The NFL offseason heats up as major team decisions loom, focusing on potential trades and roster enhancements across several franchises this March 2025. As various rumors swirl, Pro Football Focus (PFF) has put a spotlight on teams like the Denver Broncos, New York Giants, and Cincinnati Bengals, all facing crucial choices that could redefine their trajectories.
First up, the Denver Broncos find themselves at a crossroads. PFF suggests that they should make a trade for Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens to address their glaring need for offensive firepower. As noted by PFF, “Denver has been notably quiet in targeting weapons to bolster this offense – something many thought would be their prime directive this offseason.” The Broncos’ strategy so far has highlighted a singular focus on elevating their roster, but they have yet to make substantial moves, with Evan Engram being their most notable addition.
The interest in Pickens comes on the heels of the Steelers acquiring star receiver D.K. Metcalf from the Seattle Seahawks, subsequently signing him to a five-year deal that averages over $30 million annually. With Pickens’ contract set to expire after this season, the likelihood of him being traded has increased, especially with the Steelers possibly unable to allocate more money to the position. Given Pickens’ elite talent, he could be a game-changer for the Broncos.
However, while the Broncos ponder their potential acquisitions, the New York Giants are facing their own set of challenges. Coming off a disappointing 3-14 season, they currently rank 31st in PFF’s latest power rankings. Mason Cameron of PFF reports, “As it stands, Tommy DeVito is the only quarterback on the Giants' roster.” The lack of experienced options at quarterback looms large over their offseason, especially as rumors of trading for Aaron Rodgers have not materialized into a solid deal.
Despite updating their roster with significant free-agent signings, notably investing $99 million in the secondary with players like Jevon Holland and Paulson Adebo, the Giants still need a reliable quarterback to stabilize their offense. Across the past season, they cycled through four quarterbacks, resulting in a combined 15-13 touchdown-to-interception ratio.
With the No. 3 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Giants hold a valuable asset that could remedy their quarterback troubles. They must capitalize on this opportunity to select a long-term solution or to bolster another position of need. The pressure is on the organization to not only improve but to rise significantly in the rankings amidst fierce competition in the league.
Meanwhile, the Cincinnati Bengals are also making headlines. As of March 20, 2025, PFF indicates they must add an edge rusher to their roster as part of their offseason strategy. Max Chadwick emphasizes, “If the Bengals fulfill Trey Hendrickson's trade request, you can just about Sharpie in an edge defender to the Bengals at Pick No. 17.” This comment underscores the urgency for the Bengals to enhance their defensive line after the retirement of veteran Sam Hubbard.
With both Joseph Ossai and Myles Murphy struggling to earn satisfactory PFF grades in their careers thus far, the Bengals cannot afford to overlook this need. Ensuring they have a solid partner alongside Hendrickson is critical for their success in the coming season. Patterning after teams like the Giants, the Bengals also face pressure to optimize their draft strategy as they look to bolster their roster ahead of the 2025 season.
The overarching theme for each of these franchises centers on making significant moves that resonate with both their current fanbases and the broader NFL community. The Broncos are contemplating a high-profile trade that could see them land a young, talented receiver in Pickens, while the Giants desperately search for a leader under center. Simultaneously, the Bengals are focused on reducing the risks associated with potential departures while looking to improve their defensive front.
With the NFL Draft looming and trade speculation heating up, the next few weeks will be pivotal for these teams. Each franchise has a unique opportunity to reshape their future, and how they navigate this time could dictate their competitive edge for the upcoming season. As fans eagerly await March's end, the excitement surrounding these major NFL decisions continues to grow.
