Image Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

When Is the NFL Trade Deadline for 2025–26 Season? All About the Deadline Date and Time With Potential Trade Candidates!

Image Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Teams have one last chance to reshape their rosters before the 2025 NFL trade deadline closes. With the season at its midway point in Week 9, the window for deals shuts on Tuesday, November 4, at 21:00 GMT (16:00 ET). Once the deadline passes, no player trades can be made until the offseason.

In recent years, the midseason cutoff has become increasingly active. According to Spotrac, the past three seasons have seen 50 trades between October 1 and the deadline, compared to just 16 from 2015 to 2017. The shift reflects a new generation of general managers more willing to gamble on in-season moves.

Already, significant trades have taken place. On November 3, the Philadelphia Eagles sent a third-round pick to the Miami Dolphins for edge rusher Jaelan Phillips. That deal followed Philadelphia’s earlier acquisition of New York Jets cornerback Michael Carter II.

We have agreed to acquire OLB Jaelan Phillips from the Dolphins in exchange for a 2026 3rd-round pick. pic.twitter.com/tuSPMf2rgb
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) November 3, 2025

Why The NFL Trade Deadline Matters

For contenders, the deadline is a chance to add depth for the playoff push. For struggling teams, it offers an opportunity to clear contracts and stockpile draft picks for the future. The NFL’s system mirrors soccer’s transfer window, though once the deadline passes, roster additions can only come from free agents, waivers, or practice squads.

Trade Candidates To Watch

David Njoku, TE, Cleveland Browns: The Browns’ season has been disappointing, but rookie Harold Fannin Jr. has emerged as their leading receiver. His rise has made veteran David Njoku expendable. With four seasons of 50-plus catches and 500-plus yards, Njoku could attract interest from teams like the Broncos, Buccaneers, or Seahawks seeking a proven tight end.

Breece Hall, RB, New York Jets: Reports suggest the Jets are reluctant to move Breece Hall, but head coach Aaron Glenn is said to want to move on from players tied to the previous regime. Hall, just 24, has 2,914 rushing yards and 173 receptions in 48 games. His price will be steep, but injury-hit teams such as the Chiefs, Chargers, or Texans could be tempted.

Chris Olave, WR, New Orleans Saints: Chris Olave has opened his career with three straight 1,000-yard seasons and leads the Saints again this year with 55 catches, 550 yards, and three touchdowns. While the franchise is reportedly working on an extension, the lack of a franchise quarterback and a rebuilding roster could push New Orleans to consider offers. A package of mid-round picks could accelerate their reset.

Trey Hendrickson, DE, Cincinnati Bengals: The Bengals have been unwilling to pay Trey Hendrickson like a top-tier pass rusher. Rather than risk losing him for nothing, Cincinnati could cash in now. With teams like the Cowboys and 49ers desperate for edge help, the Bengals could drive up the price, which insiders suggest could be a first- or second-round pick.

Jaylen Waddle, WR, Miami Dolphins: The most high-profile name in trade chatter, Jaylen Waddle is reportedly available if the price is right. Miami is said to want at least a first-round pick for the 26-year-old, who has drawn interest from the Bills, Giants, and Steelers. Any deal involving Waddle would be the headline move of this year’s deadline.