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NFL Power Ranking: Top 15 NFL Trade Deadline Candidates. Read NFL Power Ranking: Top 15 NFL Trade Deadline Candidates
NFL Power Ranking: Top 15 NFL Trade Deadline Candidates
The NFL trade deadline is quickly approaching, and many high-end players have seen their names at the forefront of trade discussions. Which players will get dealt at the deadline? Which teams will look to build the roster for a possible playoff push? Which teams are the top sellers? Let’s dive in!
No. 15 - Logan Wilson, CIN
The 29-year-old recently requested a trade from Cincinnati and appears primed to be on the move in the coming weeks. Wilson was selected by the Bengals back in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft and has remained a full-time player on defense.
However, this season, Wilson has seen his playing time significantly drop in favor of Demetrius Knight. Wilson tallied a career-high 135 tackles in 2023.
No. 14 - Calvin Ridley, TEN
Calvin Ridley was a popular trade candidate at the start of this season, but his recent hamstring injury has significantly hindered his stock. Even before his injury, Ridley was having trouble connecting with rookie QB Cam Ward. After catching 64 passes for 1,017 yards in 2024, Ridley has averaged just 2.7 receptions per game (through six games).
No. 13 - Chig Okonkwo, TEN
The other Tennessee pass-catcher who could be on the move is tight end Chig Okonkwo. Okonkwo has flashed upside at times in his career, but has rarely shown consistent productivity over an extended period. In 2024, Okonkwo caught 52 passes for 479 yards, which was a slight drop from the 54 passes he caught for 528 yards he tallied in 2023. However, with Gunnar Helm emerging behind him, Okonkwo’s time in Tennessee appears to be coming to an end.
Okonkwo figures to join a competing team as a depth TE who could eventually earn a starter’s role.
No. 12 - Rashid Shaheed, NO
Rashid Shaheed is one of the few deep threat WRs available at the deadline. With the Saints in the midst of a rebuild and sitting at the bottom of the NFC standings, Shaheed will likely draw immense attention from a competing team looking for a deep field threat.
Shaheed has begun to find his footing as well, tallying at least 75 yards in two of his past four games and averaging a solid 64.3 yards per game over this stretch.
No. 11 - Jerome Ford, CLE
The 26-year-old once had a lead role in the Cleveland backfield but has fallen into the No. 3 role with rookies Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson joining the backfield this season. While Ford has shown upside during Judkins’s absence, he has seen his workload significantly reduced, especially on early downs.
Given Ford’s ability to produce as a pass-catcher, teams looking for a strong change-of-pace option on third down will likely target Ford. In 2023 and 2024, Ford averaged 53.0 catches per season and is on pace to meet that mark again in 2025.
No. 10 - Jermaine Johnson, NYJ
Jermaine Johnson has missed time with injuries in 2025 and 2024, but could be a prime trade candidate for a team looking to strengthen their defensive line. Johnson has seen his snap participation gradually increase each season and appears to be nearing full strength.
In 2023, Johnson looked like a rising star in the sport, tallying 7.5 sacks and 55 tackles across 17 games.
No. 9 - Russell Wilson, NYG
Russell Wilson opened the season as New York’s starting QB but quickly lost this job to rookie Jaxson Dart. With Dart looking relatively confident in the starter’s role, Wilson could draw interest from a competing team looking for a reliable QB2.
Even though he lost his first (and potentially) only three games as a Giant, Wilson flashed upside at times. In Week 2, he threw for 450 yards and three passing scores.
No. 8 - Jaelan Phillips, MIA
While the Dolphins picked up a much-needed victory in Week 8, they will likely still be sellers at the trade deadline. Linebacker Jaelan Phillips has had his name around many trade discussions for nearly a month and appears to be the prime candidate for a team looking for a linebacker.
The 26-year-old has already tallied 21 tackles this season with two sacks and one fumble recovery. From 2021 through 2023, Phillips tallied at least 6.5 sacks per season with 48.7 tackles per season.
No. 7 - Tony Pollard, TEN
Tony Pollard was the lone bright spot on the Tennessee offense last season, but he has struggled to find his footing in 2025. Through eight weeks, Pollard has eclipsed 75 rushing yards in a single game once and is averaging just 3.9 YPC.
However, Pollard ran for at least 1,000 yards in each of his last three seasons and could become a strong “1B” in a backfield during the playoff push.
No. 6 - Chris Olave, NO
After battling numerous concussions last season, Chris Olave has returned to form in 2025. Through eight weeks, Olave is on pace to enjoy a stellar campaign, catching 52 passes for 503 yards and three touchdowns. He has remained the focal point of the passing attack, seeing a hefty 82 targets.
While recent reports suggest the Saints may want to hold on to Olave, he would immediately be viewed as the top WR available if the Saints were to shop the former first-round pick.
No. 5 - Riq Woolen, SEA
Despite Seattle being in the heart of the layoff picture, star defensive back Riq Woolen has been in trade discussions and could draw interest if Seattle were to look for a suitor. During each of his first three NFL seasons, Woolen has tallied at least two interceptions and logged 54.0 tackles per season.
In 2025, Woolen has yet to tally any interceptions but has logged three pass deflections with 19 total tackles (17 solo).
No. 4 - Breece Hall, NYJ
Breece Hall stands as the clear top running back potentially available for trade. The New York Jets enter Week 9 with just one victory and appear to be prime sell candidates. With Hall in his final year of contract, a trade seems to be all but certain.
Hall is also coming off his best showing of the season, which has only raised his trade value. During their thrilling victory over the Bengals, Hall did it all as he ran for two scores and 138 yards and threw a third score through the air.
No. 3 - Jakobi Meyers, LV
Jakobi Meyers was held out of action in Week 7 due to a knee injury, but should be back in action in Week 9 following their bye. Meyers enjoyed a hot start to the season, catching 14 of his 22 targets for 165 yards in the first two weeks. However, over his next four games, Meyers would average just 41.0 yards per game.
Given that Meyers already requested a trade earlier in the season, a move feels all but certain given the Raiders’ placement in the AFC standings.
No. 2 - Jaylen Waddle, MIA
Jaylen Waddle has looked like a legit WR1 since taking over the lead role in the offense following Tyreek Hill’s injury. As a rookie, Waddle operated as the team’s WR1 and was very productive, tallying 1,015 yards and six scores. Since Hill’s injury, Waddle has tallied at least 95 yards in all but one game and scored two touchdowns.
With Miami sitting near the bottom of the AFC, Waddle could be the most sought-after skill-position player at the deal. The former Alabama standout could provide Miami with a solid return and a nice boost to their rebuild.
No. 1 - Trey Hendrickson, CIN
The top candidate potentially available at the deadline is superstar defensive lineman Trey Hendrickson. With the Bengals dropping another close game to the Jets in Week 8, they could look to move off some of their top pieces to build for the 2026 campaign.
Hendrickson has already tallied five sacks this season. Entering the 2025 campaign, the 39-year-old averaged a dominant 14.3 sacks per season from 2021 through 2024.
