The 2025 NFL season is around the corner, and many teams sit in interesting spots with less than a month until training camp.
The Miami Dolphins are in a make-or-break season with Tua Tagovailoa and Mike McDaniel. The 49ers just paid quarterback Brock Purdy this offseason. The New Orleans Saints are rebuilding, and the Atlanta Falcons have put their trust in Michael Penix Jr. over Kirk Cousins.
CBS Sports' Cody Benjamin recently proposed an NBA-type trade that would shake up the outlook for all four teams in 2025. The trade involves Tagovailoa, Purdy, Cousins, multiple draft picks, and center Matt Hennessy.
Benjamin proposed the Dolphins trading Tagoviloa to the Saints, and getting Purdy in return. The 49ers would receive Cousins from the Falcons, a Dolphins' second-round pick, and a Saints' third-round pick, and the Falcons would get Hennessy and a Saints' fifth-round pick.
This trade is beyond wacky, but Benjamin provides reasoning behind each move. He started by explaining the most unlikely moves - the 49ers moving Purdy after just paying him.
"We know Kyle Shanahan has an affinity for his old pal Cousins, and we know Cousins is currently blowing in the wind, awaiting an opportunity as Atlanta's No. 2," Benjamin wrote. "The Purdy-to-Cousins swap might be a downgrade in 2025, but adding a couple of early-round picks could help San Francisco replenish its greater infrastructure."
The 49ers lost six key starters on defense this offseason and multiple offensive starters, including receiver Deebo Samuel. Moving Purdy for an older quarterback would not be ideal, but Cousins still has years in the NFL, and San Francisco could load up on draft picks.
Next, Benjamin explains the move for the Dolphins and Saints as one looks to prove something in 2025 and the other begins a rebuild.
"Miami, meanwhile, might embrace a more dynamic signal-caller for Mike McDaniel's timing-based offense," Benjamin wrote. "While sending Tagovailoa to another former left-handed quarterback in Kellen Moore, whose Saints are sorely inexperienced under center.
Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel talks with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1)
Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images
"Even considering Tua's injury history, you can bet veterans like Alvin Kamara, Chris Olave and Brandin Cooks might prefer a proven passer as Moore installs his offense."
The trade would create a change of scenery in McDaniel's offense and a more healthy, reliable quarterback for the Dolphins. Meanwhile, the Saints' roster with a proven quarterback at the helm looks like a team that could make a run at the playoffs, especially in the NFC South.
Lastly, the Falcons wouldn't lose much as they've made it clear that Penix is their future, which would add to his protection, plus a day-three draft pick.
The trade is a bit out there, to say the least, but you can see the vision behind it. As for the Dolphins, there's a lot of pressure riding on the 2025 season's success, and if it's a failed season, significant changes could come regardless.
