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The 2025 NFL season unofficially kicked off with a monster trade, sending Micah Parsons from the Cowboys to the Packers. Seven more swaps have gone down since, including the ultra-rare intra-division quarterback trade involving Joe Flacco.
The Nov. 4 trade deadline is quickly approaching, and more fireworks could be on the way. A fervent market requires two things: supply and demand. I suspect with several August front-runners starting the season slowly — and some surprise contenders emerging — you could see more clubs than normal seeking to add help.
Likewise, with 10 teams at two or fewer victories, nearly one third of the NFL has remote playoff chances. Some could seek to unload salaries and beef up their 2026 draft capital. There should be deals to be made.
While that doesn’t guarantee there will be a hot trade market, the conditions are there for it to happen. The record for most in-season trades is 19, which happened in both 2019 and 2022, per NFL Research. It’s possible that we approach that trade number — or possibly even blow past it — in 2025.
Here’s a look at which teams could be buyers, which ones might be sellers and which could maybe consider some of each.
Their situation screams sellers, with the team sitting at 1-6 and led by an interim head coach. But what is for sale? The Titans are not teeming with tradable assets, especially if Pro Bowl DT Jeffery Simmons isn’t available. L’Jarius Sneed and Calvin Ridley have recognizable names, but injuries, pricy salaries and sub-par play have muddled their value and desirability.
More likely players to move include edge rushers Dre’Mont Jones and Arden Key, LB Cody Barton and CB Roger McCreary. The Titans remain a ways away from contending. They could use more draft assets and fewer big contracts. The other goal would be to find pieces that can help QB Cam Ward, who has had his share of struggles, even with some encouraging moments.
Mike McDaniel has bemoaned several of his players’ names being dragged into trade speculation, calling them “baseless” rumors, but also adding a key qualifier — “currently.” McDaniel said that prior to the Dolphins losing their third straight game — a 31-6 drubbing by the Browns — with the season slipping farther into the abyss at 1-6. Also, I don’t know how much say he’ll have in the matter, with McDaniel facing questions about his job security.
It’s hard to imagine Miami wouldn’t listen to calls on Bradley Chubb or Jaelen Phillips, and they’d probably be thrilled to offload Matthew Judon if possible. There also has been some Jaylen Waddle chatter, although that feels far less certain to happen. The Dolphins are badly in need of shedding salary with 2026 in mind, and they could always use the draft picks in return to help replenish a flawed roster.
