The NFL preseason has been marked by a series of strategic trades as teams optimize their rosters for the upcoming 2025 season, with key moves involving quarterbacks, running backs, and defensive players to address depth and cap space. These transactions, occurring primarily in late August, reflect teams’ final adjustments before the regular season kickoff on September 4.
Who: The trades involve multiple NFL teams, including the Philadelphia Eagles, Minnesota Vikings, San Francisco 49ers, Kansas City Chiefs, and others, with players such as quarterback Sam Howell, running back Brian Robinson Jr., wide receiver Skyy Moore, and defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi being central figures in these deals.
What: The moves consist of player-for-player swaps and exchanges involving draft picks, aimed at bolstering specific positions. For example, the Vikings traded Sam Howell to the Eagles for draft capital, while the 49ers acquired Brian Robinson Jr. from the Commanders to strengthen their backfield.
When: Most of these trades took place in August 2025, with the latest reported on August 24, just days before the NFL’s cutdown deadline on August 27, when teams must reduce rosters to 53 players.
Where: These transactions occur across the league, with teams based in various cities engaging in negotiations to improve their competitive standing for the regular season.
Why: Teams are motivated by the need to manage salary caps, address injuries, and enhance roster depth. For instance, the Commanders traded Robinson to save $3.3 million in cap space, while the 49ers sought to compensate for injuries at wide receiver.
How: Deals are facilitated through front-office negotiations, often reported by insiders like ESPN’s Adam Schefter, and involve conditional picks or straight swaps, with some trades triggered by preseason performances or roster cuts.
Impact: These trades significantly affect team strategies, player careers, and fantasy football landscapes. They can lead to shifted power dynamics in divisions, provide opportunities for players in new systems, and influence betting odds and fan expectations.
What’s next: With the regular season approaching, teams may continue to make minor adjustments, and the performance of acquired players will be closely watched in early games to assess the success of these preseason moves.