Three Players Who Should Get Moved at the NFL Trade Deadline
As the NFL Trade Deadline approaches, several teams are facing the reality that they are not genuine contenders this season. While playoff-bound franchises look to fill key roster gaps, rebuilding teams can gain valuable draft capital by trading established players. The trade deadline often separates the hopeful from the realistic, and this year is no different. Teams with struggling records can reset their future, while contenders can strengthen their playoff push. A few names stand out as prime trade candidates who could make a significant impact elsewhere: Trey Hendrickson, Breece Hall, and Jakobi Meyers.
Trey Hendrickson has quietly been one of the league’s most productive and relentless pass rushers since arriving in Cincinnati. Even as the Bengals’ defense has shown flashes of brilliance, inconsistency, and injuries have left their playoff hopes on shaky ground. Hendrickson remains a high-motor player who creates chaos off the edge, ranking among the league leaders in pressures and sacks over the last few seasons. A team like the Ravens, Jaguars, or Lions could use his presence to elevate their defensive fronts, particularly in big playoff moments when pressure on elite quarterbacks is crucial. Trading Hendrickson could net the Bengals valuable draft picks while allowing them to reset financially, especially as younger players like Myles Murphy and Joseph Ossai continue to develop behind him.
Breece Hall is one of the most explosive young running backs in the NFL, yet his situation with the Jets feels increasingly frustrating. The Jets’ offense has struggled to find consistency, leaving Hall to carry much of the load without adequate support from the passing game. In a more balanced system, Hall could become a legitimate All-Pro, as his combination of breakaway speed, vision, and receiving ability fits flawlessly in today’s modern offenses. A trade to a contender like the Cowboys, Dolphins, or Ravens could unlock his full potential and give those teams a dynamic playmaker who can score from anywhere on the field. For the Jets, moving Hall might sting in the short term, yet it would allow them to stockpile draft capital and reshape their roster around a long-term quarterback solution.
Jakobi Meyers, meanwhile, represents one of the most undervalued wide receivers in the league, quietly delivering consistent production year after year. His time with the Raiders has shown his reliability as a route runner and his chemistry with any quarterback he plays alongside. Meyers does not rely on elite athleticism, but rather on sharp route precision, toughness over the middle, and a strong understanding of defensive coverages. A move to a contender such as the Chiefs, Bills, or Eagles could make Meyers a high-end number two option who keeps drives alive and opens space for star teammates. The Raiders, likely headed toward another rebuild, could gain mid-round draft picks and much-needed cap flexibility while giving Meyers a chance to compete on the biggest stage.
The NFL Trade Deadline often brings surprises, and this year could be particularly active given the number of teams stuck in the middle of the standings. Moving players like Hendrickson, Hall, and Meyers could create a win-win scenario for both rebuilding teams and contenders. Each player brings immediate, high-level production that can swing playoff races while giving their current franchises the flexibility to plan for the future. Contending teams thrive on small edges, and these three could become the pieces that push a good roster toward a Super Bowl run. Smart front offices know that timing is everything, and the time to make these moves is now.
