NFL 2025 Trade Deadline Preview: Best Players Teams Should Trade

The NFL trade deadline falls on November 4. It rarely lives up to the chaos of its NBA or MLB counterparts, but there are always moves that can help teams improve around the margins.

With at least eight teams out of contention after Week 8, several front offices should be selling. Those teams are already planning for the future and have players who could make a difference for contenders.

Of course, teams do not always make the right buy-or-sell call. Several rebuilding franchises appear reluctant to go through a full teardown, so this list is more about what should happen rather than what will.

Here, in no particular order, are the best players who should be available before the deadline.

Trey Hendrickson, Bengals

Cincinnati isn’t going to trade Trey Hendrickson. That’s not to say they shouldn’t evaluate their options with their star pass rusher, however, after a heart-breaking Week 8 loss made it very unlikely the Bengals can reach the playoffs.

Joe Burrow might not return this season if Cincy aren’t in contention. Hendrickson is an elite pass rusher, but he’s far from irreplaceable in the run game, and his presence is nowhere near enough to make the Bengals into an average defense. 

The phone would be ringing off the hook if Hendrickson was available. The draft capital would enable Cincinnati to finally build a balanced roster around Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase. The Patriots, Eagles, Niners, and Falcons would surely be interested. 

Jeffery Simmons, Titans

Tennessee has said everyone other than Cam Ward and Jeffery Simmons is available. If the Titans are serious about rebuilding, they should at least consider offers for Simmons. He would fetch a massive return that could accelerate their roster reset.

Simmons’ hamstring injury is not expected to be season-ending. He already has 11 quarterback hits in seven games and may be peaking as a pass rusher. The draft haul he could command would be enormous.

Jakobi Meyers, Raiders

A 29-year-old wide receiver on a two-win team should be on the block. Las Vegas is heading toward the top of the draft, not a playoff race. Meyers averages 11.7 yards per reception for his career and posted more than 1,000 yards in 2024.

He was active in practice during the Raiders’ bye week and appears close to returning from injury. Denver, Pittsburgh, and Houston are logical landing spots.

Daron Payne, Commanders

Daron Payne is having the best season of his career, ranking eighth among interior defenders per PFF. He has already matched last season’s tackle-for-loss total and defended three passes in Washington’s Week 7 game against Dallas.

The Ravens and Panthers could use his strength inside, while New England, Philadelphia, and Tampa Bay all need more interior pressure.

Laremy Tunsil, Commanders

Under contract for 2026 at a shade under $17 million, the Commanders won’t be in a rush to move on from Laremy Tunsil. It’s looking like a lost season for Washington, though, so they should at least listen to offers on the veteran tackle.

Tunsil ranks fourth in pass blocking among all tackles. There are no signs of decline in his pass blocking, and he’s passable as a run blocker. While he’s allowed 10 pressures and eight hurries, it’s worth noting how durable Tunsil has been throughout his pro career.

A reunion with the Texans or a trade to the Chargers or Ravens could make sense.

Calvin Ridley, Titans

Tennessee isn’t in any rush to bring Calvin Ridley back from his hamstring injury. Why should they be?

Acquiring Ridley is a bet on his health. Most reports suggest he will be available before the end of November, so he can help a contending team down the stretch.

The veteran was heating up before his injury and has posted consecutive 1,000-yard seasons. 

Minkah Fitzpatrick, Dolphins

Under contract for next season with a big cap hit, Minkah Fitzpatrick isn’t the easiest player to move. His value, however, is undeniable as the 10^th-best safety in the NFL and an elite player in coverage, per PFF.

Detroit needs major help in its secondary. Fitzpatrick would be a big swing, though the Lions are more likely to go for a lower-profile veteran. The Bears, Eagles, Ravens, and Cowboys could also be a fit. 

There are plenty of teams that need to bolster their secondary. Miami would be foolish not to listen to offers for Fitzpatrick. 

Rasul Douglas, Dolphins

Eleventh among all corners in 2023, Rasul Douglas has bounced back in 2025 after a down year. He’s defended six passes, forced a fumble, and made 30 tackles in eight games for Miami.

The Dolphins’ poor overall defensive numbers shouldn’t distract from how Douglas has rated individually. 

Only a few corners have been better in coverage. You don’t want him matched up with the league’s quickest receivers, but he’s an above-average option in zone coverage. Plenty of teams could do with another veteran in their secondary. 

Jamal Adams, Raiders

The list of teams interested in Jamal Adams should be long. Adams, adept as a linebacker or corner, is having his best year since 2022. He’s been elite in pass rush and pass coverage, making him a real asset in passing downs. 

The Patriots should be all over Adams as a trade target. His positional versatility means he would slot in nicely on almost any defense across the NFL, but New England and Tampa Bay are the most in need of a player with Adams’ skillset.

Keep an eye out for a possible trade with Las Vegas’ season fading into irrelevance.

David Njoku, Browns

Set to hit free agency, David Njoku has seen his role diminish in Cleveland. He is averaging 9.6 yards per catch but playing fewer snaps as rookie Harold Fannin earns more opportunities.

Njoku is no longer the blocker he once was, yet his athleticism still makes him intriguing for teams like the Bears or Broncos.

Aaron Brewer, Dolphins

Tied for the third-highest ranking among all centers, Aaron Brewer has been at his best in the run game. In Week 6, he didn’t have a single negative rating on run plays, and that translates to an elite PFF grade on his run blocking.

The pass game has been a bit shakier. Six penalties allowed will keep some front offices away, but he’s notably only allowed one pressure all year. 

Brewer’s ability to also play guard makes him attractive to injury-plagued teams.

Alvin Kamara, Saints

It would be a minor miracle if New Orleans traded Alvin Kamara. He’s made it clear publicly that he wants to stay with the Saints, and the injury he suffered in the Week 8 loss to the Buccaneers might make potential suitors wary.

His numbers are the worst of his career, yet that shouldn’t be taken too seriously with the quarterback and offensive line play we have seen from the Saints. It’s not exactly an ideal circumstance for a dual threat running back. 

De’Von Achane, Dolphins

The Dolphins have no choice but to accept their fate as a tanking team. De’Von Achane might seem like a foundational piece, but how likely is it that he’s the lead back on the next contending Miami team? 

Achane is having an excellent year considering that Miami has one of the worst offensive lines in the sport. He’s in his age-24 season and has continued to impact games as both a rusher and pass catcher.

The price would be high but just imagine how transformative Achane could be for a contender. Perhaps the Eagles come calling if Saquon Barkley is out long-term. 

Rashid Shaheed, Saints

Coming off nine catches against the Buccaneers, Rashid Shaheed has put himself in the shop window. New Orleans is reportedly already fielding calls on their WR2. 

Shaheed, who has been used on the outside and as a slot receiver this year, could diversify an offense like Denver’s. A team like Jacksonville or Chicago could see him as a short-term way to boost their quarterback’s options. 

The price shouldn’t be too high for a player with less than 2,000 career receiving yards. Still, the Saints don’t have much to gain by holding onto Shaheed.

Devin Bush, Browns

Only four linebackers rank higher than Devin Bush on PFF. His prowess in the run game would help the Bills. Pittsburgh, Chicago, and Dallas would benefit from adding a linebacker. 

Buffalo is most in need of a player like Bush. Josh Allen is having an MVP-level campaign once again, and the Bills are in legitimate Super Bowl contention. 

Their run defense, though, is among the worst in the league. If the Bills are serious about making a run, trading for Bush is an easy decision.

Alex Wright, Browns

Cleveland might not want to decimate its league-leading defense. There’s a path to contention next year if the Browns keep their key pieces around Myles Garrett.

Wright, a 25-year-old run-stuffing defensive end, is an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season. Cleveland will have to pay Wright to keep him around, so it would make sense to get some draft capital for his services before the trade deadline.

Wright ranks ninth among all defensive ends. He’s seventh in run defense. He’s got nine TFLs and three quarterback hits this year.

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