hinge on medical clarity, price, and a team’s appetite to contend now versus stockpiling future assets.

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