The NFL trade deadline is approaching on November 4, 2025. This early November deadline allows teams a better chance to evaluate their playoff potential and make strategic roster changes. Last year, a total of 19 players changed teams before the deadline, and activity this season is promising. Notably, the Dallas Cowboys made headlines by trading star pass rusher Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers before the season commenced.
Trade Strategies by Team
As teams prepare for the deadline, here’s a look at their strategies and potential moves:
1. Arizona Cardinals: Stand Pat
The Cardinals sit at 2-5 after losing five consecutive games. Their quarterback situation is under scrutiny with Kyler Murray sidelined. Many fans now support Jacoby Brissett, though the team is likely to hold off on changes until Murray’s future is clear.
2. Atlanta Falcons: Stand Pat
With a recent loss to San Francisco, the Falcons remain inconsistent and are unlikely to make trades. Their roster lacks depth, especially at wide receiver, but they are not prepared to compromise future assets.
3. Baltimore Ravens: Buyers
Sitting at 1-5, the Ravens remain optimistic about playoff contention. General Manager Eric DeCosta has already made trades, such as sending edge rusher Odafe Oweh to the Chargers. They are exploring options to strengthen their defensive line and potentially acquire a quality offensive lineman.
4. Buffalo Bills: Buyers
The Bills are actively seeking to enhance their roster, especially through trades for receivers like Jakobi Meyers and Chris Olave. With limited salary cap space, they will need to strategize effectively.
5. Carolina Panthers: Stand Pat
The Panthers are enjoying a three-game winning streak but are unlikely to make major trades. While they may need another edge rusher, they are not aiming to trade meaningful picks for immediate help.
6. Chicago Bears: Stand Pat
Despite a season resurgence, the Bears are focusing on long-term goals. They are expected to retain draft capital and continue building their squad rather than pursuing immediate upgrades.
7. Cincinnati Bengals: Stand Pat
The Bengals have already made a significant move, acquiring Joe Flacco, and are not looking to make any more trades at this time.
8. Cleveland Browns: Sellers
The Browns are entering sell mode. They are likely to listen to offers for players on expiring contracts, such as David Njoku and Jerome Ford, while focusing on their long-term vision.
9. Dallas Cowboys: Buyers
With a top offense, the Cowboys are expected to bolster their defense ahead of the deadline. They have the resources to make impactful trades.
10. Denver Broncos: Buyers
Faced with multiple injuries on the offensive line, the Broncos are looking to strengthen their depth. They may also explore additions at the receiver position.
11. Detroit Lions: Buyers
Riding a 5-2 record, the Lions are aiming to deepen their roster. They need additional depth in the secondary and could benefit from added veterans to increase their playoff chances.
12. Green Bay Packers: Stand Pat
The Packers already made a significant trade earlier in the season with Micah Parsons. Their current roster should be supplemented through returning players rather than more trades.
13. Houston Texans: Buyers
The Texans are expected to pursue improvement for their offensive line, which will help their overall performance in the run game.
14. Indianapolis Colts: Buyers
General Manager Chris Ballard may change his conservative trading approach this year. The team’s success necessitates added depth for a legitimate Super Bowl push.
15. Jacksonville Jaguars: Stand Pat
The Jaguars are committed to their developing roster. They are unlikely to make significant trades this season to preserve their future assets.
16. Kansas City Chiefs: Buyers
The Chiefs are considering defensive upgrades as they prepare for the playoff push. Their propensity for midseason trades further suggests they will be looking to enhance their defense.
17. Las Vegas Raiders: Sellers
The struggling Raiders may part with Jakobi Meyers as they prepare their roster for the future. They are unlikely to make moves that compromise their long-term strategy.
18. Los Angeles Chargers: Buyers
Having recently bolstered their roster, the Chargers are still looking for additional depth, specifically for their offensive line and running back positions.
19. Miami Dolphins: Sellers
The Dolphins’ struggles have prompted a reevaluation of their roster strategy, indicating a potential shift towards selling high-priced veterans for future assets.
20. Minnesota Vikings: Stand Pat
With substantial financial investments in their roster, the Vikings are not expected to abandon their current path. They are likely to focus on preserving their assets for future seasons.
21. New England Patriots: Buyers
The Patriots have surprised many with a solid start. They may actively search for edge-rushing help to enhance their defense as the deadline approaches.
22. New Orleans Saints: Sellers
Following a disappointing start, the Saints are viewed as potential sellers with several veteran players, including Alvin Kamara, likely to draw interest from other teams.
23. New York Giants: Stand Pat
Despite expectations, the Giants are not expected to pursue significant trades, opting instead to focus on developing their current roster.
24. New York Jets: Sellers
At 0-7, the Jets are in rebuilding mode, exploring trade options for players whose contracts are expiring to gain future assets.
25. Philadelphia Eagles: Buyers
The Eagles are in a strong position to contend and are looking to enhance their roster, particularly in the defensive sector.
26. Pittsburgh Steelers: Buyers
With a strong start, the Steelers are actively pursuing opportunities to secure a wide receiver to bolster their playoff aspirations.
27. San Francisco 49ers: Stand Pat
Though the 49ers are performing well, they are unlikely to disrupt their current lineup with trades as they maintain a focus on their strategy.
28. Seattle Seahawks: Buyers
The Seahawks are exploring potential acquisitions to bolster their depth across various positions, especially given recent injuries.
29. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Stand Pat
With a core of healthy players expected to return, the Bucs appear to be standing firm rather than making any major changes before the deadline.
30. Tennessee Titans: Sellers
The Titans are considering the sale of several veterans as they prepare for a potential rebuild, although they are cautious not to undermine future growth.
31. Washington Commanders: Stand Pat
The Commanders are experiencing a challenging season and are likely to maintain their current roster without making trades that reduce their future assets.
As the NFL trade deadline approaches, teams are strategizing carefully about their current roster and future ambitions.
