With the 2025 NFL trade deadline looming, quarterback movement, though rare in-season, is once again a hot topic among fans and analysts. This deep dive explores the leading signal-callers who could be on the move, dissecting their unique situations, contract complexities, and the potential impact they could have on a new franchise, providing the unparalleled insight onlytrustedinfo.com delivers.
The NFL trade deadline is always a period of intense speculation, but for quarterbacks, an in-season move is typically a rare occurrence. However, as the 2025 deadline approaches, several prominent names find themselves in uncertain situations, fueling whispers across the league and sparking fervent discussions within fan communities. While a paucity of quality candidates and obvious landing spots make blockbuster deals less likely, the right set of circumstances—like unforeseen injuries or desperate teams—could ignite a flurry of activity.
Fans are eager to understand not just who might be traded, but why, what the implications are, and where these players could realistically end up. At onlytrustedinfo.com, we cut through the noise to provide comprehensive analysis and historical context, connecting the dots for the most passionate NFL enthusiasts.
Kirk Cousins: The Veteran Backup with a Costly Tag
Few quarterbacks have seen their stock shift as dramatically as Kirk Cousins. After signing a lucrative deal with the Atlanta Falcons, he found himself supplanted by rookie Michael Penix Jr. at the end of the 2024 NFL season. Now serving as a high-end backup, his future has become a perennial subject of trade speculation, as noted by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, who observed that “injuries at the quarterback position” would likely be needed to spark a market for the 37-year-old.
Cousins, playing in the second year of a four-year, $180 million contract, possesses a full no-trade clause, giving him significant control over any potential move. His limited action in 2025 saw him complete 68.3% of his passes for 202 yards in his sole start, a 34-10 loss to the Miami Dolphins. In the 2024 season, he threw for 3,508 yards and 18 touchdowns, but also led the league with 16 interceptions, completing 66.9% of his passes. Fan communities have pondered whether his connection with New York Jets senior football advisor Rick Spielman, from their shared time in Minnesota, could make the Jets a potential suitor if Justin Fields falters by November.
Russell Wilson: A Former Star’s Unexpected Availability
The journey of Russell Wilson from Super Bowl champion to a mid-season benching with the New York Giants has been a striking narrative. Following his Week 4 benching, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo reported that Wilson was “expected to emerge as a trade candidate” ahead of the 2025 deadline. The reasoning is primarily financial: Wilson signed a one-year, $10.5 million deal with the Giants, but $8.5 million has already been paid through signing and workout bonuses. This means any acquiring team would only take on a prorated portion of his remaining $2 million base salary.
At 36, Wilson may not be the game-changer he once was, but his abilities as a deep-ball thrower remain elite. His “Big Time Throw” percentage of 6.5% ranks fourth among quarterbacks with at least 10 dropbacks this season, according to Pro Football Focus. Before his benching in favor of Jaxson Dart, Wilson completed a career-low 58.9% of his passes for 786 yards, three touchdowns, and three interceptions. His 121-80-1 record as a starter over his career could still tempt a quarterback-needy team to take a calculated risk on his veteran experience and unique skillset.
Jameis Winston: The Ultimate Gunslinger Option
Another New York Giants quarterback, Jameis Winston, also finds himself in the trade conversation. Buried on the depth chart behind both Dart and Wilson, the former No. 1 overall pick from the 2015 NFL Draft is on a reasonable two-year, $8 million contract. Winston’s career has been a rollercoaster of high-flying plays and costly turnovers. He holds a 36-51 record as a starter, completing 61.2% of his passes for 24,225 yards, 154 touchdowns, and 111 interceptions.
His “gunslinger” mentality makes him a high-risk, high-reward proposition. For a team seeking a spark, a capable backup, or a temporary starter who can stretch the field, Winston’s big-play capability might be an intriguing option, despite his turnover-prone tendencies. Fan forums often debate whether a change of scenery could finally harness his undeniable talent.
Anthony Richardson: High Upside, High Uncertainty
The Indianapolis Colts’ general manager, Chris Ballard, has been steadfast in his stance against trading Anthony Richardson, especially after the third-year quarterback lost the starting job to Daniel Jones. However, the situation could evolve if Jones secures a long-term extension, potentially opening the door for Richardson’s departure. Richardson has struggled with accuracy in his NFL career, completing just 50.6% of his passes for 11 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. Currently, he is also dealing with a fractured orbital bone, which further complicates his immediate trade value.
Despite these challenges, Richardson’s raw talent is undeniable. His cannon arm and elite mobility make him a formidable dual-threat quarterback with immense upside if he can refine his accuracy. For teams willing to invest in a long-term project and look past current struggles, Richardson represents a high-ceiling talent. However, an in-season trade might be less likely, with an offseason move potentially making more sense to allow for a full developmental period.
Other Quarterbacks to Monitor for Potential Moves
Beyond these prominent figures, several other quarterbacks have found themselves in various trade or release discussions:
- Geno Smith (Seattle Seahawks): At 34, with a contract expiring after 2025 and a new head coach in Mike Macdonald, Smith’s “gunslinging” style is a double-edged sword. A quarterback-needy team might see him as a viable placeholder.
- Derek Carr (New Orleans Saints): With the Saints appearing to embrace a rebuild and Carr’s performance being “just so-so in between injuries,” his future in New Orleans is tenuous. His no-trade clause, however, makes an outright release more probable than a trade.
- Taylor Heinicke (Atlanta Falcons): Despite being an effective spot starter in the past, Heinicke’s role is overshadowed by Cousins and Penix Jr. He could be an attractive backup option for a contending team seeking an upgrade at QB2, such as the Chargers or Rams, as mentioned in earlier analyses.
- Malik Willis (Tennessee Titans): The former third-round pick is now behind Will Levis and Mason Rudolph. With intriguing running ability and draft pedigree, another team might take a shot on his potential if the Titans decide to move on.
The 2025 NFL trade deadline, set for November 4th, could still bring surprises, especially if injuries reshape team needs. The Minnesota Vikings, for instance, could seek a veteran backup after losing Carson Wentz for the season to a shoulder injury, according to Yahoo Sports. While the major publications often focus on the breaking news, the fan community thrives on anticipating these shifts and analyzing the “what-ifs.”
Whether it’s a veteran leader looking for a fresh start or a raw talent seeking a new developmental path, the quarterback market remains one of the NFL’s most captivating aspects. At onlytrustedinfo.com, we’ll continue to track every rumor and analyze every possibility, ensuring our community is the most informed in the game.
