Top Winners and Losers of the 2025 NFL Trade Deadline Revealed

Basio badr

ago 2 hours

The 2025 NFL Trade Deadline witnessed significant movement as teams attempted to reshape their rosters amid heightened competition. Over 20 franchises were in the playoff hunt, prompting a notable flurry of trades that shifted the landscape of the league. Here’s a look at the top winners and losers from this year’s deadline.

Winners

New York Jets

The New York Jets emerged as clear winners, despite trading away key players Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams. In exchange, they received valuable draft assets aimed at a future rebuild. Their acquisitions included:

1st round pick in 2026 (from the Colts)
2nd round pick in 2026 (from the Cowboys)
1st round pick in 2027 (from the Colts)
1st round pick in 2027 (from the Cowboys)
WR Adonai Mitchell (from the Colts)
DT Mazi Smith (from the Cowboys)

This strategic move positions the Jets for a robust future, even if it initially dampens their current roster strength.

Philadelphia Eagles

The Philadelphia Eagles also made impactful deals, reinforcing their playoff candidacy. They acquired:

EDGE Jaelen Phillips for a 3rd round pick
CB Michael Carter II for John Metchie III and a 6th round pick

These acquisitions are expected to enhance the Eagles’ competitiveness without heavy costs, showcasing their commitment to maximizing their window for success.

Losers

Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs

Both the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs left fans perplexed by their inactivity during the deadline. With evident needs—such as receiver depth for the Bills and a struggling running game for the Chiefs—the absence of any trades was surprising. Their reluctance to make moves could prove detrimental as they strive for playoff success.

Individual Players

Running back Breece Hall expressed dissatisfaction, hoping for a trade that didn’t materialize. Despite being on pace for over 1,000 rushing yards this season, the Jets’ demand for a 3rd round pick hindered potential deals. Hall now faces the challenge of enduring a lengthy rebuild.

Conclusion

The 2025 NFL Trade Deadline highlighted the divergent strategies of teams in pursuit of playoff glory. While the Jets and Eagles capitalized on opportunities for growth, the Bills and Chiefs missed chances to bolster their rosters. As the season progresses, the impact of these decisions will become increasingly apparent, especially for the franchises that opted for inaction.