NFL Cutdown Day Could Lead to some Trades | Four Crazy Trade Predictions
The NFL cutdown day has delivered shockwaves across the league in the past, but I wanted to predict a few moves with multiple stars on the move in deals that would reshape the playoff picture and long-term outlook for several franchises. From one of the league’s most dominant defenders finding a new home in Buffalo, to a young quarterback heading west, the 2025 cut down day could be remembered as one of the wildest in league history.
Micah Parsons Lands in Buffalo?
The headliner comes from Dallas, could you imagine All-Pro linebacker/edge rusher Micah Parsons being traded to the Buffalo Bills. In return, Dallas receives defensive end AJ Epenesa, defensive tackle Dewayne Carter, and two first-round picks (2026 and 2027).
Parsons’ arrival immediately transforms the Bills’ defense, pairing him with Joey Bosa and Greg Rousseau to form a devastating pass rush. For the Cowboys, the move provides cap flexibility while adding two future firsts and two young defensive reinforcements. It’s a bold decision that signals a shift in Dallas’ long-term roster construction.
Anthony Richardson Heads to Las Vegas?
In another stunning move, the Indianapolis Colts deal quarterback Anthony Richardson to the Las Vegas Raiders for a mid-round draft pick.
Richardson, a former top-five pick, showed flashes of brilliance but battled injuries during his short tenure in Indianapolis. The Raiders, searching for their future franchise quarterback, are gambling on Richardson’s upside, while the Colts seemingly pivot toward veteran stability with Daniel Jones.
Adam Thielen Returns to Minnesota?
Veteran wide receiver Adam Thielen heads back to where it all began. The Carolina Panthers traded their most reliable target to the Minnesota Vikings for a mid-round draft pick.
Thielen, who spent nine seasons with Minnesota before joining Carolina, brings leadership and a steady presence to a Vikings offense that has been looking for more consistency at wideout. For Carolina, the move aligns with their youth movement as they continue to rebuild around Bryce Young.
Trey Hendrickson to the Patriots?
The New England Patriots can make one of the boldest moves of the year by acquiring defensive end Trey Hendrickson from the Cincinnati Bengals in exchange for multiple first-round picks.
With New England in full reset mode under new leadership, Hendrickson provides a cornerstone pass rusher for a defense that has lacked star power since the prime years of Chandler Jones and Dont’a Hightower. For Cincinnati, the decision to cash in on Hendrickson gives them significant draft capital as they build around Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase.
A Deadline for the Ages
From Parsons’ seismic move to Buffalo, to Richardson’s fresh start in Las Vegas, this year’s cutdown day could completely reshape the NFL landscape. Several teams have doubled down on contention, while others have chosen to stockpile picks for the future.
If these deals pan out, the balance of power in both conferences could look very different by season’s end.
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