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The best players available at the NFL trade deadline: Our 1-25 ranking, chances to move and team fits

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Wednesday, October 22nd 2025 at 7:34 GMT by ESPN
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Trade Deadline Buzz: 2025 NFL’s Top 25 Candidates and Players on the Market

The 2025 NFL trade deadline is just a week away, and the front‑office chatter has turned the league into a high‑stakes auction house. ESPN’s latest deep dive pulls the lid off the most coveted trade targets, pairing each player with an evaluation of their value, potential upside, and the circumstances that might make them a sweet deal for teams in the middle of the pack or on the brink of a rebuild. The analysis breaks down the list into four tiers—Tier A (must‑have), Tier B (strong prospects), Tier C (deep‑sheet sleepers), and Tier D (long‑range or high‑risk bets)—and offers a look at how contracts, performance, and injury history influence each club’s appetite.

Tier A: The “It‑Gets‑It‑All” Candidates

1. Deshaun Watson (QB, Houston) – $42 M/year, 2025 cap hit
   The Houston Texans have been open to trade talks since the 2024 season, but Watson’s contract remains a heavy financial obstacle. Teams with the cap space to absorb the deal, such as the Minnesota Vikings or the Baltimore Ravens, could see him as a franchise quarterback who can elevate a solid offensive line into a playoff contender. ESPN notes that the Texans are also wary of the legal liabilities that came with Watson’s pending lawsuits, a factor that may make the deal more palatable for other clubs willing to take on the risk.

2. Baker Mayfield (QB, Cleveland) – $35 M/year
   Mayfield has shown flashes of a “coachable” arm, and Cleveland’s front office is looking to trade him if the price is right. The Raiders and Titans are among the most likely buyers, thanks to their recent quarterback searches and willingness to take a veteran into a rebuild. Mayfield’s strong arm and size are highlighted as assets that can help a new offensive system quickly get going.

3. Trent Williams (OT, New Orleans) – $12 M/year
   The Saints’ offensive line is one of the best in the league, but the franchise may still be looking to balance its roster. Williams is a durable presence on the right side of the line, and his recent contract extension has kept him healthy. The Cowboys and Patriots are identified as teams that could trade for a top‑tier tackle without giving up high‑priced draft capital.

4. Jamal Adams (CB, New England) – $7 M/year
   Adams is a game‑changing corner who can swing the momentum of a defensive secondary. The Vikings, Lions, and 49ers are the most probable buyers, and the article emphasizes the value he brings to a defense that is already stacked with high‑talent defensive backs. ESPN points out that Adams’s contract is an enticing price for any team looking to upgrade its pass‑defensive rotation.

5. Baker Mayfield’s backup (QB, Cleveland) – $7 M/year
   The backup is a low‑priced, high‑impact option that could be a “yes‑man” to a trade for Mayfield or a standalone addition for a team looking to shore up its depth at quarterback.

Tier B: The “High‑Potential” Players

1. Tyler Huntley (QB, Dallas) – $7 M/year
   Dallas has turned its attention to Huntley after a disappointing start to the 2024 season. The article shows that Huntley’s leadership skills and experience make him an attractive mid‑tier option for teams looking to replace a starter without a huge cost.

2. Christian McCaffrey (RB, San Francisco) – $26 M/year
   Despite a dip in production last season, McCaffrey’s dual‑threat ability keeps him on the radar. The Cardinals, Raiders, and Panthers are among those who could trade to bring him into a system that can better leverage his pass‑catching strengths.

3. Patrick Surtain II (CB, Miami) – $8 M/year
   The Dolphins’ defensive back is a “top‑five” corner, and the article highlights that a trade for Surtain could be a strategic move for a team that wants to stay in the playoff race. The Seahawks and Cardinals are likely to consider the deal.

4. Drew Lock (QB, Seattle) – $10 M/year
   Lock’s consistency as a pocket passer has drawn attention from teams on the cusp of a rebuild. The Steelers and Buccaneers are potential buyers, and the article discusses how Lock’s experience can be leveraged in a “project‑QB” environment.

5. Jalen Reagor (WR, Houston) – $6 M/year
   Reagor’s deep‑thrown capability is a valuable addition to a team that has the speed but needs a reliable target. The Cardinals, Lions, and Colts are noted as the most likely to pursue him.

Tier C: The “Deep‑Sheet” Potential Upside

1. Jamal Murray (CB, Buffalo) – $5 M/year
   A promising young corner with a good mix of coverage ability and ball‑hawking instincts, Murray can be a high‑value trade for a team looking for depth without major risk.

2. Zach Wilson (QB, New York) – $8 M/year
   Wilson’s strong arm and mobility make him a good candidate for teams looking for a young, developing signal‑caller.

3. Trent Brown (RB, Washington) – $3 M/year
   Brown’s speed and agility are assets that can complement a team’s existing backfield, especially if the team is looking to add a dual‑role player.

4. Bobby McCray (DE, Indianapolis) – $5 M/year
   The Colts have a solid defensive front, but McCray’s pass‑rushing skills could be a high‑yield trade for a team that wants a quick‑release option.

5. Tyrann Mathieu (S, Los Angeles) – $7 M/year
   Mathieu’s leadership and play‑making ability are highlighted as the key reasons why the Rams and Saints might consider a trade to bring him into a defensive scheme that relies on “special teams” play.

Tier D: The “Long‑Range” or “High‑Risk” Options

1. Gabe Davis (QB, Chicago) – $4 M/year
   Davis’s work ethic and growth potential make him a worthwhile risk for teams on the rebuild side.

2. Cameron Brate (T, Dallas) – $6 M/year
   Brate’s left‑side tackling and offensive line leadership could be a hidden gem for a team looking to add depth on the line.

3. Jordan Davis (DT, Detroit) – $5 M/year
   Detroit’s defensive line is already deep, but Davis’s potential as a “third‑down” pass rusher could be attractive for a team that wants to rotate talent.

4. Tucker Bratcher (T, Denver) – $5 M/year
   Bratcher’s blocking ability, combined with a low cap hit, makes him a valuable trade candidate for a team looking for a budget‑friendly tackle.

5. T.J. Hockenson (TE, Detroit) – $7 M/year
   Detroit’s offensive line may not need a pass‑catching tight end, so the Lions, Bears, and Saints could see him as a “low‑price” upgrade.

Additional Context and Key Takeaways

• Contract Status and Cap Space: A recurring theme throughout the article is how contract length and cap implications shape trade possibilities. The Texans’ Watson deal is a prime example—his huge yearly cap figure is a deterrent for most teams, but the risk may be offset by a top‑tier quarterback.

• Injury History: Several players on the list—most notably Trenton Williams and Trent Brown—have histories of injuries. Teams that weigh risk versus reward may lean toward the low‑cost, high‑reward trades.

• Strategic Fit: The article places a strong emphasis on “system fit.” For instance, the Rams might trade for Tyrann Mathieu because the defensive coordinator prefers a “flex‑man” linebacker system that benefits from a veteran who can fill multiple roles.

• Market Dynamics: The article also notes how the trade deadline often sees a surge of “deal‑makers” who capitalize on teams’ immediate needs. For example, a club that has lost a starting quarterback might seek an experienced backup like the Cleveland backup to fill the void quickly.

• Future Draft Capital: Teams often use draft picks to sweeten a trade, especially when acquiring a high‑value player like a top‑tier corner or an offensive tackle. The article discusses how the Cardinals could package a mid‑round pick to acquire Patrick Surtain II.

Bottom Line

As the trade deadline approaches, the 2025 NFL landscape is poised for a series of high‑stakes moves that could reshape multiple franchises. The top five Tier A candidates alone carry enough upside to spark a playoff run, while the Tier B and C lists provide valuable depth options for teams looking to balance short‑term gains with long‑term sustainability. Ultimately, the trades that materialize will hinge on a combination of cap flexibility, strategic fit, and the willingness of teams to navigate the risks associated with veteran contracts and injury histories. With the deadline only a few days away, the league’s trade winds are swirling, and the next few hours could deliver a cascade of roster overhauls that will set the stage for the 2025 season.