WR Garrett Wilson (Jets)
It’s anybody’s guess which direction the Jets will go in the offseason. With Aaron Glenn set to take over as head coach, the future of several players is up in the air. A name to note is 24-year-old receiver Garrett Wilson, who didn’t have the 2024 many expected. His numbers looked eerily similar to the ones he posted when Zach Wilson was still the team’s starter. Entering Year 4, a receiver-needy team could end up scooping up Wilson and using him as a focal point on a more friendly offense.
Potential suitors: Panthers, Rams, Steelers
QB Kirk Cousins (Falcons)
Cousins was benched in favor of rookie Michael Penix Jr. for the final three games of the regular season. Penix Jr. showed promise down the stretch and will be the team’s starter entering next season. That leaves Cousins in an intriguing position. The Falcons could make him the highest-paid backup in the league, or they could try and trade him to a team that is searching for a veteran quarterback. Cousins is coming off a down year, but that was to be expected coming off Achilles surgery. He should be better next year.
Potential suitors: Steelers, Raiders, Jets
WR DK Metcalf (Seahawks)
We could see some turnover in Seattle this offseason. The team has failed to make the playoffs two years in a row despite finishing with a winning record in both seasons. HC Mike Macdonald and new OC Klint Kubiak will want more players that fit their respective systems. That could potentially lead to certain veterans being phased out. Two-time Pro Bowler DK Metcalf saw his role shrink in favor of rising star Jaxon Smith-Njigba. A free agent after 2025, Metcalf may want to play out his contract year on a team where he can be the No. 1 WR again.
Potential suitors: Patriots, Chargers, Raiders
WR Deebo Samuel (49ers)
Deebo Samuel is an interesting case. He’s coming off his worst season. He’s been banged up in three of the last four years. As a true receiver, Samuel isn’t an exceptional separator. You have to be creative to utilize him to his full potential. That being said, Samuel is a legitimate playmaker who can single-handedly change games. If the 49ers are ready to move on, a handful of teams will surely be intrigued about acquiring the unique wideout. Teams desperate at WR shouldn’t look at Samuel as a potential savior. He would be best served to join a squad with elite downfield threats. That would allow Samuel to carve teams in the short-to-intermediate range.
Potential suitors: Commanders, Eagles, Saints
QB Derek Carr (Saints)
The Saints are the last team without a head coach, making it almost impossible to gauge their offseason outlook. QB Derek Carr is under contract for the next two years and could be one of the top quarterback options available this summer. Carr hasn’t been able to lead the Saints to the playoffs, but he put up solid numbers last year when the team was still healthy. He won’t have the most robust trade market given his contract. However, this QB draft class is poor and teams could be more interested in plugging a veteran for one season and holding out until 2026 to draft their franchise signal caller. If the Saints decide to move on, he’ll have several suitors ready to give him a starting job.
Potential suitors: Giants, Jets, Colts
DE Trey Hendrickson (Bengals)
The Browns and Raiders have each made it a point this offseason to state that Myles Garrett and Maxx Crosby won’t be traded. That leaves Cincinnati’s Trey Hendrickson as the best edge rusher who could be potentially available via trade. His trade request last offseason was left unfulfilled by the Bengals front office. He’s entering a contract year and the Bengals aren’t a team overflowing with available funds — especially if they bring back Tee Higgins. Hendrickson is coming off back-to-back 17.5-sack seasons and is one of the most productive pass rushers in the league. He could be a potential game-changer for a new team.
Potential suitors: Bears, Falcons, Lions, Bills, and pretty much every other team in the NFL
