2025 NFL Trade Deadline: Eagles Achieve Goals, Jets Make Sales, Bills Miss Opportunities
The 2025 NFL Trade Deadline proved to be a significant moment in the league, with ten trades occurring ahead of the 4 p.m. ET cutoff. Teams rushed to reshape their rosters, either fortifying their chances for a playoff push or beginning the process of rebuilding for the future. In total, there were 22 trades during the season, surpassing last year’s total of 18.
Major Trades and Moves
Among the most notable trades was the New York Jets’ decision to send the All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner to the Indianapolis Colts. In return, the Jets received two first-round draft picks and wide receiver AD Mitchell.
Other significant moves included:
- The Seattle Seahawks acquired wide receiver Rashid Shaheed from the New Orleans Saints for draft picks.
- The Jacksonville Jaguars traded draft selections to the Las Vegas Raiders for Jakobi Meyers.
Winners of the Trade Deadline
Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles’ general manager, Howie Roseman, once again enhanced the team’s roster. Philadelphia successfully retained star wide receiver A.J. Brown while adding pass-rusher Jaelan Phillips. Phillips has demonstrated impressive capabilities, averaging eight sacks annually when healthy. Furthermore, the Eagles bolstered their secondary by acquiring cornerbacks Michael Carter and Jaire Alexander, the latter having made two Pro Bowls in recent seasons.
Indianapolis Colts
Securing a two-time All-Pro cornerback mid-season is a rarity, but the Colts managed this feat with the addition of Gardner. This acquisition should significantly improve their defense, especially with key matchups against high-powered offenses like the Kansas City Chiefs upcoming.
New York Jets
While the Jets traded away Gardner, they secured valuable assets with two first-round picks from the Colts and additional picks from the Dallas Cowboys. Although history indicates that first-round picks haven’t transformed the Jets’ fortune, this may offer a glimmer of hope for future rebuilding efforts.
Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks are capitalizing on their current form, leading the NFL in explosive plays. The addition of Shaheed, known for his speed and big-play potential, will complement their offense considerably.
Losers of the Trade Deadline
Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys’ decision to trade linebacker Micah Parsons has raised eyebrows. While they received significant draft capital from the Green Bay Packers, the loss of Parsons could prove costly, especially for a defense needing fortification.
Buffalo Bills
The Bills entered the deadline in search of reinforcements but came away empty-handed. Their lack of additional pass-rushers or explosive playmakers leaves them vulnerable as they aim for a playoff spot.
Kansas City Chiefs
Despite welcoming back key players from injury, the Chiefs missed an opportunity to add depth to their running back and defensive lines.
New Orleans Saints
The Saints traded Shaheed but may have weakened their offensive unit. With a rookie quarterback struggling, losing a key deep threat hampers their overall effectiveness.
Other Notable Mentions
There were other key players, such as Breece Hall from the New York Jets, who remained with the team despite trade speculation. Miami’s Bradley Chubb also didn’t move, remaining with the Dolphins amidst their shifting strategy.
As the dust settles from the 2025 NFL Trade Deadline, teams now turn their attention to the remainder of the season, hoping their new acquisitions will lead to success on the field. Emegypt will continue to monitor the impacts of these transactions as playoff races heat up.