The 2025 NFL Trade Deadline is fast approaching.
For teams that are going to be sellers, it is time to restock the draft board with capital for the 2026 NFL Draft.
For teams that are looking to load up for a playoff run, it is time to look around the league to see who might be available to help that push.
Here are nine names to watch ahead of the 2025 NFL Trade Deadline. Do note, we are not including quarterbacks such as Kirk Cousins and Russell Wilson on this list. Why? At the moment, there is not a team with a clear need for a quarterback on the trade market. Some might point to the Minnesota Vikings, but even that feels premature.
An injury at the quarterback position for any team, however, could push Wilson and Cousins to the top of lists like this one in the coming days.
Trey Hendrickson, EDGE, Cincinnati Bengals
Trey Hendrickson was the subject of trade rumors all summer long as a significant gulf existed between the pass rusher and the Cincinnati Bengals. While a deal was done ahead of the season to bring him back into the fold, those rumors are picking up s steam again ahead of the deadline.
There are reasons for the Bengals to keep Hendrickson in Cincinnati. Despite the injury to Joe Burrow, the Bengals are 3-4 and coming off a win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, which has them still in the mix in the AFC North. Trading their best defensive player at a time when they need all the help they can get on that side of the ball, even given the contract history, would seem unwise.
Still, teams with a need on the edge — such as the San Francisco 49ers — are going to be calling.
Breece Hall, RB, New York Jets
The New York Jets are 0-7, and owner Woody Johnson is not only throwing Justin Fields under the bus, he’s backing over his starting quarterback as well.
That sounds like a team that is going to sell at the deadline, and running back Breece Hall might be the player who could bring the biggest value on the trade market. Hall is on pace for over 1,000 yards this season, and with several teams looking for running back help, moving him makes the most sense.
While the New England Patriots could be a fit, it is hard to believe that the Jets would move Hall within the division. Other teams to watch here include the Los Angeles Chargers, the Washington Commanders, and the Chicago Bears.
Chris Olave, WR, New Orleans Saints
While Chris Olave has dealt with injury issues over his short career, when healthy, he is a scheme-diverse receiver that can contribute in a variety of systems and at all three levels of the field.
Moving him would offer the New Orleans Saints, who are again facing a difficult financial position next year as they are already more than $18 million over the cap, some monetary relief. A trade of Olave would free up $15 million in cap space for next year, getting New Orleans close to having its house in solid financial order.
As far as potential landing spots, Olave’s scheme versatility makes him an ideal trade candidate. The Pittsburgh Steelers and the San Francisco 49ers are two teams to watch for his services.
Jakobi Meyers, WR, New England Patriots
Las Vegas Raiders WR Jakobi Meyers was one of the first players out of the gate with a trade request, stating in August that he wanted to be moved when he and the Raiders could not come to terms on a new deal.
The veteran is not backing down from that position.
“Oh, for sure,” Meyers said to ESPN’s Ryan McFadden when asked if he still wanted to be traded. “But I’m a professional at the end of the day. I’m just trying to play good football.”
Meyers is a willing receiver over the middle, and fits best in a horizontal-based system or as an underneath target below vertical threats. He could make a perfect running mate for DK Metcalf in Pittsburgh, and yes, a return to the New England Patriots with former offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels cannot be ruled out.
Jaylen Waddle, WR, Miami Dolphins
Even as the Miami Dolphins see their season roll downhill with increasing speed, word out of South Beach is that wide receiver Jaylen Waddle is on a list of players they will not be moving at the deadline.
That will not stop teams from calling.
Waddle’s game-breaking speed makes him an attractive trade target, and any team that needs help in the WR room will pick up the phone to see what it will take to get Miami to change its mind. As with every potential WR move, the Pittsburgh Steelers are a team to watch. But two teams in the Northeast are also worth watching here. First? The New York Giants, who have found a bit of a spark with Jaxson Dart and need some help in the WR after Malik Nabers’ injury.
The other? The Buffalo Bills. After a 4-0 start, the Bills have lost two consecutive games to fall out of first place in the AFC East. Buffalo faces a pivotal stretch coming up, with games against the Kansas City Chiefs, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and the Steelers over the next few weeks. In addition, a date with the New England Patriots, where the division title might be on the line, looms in December.
Riq Woolen, CB, Seattle Seahawks
Riq Woolen is a name to watch, not because of talent, but rather scheme fit. Woolen is a man-coverage cornerback currently playing in a zone-heavy system under Mike Macdonald. This year, according to Sharp Football Analysis, the Seahawks have run zone coverage on 81.1% of their defensive snaps, third-most in the league.
“They’ve been wanting to move him for a while,” one league executive said to ESPN. “He doesn’t fit what [Mike Macdonald] wants to do.”
An injury to Devon Witherspoon might require Seattle to retain Woolen, but if the right offer comes along, this might be the ideal time to make that move. Teams that need help in the secondary — and play a lot of man coverage — like the Detroit Lions and the New England Patriots are worth watching here.
Jaelan Phillips, EDGE, Miami Dolphins
While the Miami Dolphins are reportedly reluctant to move Jaylen Waddle, every bit of available reporting indicates that moving a pass rusher is on the table.
Jaelen Phillips and Bradley Chubb are two potential names to watch in that category, but given Chubb’s contract and Phillips’ impending free agency, the former Miami Hurricanes standout is more likely to be moved.
Several teams need pass-rushing help, but the San Francisco 49ers might be at the top of that list thanks to Nick Bosa’s injury. The Detroit Lions, Kansas City Chiefs, and Jacksonville Jaguars are other teams to watch.
Mark Andrews, TE, Baltimore Ravens
Mark Andrews wearing a different uniform sounds implausible.
But that day could be coming.
The Baltimore Ravens are hoping that the return of Lamar Jackson can spark a surge in the standings, but if the organization decides to trade veterans in the late stages of their current contracts, Andrews is at the top of that list. The veteran tight end is in the final year of his deal, and with Isaiah Likely set to hit free agency, Baltimore might pick this moment to address the position.
The Denver Broncos might make the most sense here. Evan Engram has caught just 22 passes for 179 yards and a touchdown this season, and while his targets have crept up in recent weeks, Sean Payton would love to get more out of the tight end position in his offense.
Logan Wilson, LB, Cincinnati Bengals
While the Cincinnati Bengals are, at least at this point, unlikely to trade Trey Hendrickson, they could be inclined to trade linebacker Logan Wilson, despite his status as a team captain. Cincinnati seems to be going younger at linebacker, and after playing every defensive snap against the Detroit Lions in Week 5, Wilson logged just 12 defensive snaps in Week 6 and 26 in Week 7.
While seeing his usage on special teams increase.
Teams that could use an every-down linebacker via trade? The Buffalo Bills, the Denver Broncos, and the Atlanta Falcons.
