Big moves that could still happen in the NFL before the 2025 season

The beginning of the 2025 NFL season is still several months away and this year’s draft is done and dusted. But that doesn’t mean that major moves will stop in the meantime, with teams around the league still scrambling to add crucial pieces to their rosters via free agency or trades.

Just this week, the Dallas Cowboys sent third- and fifth-round draft picks to the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for star wide receiver George Pickens, adding serious quality to a pass-catching department that already included All-Pro wideout CeeDee Lamb.

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Here are three more potentially season-altering moves that could still happen before the 2025 campaign kicks off in September.

Aaron Rodgers

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A free agent since leaving the New York Jets at the end of last season, Aaron Rodgers’ future has been the subject of intense speculation for months.

The 41-year-old superstar signal caller endured a tumultuous two years in the Big Apple following a move from the Green Bay Packers, suffering a torn Achilles in his first game in green and white in 2023, then returning from injury to win just five games last season.

But the four-time NFL MVP still has suitors around the league. The New York Giants were initially keen, but rather than wait for the enigmatic quarterback to make up his mind, they went out and signed another former Super Bowl winner, Russell Wilson, to be their starter under centre instead.

The Minnesota Vikings have also been linked with a swoop for Rodgers, but as things stand it appears the veteran pass master is mulling two options: sign for the Pittsburgh Steelers or retire.

Kirk Cousins

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A potential fallback option for the Steelers if Rodgers decides to hang up his cleats is another ageing quarterback with an Achilles rupture in his recent past, Kirk Cousins.

Cousins left the Vikings last year to sign a bumper deal with the Atlanta Falcons in free agency. But when he was dropped mid-season and replaced by the rookie Michael Penix, the 36-year-old’s time in Georgia appeared as good as over.

It is somewhat surprising that Cousins is still a Falcon, but the expectation remains that Atlanta will broker a trade at some point in the offseason. A switch to Pittsburgh or a return to Minnesota have been mooted.

Tyreek Hill

(Getty Images)

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill appeared to express a desire to be traded at the end of last season.

"This is my first time I haven't been in the playoffs," Hill told reporters after failing to reach 1,000 receiving yards in a season for just third time in his nine-year career. "I just gotta do what's best for me and my family. If that's here or wherever the case may be, I'm finna open that door for myself. I'm opening the door. I'm out, bro.”

Dolphins general manager Chris Grier later said that Hill never explicitly declared a desire to be traded, and the player himself has since backtracked on his statement, claiming he was simply frustrated in the moment after a disappointing season.

But if a worthy offer is made for Hill’s services, Miami would surely consider moving on from the outspoken 31-year-old. The Kansas City Chiefs – with whom Hill won a Super Bowl before being traded to the Dolphins in 2022 – are one team linked with an interest in the rapid receiver. The Steelers are also rumoured potential suitors in the wake of Pickens’ departure.

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