Matt Johnson
NFL training camp has delivered plenty of drama this summer, with Pro Bowl wide receiver Terry McLaurin and All-Pro edge rusher Micah Parsons both requesting trades. In all likelihood, the sagas will end in contract extensions for the two stars, but there is always the possibility of a few NFL trades this summer.
Similarly, Defensive Player of the Year candidate Trey Hendrickson is staging a hold-in with the Cincinnati Bengals and drawing significant trade interest. While a blockbuster deal involving any of these players is unlikely, it is always a fun exercise to highlight some NFL trades we would love to see this month.
Terry McLaurin traded to the Buffalo Bills
The Washington Commanders should work things out with Terry McLaurin. For one thing, he is the top target for quarterback Jayden Daniels, and the depth at receiver behind him is concerning. In addition, McLaurin has endured years of poor quarterback play and questionable organizational decisions, so he has earned a new contract. However, there is a clear gap in negotiations, and that could at least open the door to trade talks.
- Buffalo Bills receive: Terry McLaurin
- Washington Commanders receive: A.J. Epenesa, 2026 third-round pick
In a deal like this, the Buffalo Bills would land a true No. 1 wide receiver. McLaurin has proven to be as reliable as they come, and there is no reason to expect he will decline over the next three years. Acquiring him pushes Keon Coleman into the No. 2 role, which better suits him right now. In addition to the 2026 third-round pick, Washington also adds pass-rushing help with the 26-year-old A.J. Epenesa.
Related: Buffalo Bills Schedule Predictions, Game by Game Bills Predictions 2025
Kenny Pickett dealt to the Tennessee Titans
In all likelihood, the Cleveland Browns are not going to keep all four of their quarterbacks on the roster by the start of September. Trading either Dillon Gabriel or Shedeur Sanders does not make much sense so soon after both were drafted, and Joe Flacco is familiar with Kevin Stefanski’s system. That makes Kenny Pickett the likely odd man out in Cleveland.
- Cleveland Browns receive: 2027 fifth-round pick
- Tennessee Titans receive: Kenny Pickett
With Will Levis lost for the season, the Tennessee Titans could use a dependable veteran behind rookie Cam Ward. Pickett has experience as a former first-round quarterback and has familiarity with different systems after moving between teams. That makes him a valuable mentor and backup for Ward, especially given the injury risks involved in playing behind Tennessee’s offensive line.
Related: Worst NFL Rosters 2025, including the Titans and Browns
Houston Texans land Travis Etienne
Reporting from Jacksonville Jaguars training camp this summer makes it clear that Tank Bigsby will likely be the featured running back in 2025. Rookie Bhayshul Tuten, a fourth-round pick, could take on a change-of-pace role. Now could be the time for Jacksonville to move on from Travis Etienne and get something in return before he potentially leaves in free agency next offseason.
- Houston Texans receive: Travis Etienne
- Jacksonville Jaguars receive: John Metchie III, 2026 sixth-round pick
\With Joe Mixon sidelined all summer, none of the Houston Texans running backs have proven themselves reliable. An effective ground game is critical to easing pressure on both the Texans’ offensive line and quarterback C.J. Stroud. While Etienne may not be an elite starter, he is a viable option if Mixon misses significant time. In return, Jacksonville adds John Metchie III to its wide receiver group and picks up a Day 3 draft pick.
Related: Best NFL Running Backs 2025
Chicago Bears acquire Trey Hendrickson
The smart move for the Cincinnati Bengals would be to give Trey Hendrickson the guaranteed money he wants over multiple seasons to ensure a deal gets done. However, this is the same franchise that kept rookie Shemar Stewart off the practice field for months due to its refusal to budge on contract language. So, expecting reason to prevail isn’t necessarily the right expectation.
- Chicago Bears receive: Trey Hendrickson
- Cincinnati Bengals receive: Ryan Bates, 2026 second-round pick, 2027 fourth-round pick
The Bengals do not get the first-round pick they are looking for in this deal, but a likely top-50 selection in the 2026 NFL Draft and a future fourth-round pick represent quality compensation. The Bengals also add some offensive line depth, with Ryan Bates having experience as a starter. Meanwhile, the Chicago Bears add the edge rusher they need opposite Montez Sweat, and Hendrickson gets a three-year deal with guarantees in the first two seasons.
Related: NFL Defense Rankings 2025
New England Patriots pull off Micah Parsons trade
It would be stunning if the Dallas Cowboys do not work out a contract extension with Micah Parsons by the first week of September. That said, the All-Pro edge rusher has publicly stated for now that he never wants to play for Dallas again. If that remains the case, we can at least expect that Jerry Jones will not approve any trade to an NFC team, likely leaving only AFC clubs as potential trade partners.
- New England Patriots receive: Micah Parsons
- Dallas Cowboys receive: 2026 first-round pick, 2027 first-round pick, OG Cole Strange, WR Ja’Lynn Polk
Now that the New England Patriots have a franchise-caliber quarterback entering the second year of his rookie contract, they can afford to trade away future first-round picks. The Patriots already have a solid interior defensive line and secondary, but adding Parsons would elevate them to an elite defensive unit. Paying this price would depend on Parsons signing a contract extension, which the Patriots should be able to accommodate financially.
As for Dallas, the team has shown a willingness to take on reclamation projects involving former top picks such as Javonte Williams, Kenneth Murray Jr., Kaiir Elam, Jonathan Mingo, and Solomon Thomas. Former first-round pick Cole Strange would provide much-needed depth to a Cowboys offensive line decimated by injuries, and Ja’Lynn Polk, selected 37th overall just a year ago, adds promising receiving depth. Most importantly, Dallas would acquire two future first-round draft picks.
