The Clock is Ticking: 8 NFL Stars Who Could Be Wearing New Colors by November 4

The NFL trade deadline is rapidly approaching, and the drama is reaching its peak! With just weeks remaining before the 4 p.m. ET cutoff on Tuesday, November 4, teams across the league are scrambling to make their final moves that could reshape the entire season. But here's where it gets controversial: are teams making smart decisions or just reacting to panic? Let's dive into the eight most talked-about trade candidates who could be packing their bags before the deadline.

Last year's trading frenzy saw 18 deals involving seven former Pro Bowlers between the season's start and the deadline. This year, we've already witnessed seven trades, including three particularly intriguing swaps just this week alone. The Chargers and Ravens exchanged defensive players, the Browns and Jaguars swapped cornerbacks, and Joe Flacco continued his whirlwind tour through the AFC North. And this is the part most people miss: these early trades might just be setting the stage for even bigger moves as the deadline looms.

Now is the critical moment for playoff contenders to make that splashy acquisition that could push them over the top, while rebuilding teams have the perfect opportunity to accumulate valuable draft capital. With all that in mind, let's explore eight notable players who could be on the move in the coming weeks.

1. Trey Hendrickson, Cincinnati Bengals · Edge Rusher

The Bengals recently sent a clear signal to the entire league by trading for Joe Flacco - they're not ready to throw in the towel on the 2025 season. But does that mean they'll hold onto all their stars? Let's talk about Hendrickson, who's currently playing on a restructured one-year contract worth $29 million. Much like previous seasons, he's been the standout performer on Cincinnati's defensive line, leading the team with four sacks. However, even with this four-time Pro Bowler dominating up front, the Bengals' defense is struggling, ranking 30th in both points allowed per game (31.2) and total yards allowed per game (391.2).

With playoff hopes looking increasingly dim, it's becoming clear that Hendrickson isn't part of Cincinnati's long-term plans. The logical question becomes: why not trade a great player who'll hit free agency after the season and acquire valuable draft picks in return? Playoff contenders like Detroit, New England, Dallas, and San Francisco (which lost Nick Bosa for the entire season) desperately need pass-rush help and could be willing to make a significant move. But here's the controversial take: would trading your best defensive player mid-season actually help or hinder the Bengals' remaining games? What do you think?

2. Alvin Kamara, New Orleans Saints · Running Back

Kamara has been the heart and soul of the Saints' offense this season, leading the team with 283 rushing yards and 360 scrimmage yards. Since arriving in New Orleans in 2017, he's been everything to this offensive unit. In fact, before agreeing to a contract restructure in 2024, Kamara expressed his desire to remain with the franchise, stating, "I want to be a Saint. I want to retire here." It's hard to imagine him in any other uniform, but the reality is that great players often change teams before the end of their careers.

The Saints could potentially manage their backfield for the remainder of the season with third-year pro Kendre Miller and sixth-round rookie Devin Neal. Additionally, the organization needs to begin transitioning away from several veteran players - names like Cameron Jordan, Demario Davis, and Tysom Hill also come to mind. Moving Kamara could provide significant salary cap relief in 2026. Moreover, with the recent wave of injuries to running backs across the league, Kamara would likely be at the top of many teams' wish lists. But here's where it gets controversial: is trading a player who has given so much to your franchise the right move, or should the organization do everything possible to keep him for his entire career? What would you do if you were in the Saints' front office?

3. David Njoku, Cleveland Browns · Tight End

The writing appears to be on the wall for this veteran tight end, especially with third-round rookie Harold Fannin Jr. making an immediate impact. Cleveland is experiencing a youth movement across their offense, featuring rookies like quarterback Dillon Gabriel, running back Quinshon Judkins, and Fannin at tight end. While Njoku remains a valuable asset - ranking second on the team with 20 receptions and 195 receiving yards - he seems somewhat expendable as the unit transitions to rebuild mode.

Interestingly, salary isn't a major concern here, as the Browns restructured Njoku's contract in 2023, reducing his base salary to just $1.255 million for 2025. As a player set to become a free agent in 2026, he could provide a valuable big-bodied target as a third or fourth option for offenses lacking receiving depth. But is it wise for a team in rebuild mode to trade away established players, even if they're not part of the long-term future? What's your take on this strategy?

4. Mark Andrews, Baltimore Ravens · Tight End

The Ravens appear to be looking toward the future at the tight end position with Isaiah Likely, who recently returned from a foot injury that sidelined him early in the season. Baltimore is expected to extend the 25-year-old pass catcher, whose rookie contract is set to expire at the end of this season. Meanwhile, Andrews has experienced a gradual decline over recent years and might benefit from a change of scenery, particularly after how last season concluded and with Likely assuming a larger role in the offense.

Similar to Njoku, Andrews could offer teams an experienced player and a reliable red-zone threat, holding the distinction of being the Ravens' all-time leader in receiving touchdowns with 53. Trade rumors swirled around Andrews during the last offseason, and this might present the ideal opportunity for Baltimore to make a move. But here's a thought-provoking question: is it better to trade a player before their value completely drops, or should teams show loyalty to players who have contributed significantly to their success? What's your perspective?

5. Bradley Chubb & Jaelan Phillips, Miami Dolphins · Edge Rushers

Both Chubb and Phillips have been foundational pieces of Miami's defensive front, but they find themselves in dramatically different situations. Chubb will turn 30 next summer and has two years remaining on his current contract, though with no guaranteed money. In contrast, the 26-year-old Phillips is currently playing under his fifth-year option. Chubb, who missed the entire 2024 season recovering from a torn ACL, leads the Dolphins with four sacks this year. Phillips, however, has been hampered by injuries over the past three seasons and has managed just one sack this season.

The 1-4 Dolphins aren't showing signs of rapid improvement in 2025, with their defense allowing 29 points per game (27th in the NFL) and 386.6 yards per game (29th). Miami needs to create salary cap space, and as previously mentioned, numerous teams are seeking a pass-rush boost. But here's the controversial part: should the Dolphins trade both players to maximize their return, or focus on keeping one to build around for the future? Which player would you prioritize, and why?

6. Kayvon Thibodeaux, New York Giants · Edge Rusher

The Giants boast an exceptionally talented group of edge rushers, with Brian Burns, Abdul Carter, and Thibodeaux all playing more than 69 percent of New York's defensive snaps this season. Thibodeaux is having a solid campaign with 2.5 sacks (second on the team behind Burns' league-leading seven) and 20 QB pressures, according to Next Gen Stats. However, with Burns firmly established as the defensive leader and Carter being the No. 3 overall pick with an exceptionally bright future, Thibodeaux appears to be the odd man out in this talented trio.

New York has exercised Thibodeaux's fifth-year option for 2026, but that doesn't necessarily prevent a trade from happening. The Giants might see an opportunity to acquire additional assets while his value remains high. But is this the right move for a team trying to build a championship-caliber defense? Should they trade from a position of strength? What's your take on this strategy?

7. Jameis Winston, New York Giants · Quarterback

We've already witnessed one veteran quarterback get moved this season when Joe Flacco was traded out of desperation due to Cincinnati's lack of backup options. While some might argue for Russell Wilson or Kirk Cousins, those players would likely come with higher price tags and ultimately produce similar results to Winston. Jameis currently serves as the Giants' third-string quarterback and has been inactive for all six games this season. During his time with the Browns in 2024, he went 2-5 as a starter, throwing 13 touchdown passes, 12 interceptions, and posting an 80.6 passer rating across 12 total appearances.

Winston might not be capable of taking a team deep into the playoffs, but he could provide competent starting play for a game or two for a team experiencing quarterback issues. But here's a thought-provoking question: is it worth trading for a quarterback with Winston's inconsistency, even as a short-term solution? Or would teams be better served developing their own young quarterbacks rather than making a move for someone with his limitations? What's your perspective on this situation?