As the Nov. 4 NFL trade deadline approaches, the league’s rumor mill is running at full speed, and front offices are weighing their options. Playoff teams that have significant injuries will be particularly eager to find a star with a team headed for a high draft pick.
Here are players to watch for as the trade deadline approaches.
Trey Hendrickson
The Cincinnati Bengals’ star edge rusher has been highly publicized as a trade candidate since the offseason due to a contract standoff with the team. Henrickson has a one-year, $29 million deal with the Bengals, but he wants more future money than what the Bengals are willing to pay.Cincinnati (3–4) sits in an odd in-between spot as a seller or buyer as the trade deadline nears, but if the team can get out of the loss column in Week 7, it could increase playoff hopes.
Hendrickson has had a solid season, with four sacks, a forced fumble, and 10 tackles. However, that’s below his typical numbers, considering his back-to-back seasons of 17.5 sacks going into 2025.
David Njoku
Regardless of Tight End University’s popularity, tight-end-needy teams could be contacting the Cleveland Browns about Njoku. The Browns star tight end is in the final year of his contract, and Cleveland could build for the future amid a 2–5 start.Njoku has 23 receptions for 223 yards and one touchdown this season. He had at least 58 receptions, 505 yards, and four touchdowns in each of his previous three seasons, despite the Browns’ instability at quarterback.
Alvin Kamara
The longtime New Orleans Saints’ star running back could see greener pastures at the trade deadline, and multiple teams need a strong back.Kamara has been vocal about wanting to stay with the Saints, but the Saints (1–6) could make a move from a business standpoint. He will count for $20 million against the salary cap in 2026, and that could hinder the Saints during a rebuild.
Kamara has 94 rushing attempts for 342 yards and a touchdown this season. He had 950 yards and six touchdowns on 228 carries last year.
Jaelan Phillips
The Miami Dolphins’ pass rusher could find a new home as playoff contenders look for a spark. Miami (1–6) is poised to sell at the trade deadline, and Phillips could give the Dolphins future draft capital to rebuild.Phillips has two sacks and 11 tackles this season in his return from a season-ending knee injury last year. He posted at least 6.5 sacks every year of his career before his injury-shortened 2024 season.
Jakobi Meyers
The Las Vegas Raiders’ standout wide receiver wants out, and there are numerous teams looking for a wide receiver of Meyers’s stature.Meyers has dealt with years of quarterback instability in Las Vegas, but this season hit a new low, as he hasn’t caught a touchdown pass yet. He has 29 receptions for 329 yards thus far.
Last season, Meyers caught 87 passes for 1,027 yards and four touchdowns, and he had 71 receptions for 807 yards and eight touchdowns in 2023.
Mark Andrews
The Baltimore Ravens’ three-time Pro Bowl tight end could land with another team amid the Ravens’ injury woes at 1–5. Andrews has 21 receptions for 174 yards and two touchdowns, but part of that is quarterback Lamar Jackson being sidelined with an injury.Last season, Andrews caught 55 passes for 673 yards and 11 touchdowns, and he posted similar numbers in previous years.
Riq Woolen
The Seattle Seahawks are in the thick of the playoff hunt, but could trade Woolen, a one-time Pro Bowl cornerback.Woolen could become a free agent after the season, and the Seahawks could save money in the future by making the move. He has 17 tackles this season, but the year before looked all the more impressive because of his three interceptions and 32 tackles.
