It’s only a matter of days until the 2025 NFL trade deadline. In what’s shaping up to be a wide-open playoff race, every team has at least one major issue to address before trading season closes on November 4.
Teams also need to add depth to guard against injuries that could leave them short-handed in the new year. It feels like a seller’s market this time around, as we covered earlier in our list of players who should be moved before the deadline.
Here are seven bold predictions for this year’s NFL trade deadline.
Bills Trade for Quinnen Williams
Buffalo is without Ed Oliver indefinitely. The run defense has been among the worst in the league. Quinnen Williams ranks first among all defensive tackles in run defense and is one of the better pass rushers at his position.
It’s not a deal the Jets are in any rush to make, according to reports, but it’s not like they’re going anywhere quickly, as the 1-7 record indicates. Buffalo should do all it can to put a contending defense around an unstoppable Josh Allen-orchestrated offense.
Williams would be transformative for the Bills and immediately alter the balance of power in the AFC.
Chiefs Take Big Swing
Kansas City’s offense is humming. Their defense is solid. Still, the Chiefs will be aggressive in the trade market as they look to make a record-tying fourth straight Super Bowl appearance.
Breece Hall could take this offense from dynamic to the league’s best. Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips are potential upgrades to the defense, while it would be great to see a franchise test the Titans’ resolve for Jeffery Simmons.
Kansas City’s front office has to respond if the Bills land a big name like Williams.
Browns Trade David Njoku to Broncos
Denver’s tight end group is 22nd in receiving yards. Bo Nix, who has been hot and cold all season, ranks ninth in bad throw rate. He could do with a release valve short-yardage receiver.
David Njoku has taken a step back as a blocker and has been surpassed by Harold Fannin as Cleveland’s TE1. The no-hope Browns should be looking to see if they can get a mid-round pick for Njoku from a team like the Broncos.
This is a seamless fit. Evan Engram, Adam Trautman, Nate Adkins, and Lucas Krull have underwhelmed for the 6-2 Broncos.
Jaguars Keep Brian Thomas Jr. & Add Receiver
Rashid Shaheed? The Jaguars certainly make sense for the Saints’ wideout, who has been attracting a lot of attention on the trade market.
The Jags have reiterated they won’t be selling low on Brian Thomas Jr. That seems like a smart decision. Jacksonville has got a decent year from Trevor Lawrence, who is in the top 10 in on target rate and intended air yards per pass attempt.
Shaheed, Jakobi Meyers, Jaylen Waddle, and even DeAndre Hopkins are possible fits. Shaheed and Meyers are the most likely, with Miami seemingly set on retaining Waddle and Baltimore still gunning for the playoffs.
Commanders Deal Daron Payne
Washington’s season is a lost cause. Monday’s loss to the Chiefs left the Commanders 3-5 and Jayden Daniels is sidelined.
Enjoying a career year according to PFF and excelling as a pass rusher, Daron Payne is a fit on a lot of contending teams. Kansas City would make sense, as would the Falcons, Cowboys, Steelers, Bills, and Chargers.
The cap hit, just shy of $30 million, for next season might deter possible suitors. Team control could also work in Washington’s favor if a front office sees Payne as a long-term answer at defensive tackle.
Patriots Land Jamal Adams
Formerly an elite safety with a string of All-Pro selections, Jamal Adams has successfully transitioned into becoming a plus linebacker with the Raiders.
Adams has been an elite pass rusher and has excelled when used in coverage. The run defense is a weakness, but the Patriots don’t need to worry about that, as they have the second-fewest yards allowed per carry.
Adding Adams would spice up a New England defense that’s not been all that effective when blitzing. With the upside to finish with 12 wins, this is the time for the Patriots to be aggressive.
Browns Misjudge Market, Keep Defensive Performers
Cleveland should be cashing in its non-Myles Garrett defensive chips for draft assets. Devin Bush, Alex Wright, Maliek Collins, and Jerome Baker should all be on the block.
The Browns are, at worst, a top five defense. Their run defense has been elite all year. Given that is an area many contenders are struggling in, it would be a mistake for Cleveland to keep its defensive veterans.
It wouldn’t be hard to generate a bidding war between teams dreaming of a deep playoff run. The Texans, Seahawks, and Broncos are the only playoff-worthy teams that can be content with their current defenses.
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