NFL 2025 Preseason Shakeup: Eagles Defend Title, Major Trades Reshape Rosters Ahead of Kickoff

NFL teams have finalized their 53-man rosters ahead of the 2025 regular season, with the biggest headlines coming from major roster cuts, a flurry of eye-popping trades, and notable quarterback movement as franchises try to balance veteran talent with exciting new prospects. According to ESPN, the Philadelphia Eagles kick off the season as defending Super Bowl champions, set to play the Dallas Cowboys in the season opener September 4. Over the last week, teams cut down from summer camp rosters of up to 90 players, leading to a wave of surprise releases, trades, and practice squad signings as staff across the league look to solidify their lineups and build championship rosters.

CBS Sports reports that standout names caught up in this year’s cuts include former Rams star running back and several high-profile backup quarterbacks, as NFL teams have overhauled their quarterback rooms with trades and strategic waiver claims. The Browns, for instance, traded away Kenny Pickett to the Raiders and will now be evaluating rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders over the course of the season. The Eagles, after acquiring Sam Howell, released Dorian Thompson-Robinson despite his promise as a backup, while the Commanders moved on from Sam Hartman in favor of veterans Marcus Mariota and Josh Johnson for support behind their starting lineup.

As for notable trades, ESPN detailed that the Dolphins traded three-time All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey and tight end Jonnu Smith to the Steelers in exchange for All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and a draft pick swap. Ramsey’s move also came with a hefty raise in salary, showing the value placed on experienced defensive backs this offseason. The Raiders and Eagles also completed a transaction swapping defensive tackle Thomas Booker IV and cornerback Jakorian Bennett to help address depth issues ahead of opening week. On top of that, veteran tight end Darren Waller came out of retirement to join the Dolphins, adding a proven red zone threat back into Miami’s passing game.

According to coverage by NFL.com, the Bengals made headlines by reaching a new contract agreement worth a $14 million raise for sack leader Trey Hendrickson, though there’s speculation this could be a final “all in” year before further changes. This offseason saw the Bengals keep their core of Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Hendrickson for at least one more run at a championship.

CBS Sports shows teams were highly active on the waiver wire as well, with the Titans and Jets claiming the most players in the league. Notably, former Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito was picked up by the Patriots to provide depth to their new-look quarterback room behind Drake Maye and Joshua Dobbs. Meanwhile, Tyler Huntley, released by the Browns, has reunited with the Ravens on their practice squad, reinforcing how aggressively front offices are managing depth ahead of a demanding season.

For listeners looking for hot storylines, trade rumors continue to swirl over defensive standouts like Micah Parsons, and insiders on The National Football Show on JAKIB Sports report the Eagles have stockpiled an impressive set of picks for what analysts are already calling one of the most anticipated drafts in recent years. Injuries, like those to Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons and Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson, are already shaping the conversations as the season begins.

Meanwhile, Adam Thielen is heading back to Minnesota in a trade designed to help the Vikings cope with suspensions in their receiver corps, as reported by CBS Sports. The swirling talk over anthem protests, led years ago by Colin Kaepernick, continues to appear in discussions of the league’s public stance, showing some off-field storylines remain relevant, according to Fact In Face.

Whether you’re looking for highlights, want to track your team’s additions or departures, or crave insider analysis and...