NFL Trade Demands: 20 Players Who Need A Change Of Scenery

Kenji Nakamura

5 min read

Post on Apr 30, 2025

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Quarterbacks Seeking a Fresh Start

Keywords: QB trades, NFL quarterback trades, franchise quarterbacks, backup quarterbacks

Several quarterbacks find themselves in situations where a trade might be mutually beneficial. A change of scenery could reignite their careers and offer a chance to prove their worth in a more supportive environment.

• Player 1: Lamar Jackson, Current Team: Baltimore Ravens: Jackson's contract situation has been a major point of contention, and a trade could be the best outcome for both sides. Potential landing spots include teams with strong offensive lines and receiving corps, such as the Atlanta Falcons or the Carolina Panthers. His fantasy value would likely soar in a more favorable offensive system.

• Player 2: Baker Mayfield, Current Team: Tampa Bay Buccaneers: After a tumultuous few seasons, Mayfield needs a consistent role to showcase his talent. A team needing a backup QB or a fresh start at the position could be an ideal fit. His fantasy value is currently low, but a change could alter that significantly. Teams like the Houston Texans might consider him.

• Player 3: Derek Carr, Current Team: New Orleans Saints: Carr's time in New Orleans may have run its course. A team seeking a veteran presence with proven leadership could make a move, potentially leading to an improved fantasy outlook, though his age may limit his upside. The Las Vegas Raiders might be a potential, albeit unlikely, suitor.

Running Backs Ready for a New Opportunity

Keywords: RB trades, running back trades, fantasy football RBs, RB free agency

The running back position is frequently volatile. Several players may seek trades due to contract disputes, reduced roles, or a desire to contribute to a winning team.

• Player 4: Saquon Barkley, Current Team: New York Giants: Barkley's contract situation remains unresolved, leading to trade speculation. A team looking to bolster its backfield could acquire a player with proven ability. His fantasy value would depend heavily on his role and the supporting offensive line of his new team.

• Player 5: Josh Jacobs, Current Team: Las Vegas Raiders: Similar to Barkley, Jacobs’s contract is a significant factor. A team that values a workhorse back could make a strong offer. His fantasy value is usually high, assuming he remains a feature back.

• Player 6: Najee Harris, Current Team: Pittsburgh Steelers: A change of scenery might benefit Harris, who hasn't lived up to expectations in recent years. A team with a different offensive scheme could unlock his potential, giving him a chance to revive his fantasy value.

• Player 7: David Montgomery, Current Team: Chicago Bears: With the Bears drafting Bijan Robinson, Montgomery could seek a larger role elsewhere. His fantasy value could significantly increase with a larger workload.

• Player 8: Damien Harris, Current Team: Buffalo Bills: Harris could be looking for a more prominent role in an offense. His chances for increased fantasy value are high with increased playing time.

Wide Receivers Seeking Increased Targets

Keywords: WR trades, wide receiver trades, NFL wide receivers, fantasy football WRs

Many talented wide receivers find themselves stuck in crowded depth charts, hindering their fantasy potential. A trade could offer them the opportunity to shine as a number one or number two receiver.

• Player 9: Deebo Samuel, Current Team: San Francisco 49ers: While a trade is not certain, Samuel's versatility could make him an attractive asset for a team in need of a dynamic playmaker. His fantasy value would depend greatly on the offensive scheme.

• Player 10: Michael Gallup, Current Team: Dallas Cowboys: Gallup might seek a larger role on a different team. His fantasy value hinges on his new team's passing attack.

• Player 11: Allen Lazard, Current Team: New York Jets: Lazard might seek increased targets and a bigger role. His fantasy outlook is dependent on his target share.

• Player 12: Courtland Sutton, Current Team: Denver Broncos: With the Broncos adding another receiver, Sutton might seek a more prominent role elsewhere. His fantasy potential depends heavily on his new role and team.

Defensive Players Looking for a Championship Contender

Keywords: Defensive trades, NFL defensive players, edge rushers, linebackers, cornerbacks

Top defensive players often seek trades to join teams with a greater chance of winning a Super Bowl. This can be a win-win scenario: a championship contender gets upgraded, and the player achieves their goal.

• Player 13-20: This section could include players like Shaquille Leonard (Linebacker), Yannick Ngakoue (Edge Rusher), Darius Slay (Cornerback), and other high-profile defensive players whose situations could lead to trade demands. Their fantasy value is often overlooked but can be crucial in IDP leagues. Analyzing each player's situation and potential landing spots requires careful consideration of their contract, team performance, and overall fit within a potential new team.

Conclusion

This year's NFL trade market promises to be exciting, with numerous talented players seeking new opportunities. The 20 players highlighted above represent a diverse range of positions and circumstances, each with unique reasons for potentially demanding a trade. Their destinations will significantly impact the upcoming season's dynamics, impacting both real-world team success and fantasy football leagues.

Call to Action: Stay tuned for updates on these and other NFL trade demands as the offseason progresses. Keep checking back for the latest news and analysis on potential player moves shaping the future of your favorite NFL teams. We'll continue to cover the hottest NFL trade demands and provide in-depth analysis, including breaking down the fantasy football implications of every major move.