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NFL trade candidates: Micah Parsons, Adam Thielen among most notable names that could be moved

The NFL season is approaching full bloom. The league’s trade carousel has taken on a similar disposition.

Trades have come thick and fast in recent weeks. The Commanders shipped RB Brian Robinson Jr. to the 49ers while QB Sam Howell swapped the Seahawks’ strips for Eagles ones as the final week of preseason came to a close.

Those moves are just the start. Franchises far and wide are expected to field offers for want-away talent. Some of the players bandied about in trade talks are among the league’s best players at their respective positions. Others are believed to be capable of producing steady contributions for playoff hopefuls.

Trades are expected to flood the NFL ecosystem to star the year. Who are some of the likeliest players to mbe moved? Here’s what you need to know.

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NFL trade candidates 2025

Micah Parsons, Cowboys

Parsons knows few peers when it comes to pass-rushing. He has 52.5 sacks since he was drafted in 2021, the fifth-best mark in football. A two-time first-team All-Pro selection, Parsons, 26, is expected to land the biggest contract ever for a non-QB.

Who will offer him that deal, though? Parsons and Dallas have seen negotiations stall during training camp and preseason. With the Cowboys unwilling to speak with Parsons’ agent, it’s looking increasingly likely that Parsons could be playing new colors before long. He’d have a treasure trove of suitors to choose from if he was made available.

Best fits: Chargers, Seahawks, Commanders, Bears, Colts, Panthers

Trey Hendrickson

Trey Hendrickson, Bengals

UPDATE: Hendrickson signed a one-year, $30 million extension with the Bengals on Aug. 25.)

Hendrickson’s name has floated around in trade talks for the better part of a year. A four-time Pro Bowler, Hendrickson landed his first All-Pro appearance in 2024 after tallying a league-best 17.5 sacks.

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Hendrickson’s age is a bit more prohibitive compared to Parsons. But the 30-year old has plenty of quills in his quiver. He has 35 sacks since the start of the 2023 season, 4.5 more than any other player. Hendrickson would fetch Cincinnati an impressive return if he were to move. The Bengals played the long-game with Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, though. Would they be willing to do the same to keep Hendrickson in The Queen City?

Best fits: Bears, Packers, Commanders, Cardinals, Colts

Adam Thielen, Panthers

While not a stalwart by any means, Thielen has proven a steady commodity throughout his 11-year career. The Panthers pass-catcher is in the twilight of his career. But he remains a threat in the pass game, reeling in 48 passes for 615 yards and five touchdowns in 10 games in 2024. He shouldn’t cost too much for a team to acquire — Carolina has incentive to trade with Xavier Legette and Tetairoa McMillan slated to take the reins of the WR room.

With 700-yard seasons in seven of his last eight campaigns, Thielen could lend support to a team in need of a WR2/WR3.

Best fits: Vikings, Patriots, Bills, Falcons

Romeo Doubs, Packers

Doubs looks the odd man out in Green Bay, with first-round pick Matthew Golden expected to take the mantle at WR1. Doubs, Jayden Reed and Dontayvion Wicks were fairly unremarkable in 2024, failing to assert themeless after Christian Watson went down with an ACL tear.

MORE: Jaxson Dart, Isaac TeSlaa, Andrew Mukuba among biggest preseason standouts in 2025

At his best, Doubs is a solid pass-catcher with impressive speed. But he has been plagued by inconsistency in recent years, sporting a 9% drop rate in two of his last three seasons. His spotty injury record also leaves something to be desired. With one year left on his deal, Doubs seems the likeliest candidate to be dealt elsewhere.

Best fits: Jets, Steelers, Chiefs

Kenny Pickett, Browns

The Browns have an embarrassment of options under center. It’s unclear whether any of them are capable of anchoring a quality side. Pickett will return to the free agency market in 2026. His expiring deal appears to make him a likelier candidate to be dealt than Gabriel and Sanders. What you see is what you get with Pickett. But his experience as a starter with the Steelers could fetch him some interest elsewhere.

Best fits: Cowboys, Dolphins, 49ers

© Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Kirk Cousins, Falcons

Atlanta was expected to cut Cousins shortly after he was demoted in favor of then-rookie Michael Penix Jr. last season. Instead, he watched along on the sidelines as the Falcons made a late push for postseason qualification. Cousins has looked far less effective since returning from his 2023 Achilles tendon tear. Perhaps his reputation as a consistent passer makes him worth a flyer for QB-needy teams. He wouldn’t cost all that much to acquire.

Best fits: Titans, Steelers

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