Wednesday’s George Pickens reminded us of the trade to the Dallas Cowboys that the NFL roster construction process is a year-long cycle with more trades likely to be made in the summer.
The Pickens' joining the Cowboys is a big move in Dallas's battle for chance, but can other NFL teams take action to help them win the playoffs and compete for the championship at odds this fall?
We have experienced 10 players and teams that are right and we love to go through the trade. Although no Prairie capital has been abandoned in these proposed deals, we are more interested in these players and teams in these moves.
Although none of these moves happened, the May speculation is the name of the NFL offseason game. Let's break down these possible deals and why we like them.
Ramsey's return to Los Angeles makes so meaningful. The Rams have been in a clear scramble window, with Los Angeles previously winning the Super Bowl with the Miami Dolphins cornerback on the field. Ramsey ended his career and winning the championship was so important. It will be a seamless fit, and Miami can collect some drafts in the process for some capital next year. We like this move on both sides.
Trade details: Ramsey
OK, the Steelers just have to give up Aaron Rogers’ pursuit and just change cousins. Despite his poor performance against the Atlanta Falcons in the second half of the 2024 season, he performed stably and productively in the first half. Pittsburgh can get a reliable starter in 2025 and should be able to guide them into the playoffs if he is completely healthy. Rogers' drama can end, too. If Atlanta is willing to take on some cousins’ salary, it could add to the fifth round of 2026 that was traded in the 2025 NFL Draft. It was a win for both sides as Cousins got a starting job while the Falcons added draft picks.
Trade details: Cousins go to Pittsburgh to win 2026 fifth round draft pick
The charger has a nice end room, but no one on the roster has what Andrews has. The Harbaugh brothers are solid with each other here as the Ravens send Andrews to the West Coast, becoming a fact-starter for a competitive Los Angeles team and reunite with his former Raven offensive coordinator at Greg Roman. The charger sends out tight ends, conditional day 3 picks back to Baltimore, making the Ravens' depth good, which could be the new starter close to Isaiah. It seems to be a win-win for us!
Trade details: Andrews
The Lions need a veteran left-back and the Browns need to add draft picks to the future. Cleveland added Teven Jenkins in the offseason, so if it trades veteran Bitonio, it's ready to go. Detroit can secure Bitonio's offensive line by choosing Cleveland on Day 3 of a few days. It's a great landing spot for veteran Bitonio to play in the Super Bowl with the Lions before his game ends.
Trade details: Bitonio wins 2026 sixth round pick and 2027 seventh round pick
Look, this part is for comedy value. The Hawks can solidify the Titans trade in the AJ Brown trade by adding Tennessee players in the first round of Philly 2022. Burks must stay healthy, but the Eagles can use more wide receiver depths. This means general manager Howie Roseman will eventually add two 2022 first-round picks and Brown. The Titans can make up for their losses with a 2026 draft pick and win games with 2025 fourth-rounders Chimere Dike and Eric Ayomanor in Widout.
Terms of Trade: Burks goes to Philadelphia to win the 2026 sixth round draft pick
The Steelers need to replace the wide receiver without having to add Rogers, which means they don't have to add one of his old running mates. Houston's receiving rooms are crowded and Mech has potential. Pittsburgh, rich in draft capital for 2026, sent out the Fifth Round of 2026, the Texans' way to add Metchie to the mix. It feels great to have cousin and Mech participate in the 2026 offense.
Trade details: Metchie goes to Pittsburgh to get conditional 2026 fifth-round draft pick
Commanders can indeed use more senior edge depths, and Ebukam may be the ideal senior flyer to add to their pass arsenal. He released 9.5 sacks for the Indianapolis Colts in 2023, and then tore his Achilles apart in 2024. It may take time for him to recover, but Washington can deploy him as a designated pass until he is ready to take more snapshots. It's a smart move for Super Bowl contenders. The Colts can increase their capital in 2026 and provide more snapshots for rookie Edge JT Tuimoloau this fall.
Trade details: Ebukam travels to Washington to win 2026 sixth round draft pick
Speaking of commanders, it's wise for them to continue, bringing 2025 first round tackles, Josh Conerly Jr. into the field this fall. Wylie is a high-quality starter, but he doesn't have Conerly's upside or draft form. Washington could send Wylie to Seattle, giving him a chance to push Abraham Lucas to the right tackle job in training camp. Lucas is a good player, but he has missed a lot of time in the past two seasons. If Lucas is also injured during the season, the Seahawks may have a hard time finding Wylie's ability. Seattle can return a sixth-round pick to DC to increase its potential right tackle or a great swing tackle.
Trade details: Wylie goes to Seattle to win the 2026 sixth round draft pick
Huff has never stood out like the Hawks as Philly left him inactive in the Super Bowl in February. Changes in the landscape may benefit all parties, as Philadelphia can collect some of the capital in 2026, while 49 people can add one to the New York Jets bench. Back in San Francisco, defensive coordinator Robert Saleh will know how to use Hoff's strengths and whoever comes after the two are together, while Philadelphia can also be another former Georgia guard Robert Beal Jr.
Trade details: Huff goes to San Francisco to win 2026 fifth-round draft pick and Beal
If the Saints really don't have quarterback Derek Carr in the 2025 season, New Orleans will be playing a quarterback battle between 2025 second-round pick Tyler Shoough and former fifth-rounder Spencer Rattler. Honestly, New Orleans might also bring another person into the mix and see how it goes. Levis paired with Kellen Moore, the New Saints’ offensive coordinator, which gave the Saints another option in the most important position in the field. Levis has big arms and is still young, and if he struggles, it's easy to see New Orleans have to play quarterback carousel this fall. Levis may have his own shortcomings, losing his job in Tennessee for some reason, but Moore may be the one who helped Levis with more ceilings. The Titans could add quarterback Jake Haener in exchange for their backup work.
Trade details: Levis wins 2026 sixth round draft pick to New Orleans