HEADLINES

AFC North Rumors: Hendrickson, Njoku, Browns, Ravens

November 2nd, 2025 at 11:30am CST by Rory Parks

Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic recently reported the Bengals would keep DE Trey Hendrickson through Tuesday’s trade deadline, even if they drop their Week 9 matchup with the Bears to fall to 3-6. ESPN’s Adam Schefter offers some pushback on that front.

Notwithstanding Dehner’s report and similar ones that preceded it, Schefter’s sources say a loss to Chicago could indeed change Cincinnati’s calculus. The Bengals will still see themselves as championship contenders in 2026, and trading Hendrickson will deprive them of exclusive negotiating rights with their top defensive player this offseason. 

But negotiations between player and team over the past several years have become contentious and have not yielded a new long-term contract, and a franchise tag will surely not sit well with the four-time Pro Bowler. As such, it would not be surprising if the teams that have already attempted to pry Hendrickson from Cincinnati keep trying to do so, and those efforts may well intensify if the Bengals lose the Chicago contest. 

Now for more AFC North trade rumors:

  • TE David Njoku has been mentioned as a trade candidate, and while the Browns want to keep as many talented pass catchers as possible in the fold in order to properly evaluate their young signal-callers, SI.com’s Albert Breer believes the right offer could convince them to pull the trigger on Njoku (Breer says Cleveland would also want Njoku to sign off on such a deal). In the same report cited above, Schefter says the Browns are not only disinclined to move Njoku, but that they could actually be aggressive deadline buyers.
  • Despite sitting at 3-5, the Ravens are the betting favorites to win the AFC North, so they could look to strengthen their roster at the deadline rather than sell off players on expiring deals. Cornerback had already been identified as an area of need, and Dianna Russini of The Athletic (subscription required) recently reiterated that point. The Athletic colleague Dan Duggan names the Giants’ Deonte Banks – a Baltimore native who has seen a dramatic reduction in playing time this year – as a possible target (though Duggan suggests a Banks trade may be more likely in the offseason).
  • Although they are in the market for a CB addition, the Ravens have jettisoned Jaire Alexander to the Eagles in exchange for a minimal return, which is reflective of Alexander’s brief and disappointing Baltimore tenure.
  • A club that has been among the most aggressive in seeking a wide receiver, a recent report confirmed the Steelers are still on the lookout for WR help. They have inquired about Raiders wideout Jakobi Meyers, who is arguably the top trade candidate at the position.

Lions To Continue Exploring Extensions For Core Talent

November 2nd, 2025 at 10:48am CST by Rory Parks

The Lions recently authorized a record-setting extension for defensive end Aidan Hutchinson. In addition to keeping one of the league’s best pass rushers in the fold for the foreseeable future, the deal also created some cap clarity as Detroit pursues second contracts with other members of its core.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter hears the Lions intend to retain as many of their remaining rookie-contract players as possible, which is not surprising considering how GM Brad Holmes has operated. Over the past two years, Holmes has entered into notable extensions with players like QB Jared Goff, WRs Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams, RB David Montgomery, OTs Penei Sewell and Taylor Decker, S Kerby Joseph, and DT Alim McNeill, handing out nearly $1 billion in the process.

The expectation is that Holmes will continue his efforts to keep the band together, efforts that will now include 2023 draftees like RB Jahmyr Gibbs, LB Jack Campbell, TE Sam LaPorta, and S Brian Branch. All four of those players will be eligible for new deals after the season.

We had already heard that Holmes is looking ahead to a second contract for Gibbs, and we suggested at the time that the other three members of that talented quartet of draftmates could also be part of the GM’s agenda in the near future. Schefter highlights Gibbs’ case as particularly interesting.

As Schefter notes, the Lions can keep Gibbs (like Campbell) under club control through 2027 by virtue of the fifth-year option and could utilize franchise tags to extend the relationship beyond that. Plus, as a running back, Gibbs’ price under the option and tag will be fairly reasonable, especially considering his talent and importance to the team.

Despite that, and despite the fact that clubs have been reluctant to green-light extensions for RBs too early, Schefter confirms Holmes will consider one for his Pro Bowl back. Assuming he does, Gibbs could take aim at the top of his position’s market, which is presently topped by Saquon Barkley’s $20.6MM AAV and $36MM in full guarantees.

Still, Holmes could have a little more urgency with respect to LaPorta and Branch since they are not eligible for fifth-year options and could become free agents after the 2026 campaign. The tight end market has not exploded like the market for some other positions, so LaPorta may be relatively affordable, whereas Schefter says Branch could become one of the NFL’s highest-paid safeties (there are now three safeties earning at least $21MM per year, while no tight end has hit the $20MM threshold). 

As an inside linebacker, Campbell’s second contract should also be manageable. Given all of Holmes’ other completed and prospective commitments, he may need to make some difficult choices in the near future, but for now, the plan is to keep the Lions’ full championship-caliber foundation intact.

Panthers Place OL Brady Christensen On IR, Sign QB Mike White To Active Roster

November 2nd, 2025 at 9:01am CST by Nikhil Mehta

NOVEMBER 2: The thumb on Dalton’s throwing hand is actually broken, per Person (subscription required). Dalton broke the thumb during the second series of the Buffalo contest, though he did not immediately tell the coaching staff about the injury.

Young returned to practice as a full participant on Wednesday, and he has no injury designation for Week 9. He will therefore return to his QB1 post.

OCTOBER 30: Panthers offensive lineman Brady Christensen underwent surgery for a torn Achilles on Wednesday and was placed on injured reserve Thursday, per team reporter Darin Gantt.

Christensen went down in the Panthers’ Week 8 loss to the Bills and will miss the rest of the season. He had started the last four games at right guard after Robert Hunt and Chandler Zavala both landed on injured reserve. Five-year veteran Jake Curhan finished the game at right guard.

Christensen’s injury was one of several to the Panthers’ offensive line on Sunday. Center Cade Mays injured his ankle and right tackle Taylor Moton injured his knee; they were replaced by Austin Corbett and Yosh Nijman, respectively. Head coach Dave Canales said this week (via Gant and his colleague Kassidy Hill) that Mays was not expected to play in Week 9, but Moton might. That would keep Corbett at center and potentially insert Nijman into the starting lineup.

At right guard, the Panthers could stick with Curhan, but Zavala is expected to be activated from IR ahead of Sunday’s game against the Packers, according to The Athletic’s Joe Person. That will likely position him to start, potentially for the rest of the season if Hunt does not come back.

With the open spot on their roster, the Panthers promoted veteran quarterback Mike White from the practice squad. That may not be a good sign for Andy Dalton‘s availability this week. He is dealing with a thumb injury on his throwing hand and did not practice on Wednesday. Bryce Young is trending towards a return after missing Week 8 with a high ankle sprain; if Dalton can’t go, White would be Young’s backup on Sunday.

The Panthers also filled the open practice squad spot created by White’s promotion by re-signing defensive tackle Jaden Crumedy.

Vikings Could Trade For Veteran QB

November 2nd, 2025 at 7:57am CST by Rory Parks

Recent reports on the Vikings’ quarterback depth chart suggested they would keep UDFA rookie Max Brosmer as their QB2 behind starter J.J. McCarthy. That may not be the case, however.

Although Minnesota allowed Sam Darnold to walk in free agency this offseason, the club did attempt to retain Daniel Jones, who turned down a more lucrative offer from the Vikes to join the Colts (a wise decision, in hindsight). And, as ESPN’s Adam Schefter observes, the Vikings did want a veteran backup for McCarthy this year, which is why they tried to re-sign Jones and why they already had a deal lined up with Carson Wentz when they traded Sam Howell in August (Howell himself was acquired by Minnesota via trade just four months prior).

Wentz served as an injury replacement for McCarthy over the Vikings’ last five games, winning two of them. The former No. 2 overall pick is now done for the season due to a shoulder injury, but McCarthy is now healthy and is set to return to his place in the starting lineup. For the time being, Brosmer is McCarthy’s clipboard holder, and recent acquisition John Wolford will operate as the third signal-caller.

Schefter’s sources say Minnesota’s thought process with respect to its QB2 role has not really changed. The team is said to be high on Brosmer, but a veteran passer would be welcome nonetheless, according to Schefter.

With the 2025 trade deadline just two days away, the Vikings would need to act quickly to make that happen. Familiar face and current Falcon Kirk Cousins, who recently underwhelmed in a one-game relief appearance for Michael Penix Jr., would make sense. As Schefter confirms, though, Atlanta has shown no inclination to trade last year’s free agent prize and seems unlikely to change its stance in that regard.

The Giants’ Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston have long been floated as trade candidates, and rookie Jaxson Dart’s ascent to Big Blue’s starting quarterback gig has solidified the veterans’ status as potential trade bait. It is fair to wonder, as Schefter does, if one of those two players could be on the move in the next 48 hours or so.

Jets Seeking Day 2 Picks For Jermaine Johnson, Breece Hall; Quinnen Williams Unlikely To Be Dealt

November 2nd, 2025 at 7:44am CST by Sam Robinson

NOVEMBER 2: ESPN’s Rich Cimini echoes Breer’s report and says Quincy Williams is a player who could be on the move before the deadline. He believes Quinnen Williams, Hall, and McDonald are likely to stay put, and he does not rule out the possibility of the Jets adding a player via trade, with safety and offensive lineman representing possible target areas.

OCTOBER 31: In indicating he was unlikely to be traded at the deadline, Jermaine Johnson cited a recent conversation with Jets brass. But it appears the Aaron Glenn-Darren Mougey regime is still listening on the former first-round pick.

Although the Jets are not planning to move Will McDonald, Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer notes they are still open to unloading Johnson — albeit for a price that might spook contending teams. The Jets are believed to want a second-round pick for the 2022 first-rounder, per Breer, on a player signed through 2026.

[RELATED: Glenn Against Trading Hall At Deadline]

This asking price is in the Breece Hall ballpark as well. Despite Hall being in a contract year, Breer adds the Jets are aiming for a Day 2 pick to move on now. No extension has been in the works, after the Jets tabled re-up talks on players not named Sauce Gardner and Garrett Wilson this summer, but a recent report indicated the team may be warming up to the idea of re-signing Hall. It is unsurprising the Jets are setting a Day 2 price, then, as news out of New York has indicated a high price is attached to the four-year starting RB.

It took a second-rounder for the Bears to pry Montez Sweat from the Commanders in 2023; a third-rounder came back (from the 49ers) for Chase Young. Both ex-first-round picks were in walk years at that point. Dante Fowler drew third- and fifth-round picks as a rental in 2018. Johnson’s profile is more on the Fowler level, having one productive season (2023) on his resume.

The Minneapolis-area native has just one season with more than 2.5 sacks; he posted 7.5 with 16 QB hits that year. His work this season — coming off an Achilles tear — leaves much to be desired, sitting at one sack and just two QB hits through five games played. This will make a second-rounder tough to fetch for Gang Green, pointing to either the team reducing the asking price or regrouping to see if Johnson ups his value ahead of the 2026 offseason.

Hall would likely be the RB prize at this deadline, one that has not seen big names — as Alvin Kamara has been dead set against leaving New Orleans — mentioned as trade candidates. The former second-rounder is on pace for his first 1,000-yard season and is averaging 5.0 yards per carry in his platform year. The Jets will need to decide if they are truly interested in re-signing the Iowa State product. Depending on their free agency activity and Hall’s 2026 FA value, the team also will need to weigh the compensatory component when determining if it pulls the trigger on a trade now.

Additionally, Breer points out linebacker Quincy Williams is available to be moved. Ditto D-end Micheal Clemons. A former first-team All-Pro whom the Joe Douglas-Robert Saleh duo was higher on compared to the current regime, Williams observed the Jets more than double his pay rate to re-sign less accomplished LB Jamien Sherwood this offseason.

That decision likely points Williams out of town come 2026, but he may be on the move sooner. His name has come up in previous trade rumors. Clemons qualifies as a lower-profile option, but the rotational rusher did tally 4.5 sacks in 2024. The contract-year rusher does not have any this season.

Eagles Trade For Ravens CB Jaire Alexander

November 1st, 2025 at 11:09pm CST by Ely Allen

The Eagles continue to stay aggressive in the trade market, even attacking for a rare Saturday acquisition. The latest move sees them send a 2026 sixth-round pick to the Ravens in exchange for cornerback Jaire Alexander and a 2027 seventh-rounder, per Adam Schefter of ESPN. A team announcement of the trade further reports that safety Marcus Epps and outside linebacker Azeez Ojulari have been placed on injured reserve.

Alexander was considered one of the league’s more intriguing free agents this offseason after the Packers were unable to work out a trade agreement anywhere and released the veteran corner to the open market. In the days following his release, there were a few reports of teams who weren’t interested in pursuing Alexander, but after eight days of free agency, he landed in Baltimore with his former college teammate, Lamar Jackson.

[RELATED: 2025 NFL Trades]

After seeing injuries keep him out of over half of the past two seasons, Alexander was dealing with a knee issue in Baltimore’s training camp, but he found his way off the injury report in time to debut in Week 1 of the season. Alexander had an extremely poor showing against Josh Allen and the Bills, and the Ravens reacted by making him a healthy scratch for the next three games. He was active again in Baltimore’s Week 5 home blowout at the hands of the Texans and again the following week against the Rams, but he didn’t see the field in Week 6. After the team’s bye week, Alexander was made a healthy inactive for their last two games.

There doesn’t appear to be any bad blood between Alexander and the Ravens. In fact, according to Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic, Baltimore has “raved about how well he’s handled (his benching), how hard he’s worked to stay ready.” Ultimately, despite his desire to play, the Ravens didn’t have an immediate path to playing time for the veteran.

Today’s trade will provide that opportunity to Alexander while relieving the Ravens of $2MM of cap space. Zrebiec points out that the extra sixth-rounder, which originally belonged to the Broncos, gives Baltimore eight picks for the 2026 NFL Draft, and there’s an expectation the team could receive as many as three compensatory picks, as well. With additional cap space and a bevy of theoretical draft picks, the Ravens are well set up to continue their own pursuits in the trade market.

For the Eagles, this is their eighth trade since the beginning of August, and two of the others also included the acquisition of cornerbacks. Trades rarely ever occur on Saturdays, with game prep normally dominating the schedule, but the stars aligned for this deal to happen. With the Eagles on a bye week and the Ravens coming off a victory Thursday night, both staffs have an advantage that 26 other teams don’t get to enjoy — the Dolphins (Thursday night) and the Browns, Jets, and Buccaneers (bye) also get this advantage.

Despite Philadelphia’s secondary housing two of the NFL’s stronger cornerbacks in Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean, the team’s depth at the position has been sorely lacking. Thus, two CB trades this week, the other being the Michael Carter II acquisition from the Jets. The lack of depth provides a clear road for Alexander to get onto the field, and the Eagles are willing to roll the dice on Alexander’s injury history and his struggles in Baltimore, as long as it takes a bit of stress off Mitchell and DeJean.

The move also reunites Alexander with passing game coordinator and defensive backs coach Christian Parker, whose first NFL job came as a Packers defensive quality control coach working with defensive backs in Alexander’s second and third years in the league. Excluding pick-for-pick trades, this Alexander move is the Eagles’ 11th trade of 2025.

While Epps has mostly played on special teams this year, losing Ojulari hurts an already ailing position group. We detailed yesterday how the Eagles could be focusing on addressing the pass rush before the deadline, and with Ojulari landing on IR, it becomes much more likely that Philadelphia will stay aggressive in the trade market.

Dolphins Willing To Entertain Trade Offers On Jaylen Waddle?

November 1st, 2025 at 11:07pm CST by Adam La Rose

11:07pm: ESPN’s Adam Schefter confirms a Waddle trade is “highly unlikely.” He adds Miami would ask for a first-round pick and more in any package from an acquiring team. It would be particularly surprising if a contender were to pay that price in the middle of a season.

6:52pm: Jaylen Waddle‘s name has been mentioned in the build-up to the upcoming trade deadline despite his value to the Dolphins. Yesterday’s front office shake-up is not expected to result in a fire sale in terms of Miami roster pieces being dealt, but it appears as though the team’s stance on Waddle has shifted.

Now-former general manager Chris Grier was adamant Waddle would not be traded. Given the Dolphins’ decision to move on and replace Grier with interim Champ Kelly, though, the door could now be open to a different approach ahead of the November 4 deadline. Kelly and the Dolphins “would at least consider” a Waddle trade at this point, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

As Rapoport cautions, Miami’s preference would still be to keep the former first-rounder in the fold. Waddle, 26, is under contract through 2028. His base salary for this season (just $1.17MM) would make a trade easy to absorb for any acquiring team. Nevertheless, Waddle’s pact contains future vesting dates for guarantees and a major jump in cap hit beginning in 2027.

Of course, the Alabama product’s value to the Dolphins now and in the future makes him a logical candidate to retain past the deadline and beyond. Waddle has operated as the team’s No. 1 option in the passing game since Tyreek Hill‘s season-ending injury and he has posted at least 82 yards in four of the past five games. With Hill’s future very much in doubt for 2026, Waddle could easily find himself as a focal point on offense for many years to come.

It would certainly come as a surprise if a trade were to materialize especially in the coming days on this front. As Rapoport writes, though, organization is viewed as being “far more open” to swinging trades following the shift to Kelly for at least the remainder of 2025. At least one Miami trade can be expected as a result, per Rapoport.

Much of the pre-deadline chatter on the trade front has concerned the Dolphins’ pass rush duo of Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb. Those two are certainly among the more attractive EDGE options this year, and one or both could be on the move shortly. The same could now be true in Waddle’s case with a different decision-maker in place.

NFC Trade Notes: Mafe, Woolen, Shaheed, Cowboys, Packers, Buccaneers, Lions

November 1st, 2025 at 10:46pm CST by Adam La Rose

As one of three NFC West teams sporting a five-win record, the Seahawks do not fit the profile of a seller at the trade deadline. Nevertheless, a pair of notable defenders continue to be mentioned in trade talk.

Cornerback Tariq Woolen remains a name to watch ahead of the November 4 deadline. The most recent update on his status indicated he could remain in Seattle. Things could change in short order, but ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports Seattle prefers to keep Woolen in place through the remainder of the season.

The former Pro Bowler has struggled this season and his rookie contract is set to expire at the end of the campaign. The same is also true of edge rusher Boye Mafe, who could very well depart in free agency this spring. As such, the 26-year-old is worth monitoring on the trade front. Schefter adds, though, that the Seahawks would also prefer to keep him.

Here are some other trade notes from around the NFC:

  • In terms of receivers, one of the top candidates to move shortly is Rashid Shaheed. The Saints have been connected to an asking price of a Day 2 pick for the pending free agent. In particular, Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football passes along New Orleans asked an AFC suitor for a third-round selection. Shaheed would provide a notable vertical addition to any acquiring team, but a price that high would be a surprise for a rental. It will be interesting to see if the Saints lower their asking price in the coming days.
  • Logan Wilson‘s trade request is still in effect, and he is among the defenders worth monitoring on the Bengals. A number of teams have made calls recently, and Schefter reports the Cowboys are among them. Dallas could stand to use one (or more) defensive additions given the team’s play on that side of the ball, and the team is not only in the market for rentals. Wilson – who has 65 starts to his name – is under contract through 2027.
  • The Packers faced questions about their secondary entering the campaign, but the team sits 15th against the pass so far. Green Bay is among the teams looking into corners on the trade market, Dianna Russini of The Athletic reports (subscription required). Tyson Campbell, Roger McCreary, Michael Carter II and (most recently) Jaire Alexander have already been dealt ahead of the deadline. Other corners could be on the move, however, and with nearly $12MM in cap space the Packers can afford a rental addition.
  • Sitting atop the NFC South, the Buccaneers could look to add. It would nonetheless come as a surprise if a notable acquisition were to be made. Greg Auman of Fox Sports predicts Tampa Bay will (if anything) only be in the market for a depth addition in the rental market. Adding at the linebacker spot or along the edge would be feasible, per Auman, but a major move should not be expected.
  • Another team not viewed as a serious buyer is the Lions. Defensive depth could still be targeted, though, and Russini writes safety and defensive line are among the positions being explored. Detroit is also among the teams which have called the Bengals about their defensive trade candidates (including Wilson but also cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt). With over $22MM in cap space, the Lions could afford a rental with ease.

Steelers Still Interested In WR Trade

November 1st, 2025 at 9:07pm CST by Adam La Rose

Marquez Valdes-Scantling reunited with Aaron Rodgers earlier this week by agreeing to a Steelers deal. In spite of that addition, more could be coming at the receiver position.

Pittsburgh is still looking into a trade acquisition at that spot, veteran insider Jordan Schultz and ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler report. The Steelers have of course been connected to a move dating back to well before the Valdes-Scantling pact. The former Packers speedster has played on four teams since the end of his Green Bay tenure and expectations will be limited in his second time around with Rodgers.

The Steelers traded away George Pickens this offseason and replaced him with D.K. Metcalf. The latter inked a four-year, $132MM deal upon arrival from the Seahawks, and he will remain Pittsburgh’s WR1 for the foreseeable future. Finding depth production has been an issue in 2025, though, with Calvin Austin and Roman Wilson struggling to make a consistent impact.

As such, Pittsburgh could stand to add further ahead of the November 4 deadline. The team has been linked to interest in Jakobi Meyers and Calvin Ridley, among others. Dianna Russini of The Athletic confirms (subscription required) the Steelers have made calls about Meyers, making them one of several teams in play for the Raiders veteran. Per Russini, Pittsburgh has indeed looked into other wideouts on the trade block as well.

Sitting at 4-3 on the year, the Steelers lead the AFC North as things stand. The team’s defensive struggles and a return to health on the part of the Ravens have led to recent pessimism about Pittsburgh’s chances of remaining in that spot, however. A rental move at the receiver spot would aid the offense, a unit which ranks just 23rd in the league in passing. Improving in that regard would be a feasible goal.

The Steelers have shown a willingness to be aggressive in terms of roster-building moves under general manager Omar Khan. With over $6MM in cap space, Pittsburgh can afford a modest swap in the coming days. It will be interesting to see if the team’s ongoing interest produces a deal.

Minor NFL Transactions: 11/1/25

November 1st, 2025 at 8:23pm CST by Ely Allen

Here are today’s minor moves and practice squad callups for the ninth weekend of the NFL season:

Atlanta Falcons

Buffalo Bills

Chicago Bears

Cincinnati Bengals

Denver Broncos

Detroit Lions

Green Bay Packers

Indianapolis Colts

Jacksonville Jaguars

Kansas City Chiefs

Las Vegas Raiders

Los Angeles Chargers

Los Angeles Rams

Minnesota Vikings

New England Patriots

New Orleans Saints

New York Giants

Pittsburgh Steelers

San Francisco 49ers

Tennessee Titans

Washington Commanders

The Steelers are getting Harrison back at a crucial time. Fellow linebacker Cole Holcomb has been ruled out this weekend with an illness — as has safety Chuck Clark, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network — and Harrison should be able to reinforce the group. He has plenty of experience playing next to starter Patrick Queen from their time together in Baltimore, so perhaps he’ll be able to step in and contribute right away.

The Chargers continue to see their running backs room plagued with injury. Haskins joins Omarion Hampton and Najee Harris on injured reserve. Johnson and Patterson will suit up tomorrow to provide some depth behind lone survivor Kimani Vidal.

With Terry McLaurin once again set to miss time, Burks, the newly signed p-squad addition, will make his Washington debut. Also a newly signed p-squad addition, Lewis will make his Denver debut this weekend. If he sees game time, 2025 will officially be Lewis’ 20th season in the NFL.

After missing the last three games, Gross-Matos appeared to be close to returning to play. According to Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports, the 27-year-old re-injured his hamstring at practice on Thursday and will now miss another four games.

For Leota in New Orleans, Mosby in Green Bay, Sermon in Pittsburgh, Zakelj in San Francisco, and both Proche and Watkins in Tennessee, this Sunday will be their third and final standard gameday practice squad elevation on their current deals. In order to appear in any more games after this, their respective teams will need to sign them to the active roster.

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