The NFL trade deadline is fast approaching, with less than two weeks remaining until November 4. As of Wednesday, there has been minimal movement in the league, aside from the Cincinnati Bengals' acquisition of Joe Flacco from the Cleveland Browns earlier this month. Unlike previous seasons, where blockbuster trades such as Davante Adams joining the New York Jets in 2024 or Christian McCaffrey moving to the San Francisco 49ers in 2022 created significant buzz, this year’s lead-up to the deadline has been relatively quiet. However, the potential for movement remains as teams evaluate their positions heading into the season's halfway mark.
According to NFL insiders Ralph Vacchiano and Eric D. Williams, there are specific positions that teams are focusing on as the trade deadline nears. Vacchiano notes that while not everyone is convinced there will be a flurry of activity, pass rushers and wide receivers are currently in high demand. An NFL personnel executive commented on the situation, saying, “Everybody seems to want help in the pass rush, and plenty of teams are looking for receivers.” However, the challenge lies in the limited number of sellers in the market, as many teams remain in contention.
While there is potential for key players to be traded, it appears that the media's expectations may not align with the reality across the league. Several teams, including the Philadelphia Eagles, Kansas City Chiefs, and San Francisco 49ers, are actively seeking help in the pass rush. The Bengals' recent victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers has complicated the potential trade of defensive end Trey Hendrickson, who had generated significant interest but is now viewed as essential to their playoff aspirations.
As the trade deadline approaches, players like Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips from the Miami Dolphins, along with Jermaine Johnson of the New York Jets, are among the edge rushers who could be moved. However, the Jets are not in a selling mode and are reportedly asking high prices for any potential trades. The Dolphins appear to be in a holding pattern, possibly due to uncertainty surrounding their coaching staff's future.
In addition to edge rushers, several teams are also scouting for help at the wide receiver position. The Pittsburgh Steelers, New England Patriots, and New York Giants are frequently mentioned as teams in need of receiving talent. Players like Jaylen Waddle of the Dolphins and Jakobi Meyers of the Las Vegas Raiders have drawn interest, although neither team seems ready to part with their assets just yet.
When it comes to the running back market, expectations for trades are low. However, a few names have surfaced in discussions, including Breece Hall of the Jets and Alvin Kamara of the Saints. Teams such as the Los Angeles Chargers, Arizona Cardinals, and Washington Commanders are in dire need of running back support due to injuries. Despite Kamara's desire to stay with the Saints and the Jets' reluctance to trade Hall, should circumstances change, there could be a bidding war for these players.
As Ralph Vacchiano and Eric D. Williams report, teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers, Washington Commanders, and Buffalo Bills are positioned as potential buyers leading up to the trade deadline. The Steelers, currently leading the AFC North, are expected to make an addition to their receiving corps to support their aging quarterback, Aaron Rodgers. Meanwhile, the Commanders, despite recent injuries, may also consider trades depending on their situation.
The Buffalo Bills are in a prime position to bolster their roster as they aim for a Super Bowl run. They could target a receiver to alleviate pressure from reigning MVP Josh Allen. Other teams to keep an eye on include the Los Angeles Rams, Seattle Seahawks, and Houston Texans, all of whom may be looking to make strategic moves to enhance their chances for the remainder of the season.
As the NFL trade deadline draws closer, teams are weighing their options, and the landscape could shift significantly in the coming weeks. Whether it’s the pursuit of pass rushers, wide receivers, or even running backs, the excitement and anticipation surrounding player movement are palpable as the clock ticks down.
Stay tuned for more updates as we approach the trade deadline on November 4, where anything can happen in the dynamic world of the NFL.
