Inglewood, CA — As the 2024-2025 off-season heats up, teams are already making moves that will shape the future of their franchises. Whether they’re bolstering their rosters with proven veterans or looking to clear cap space and secure valuable draft picks, these trades will have long-lasting impacts. Below are the next batch of PML trades, along with analysis and grades for both teams involved.
Patriots Trade 1.22 in 2025 Draft to Commanders for DT Jonathan Allen
Patriots: Grade: B-
New England is already dominant in rush defense, and adding Jonathan Allen, an elite run stopper, could make that unit even scarier. However, this move feels somewhat redundant given that their bigger weakness lies in defending the pass. At 30 years old, Allen’s best years might be behind him, and with just one year left on his contract, the Patriots will either need to extend him or risk renting a player who may not make the desired impact in a pass-heavy division. While this trade certainly strengthens their defense, the investment might not move the needle enough in the AFC East, where the Bills and Dolphins prefer to air it out. Allen is capable in pass rush, but he had just 2.5 sacks last year so whether or not he makes a big enough of an impact is to be determined.
Commanders: Grade: B-
Washington sheds a massive contract by moving Allen, clearing $17 million off their books, and they pick up a first-rounder in return. With teams like the Cowboys and Giants boasting strong rushing attacks, the Commanders may miss Allen’s presence in the middle of the line, but they now have the flexibility to build through the draft. While this may be seen as a neutral trade for both sides, the Commanders’ long-term outlook benefits from the cap relief and additional draft capital. Now they just need to hit on those valuable first-round picks.
Rams Trade 6.9 in 2025 Draft to Eagles for MLB Ben VanSumeren
Rams: Grade: F
This trade is perplexing for the Rams. VanSumeren, a practice squad player with virtually no impact beyond his exceptional speed, does little to help a team that needs depth and playmakers. Giving up a draft pick, even a late one, for a player with so few strengths feels like a misstep. The Rams could have better used that pick to find a more impactful player in the draft.
Eagles: Grade: A
The Eagles come out ahead by trading a practice squad player for an extra pick. VanSumeren wasn’t even expected to be part of trade talks, so this feels like a bonus win for Philadelphia. They now have a little more capital to continue building around their strong roster, while losing nothing of value in return. Pretty sure VanSumeren should have been on the NTL, but this trade involves a commissioner so let’s assume it’s good to go.
Titans Trade 1.5 in 2025 Draft to Seahawks for WR DK Metcalf
Titans: Grade: A-
The Titans make a splash by acquiring DK Metcalf, one of the league’s most physically gifted receivers. Metcalf is coming off a fantastic season and is still in his prime at 27 years old. Tennessee gives up a premium pick but receives a player who can immediately elevate their passing game, especially with his blend of size, speed, and physicality. The challenge will be locking him down long-term, but for now, Metcalf should make an instant impact on a team that needed a big-time name. He had 1138 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns on 55 catches last season in a more crowded receiving room than Tennessee will most likely have.
Seahawks: Grade: C
Losing Metcalf is a big blow for Seattle, especially since the 1.5 pick likely won’t net a receiver of his caliber, Travis Hunter will be gone. Any other receiver at 1.5 will be good, but nowhere near Metcalf. The Seahawks save money and avoid needing to extend Metcalf, but that’s about the only upside here. Metcalf was a cornerstone of their offense, and while they can now retool, the Seahawks lose one of PML’s most dominant and game-changing receivers.
Titans Trade 2.5 in 2025 Draft to Ravens for WR Zay Flowers and 4.11 in 2025 Draft
Titans: Grade: C-
After landing DK Metcalf, the Titans add Zay Flowers, but this move feels less exciting. Flowers is a solid receiver with speed, but his small frame limits his effectiveness. While Tennessee adds another weapon, they could have potentially found a better complement to Metcalf through the draft as 2.5 is early enough to still hit a home run, and with Flowers needing a contract extension soon, the trade brings financial challenges as well.
Ravens: Grade: B+
Baltimore sheds Flowers, a receiver they were unlikely to extend, and adds a valuable second-round pick. This gives the Ravens more flexibility to draft a young talent who might better fit their future plans, although they depart with a mid-round pick as part of the deal. This feels like a smart move for a team that didn’t fully integrate Flowers into their long-term plans and is looking to retool instead of rebuild. The Ravens never fully bought into Flowers as their guy, He had just 548 yards and 6 touchdowns on 28 catches last season
Panthers Trade a 2026 3rd Round Pick to Browns for QB Malik Willis
Panthers: Grade: F
Carolina’s decision to give up a future third-round pick for Malik Willis is questionable at best. Willis has struggled to find his footing in the pros, and after bouncing from team to team, there’s little evidence he’ll be a long-term answer even as a backup. His low production and injury history make this trade a head-scratcher for the Panthers. With the Panthers rumoured to draft Jalen Milroe, this becomes more confusing as Willis can’t even provide mentorship or valuable advice.
Browns: Grade: F
While the Browns do get some value back for Willis, this trade is ultimately a loss for them as well. Cleveland initially invested a good amount more to acquire Willis (a current 3rd and current 6th) and is now left with minimal return. Injuries played a role, but this feels like a trade both sides should have walked away from. His one completion for 18 yards will live in infamy.
Commanders Trade a 2026 2nd Round Pick to Bills for TE Dalton Kincaid
Commanders: Grade: B+
The Commanders add one of the league’s most productive tight ends without giving up any current draft picks. Kincaid was an absolute force last season, and while there were some off-field issues, those seem to be resolved. Washington now has a top-tier target for their offense, which should help them take a big step forward in the NFC East.
Bills: Grade: D
Buffalo trades away their best offensive weapon from 2024 for a future pick, a move that’s difficult to understand. Kincaid was a vital part of their passing game, and while there were internal issues, his production should have been enough to justify keeping him around. This move weakens Buffalo’s offense and doesn’t provide much immediate compensation in return. We will see how they deal with losing Kincaid’s whopping 1743 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns on 108 catches last season.
Each of these trades represents a significant shift for the teams involved. As the offseason unfolds, it’ll be interesting to see how these moves affect the balance of power heading into 2025. Will the Patriots’ defense become unstoppable? Can the Titans dominate the passing game? Only time will tell.
