2025 NFL trade deadline winners and losers

The 2025 NFL trade deadline has come and gone, with teams making bold moves to improve now or reset for the future. Here’s a breakdown of the biggest winners and losers, factoring in team records, positional needs, and the true impact of the deals.

2025 NFL trade deadline: WINNERS

Philadelphia Eagles

Moves: Acquired edge rusher Jaelan Phillips (from the Dolphins) and bolstered their cornerback corps with Jaire Alexander and Michael Carter II.

Why it works: Already a playoff-caliber team, the Eagles strengthened key areas on defense without giving up prohibitive draft capital. They’re positioned to make a serious push in 2025.

Indianapolis Colts

Move: Traded for two-time All-Pro corner Sauce Gardner from the Jets, giving up two first-round picks.

Why it works: At 7‑2, the Colts are in contention and adding Gardner makes them far tougher to beat in the secondary. A bold move for a team that is realistically already chasing a playoff run.

New York Jets (Long-Term Winners)

Move: Sent Sauce Gardner to the Colts for wide receiver Adonai Mitchell and first-round picks in 2026 and 2027and Quinnen Williams to the Cowboys for a 2026 second-round pick, a 2027 first-round pick, and defensive tackle Mazi Smith.

Why it works: Yes, they are short-term losers, but they are long-term winners. The Jets are 1‑7 and effectively in rebuild mode. The trade accelerates their long-term plan by adding high-value draft capital...as long as they don’t mess it up.

2025 NFL trade deadline: LOSERS

Miami Dolphins

• Move: Traded Jaelan Phillips to the Eagles.
• Why it hurts: They lose a top young edge rusher without addressing a clear replacement. It signals either a pivot to the future or an underwhelming short-term plan.

Houston Texans

• Move: Made little to no major trade acquisitions.
• Why it hurts: With obvious roster gaps and a 3‑5 record, Houston missed an opportunity to improve for potential playoff contention. Sitting still risks falling further behind teams that were more aggressive.

New Orleans Saints

• Move: Minimal activity at the trade deadline.
• Why it hurts: Vulnerable roster positions remain unaddressed, and they forgo the opportunity to sell high on veteran assets or acquire future draft capital.

Overall, the 2025 NFL trade deadline was a mix of strategic bets and positional upgrades. Some teams strengthened for now, others repositioned for later, and a few simply missed their chance to gain an edge.

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