10 Bold Predictions for 2025 NFL Trade Deadline

We're less than a week out from the 2025 NFL trade deadline, and rumors are flying as we close out a month that included several intriguing midseason deals. 

We can expect more action in the trade market ahead of November 4, though, as teams prepare for the stretch run of the season. 

With that in mind, here are 10 bold predictions for the 2025 deadline.

Why it could happen: Few teams are clearly out of contention, even after rough starts to the season. Even the Browns are just 2.5 games out of first place, and I'm not sure Arizona or the Giants are ready to punt yet, either. 

Why it's bold: It's easy to assume teams might write off seasons at this point, but they also may want to protect for 2026. The Dolphins, for example, are married to Tua Tagovailoa well beyond 2025 and might think twice about trading guys who could help him next season. 

Prediction: I'd just be watching the Jets, Raiders and Saints as potentially obvious sellers.

Why it could happen: At this point, it's pretty obvious Daniel Jones is the Colts' guy, and equally obvious that Geno Smith is not the guy in Las Vegas. So, it would make sense for the Raiders to bring in a potential reclamation project who could be in the mix for the 2026 starting job.

Why it's bold: Jones and Smith are still only a half-season in with their respective teams, and the 23-year-old Richardson was Indy's No. 4 overall pick just two years ago. 

Prediction: Indy gets cornerback Eric Stokes back as a one-year rental in the secondary but also coughs up a middle-round draft pick as a result.

Why it could happen: The Bengals haven't been able to work out a long-term deal with Hendrickson for some time, and they could decide to cut bait now. Meanwhile, the Lions have been looking for another pass-rushing option to complement Aidan Hutchinson for about the same length of time. 

Why it's bold: While this alone might not classify Cincinnati as a full-on "seller," it's somewhat of an admission that the team isn't overly competitive at the moment, as well as an admission that it needs to move on from Hendrickson following an arduous offseason of contract negotiations.

Prediction: Hendrickson costs the Lions a Day 2 pick but plays a significant role on the team's first-ever Super Bowl run.

Why it could happen: With more of an eye for Will McDonald IV among their edges on rookie deals, the Jets could decide to escape Johnson's contract before an expensive fifth-year option kicks in for 2026. Meanwhile, the Cowboys are looking to fill that void left by Micah Parsons. 

Why it's bold: The Cowboys couldn't lock Parsons into a long-term deal and would be immediately placed in a similar scenario with Johnson, who missed much of last season due to injury and will cost $13.4 million in 2026, per Spotrac.

Prediction: Johnson costs the Cowboys a Day 2 pick and delivers on occasion for a team that should be in the playoff hunt. 

Why it could happen: It's a walk year for Andrews, and the Ravens might look to get something for the veteran now before committing long-term to the younger Isaiah Likely in the offseason. Meanwhile, the Rams could use another veteran weapon to support their top two receivers for a potential playoff run. 

Why it's bold: Baltimore would be giving up on a guy who scored 11 touchdowns last year, and Likely has come back slowly from a foot injury. It's a big risk. 

Prediction: The Rams surrender a middle-round pick for Andrews, who does indeed contribute for a team that should at least land a wild-card spot.

Why it could happen: It appears the Saints want to work to re-sign the younger and more accomplished Chris Olave, leaving Shaheed as an obvious candidate to join a Steelers team that needs someone to pair with DK Metcalf for a potential playoff run. 

Why it's bold: Pittsburgh already traded George Pickens, acquired Metcalf and, of course, added Aaron Rodgers. This would be yet another high-stakes move for a veteran. 

Prediction: Pittsburgh gives the Saints a sixth-round pick for a guy with an expiring contract who likely isn't a big part of their future. Shaheed outperforms Calvin Austin III but doesn't make a huge impact overall.

Why it could happen: Hall is a pending free agent and the Jets probably have bigger fish to fry this offseason, while the Chiefs are not getting as much as they'd probably like out of their offensive backfield. 

Why it's bold: The simple fact that Hall, 24, is the league's fifth-leading rusher. 

Prediction: Hall yields the Jets a late-round pick and becomes a cog in a backfield that also contains Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt, who takes a sizable back seat.

Why it could happen: Meyers has spent the majority of his career with Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, and the 28-year-old is in a walk year for the struggling Raiders. It would make sense for the Pats to try to bring him back to support Stefon Diggs. 

Why it's bold: The Raiders would be giving up their most-targeted offensive weapon just eight games into the season, leaving Geno Smith in a tough spot. 

Prediction: The Patriots give up a fifth-rounder to rent Meyers, who not only contributes to a playoff run but also re-signs in the offseason.

Why it could happen: This is a hunch because I think the Lions have to realize there's a clear path to their first-ever Super Bowl, and they're going to feel immense pressure to solidify things defensively before the home stretch begins. 

Why it's bold: This is a team that is 20-4 since the start of 2024. I can see why they'd be tempted to stick with the status quo because the roster is already extremely talented. 

Prediction: At the very least, the Lions are expected to add a pass-rusher such as Hendrickson or Johnson and a defensive back like Riq Woolen or Michael Carter II.

Why it could happen: Progress. There were 18 trades made in October/November ahead of the deadline in 2022 and 2024, which represented a big hike from what we were used to in the 2010s. The deadline is a bigger thing than ever right now. 

Why it's bold: I did mention there might not be a lot of sellers this year.

Prediction: Expect more deals, but fewer big-time ones. Teams are just more trade-oriented than at any other point in league history, so it's not just about the big swings.