Inglewood, CA — As the PML free agency period begins (and continues to begin) in 2025, teams are looking to bolster their rosters through trades, with some eyeing the draft for talent and others seeking to acquire proven veterans. Here are all of the trades that have already shaken up the league, with analysis and grades for each team’s decisions.
Bears Trade MLB Tremaine Edmunds to Eagles for 3.10 and 5.6 in 2025 Draft
Bears:
Grade: B+
The Bears send off one of their most productive defensive players, Tremaine Edmunds, in exchange for two mid-round draft picks. Edmunds had an impressive 2024 campaign, tallying 37 solo tackles, 7 interceptions, 1 sack, and 1 forced fumble. At 27 years old and still performing at a high level with an 85 overall rating, Edmunds is a player in his prime. However, the Bears likely see the value in shedding his expensive contract over the next two seasons, especially for an off-ball linebacker. This trade positions the Bears to infuse some young talent onto their roster in the draft without taking a significant financial hit. They lose a star player, but the move fits the Bears’ potential rebuild strategy.
Eagles:
Grade: B-
From the Eagles’ perspective, acquiring a player of Edmunds’ caliber for a third and fifth-round pick is tempting, but it comes with some financial risk. While Edmunds is only 27 and brings a high football IQ and playmaking ability (as seen by his 7 interceptions), his salary is steep. The Eagles clearly see him as an immediate upgrade to their defense, but in a cap-driven league, committing over $28 million to a linebacker who will need to maintain his current level of play over the next two years could prove risky. If Edmunds can repeat his 2024 performance, this deal will look like a bargain.
Patriots Trade QB Joe Milton III and 3.22 in 2025 Draft to Raiders for WR Davante Adams
Patriots:
Grade: B-
This trade marks a major shift for the Patriots, who shipped off backup quarterback Joe Milton III in exchange for superstar wide receiver Davante Adams, the first big-name talent they’ve had at that position in a while. Milton, a 25-year-old with an impressive arm, never had much of a chance to prove himself behind Drake Maye. His limited production (230 passing yards, 1 touchdown, 1 interception) was overshadowed by his rushing ability, but there was little evidence that he could be a long-term answer at quarterback. For the Patriots, the opportunity to add Adams—a 92 overall receiver known for his elite route-running—was too good to pass up. Adams is 32 and past his prime in terms of speed, but he still managed 753 yards and 9 touchdowns last season. The Patriots will need to justify the $99.3 million he is owed over the next two seasons, but considering the lack of guaranteed money, they can move on after just one season if they’d like. If Adams can remain productive, this trade will provide the offense with a serious weapon, but there isn’t much time to make it count.
Raiders:
Grade: B-
The Raiders may be looking to the future with this move, opting to ship out their aging superstar wideout and get younger at quarterback. Milton’s physical tools, particularly his arm strength, make him a project worth investing in, though he is far from a sure thing. His performance as Maye’s backup was minimal, and his ability to develop into a starter remains questionable. The additional third-round pick (3.22) is a great asset, assuming it’s a deep receiver class, but this trade feels like a high-risk gamble for the Raiders. If Milton doesn’t pan out, the Raiders will have moved on from Adams without for just a late third and a backup. If he does, they’ll have a cost-controlled quarterback for the next three seasons who can hopefully develop chemistry with Brock Bowers.
Jets Trade CB Sauce Gardner to Falcons for 1.4, 2.4 in 2025 Draft, and 4.4 in 2026 Draft
Jets:
Grade: TBD
Trading away the best cornerback in the league is always a difficult move to assess, and the Jets’ decision to part ways with Sauce Gardner is no exception. Gardner, a 98 overall X-Factor player, is a lockdown corner at just 25 years old and arguably the best in the NFL. His stat line (35 solo tackles, 7 interceptions) speaks for itself. While the Jets receive a hefty return in the form of the fourth overall pick in this year’s draft (1.4), along with additional early picks, they are taking a significant risk. If they use the 1.4 pick to draft a franchise quarterback, this deal could be justified, but the Jets are losing an elite defensive player in the process. For now, this trade remains ungraded until we see what the Jets do with their newfound draft capital. The odds are not in their favor.
Falcons:
Grade: A-
The Falcons, on the other hand, have made a bold move that immediately elevates their defense. Gardner is not only an elite cornerback, but he’s also still young and under contract for a relatively modest $12.98 million over the next two seasons (thanks to the Jets absorbing the majority of his contract). This trade solidifies their secondary and makes the Falcons’ defense a force to be reckoned with. They gave up significant draft capital, but acquiring the best cornerback in the game is a rare opportunity. If Gardner continues to perform at the elite level he’s capable of, the Falcons will have won this trade hands down. Here’s to hoping Michael Penix Jr can be the answer and develop despite already turning 25 years old in May.
Eagles Trade WR Johnny Wilson to Texans for 4.6 in 2025 Draft
Eagles:
Grade: A
This is a clear win for the Eagles. Johnny Wilson, while a massive 6’7” target with impressive athleticism, did not produce much for Philadelphia last season (just 2 catches for 24 yards) with AJ Brown, DeVonta Smith, Quez Watkins, and more ahead of him in the pecking order. His size and potential may be intriguing, but with a 69 overall rating, his future impact is uncertain. Offloading him to the Texans for a fourth-round pick gives the Eagles more flexibility in the draft and clears a roster spot for someone more useful. It’s a smart move for a player who wasn’t a major contributor.
Texans:
Grade: D
The Texans are taking a flier on Wilson, but the value of this trade seems lopsided in favor of the Eagles. Wilson has intriguing physical traits but has yet to prove he can translate those into consistent production. With only 2 catches last season, he hasn’t shown much at the Pro level, and even though his contract is manageable, using a fourth-round pick for a player with such limited output seems like a reach. The Texans could have likely found similar talent in the later rounds of the draft, making this trade a questionable one. Ant had to get his guy, but he could have just offered less or waited until Stefon Diggs and Nico Collins aged out or had their contracts expire. Wilson won’t or at least shouldn’t be contributing this upcoming season with the talent the Texans already have, all he had to do was wait and use the picks now and trade them later.
Each of these trades leads to major shifts across divisions and strategies in the offseason. As free agency continues to unfold, teams will hope these moves help them in their push for success in 2025. More trades to be approved and some signings that will stick.
