Top 10 Controversial Sports Trades of 2025

Sports trades can be wild! Fans often get upset when their favorite players move teams. It’s hard to keep up with all the changes. In 2025, some trades really shook things up.

Did you know that in 2004, Terrell Owens’ trade to the Eagles was super controversial? Now, we’re looking at even bigger moves in 2025. This blog will show you the top 10 trades that got everyone talking.

Get ready for some surprises!

10

Deion Sanders takes Las Vegas Raiders head coaching job

Deion Sanders might coach the Las Vegas Raiders soon. He’s done great things with the Colorado Buffaloes. Now, he could bring his skills to the NFL. Tom Brady, who owns part of the Raiders, likes this idea.

He thinks Sanders can help the team win.

The Raiders want Sanders badly. They may even try to get his son, Shedeur, as their new quarterback. This could be a big move for the team. Sanders knows how to build winning teams.

His energy and smarts could change the Raiders for the better.

9

Raiders trade up to No. 1 overall for QB Shedeur Sanders

The Raiders are making a big move. They want to trade with the Patriots for the top pick in the 2025 draft. The Raiders plan to give up their No. 8, No. 39, and No. 146 picks this year.

They’ll also throw in a first-round pick for 2026. Why? They have their eyes on Shedeur Sanders, the best quarterback in the draft.

The Raiders need a good quarterback badly. Sanders looks like he could be the answer. He’s got skills that make teams excited. The Raiders think he’s worth giving up a lot to get. It’s a bold move, but it could change the team’s future.

If Sanders lives up to the hype, the Raiders might finally have their star quarterback.

8

Ben Johnson stays with Detroit Lions -- again

After the Raiders’ big moves, another NFL team kept their star. Ben Johnson, the Lions’ offensive coach, said no to new jobs. He turned down chances to be the head coach for the Commanders and Seahawks.

This wasn’t the first time he said no to a new job. Last year, he didn’t take a job with the Panthers.

Johnson’s choice to stay put shook up other teams’ plans. The Commanders and Seahawks now have to look for new coaches. But the Lions are happy. They get to keep their smart offensive mind for another year.

This could help them do even better next season.

I’m staying in Detroit, Johnson said, showing his loyalty to the Lions.

7

Garrett Wilson is traded to the Denver Broncos

While Ben Johnson stays in Detroit, big changes are brewing in Denver. The Broncos are eyeing a major move to boost their offense. They want to trade for Garrett Wilson, the star wide receiver from the New York Jets.

Wilson isn’t happy with the Jets anymore. He feels left out since Davante Adams joined the team. The Broncos need a top receiver, and Wilson fits the bill. This trade could shake up both teams for the 2025 NFL season.

Fans are buzzing about how Wilson might light up the field in Denver’s orange and blue.

6

Colin Kaepernick joins Jim Harbaugh's staff

Jim Harbaugh made a big move in 2025. He asked Colin Kaepernick to join his coaching team for the Los Angeles Chargers. This was huge news! Kaepernick hadn’t been in the NFL since 2016.

But Harbaugh knew him well. They worked together when Kaepernick played great for San Francisco.

Fans got excited about this team-up. Harbaugh and Kaepernick had success before. Now, they might do it again. But nothing was set in stone yet. They still needed to agree on the job details.

People wondered what role Kaepernick would have. Next up, the NFL made a change that shocked everyone.

5

NFL makes major change by narrowing goal posts

From coaching changes to rule tweaks, the NFL keeps us on our toes. Now, let’s talk about a big change that might make kickers sweat. The NFL is thinking about making goal posts smaller.

Why? Because kickers are getting too good!

This year, kickers made 77 field goals from 50 yards or more. That’s a lot! The NFL wants to make it harder. They’re talking about it now, but don’t expect changes soon. Some coaches don’t like this idea.

One coach even said it’s a bad move. Will kickers have to aim better in the future? We’ll have to wait and see!

4

Indianapolis Colts clean house, hire Mike Vrabel

After the NFL’s goal post change, the Indianapolis Colts made a big move too. They fired their whole coaching staff. This includes head coach Shane Steichen and the defensive coordinator.

Even the general manager got the boot.

The Colts picked Mike Vrabel as their new head coach. Vrabel is known for being tough and no-nonsense. The team felt Steichen lost focus, so they wanted a change. Vrabel might be just what the Colts need to get back on track.

His strong style could help the team find its way again.

3

Utah State WR Jalen Royals is selected in the first round

While the Colts shake things up, another big move is brewing in the NFL draft. Utah State’s star wide receiver, Jalen Royals, is set to make waves. He’s tipped to be a first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

This news has fans and scouts buzzing with excitement.

Royals isn’t just any college player. He’s earned a spot on the 2025 Senior Bowl roster, a big deal for NFL hopefuls. His skills on the field are turning heads. But there’s more to Royals than just football.

In high school, he was a triple threat. He played football, basketball, and ran track. This all-around talent is what makes Royals stand out. NFL teams are always on the hunt for players like him.

They know a good catch when they see one.

2

Tee Higgins signs with Commanders

Moving from a surprise first-round pick to a big-name trade, let’s talk about Tee Higgins. The star wide receiver just inked a deal with the Washington Commanders. This move shook up the NFL world.

The Commanders gave up two third-round draft picks to get Higgins. They needed a top receiver badly. Higgins brings his A-game, with 18 catches, 182 yards, and two touchdowns in just three games this season.

The Bengals got picks for 2025 and 2026 in return. Fans can’t wait to see how Higgins fits into his new team.

1

Robert Saleh returns to the 49ers

After Tee Higgins’ move to the Commanders, another big change shook the NFL world. Robert Saleh, once the Jets’ head coach, found his way back to familiar ground. The 49ers welcomed him with open arms as their new defensive coordinator.

This move came after Saleh’s tough run with the Jets. He led the team for three years but only won 20 games out of 56. The Jets let him go on October 7, 2024.

Saleh’s return to the 49ers wasn’t a big surprise. He had worked there before as the defensive coordinator for four seasons. Many people thought he might go back to his old job. Now, he’s ready to help the 49ers’ defense shine again.

Fans are excited to see what Saleh can do in his second stint with the team.

Bottom Line

Sports trades in 2025 shook up the game big time. Fans went wild over these moves. Some loved them, some hated them. But one thing’s for sure – they changed how teams played. These trades will be talked about for years to come.

They show how sports keep changing and growing.

Explore More: Top 10 Sports Teams with the Biggest Fanbase

Sports teams with big fan bases are super popular. Fans love these teams and cheer for them no matter what. Some teams have millions of fans all over the world. These fans buy team gear, go to games, and watch on TV.

They stick with their team even when they lose. The biggest fan bases are often for soccer, football, and basketball teams. These teams have fans in many countries. They make a lot of money from their loyal fans.

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    Ryan Caldwell

    About Ryan Caldwell

    Ryan Caldwell is a sports and fitness enthusiast who brings a fresh perspective to the world of athletics. With a background in journalism and a passion for uncovering inspiring sports stories, Ryan’s articles highlight rising stars, iconic moments, and the latest fitness trends. His motto? Stay active, stay inspired.