As the season rolls on, the 2025 NFL trade deadline is quickly becoming a major talking point. With less than a month remaining, teams are weighing their options as this marks the final chance to strengthen rosters before the playoff push. When is the 2025 NFL trade deadline, and which players could be on the move this season?
What Is the NFL Trade Deadline Date in 2025?
The NFL trade deadline for the 2025 season is set for Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025. This date falls after Week 9 of the regular season, marking the last opportunity for teams to make trades and adjust their rosters before the final stretch of the year.
During the 2024 offseason, team owners considered several proposals to adjust the deadline for the 17-game regular season. Browns GM Andrew Berry proposed moving it two weeks past Week 10, with support from the Lions, Jets, Eagles, and Commanders, but the plan didn’t pass.
The Steelers then suggested moving it back by just one week, which received the required three-fourths approval and will apply for the 2025 season as well. This will give teams extra time to make roster moves before the playoffs.
What Time Is the NFL Trade Deadline?
The official NFL trade deadline expires at 4 p.m. ET. Some moves could potentially trickle in after that time due to processing, but organizations need to submit all their transactions to the league by 4 p.m.
How Long Has the Trade Deadline Existed?
The NFL has had a trade deadline for decades, but the rules around it have changed over time. Before 2012, the deadline came after Week 6 of the regular season. In 2012, the league moved it to follow Week 8, giving teams more insight into their playoff chances before making major roster moves.
Compared to other major U.S. sports leagues like the NBA, MLB, and NHL, the NFL is often relatively quiet at the trade deadline. One reason is that teams are reluctant to give up future draft picks for veteran players, many of whom carry large salaries or may demand bigger contracts.
Additionally, front offices recognize the value of drafting starting-caliber players on rookie deals. These players are not only cheaper but also give teams the flexibility to strengthen other parts of the roster, making them highly valuable in maintaining both competitiveness and financial stability.
Why Is There an NFL Trade Deadline?
The trade deadline exists to maintain competitive balance across the league. The NFL thrives on parity, which is why new teams frequently appear in the playoffs each year, and every fan base can hope that this could be THE YEAR for their team.
By setting a firm cutoff for trades, the league ensures that stronger teams cannot simply get stronger late in the season at the expense of weaker teams. This helps preserve fairness, integrity, and meaningful competition for every team as the season approaches the playoffs.
Can an NFL Player Prevent a Trade?
If a player’s contract includes a no-trade clause, they can block a trade. This provision gives the player the power to veto any proposed trade, ensuring it cannot be moved without their consent. No-trade clauses are relatively rare but give players more control over their careers and future destinations.
Which Players Could Be On The Move This Season?
The first half of the 2025 season has already seen its share of shakeups, with injuries impacting several teams and a few players expressing frustration with their roles, including Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown, fueling trade rumors.
According to PFSN analyst Josh Weil, some of the players most likely to be on the move this season include Evan Neal, Russell Wilson, David Njoku, Breece Hall, Trey Hendrickson, Travis Etienne, Jakobi Meyers, Chris Olave, Mac Jones, and, of course, A.J. Brown.