NFL trade deadline 2025: top 3 players who could change teams

The NFL trade deadline is looming and chatter around the league is already heating up. With contenders trying to plug holes and struggling teams prepping for a rebuild, a handful of players stand out as the likeliest midseason movers — and a few trades make clear competitive sense for both buyers and sellers.

Running back Breece Hall, edge rusher Trey Hendrickson and linebacker Bradley Chubb headline the early rumors, joined by a handful of offensive pieces who could attract suitors. Meanwhile, the quarterback market looks muted — few teams seem willing to take on contracts that don’t match immediate Super Bowl windows. Below are three realistic trade scenarios that fit current roster needs and contract realities.

Why the Chargers and Jets could agree on a Breece Hall swap

Breece Hall offers an immediate infusion of explosive playmaking, and his availability makes sense for a retooling Jets franchise. Hall’s combination of rushing and receiving skills gives a contender a downhill runner who can take pressure off a passing attack and contribute in third-down packages.

• Contract status and value: Hall is set to hit free agency after this season, which increases the Jets’ leverage to seek draft capital rather than risking a late free-agent departure.
• Jets’ standing: New York’s season has been rocky, and trading an asset like Hall could accelerate a rebuild while maximizing return.
• Chargers’ need: Los Angeles lost depth at the position after an Achilles injury to Najee Harris and an ankle issue to rookie Omarion Hampton, creating an urgent need for a reliable primary back.
• Other suitors: Teams like Arizona, reeling from a season-ending injury to James Conner, would logically check in — but the Chargers combine trajectory and roster fit that make them a top candidate.

Possible trade framework

• Trade package could include mid-round draft picks and a conditional selection based on playoff performance.
• New York would prioritize picks and a young roster piece as part of any deal, while Los Angeles could be willing to give up two picks for a short-term boost.

Trey Hendrickson to San Francisco: quick bandage for a thin pass rush

The Bengals and Hendrickson seem unlikely to reach long-term terms at the price he commands, and that dynamic makes him one of the most movable veteran pass rushers on the market. He’s proven he can win one-on-one matchups and would slot into immediate rotation work on a contending team.

• Consistent production: Hendrickson posted 17.5 sacks in each of the past two campaigns and has been a Pro Bowl pick multiple seasons running.
• Contract friction: Cincinnati appears reluctant to commit to a multi-year deal at roughly $30 million per season, which pushes Hendrickson toward a November move if the Bengal front office decides to recoup value.
• 49ers need: San Francisco’s pass rush has been hampered by the loss of Nick Bosa to a torn ACL and additional defensive setbacks, leaving the club in search of edge help ahead of a playoff stretch.
• Other teams in the mix: Dallas and Philadelphia already have shown interest in veteran help off the edge, so Hendrickson could have multiple suitors — but the 49ers’ championship window makes them an especially natural fit.

What a Hendrickson trade would look like

• Acquiring club: likely trades a pick and a depth piece — a mid- to late-round selection that helps Cincinnati in a rebuild or retool.
• Bengals’ angle: move would close a contract headache and secure assets rather than risking a free-agent walk.

Bradley Chubb: why the Cowboys could be ideal landing spot

The Cowboys’ defense has struggled since an offseason lineup shakeup, and their numbers reflect a unit in need of proven playmakers. Bradley Chubb represents an upgrade when healthy — a high-upside starter who can pressure quarterbacks and shore up a thin front.

• Defensive urgency in Dallas: The team ranks near the bottom of several defensive categories this season, prompting a search for difference-makers who can flip momentum in short order.
• Chubb’s profile: When healthy, Chubb is a disruptive force. He has a history of injuries — including a season-ending ACL — but has flashed the pass-rush production teams covet, notching multiple sacks already this year.
• Miami’s position: With the Dolphins’ season trending away from contention, management could be inclined to trade Chubb for picks or young assets to restock the roster.

Trade components that make sense

• Dallas could offer a combination of draft capital and a rotational player, targeting a deal that balances risk given Chubb’s medical history.
• Miami would prioritize draft compensation and a possible salary split to maximize return while freeing cap space for future moves.

Quarterback market: why teams aren’t clamoring to move for veterans

At this point in the season, the quarterback market is surprisingly quiet. High-profile veteran names aren’t generating the same level of interest because many playoff-aspirant teams prefer short-term, low-risk additions or opt to ride with their current options rather than absorb complicated contracts.

• Contract complications: Large, multi-year deals deter buyers who need financial flexibility for the postseason stretch.
• Limited upside of fall-back options: Several veteran backups available right now don’t project as clear upgrades for teams chasing a Super Bowl berth.
• Focus on role players: Most trade activity at this deadline is expected to center on rushers, receivers and defensive linemen rather than signal-callers.

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John Davis

John Davis is a sports journalist focused on the NBA, NFL, and major global championships. With seven years of live coverage, he breaks down performances and key strategies. His expertise gives you a clear view of every game and its impact.