As the NFL trade deadline approaches on November 4, 2025, teams across the league are preparing for pivotal roster moves that could dramatically influence postseason races. With just over half the season remaining, a host of clubs are rumored to be in both buying and selling modes, and the spotlight is firmly on high-profile quarterbacks and franchises already looking towards the future.
Key Takeaways
- Several playoff hopefuls expected to be aggressive at the deadline
- Unlikely for any blockbuster quarterback trades despite demand
- Teams at the bottom of standings likely to offload star veterans
- Notable names, including running backs and tight ends, could be on the move
Teams Ready to Make Big Moves
A number of franchises—most notably the Jacksonville Jaguars, San Francisco 49ers, Los Angeles Rams, Buffalo Bills, Seattle Seahawks, New England Patriots, and Philadelphia Eagles—are positioned to be highly active. These organizations have both cap flexibility and histories of making aggressive trades, suggesting they won’t hesitate to upgrade their rosters for a playoff push.
Jacksonville, with a leadership core that came from the ever-ambitious Rams, has already demonstrated a willingness to part with draft picks for game-changing talent.
Spotlight on Star Players
Among the potential trade candidates, Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews and New York Jets offensive lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker are attracting substantial interest. Andrews, a proven playmaker, could appeal to teams needing reliable receiving at the tight end position, especially given the Ravens’ rebuilding situation. Vera-Tucker’s future is clouded due to injury troubles, and the Jets may look to cash in for future draft capital instead of risking free agency.
Should the New Orleans Saints opt for a complete rebuild, running back Alvin Kamara and wideout Chris Olave are likely to receive significant attention from contenders, despite reluctance within the organization to part with them. Cleveland Browns veterans, such as tight end David Njoku and cornerback Greg Newsom, also feature on most trade watchlists.
Quarterback Market Unlikely to Sizzle
Even with teams grappling with injuries at quarterback, most league sources suggest a lack of urgency to trade for signal callers mid-season. The consensus is that integrating a new quarterback into a system is challenging, dampening speculation around bench veterans like Russell Wilson, Kirk Cousins, Jameis Winston, and Joe Flacco.
The Cincinnati Bengals remain the exception as they navigate quarterback woes, yet there’s scant evidence that they’re actively shopping for a replacement. Meanwhile, the New York Giants, despite their depth, appear content to keep veteran backups unless overwhelmed by an offer.
Sellers Looking to Reboot
Rebuilding teams—particularly the 0-4 Saints, 0-4 Jets, and 1-3 Browns—are prime candidates to unload talent. With new management in place, the Jets’ willingness to move on from previous regime’s players could lead to multiple trades. The Miami Dolphins may also look to trade edge rusher Jaelan Phillips, whose expiring contract and pass-rushing pedigree could fetch immediate returns.
Expect more dominoes to fall as contenders and strugglers alike solidify their strategies in the lead-up to the trade deadline. As past years have shown, a few savvy trades can redefine the path to the postseason.
