Star Movements in the NFL: Where Will Cousins, Hendrickson, and Ramsey Play in 2025?
Less than 100 days before the start of the 2025 NFL season, the trade market remains active, with several key players in the sights of new teams. Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins did not show up for the start of voluntary workouts, while Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson refuses to train without a new contract. In addition, the Dolphins have made clear their interest in trading cornerback Jalen Ramsey.
Faced with this situation, what will happen in the remainder of the preseason? Could Cousins, Hendrickson, and Ramsey be traded? And if so, what value would these veterans have on the market? We analyze the possible options and destinations for these key players.
Below, a detailed analysis of each player and their possible transfer scenarios.
Kirk Cousins: The Drama in Atlanta
The relationship between the Falcons and Cousins has been marked by tension, ever since the four-year deal he signed last season. Cousins expressed his discontent after the selection of Michael Penix Jr. in the 2024 draft. Subsequently, he was relegated to the bench in week 16. During Super Bowl week, he admitted to playing with an injury, something that Atlanta’s management was unaware of. With Penix as the starter and the organization content with Cousins as the backup, the Falcons could opt to keep him, considering they have to pay him $27.5 million guaranteed in 2025. Cousins, for his part, seeks to be a starter and has requested to be released. Furthermore, he has a no-trade clause.For the Falcons, the priority is to find a team that will take on most of Cousins’ guaranteed salary, who has a $10 million bonus in 2026.
Hypothetical Trade Offers for Cousins
Cleveland Browns: Jeremy Fowler suggests the Falcons receive quarterback Kenny Pickett, a sixth-round pick in 2026, and cash considerations. The Browns would get Cousins and a seventh-round pick in 2026. This option makes sense due to Cousins’ long relationship with Browns coach Kevin Stefanski. The Browns might need a veteran to compete for the starting position, as they currently have Joe Flacco, rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders, and Pickett competing for the QB1 spot, with Deshaun Watson out due to injury.
Minnesota Vikings: Dan Graziano suggests the Falcons receive a fifth-round pick in 2026, a seventh-round pick in 2027, and cash considerations. The Vikings would get Cousins. This option is attractive to all parties, including Cousins, who could use his no-trade clause. The Vikings would pay $10 million of Cousins’ guaranteed salary in 2025.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Ben Solak offers the Falcons a sixth-round pick in 2026 (which could become a fifth-round pick with performance conditions). The Steelers would get Cousins and cash considerations. The Steelers need a veteran who can start, and Cousins fits well in coordinator Arthur Smith’s offense. The Falcons might be willing to take on a significant portion of his salary to finalize the deal.
Minnesota Vikings: Seth Walder proposes that the Falcons receive quarterback Sam Howell and cash considerations. The Vikings would get Cousins. The key is how much guaranteed money the team acquiring Cousins will assume. The Vikings could pay $12 million, which would allow Atlanta to save and get another backup quarterback. For Minnesota, the improvement in the backup position is important due to McCarthy’s situation.
Verdict: Cleveland’s offer has the most potential. The Vikings’ offers are less likely due to Cousins’ no-trade clause. The Browns’ offer is attractive to the Falcons, who would get Pickett and be freed from $10 million of Cousins’ guaranteed salary in 2025. In addition, Cousins would reunite with Stefanski and likely be the starter in Cleveland.
Trey Hendrickson: Seeking a New Contract
Hendrickson, who will turn 31 in December, is seeking a long-term contract. He is scheduled to earn $15.8 million this season and will be an unrestricted free agent in 2026. The defensive end, a leader in NFL sacks, is a key piece for Cincinnati. The Bengals granted him permission to seek a trade in March, but they haven’t received the desired compensation. A trade package including a potential starter and draft picks could help the Bengals maximize their championship window with Joe Burrow.
Hypothetical Transfer Offers for Hendrickson
Indianapolis Colts: Jeremy Fowler suggests the Bengals receive a second-round pick in 2026 and a fifth-round pick in 2027. The Colts would get Hendrickson. This move would solidify the defense of new coordinator Lou Anarumo. The Colts have around $20 million in cap space to negotiate a new contract with Hendrickson.Buffalo Bills: Dan Graziano proposes that the Bengals receive a second-round pick in 2026. The Bills would get Hendrickson. The Bills could secure the veteran defensive end they need to compete against Patrick Mahomes in the playoffs.
Detroit Lions: Ben Solak offers the Bengals a 2026 second-round pick and a 2027 fourth-round pick (which could become a third-round pick with performance conditions). The Lions would get Hendrickson and a 2026 fifth-round pick. A pairing of Aidan Hutchinson and Hendrickson could be one of the most fearsome in the NFL. The Lions have enough cap space to extend Hendrickson.
Washington Commanders: Seth Walder suggests the Bengals receive DT Jer’Zhan Newton, a third-round pick in 2026, and a seventh-round pick in 2027. The Commanders would get Hendrickson. Adding Hendrickson, who had the second-best pressure win rate last season, would be a big boost for Washington.
Verdict: Detroit’s offer could be the one that materializes. If the Lions give Hendrickson a three-year contract for $90 million, it would be a good deal for Detroit. For the Bengals, trading him to an NFC contender instead of a conference rival is an added advantage. Acquiring 2026 and 2027 draft picks would prolong the trade value for the Bengals during those players’ rookie contracts.
Jalen Ramsey: A New Beginning Elsewhere?
Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel declined to provide details about Ramsey, whom the team decided to part ways with in April. Ramsey is likely to be traded before the start of the regular season, despite signing a three-year, $72 million extension last September. General manager Chris Grier’s decision to separate from Ramsey suggests an off-field disconnect between the team and the player. The Dolphins sent tight end Hunter Long and a third-round pick to the Rams for Ramsey in 2023, so there won’t be a massive deficit in the trade. The problem is how much of Ramsey’s guaranteed salary of $20.2 million will be covered by his new team.Hypothetical Transfer Offers for Ramsey
Los Angeles Rams: Jeremy Fowler proposes that the Dolphins receive a fifth-round pick in 2026, a sixth-round pick in 2026, and cash considerations. The Rams would get Ramsey. The Rams would cover at least $12 million of Ramsey’s guaranteed salary.
Los Angeles Rams: Daniel Graziano suggests the Dolphins receive a seventh-round pick in 2026. The Rams would get Ramsey. The Dolphins won’t get much for him.
Carolina Panthers: Ben Solak offers the Dolphins a fourth-round pick in 2026. The Panthers would get Ramsey. Ramsey is a fan of the Panthers’ defensive coordinator, Ejiro Evero. Ramsey could play safety.Los Angeles Chargers: Seth Walder suggests the Dolphins receive a seventh-round pick in 2027. The Chargers would get Ramsey and a sixth-round pick in 2027. The Chargers have cap space to absorb Ramsey’s guarantees.
Verdict: Carolina’s offer gives Miami the best asset. An additional fourth-round pick gives Miami seven picks in the first four rounds of the 2026 draft. That’s a good reward for Miami.
