Blockbuster NFL Trade Ideas That Could Shake Up Fantasy Football

The start of the 2025 NFL offseason is just around the corner. While free agency and the NFL Draft are the highlights of the offseason, the trade market can be the most exciting.

NFL teams have become more aggressive in making trades over the past few years. Fans have seen some massive blockbuster trades over the past few offseason, primarily involving the quarterback position.

While these nine hypothetical trades likely won’t happen this offseason, let’s look at some potential deals that could shake up the landscape of fantasy football.

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Matthew Stafford to the New York Giants

Reportedly, the Los Angeles Rams have given Stafford and his agent permission to speak to other teams, opening the door for a trade to get done. The veteran isn’t a fantasy superstar, ending last season as the QB19, averaging 13.4 fantasy points per game. However, he was without his two star wide receivers for multiple games because of injury.

Yet, Stafford had 20 passing touchdowns last year. While landing in New York won’t have much impact on his fantasy value, Stafford’s arrival would be massive for Malik Nabers. The superstar was the WR7, averaging 14.6 half-point PPR fantasy points per game despite having the worst quarterback unit in the NFL. Imagine how good he would be with Stafford under center.

MATTHEW STAFFORD TO Demarcus Robinson ONE-HANDED TD TO WIN THE GAME FOR THE @RAMSNFL! pic.twitter.com/xqFG6xQ4eS

— NFL (@NFL) November 4, 2024

James Cook to the Las Vegas Raiders

After limited touchdown production over his first two years in the league, Cook was a scoring machine in 2024. The star running back had four rushing touchdowns over his first 33 games in the NFL. By comparison, he led the league with 16 rushing touchdowns last season. Cook finished the year as the RB8, averaging 15.7 half-point PPR fantasy points per game.

However, his future with the Buffalo Bills is in question. Cook has publicly stated that he wants a contract extension worth $15 million a year this offseason. The Bills might not be willing or able to meet those demands. Yet, the Raiders could easily make it work. They have the second-most projected cap space this offseason and a massive at running back.

D'Andre Swift to the Washington Commanders

Many have speculated that the Chicago Bears could trade Swift this offseason. New head coach Ben Johnson was with the Detroit Lions when they traded the veteran running back to the Philadelphia Eagles after drafting Jahmyr Gibbs in 2022. Furthermore, the Bears would save $6.7 million in salary cap space by trading away Swift.

Last year, the veteran finished as the RB19, averaging 11.4 half-point PPR fantasy points per game. He had six rushing touchdowns despite playing behind one of the worst offensive lines in the NFL. Meanwhile, the Commanders will likely upgrade their running back unit after Austin Ekeler and Brian Robinson Jr. fell short of expectations.

D'ANDRE SWIFT. 39-YARD TOUCHDOWN,

📺: #GBvsCHI on FOX
📱: https://t.co/waVpO8ZBqG pic.twitter.com/PoA4J3uRFm

— NFL (@NFL) November 17, 2024

Travis Etienne Jr. to the Kansas City Chiefs

While the Jacksonville Jaguars haven’t said anything to suggest they would trade Etienne this offseason, the star running back is heading into the final year of his rookie contract in 2025. Unfortunately, the former Clemson star is coming off the worst season of his career, totaling only two rushing touchdowns.

The veteran ended the year as the RB36, averaging 7.4 half-point PPR fantasy points per game. Meanwhile, the Chiefs had to rely on Kareem Hunt last season, with Isiah Pacheco failing to stay healthy. Pairing Etienne with Pacheco would give Kansas City the best running back unit in the division.

Tyreek Hill to the Los Angeles Chargers

Hill stirred up trouble at the end of the season, talking about how his time with the Miami Dolphins is over. While the team and the superstar wide receiver worked out whatever problems might have been going on in the backfield, the Dolphins still could trade the veteran this offseason, especially if he wants a new contract.

Unfortunately, Hill had the worst year of his Miami career in 2024. He finished as the WR21, averaging 10.5 half-point PPR fantasy points per game, totaling six receiving touchdowns. Furthermore, Hill showed signs of decline last season. However, the Chargers could take a chance on the explosive playmaker, adding him to pair with Ladd McConkey.

Tua to Tyreek for SIX!

📺: #MIAvsLAR on ESPN/ABC
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus and ESPN+ pic.twitter.com/gh8w7KHL6B

— NFL (@NFL) November 12, 2024

Deebo Samuel Sr. to the Pittsburgh Steelers

San Francisco gave Samuel permission to seek a trade earlier this offseason, meaning his time with the team is likely over. The 49ers committed to Brandon Aiyuk last offseason and spent their first-round NFL Draft pick on Ricky Pearsall. Furthermore, Jauan Jennings stepped up as the team’s No. 1 wide receiver.

Last year, Samuel finished as the WR44, averaging 8.5 half-point PPR fantasy points per game. He had 806 scrimmage yards and four touchdowns in 2024, his lowest totals since his second season in the NFL. However, the Steelers have a massive need at wide receiver, even if George Pickens returns. Imagine Samuel’s dual-threat abilities in Arthur Smith’s offense.

DK Metcalf to the Carolina Panthers

Some believe the Seattle Seahawks could trade Metcalf this offseason after Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s sophomore-year breakout. The former Ole Miss star missed two games with an injury. He ended the season as the WR32, averaging 10.5 half-point PPR fantasy points per game, totaling five receiving touchdowns.

GENO!! DK!! 71 YARDS!!

📺: #MIAvsSEA on CBS/Paramount
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/gFCnlPPkRc

— NFL (@NFL) September 22, 2024

While Seattle is one of a handful of teams projected to be over the salary cap heading into free agency, they are unlikely to trade Metcalf. However, trading the star wide receiver to the Panthers would be a win-win for his and Smith-Njigba’s fantasy value. The trade would allow both wide receivers to see the necessary volume to finish as top-20 guys next year.

Michael Pittman Jr. to the Buffalo Bills

The Indianapolis Colts are in a good situation with their salary cap. Therefore, they don’t need to trade Pittman for cap space. However, the Colts have a talented young unit of wide receivers, which could open the door for one to get traded. Indianapolis would save $13 million in salary cap by trading Pittman with a post-June 1 designation.

Unfortunately, the veteran struggled last season. Pittman ended the year as the WR43, averaging 8.2 half-point PPR fantasy points per game. Meanwhile, Buffalo has multiple wide receivers set to hit the open market this offseason, including Amari Cooper, whom they acquired before last year’s trade deadline.

Mark Andrews to the Denver Broncos

Andrews was awful at the start of last season. The star tight end averaged 2.8 targets and 3.4 half-point PPR fantasy points per game over the first five weeks, totaling zero fantasy points twice. Thankfully, he found his rhythm with Lamar Jackson, ending the year as the TE5, averaging 9.5 fantasy points per game.

After scoring zero touchdowns in the first five games, Andrews had 11 over the final 12 contests. However, the Baltimore Ravens could trade the veteran this offseason with him heading into the final year of his contract. Andrews landing in Denver would give Bo Nix an excellent weapon at tight end while allowing Isaiah Likely to start in Baltimore.

Mark Andrews TOUCHDOWN.

41st in his career (t-most in Ravens history)

📺: #WASvsBAL on CBS/Paramount+
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/x2mP54pgyM

— NFL (@NFL) October 13, 2024

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