Yes, you should definitely make plans to vote not only until Election Day in 2025, but also ahead of the upcoming NFL trade deadline. Teams have until 4 p.m. ET to finalize trades before heading into the playoffs.
So, what’s the situation today? It appears to revolve around the Dallas Cowboys, who already have one contract signed, but might there be more coming?
Well, Jerry Jones is going to do what Jerry Jones does, right?
Let’s dive into some of the latest rumors.
Is the running back market heating up?
According to ESPN’s Dan Graziano, four AFC teams currently in playoff contention are looking into adding running backs.
Yet, having viable options on hand is another story.
First up, we have the New England Patriots, who are facing an injury to Rhamondre Stevenson after losing Antonio Gibson earlier in the season. Although rookies Treveillon Henderson and second-year player Terrell Jennings have shown promise, the Patriots are keen to add another running back, particularly if Stevenson is sidelined for an extended period due to a toe injury.
Then, we have the Houston Texans also searching for running backs, as they strive for a playoff spot. Joe Mixon is currently out with an offseason foot injury and may not return, while Nick Chubb hasn’t exceeded 61 rushing yards in a game yet. Rookie Woody Marks has taken on a larger role than expected, but the Texans are still hoping for another option.
Moving to the AFC West, two teams there might want to bring in running backs due to injuries as well. The Los Angeles Chargers have lost Najee Harris for the season, and Omarion Hampton remains on injured reserve with an ankle issue. Over in Kansas City, the Chiefs are facing their own challenges with Isaiah Pacheco’s knee injury.
Who could be on the market? Breece Hall is a notable name, although the New York Jets seem intent on retaining him. There are a couple of players who might be available, like Jeremone Ford and Jalen Wright.
Another name to keep an eye on is Tuba Hubbard from Carolina. With Rico Doodle stepping up, will any teams take on Hubbard’s $4.5 million guaranteed for next season?
Patriots open to trading LB Anfernee Jennings
Back in Foxborough, the Patriots have surprised many this year, heading into Week 9 with a strong 7-2 record and holding first place in the AFC East. They’ve emerged as serious playoff contenders, reportedly with a 97% chance of making it, according to athletic sources.
However, the Patriots are not done with trades just yet. They have previously traded Kyle Dugger and Keon White, and now Anfernee Jennings might be the next to go. He’s been struggling for consistent playing time under the new coaches, having only participated in about 93 defensive snaps this season.
According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the Patriots seem to be actively “shopping” Jennings.
Trey Hendrickson updates
The Cincinnati Bengals are also in a tough spot on defense, averaging just 33.3 points allowed per game, the worst in the NFL. They’re also struggling statistically, marking one of the worst performances in recent years.
However, could one of their key defensive players be on the move?
There are still whispers about Trey Hendrickson. The Bengals are looking for a first-round pick in exchange for the veteran pass rusher. Given that Hendrickson is entering free agency soon, Cincinnati may prefer to trade him rather than lose him without compensation. But will other teams be willing to pay a premium for a rental?
Could Jaden Daniels’ injury impact the team?
Washington faced a tough 38-14 loss to the Seahawks, and quarterback Jayden Daniels ended up with a serious elbow injury during the game.
This has led to discussions about whether he should have still been on the field, and it could prompt the team management to make moves ahead of the trade deadline. With their record at 3-6, trailing the Eagles, Washington’s management might consider trades to gather draft picks, especially since some players are in the final year of their contracts.
What makes this more appealing is that the team currently lacks a second-round pick, and picking up one for the 2026 NFL Draft might offer some flexibility moving forward.
Giants open to trading two offensive players
Speculation is growing that the New York Giants may be shopping one or two former early-round offensive draft picks.
ESPN’s Jordan Raanan has reported that the Giants are in discussions regarding offensive lineman Evan Neal, a seventh overall pick in the 2022 draft, and wide receiver Jarrin Hiatt, a third-round pick in 2023. Neal was active in Week 9, while Hyatt was seen returning kicks against the San Francisco 49ers.
Recently, ESPN’s Adam Schefter noted that the Buffalo Bills are also in the market for a wide receiver, joining the Pittsburgh Steelers and Denver Broncos in their search.
The Bills have reached out to the New Orleans Saints about wide receiver Chris Olave, but it looks like he’s likely to stay put. Schefter mentioned that Rashid Shahid could be a more realistic target for the Saints if they decide to trade a receiver.
Still, the Bills are clearly aiming to provide Josh Allen with another weapon in the passing game.
Seattle is ‘unlikely’ to trade Rik Uhlen
Following the trade talks around the 2025 deadline, Seahawks cornerback Rik Uhlen has been a hot topic. His fit within Seattle’s zone coverage system has raised questions, particularly given his strengths in man coverage.
However, that narrative might be changing.
As per CBS’s Matt Zenith, the Seahawks now seem “unlikely” to trade Uhlen ahead of today’s deadline.
With cornerback Josh Jobe leaving Seattle’s game against the Commanders due to a concussion, and considering Uhlen’s talent, the Seahawks might decide keeping him is the wiser path, regardless of the system fit.
One less trade, but what’s next for the Cowboys?
The Cowboys traded a seventh-round pick to the Bengals for Logan Wilson.
But are there more changes in store?
It’s been an unusual Monday in Cowboys territory. Sirius had some intriguing updates.
Veteran Cowboys writer Clarence Hill Jr. mentioned that trade talks have circulated around key defensive players like Maxx Crosby and Wilson, with NFL insider Jordan Schultz noting that the Cowboys are looking into both Wilson and others like Trey Hendrickson and Bradley Chubb.
Then, the Cowboys faced a letdown, losing to the Arizona Cardinals. Jerry Jones had some contemplative moments when addressing the media afterward.
He said, “We have options, but one of our biggest dilemmas is whether to act on them or not. Are we going to win or lose tonight? I can’t say definitively. Maybe we’ll have a clearer picture by then.”
When questioned about potential trades, he clarified, “Right now, there are no trades on the table. Something has to happen tomorrow. I want to be clear on that. But there’s definitely one option I’m leaning towards.”
It seems like that could be the Wilson trade, which was reported early Tuesday. But is Dallas planning something bigger?
It feels like the anticipation is building.
