As the NFL nears its 2025 trade deadline on November 4 at 4 p.m. ET, front offices across the league are actively retooling their rosters in pursuit of playoff success. With several notable deals already completed, the competitive balance of the season is shifting, fueling speculation about which players could be on the move next. This article reviews the latest trades, the strategies driving them, and their potential impact on the teams involved.
The trade market has opened with a series of impactful moves, each reflecting how teams are positioning themselves for the stretch run. The Philadelphia Eagles, New Orleans Saints, and New York Jets have all been especially active, signaling aggressive approaches to roster construction.
Eagles Land Tank Bigsby
On September 8, the Philadelphia Eagles made a splash by acquiring running back Tank Bigsby from the Jacksonville Jaguars in exchange for 2026 fifth- and sixth-round picks. It was the Eagles’ fifth trade since mid-August, underscoring their all-in mentality as they look to defend their Super Bowl crown. Bigsby’s addition strengthens their depth at running back and gives the team another promising weapon.
Saints Add Ja’Lynn Polk
Just five days later, on September 13, the New Orleans Saints traded with the New England Patriots for wide receiver Ja’Lynn Polk. Though currently on injured reserve with a shoulder issue, Polk was a second-round pick in 2024 and carries long-term upside. New Orleans acquired Polk and a 2028 seventh-rounder in exchange for a 2027 sixth-rounder. The move highlights the Saints’ willingness to invest in young talent, even if the payoff is delayed.
Jets Bolster Secondary with Jarvis Brownlee Jr.
On September 23, the New York Jets shored up their defensive backfield by acquiring cornerback Jarvis Brownlee Jr. from the Tennessee Titans. The Jets received Brownlee and a 2026 seventh-rounder in return for a 2026 sixth-rounder. At 24, Brownlee brings starting experience and could line up opposite Sauce Gardner once he recovers from an ankle injury. For the Jets, it’s a clear step toward fortifying a defense critical to their playoff aspirations.
The Bigger Picture: Deadline Dynamics
The NFL trade deadline consistently serves as a turning point in the season, with contenders looking to strengthen their squads and struggling teams preparing for the future.
Buyer and Seller Approaches
Teams like the Eagles and Jets are firmly in buyer mode, using trades to maximize their playoff potential. Philadelphia is intent on maintaining its championship edge, while the Jets are focused on elevating their defense.
Meanwhile, franchises on the outside of the postseason race often flip veteran players for draft capital or prospects. The Patriots, for example, have been linked to ongoing trade chatter, with speculation surrounding players such as quarterback Mac Jones and wideout Tyreek Hill.
The Value of Draft Picks
Draft selections remain the currency of deadline deals. Contenders part with future picks to gain immediate contributors, as the Eagles did with Bigsby. Rebuilding teams, like the Patriots, lean on these assets to stockpile for future seasons.
Speculation and Predictions: Who’s Next?
As November 4 draws closer, attention turns to potential high-profile trades. Two names generating buzz are Tyreek Hill and Kirk Cousins. If the Dolphins reconsider their long-term approach, Hill could become available. Similarly, should the Vikings falter in the playoff race, Cousins might be a trade candidate as well.
The Role of Injuries
Injuries often accelerate trade activity. Teams with roster holes are more willing to make bold moves, even for injured players with long-term upside. The Saints’ acquisition of Polk, despite his current status, illustrates this risk-reward mindset.
Conclusion: A Season of Change
With the deadline approaching, the league is in the midst of a transformative stretch. Some teams are making aggressive pushes, while others are looking ahead to rebuild. The trades by the Eagles, Saints, and Jets highlight just how quickly fortunes can shift in the NFL. As the final days before November 4 unfold, fans and analysts alike will be watching to see which teams double down on their ambitions and which hit reset. The coming weeks promise intrigue, strategy, and plenty of surprises.
