The NFL trade deadline looms large, with seven in-season deals already wrapped up. Teams have until 4 p.m. on November 4 to make their moves, and the activity shows no signs of slowing down.
We witnessed 18 trades last season, eight of them happening on deadline day itself—three more than the year before. With playoff dreams hanging in the balance, plenty of franchises are eyeing roster upgrades that could tip the scales. On the flip side, teams already looking ahead to next year might cash in their talent for future picks.
Here’s a look at 10 players who might find themselves packing their bags before deadline day.
Mark Andrews, TE, Baltimore Ravens
Baltimore’s season has gone sideways fast, limping into their bye week at 1-5. The Ravens have already started trimming salary, shipping out pass-rusher Odafe Oweh. With Isaiah Likely back to full health, their tight end room looks solid enough to survive without Andrews. Given that he’s playing out the final year of his deal, don’t be shocked if Baltimore picks up the phone.
Bradley Chubb, Edge Rusher, Miami Dolphins
Miami needs to create some breathing room under the salary cap, while several contenders are desperate for pass-rushing help after injuries and retirements decimated their depth charts. Chubb missed all of 2024 recovering from a torn ACL, but he’s bounced back strong with four sacks in six games. The two-time Pro Bowler could walk after this season anyway, making him an attractive rental for teams making a playoff push.
Demario Davis, Linebacker, New Orleans Saints
At 36, Davis keeps chugging along, ranking 12th league-wide with 51 tackles. The Saints are clearly rebuilding, though they’ve been hesitant to deal away franchise cornerstones like Davis. Moving him would bring back draft capital and salary relief. A team like the San Francisco 49ers, who just lost All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner for the season, could really use his veteran presence.
Trey Hendrickson, Defensive End, Cincinnati Bengals
Hendrickson and Cincinnati spent most of the offseason in a contract stalemate that carried into training camp. The 2024 NFL sack leader has four sacks through six games, but his future in stripes looks murky at best. Cincinnati’s recent trade for Joe Flacco suggests they might want to keep their pass rush intact for one final playoff run, though stranger things have happened.
DeAndre Hopkins, Wide Receiver, Baltimore Ravens
Hopkins hasn’t cracked the starting lineup in Baltimore yet, but he’s making the most of his opportunities—averaging 19.8 yards per reception with two scoring grabs. The 33-year-old has championship experience after his deadline deal to Kansas City last year helped fuel their Super Bowl run. If Baltimore’s season continues spiraling, Hopkins could be on the move again.
David Njoku, Tight End, Cleveland Browns
Njoku’s numbers have taken a hit, thanks partly to Cleveland’s quarterback carousel. The Browns are working rookie Harold Fannin Jr. into the mix, which could make Njoku expendable in his contract year. Teams like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Los Angeles Chargers, and Indianapolis Colts could use a reliable pass-catching tight end.
Jaelan Phillips, Edge Rusher, Miami Dolphins
Phillips can’t seem to stay on the field, missing entire seasons since 2022. When healthy, though, he’s a legitimate threat off the edge. Contenders like the 49ers, Eagles, Lions, Buccaneers, and Chiefs are all hunting for pass rush help, which could make Phillips an intriguing gamble.
Wyatt Teller, Guard, Cleveland Browns
Cleveland’s disappointing season might prompt them to shed salary, and their three-time Pro Bowl guard could be a candidate. With voidable years beyond 2025, Teller’s contract situation makes him appealing to teams needing interior line help. The Eagles, Cowboys, and Seahawks all have holes to fill up front.
Kayvon Thibodeaux, Edge Rusher, New York Giants
Thibodeaux exploded in 2023 with 11.5 sacks, 50 tackles, and three forced fumbles, but injuries limited him to just 12 games last season. He’s currently rotating behind rookie Abdul Carter and veteran Brian Burns. The 49ers, Buccaneers, Chiefs, and Lions all need pass rush production. The Giants probably won’t deal him to a division rival like Washington, but other options exist.
Riq Woolen, Cornerback, Seattle Seahawks
Woolen hasn’t recaptured the magic from his first three NFL seasons. Seattle’s secondary runs deep with Shaquille Griffin, Josh Jobe, Devon Witherspoon (when healthy), and Derion Kendrick all in the mix. The Lions, Eagles, and Bills are actively shopping for cornerback help. A change of scenery might be exactly what Woolen needs to rediscover his early-career form.
