10 realistic deals we want to see before the NFL trade deadline
Quiet NFL trade deadlines are a thing of the past. A new generation of general managers has proven much more willing to make aggressive moves, leading to more in-season deals.
So which players might be going where before this year's Nov. 4 deadline? And what can the sellers expect in return? Let's take a look at some realistic possibilities for a collection of this year's most interesting trade candidates.
MORE: NFL trade deadline big board: Top players who could be available
Trey Hendrickson ➡️ Lions
We've been waiting a long time for the Lions to find a running mate for Aidan Hutchinson. To this point, they've passed on big swings in favor of a few more measured moves, none of which have paid off as the team hoped. With the Super Bowl window still wide-open and a market-setting deal for Hutchinson just around the corner, now is the time to go all-in on a move to help Detroit reach the mountaintop.
Hendrickson is a fascinating fit in that regard because, for one, he's firmly among the best edge rushers on the planet - his 35 sacks from 2023-2024 were 4.5 clear of T.J. Watt for the league lead. The Lions could probably justify bringing him in as a rental, but they don't necessarily need to stop there. Hendrickson, who turns 31 in December, probably won't be looking for more than a three-year commitment on his next deal. The Lions might be able to make that work before the big-money years of the inevitable Hutchinson contract kick in. The Bengals have resisted trading their star defensive end to this point. Considering their unwillingness to meet his price tag on a long-term deal, though, they should probably move him to avoid losing him for nothing in free agency.
Bradley Chubb ➡️ Eagles
The Eagles are feeling the effects of their offseason losses on the defensive front, ranking 26th in sacks and 32nd in success rate against the run, according to TruMedia. Brandon Graham coming out of retirement should go a long way toward addressing their shortcomings on the edge, but that can't be the only move. Howie Roseman needs to be aggressive if Philly stands a chance at defending its Super Bowl title.
Chubb would be a major upgrade to that group, both as a pass-rusher and when it comes to defending the run. A minimal 2025 base salary wouldn't be a problem for the Eagles to absorb and, if both sides are happy with the fit, perhaps the remaining two years on his contract could be renegotiated to keep him around.
Breece Hall ➡️ Chiefs
Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt have been a serviceable backfield tandem for the Chiefs. And with the passing attack rounding into form of late, perhaps that's all they're really looking for. But why not chase a little more upside? Kansas City is recording gains of 10-plus yards on just 7.1% of running back carries, tied for 29th league wide. That group is also tied for 25th in yards after contact per rush.
By comparison, Hall is going for 10-plus yards on 14.1% of his carries - fifth among running backs with at least 50 attempts - and he's a top 16 runner in average yards after contact. Those numbers could tick up even further in a more favorable offensive ecosystem. Kansas City has other needs to address on defense, but this is the kind of savvy deadline move that could make the offense downright unstoppable. The Jets should be trying to get whatever they can before Hall walks as a free agent, so the cost shouldn't be daunting.
Jakobi Meyers ➡️ Steelers
The Steelers desperately need to add another receiver alongside DK Metcalf. A deep tight end room is allowing Arthur Smith to live out a dream and exploit some matchups in heavy sets, but that's not going to do anything for this offense if and when Pittsburgh falls behind against the AFC's top competition. Meyers, who's long been one of the league's most underrated targets, figures to be the most highly coveted receiver available at the deadline.
A disaster start to the season leaves the Raiders no choice but to grant the trade request first submitted when contract talks stalled in August. Meyers is an excellent route-runner, he's reliable at the catch point, and he has the versatility to contribute from the slot and out wide. With those traits, the veteran wideout probably wouldn't have much trouble earning Aaron Rodgers' trust as a high-end No. 2 in this offense. And a willingness to do the dirty work in the run game would make Meyers especially valuable to a team like the Steelers.
Minkah Fitzpatrick, Jaelan Phillips ➡️ Cowboys
Jerry Jones suggested after the Micah Parsons trade that nothing would stop the Cowboys from turning around and using their excess of draft capital to improve the roster. With Dak Prescott playing at an MVP level, the outspoken owner needs to put his money (picks) where his mouth is. Bolstering this putrid Dallas defense will require multiple reinforcements. Fortunately for the Cowboys, a seller like Miami could provide an opportunity to go big in one fell swoop.
Fitzpatrick, a three-time All-Pro, is the kind of splashy acquisition Jones would probably love to make in upgrading the back end of the defense. Phillips battled injury issues over the previous two years, but when healthy, his unique pass-rush upside is clear. The former first-rounder ranks 15th among edge defenders in pass-rush win rate this season, according to PFF. Getting Fitzpatrick and Phillips in the same deal wouldn't be cheap, and it'd be a little out of character for the notoriously frugal organization. But this is the type of swing the Cowboys need to take if they want to avoid wasting an elite offense.
Jermaine Johnson, Quincy Williams ➡️ 49ers
How about another double-dip? The 49ers' defense has actually played quite well, making this a bit of a different situation than that of the Cowboys. But season-ending injuries to Nick Bosa and Fred Warner should leave the team similarly desperate for deadline acquisitions. The 0-7 Jets just so happen to have the players who could help San Francisco at defensive end and linebacker. And connections with 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, who was the Jets' head coach from 2021 through Week 5 of last season, make the potential fits even more intriguing.
Of New York's two starting defensive ends, Johnson seems most likely to be made available, as he'll be on his fifth-year option in 2026. Will McDonald IV doesn't get there until 2027. A torn Achilles robbed Johnson of a potential breakout last year, and he missed time early this season with an ankle injury, but the arrow is still pointing up. He'd fit in nicely with a 49ers defensive line predicated on defending the run while providing some much-needed pass-rush juice in Bosa's absence. Williams has started 64 games since joining the Jets early in Saleh's first season. He was one of the best linebackers in football during Saleh's last full campaign, earning first-team All-Pro honors in 2023. A bold two-for-one swap like this could keep the 49ers' defense playing at a high level in anticipation of the offense getting healthy for the stretch run.
Rashid Shaheed ➡️ Bills
Stop me if you've heard this before, but the Bills could use a receiver. Buffalo hoped that one of its young wideouts would take the next step this year, but it hasn't happened yet. And after an alarming two games for this passing attack, there's no sense in sitting back and waiting any longer. You only get so many cracks at this.
The Bills could obviously benefit from an established No. 1 target, and Chris Olave fits that description better than anyone potentially available this year. But an extension in New Orleans seems more likely than a trade. In that case, could Buffalo pivot to one of his teammates? Shaheed doesn't quite have the same name recognition, but he's quietly emerging as a well-rounded receiver. And it's extremely easy to see how his rare vertical speed could maximize the team's superstar quarterback and open things up for the rest of this offense. The Bills haven't had a deep threat like Shaheed in the Josh Allen era. It's worth finding out if this is the kind of player who can push them over the top.
Wyatt Teller ➡️ Seahawks
The Seahawks' passing attack has been outstanding this season, ranking eighth in EPA/dropback. Sam Darnold taking his game to yet another level has been the driving force for that surprise production, as the veteran signal-caller leads all qualified passers in explosive play percentage. The big-play offense would be even more difficult to defend if Seattle could find a way to complement those chunk throws with a more consistent run game.
Efforts to change the tide in that regard should start up front, as the Seahawks are currently tied for 21st in yards before contact. The right guard position stands out as the most obvious spot to upgrade, and Teller would likely be a seamless fit. The Browns veteran, who's twice been voted a second-team All-Pro, has plenty of experience in a zone-heavy run scheme. And as an impending free agent, the acquisition cost would pale in comparison to the potential value he could bring this dark horse team.
Rasul Douglas ➡️ Packers
The Packers have a problem at cornerback. Nate Hobbs isn't living up to expectations after joining the team on a four-year, $48-million deal this offseason. Green Bay would probably have to move him back to his natural slot position to return any value on that investment. Carrington Valentine and Keisean Nixon may well prove to be a capable tandem on the boundary, but it sure would be nice if the defense could add some veteran experience for depth and competition. What better way to do so than a good old reunion?
Douglas, who signed a one-year deal with Miami in August, seems likely to be on the move. The veteran corner had a solid two-plus years with Green Bay from 2021-23 before being sent to Buffalo in a deadline deal that brought back a third-round pick. The Packers wouldn't have to pay nearly as much for his services now that he's 30 years old, but the move could be every bit as impactful as it was for the Bills. Douglas, who's been one of few steady contributors for the Dolphins' defense this season, is a natural fit for defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley's zone-heavy scheme.
Cam Taylor-Britt ➡️ Colts
Sticking with reunions, this is another that just makes too much sense. The Colts have a glaring need at cornerback with Xavien Howard opting for retirement and Charvarius Ward heading to injured reserve after suffering a concussion during a collision with a teammate in pregame warmups. Cincinnati may not be in fire-sale mode, but there's no reason Cam Taylor-Britt can't be moved after his recent benching.
Trading for a player who can't keep a starting job on the Bengals' defense may not sound like the most inspiring move for a contender, but this is a unique situation. Taylor-Britt, a second-round pick in 2022, is a talented cover man who racked up seven interceptions over the previous two seasons. Reuniting him with Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo could theoretically put him back on the ascending path he had established before a difficult 2025 campaign. Cincinnati won't have much leverage halfway through the final year of his rookie deal, so Taylor-Britt could end up being a steal for a Colts team that's taken the entire league by surprise.
Dan Wilkins is theScore's senior NFL writer.