Mid-Season Movers: Predicting the Top NFL Trade Candidates

The NFL is a constantly evolving landscape, and as the 2025 season unfolds, some teams will inevitably find themselves in need of a shakeup. Whether it’s due to injuries, underperformance, or a change in strategic direction, the mid-season trade window offers a crucial opportunity for teams to retool and make a playoff push. With the trade deadline set for November 4th at 4:00 p.m. ET, let’s dive into some of the top NFL trade candidates who could be on the move.

Quarterback Carousel: When the Music Stops, Who’s Left Standing?

The quarterback position is always a hot topic, and 2025 is no exception. Several signal-callers find themselves in uncertain situations, making them potential trade targets.

Kenny Pickett (Cleveland Browns): After a disappointing stint with the Steelers, Pickett landed in Cleveland but hasn’t found a clear path to the starting job. With Deshaun Watson’s injury, the Browns brought in Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders through the draft, and veteran Joe Flacco is currently favored to start. Pickett, in the final year of his rookie contract, could be a valuable asset for a team seeking a young, experienced backup or a potential starter down the line.
Jameis Winston (New York Giants): The former No. 1 overall pick finds himself as the likely QB3 in New York, behind Russell Wilson and rookie Jaxson Dart. While Winston has shown flashes of brilliance, his turnover-prone nature and current position on the depth chart make him an attractive trade target for teams needing a quarterback due to injury.
Anthony Richardson (Indianapolis Colts): After losing the starting role to Daniel Jones, Richardson’s future in Indianapolis looks bleak. A fresh start might be what he needs to revive his career, and a team willing to take a chance on his potential could find a steal.
Sam Darnold (Seattle Seahawks): Darnold has proven to be productive in both real life and fantasy. He guided the Vikings to the playoffs with a stellar season in 2024. The former third-overall pick was the QB9 overall last season and has the potential to produce similar value in the northwest.

Wide Receiver Redundancy: Too Many Cooks in the Kitchen?

Several teams have a surplus of talent at wide receiver, making some players expendable and potential trade targets.

Adam Thielen (Carolina Panthers): The veteran receiver could be on the move as the Panthers look to integrate younger talent like Tetairoa McMillan and Xavier Legette. Thielen’s experience and reliable hands could be a valuable addition to a team seeking a veteran presence in their receiving corps. The Vikings have been linked to Thielen, who are reportedly seeking some depth out wide.
Jakobi Meyers (Las Vegas Raiders): After requesting a trade, Meyers is a prime candidate to be moved. Coming off a 1,000-yard season and with a reasonable $11 million salary, he would be a valuable addition to any offense.
Romeo Doubs (Green Bay Packers): With the Packers investing heavily in wide receivers through the draft, Doubs’ future in Green Bay is uncertain. While he has been a reliable target for Jordan Love, the emergence of younger players could make him expendable.
Curtis Samuel (Buffalo Bills): After a disappointing 2024 season, Samuel could be on the move as the Bills look to revamp their receiving corps. His speed and versatility could be an asset to a team seeking a gadget player.
DK Metcalf (Seattle Seahawks): With Jaxon Smith-Njigba emerging as the Seahawks’ top pass catcher in 2024, Metcalf could be on the trading block. Metcalf is also pricey, due more than $30 million in 2025, and has just one season remaining on his contract.

Running Back Roulette: Who Gets the Carries?

The running back position is often subject to change, and several backs could find themselves on new teams mid-season.

Jonathan Taylor (Indianapolis Colts): If the Colts are not in contention, they may look to trade Taylor. He is a top running back in the league and could fetch multiple good picks.
Alvin Kamara (New Orleans Saints): Kamara could be a valuable addition to a running back room, especially one with a physical lead back.
Travis Etienne (Jacksonville Jaguars): With the Jaguars drafting Bhayshul Tuten, Etienne’s role in Jacksonville is uncertain. A team seeking a home-run hitter could find a valuable asset in Etienne.

Defensive Reinforcements: Adding Pieces to the Puzzle

Teams looking to bolster their defense could target these players:

Trey Hendrickson (Cincinnati Bengals): After leading the NFL in sacks for the second consecutive season, Hendrickson’s future in Cincinnati is uncertain. If he and the Bengals can’t agree on a long-term deal, they could look to trade him rather than lose him in free agency.
Bradley Chubb (Miami Dolphins): If the Dolphins are not in contention, they may look to trade Chubb. When healthy, he is a good pass rusher and could help a front four.
Kayvon Thibodeaux (New York Giants): If the Giants are not liking the direction of the team, they could trade Thibodeaux for a day two pick.
Jalen Ramsey (Pittsburgh Steelers): Ramsey joined the Steelers this season after two years in Miami. His streak of four straight Pro Bowls ended last season as his play began to fall off in his early 30s.

Other Potential Movers

Tyler Higbee (Los Angeles Rams): Higbee has been a reliable target for the Rams, but his age and contract situation could make him expendable.
Treylon Burks (Tennessee Titans): After failing to live up to expectations, Burks could be on the move as the Titans look to revamp their receiving corps.
Liam Eichenberg (Miami Dolphins): Eichenberg has struggled to find a consistent role in Miami and could benefit from a change of scenery.

As the 2025 NFL season progresses, these players are just a few of the potential trade candidates to watch. The trade deadline is a crucial time for teams to address their needs and make a push for the playoffs, and these mid-season movers could play a significant role in shaping the landscape of the league.