
- How will the 49ers mitigate injuries?: Now without Fred Warner and Nick Bosa, San Francisco could use both a linebacker and edge defender as it heads into the second half of the season.
Estimated Reading Time: 19 minutes

The 2024 NFL trade deadline proved that the chaos of the event is still intact. Last season, players like Davante Adams, Marshon Lattimore, Amari Cooper, Za’Darius Smith, DeAndre Hopkins and Ernest Jones were all moved midseason — and while the results were mixed on their new squads, it’s always entertaining when big names find new homes on contenders.
This year’s trade action has already gotten off to a hot start, with Joe Flacco joining the Bengals, Odafe Oweh heading to the Chargers and Greg Newsome II moving to Jacksonville. Which players could find themselves in similar shoes before Nov. 4? Here are 20 candidates.
Note: All player grades and data are representative entering play Sunday unless otherwise noted.
EDGE Trey Hendrickson, Cincinnati Bengals
Possible Fits: 49ers, Lions, Buccaneers, Chiefs
Even though Hendrickson signed a one-year, $29 million contract to remain in Cincinnati this offseason, it doesn’t feel like this song and dance is done just yet. The 2024 All-Pro has been fabulous as usual with a 90.3 PFF pass-rushing grade and an 86.5 overall mark, yet the Bengals’ defense still ranks 29th in EPA per play.
With Cincinnati staring down a 2-4 record and likely a lost season with no Joe Burrow until at least December, the Bengals very well may go the route of selling at the trade deadline. There’s no asset more valuable than Hendrickson, especially if he’s not in Cincinnati’s long-term plans. The 49ers need a true EDGE1 after Nick Bosa’s torn ACL, while the Lions could still use a legitimate running mate next to Aidan Hutchinson — although Al-Quadin Muhammad (86.2 PFF pass-rushing grade) has impressed.
TE David Njoku, Cleveland Browns
Possible Fits: Chargers, Broncos, Buccaneers, Colts
One of the better receiving tight ends in football over the last few years, Njoku’s 70.1 PFF receiving grade since 2023 ranks 18th among qualifiers at the position. This season, Njoku has matched that production with a 67.0 receiving mark, yet only 1.17 yards per route run — his lowest since 2019.
For as ferocious as the Browns’ defense looks this year, the team sits at 1-5 and ranks 30th in the PFF Power Rankings. Cleveland has also deployed rookie Harold Fannin Jr. at an increasing rate, with the Bowling Green product playing just 42 fewer snaps than Njoku. With Njoku in a contract year, teams like the Chargers and Broncos — who rank 31st and and 25th in overall PFF grade at tight end this year, respectively — would be intrigued.
TE Mark Andrews, Baltimore Ravens
Possible Fits: Chargers, Buccaneers, Broncos, Colts
Almost nothing has gone right for the Ravens this season, and that extends to Andrews’ performance. The three-time Pro Bowler has recorded only a 64.4 PFF receiving grade with 150 total receiving yards, on pace for a career-low 1.42 yards per route run. Despite his decline this year at age 30, Andrews isn’t far removed from his great 84.6 PFF receiving mark last year — including an 89.4 grade from Week 5, 2024 onward.
Once considered the potential AFC frontrunner, the Ravens are now 1-5 with just a 20% chance to make the playoffs prior to Week 6. Baltimore has already sold off Oweh, and multiple other pieces — headlined by Andrews — could be next. Perhaps a reunion with Greg Roman in Los Angeles would be the most logical destination, or with former Oklahoma teammate Baker Mayfield.
EDGE Jaelan Phillips, Miami Dolphins
Possible Fits: 49ers, Lions, Buccaneers, Chiefs
Although most of Miami’s season has gone haywire, Phillips has been a bright spot. Across 223 snaps, Phillips boasts a 75.2 PFF pass-rushing grade with 16 pressures and a 17.7% pass-rush win rate. Even with the Dolphins sitting 23rd in team pass-rush grade at edge rusher, Phillips has held up his end of the bargain.
Miami indicated its willingness to deal starting this offseason when it sent Jalen Ramsey and Jonnu Smith to the Steelers. With the 26-year-old Phillips set to be a free agent come March, the Dolphins would be smart to sell high — especially considering his extensive injury history. Kansas City and Tampa Bay both rank 25th or worse in pass-rush win rate by edge defenders, with each likely eyeing upgrades at the position ahead of their playoff pushes.
WR DeAndre Hopkins, Baltimore Ravens
Possible Fits: 49ers, Patriots, Steelers, Buccaneers
Although the Ravens entered play Sunday ranked 22nd in offensive EPA per play, Hopkins has assembled a bounce-back season. His 92.7 PFF receiving grade is the second-best among all receivers. On top of that, Hopkins has hauled in five of six contested targets and has yet to drop a pass.
Having already suited up for three teams over the last two years, Hopkins could soon call a fourth franchise home. San Francisco may pursue another receiver in light of persistent injuries at the position, while the Patriots — who rank seventh in team PFF receiving grade — could seek another field-stretching option for Drake Maye next to Stefon Diggs and Kayshon Boutte.
EDGE Kayvon Thibodeaux, New York Giants
Possible Fits: 49ers, Lions, Buccaneers, Chiefs
After an offseason chock with questions about his future in New York, Thibodeaux has showed signs of growth after the team’s commitment to him. Through six games, his 71.4 overall PFF grade is his highest since his rookie season, and his 78.9 PFF run-defense grade is his best yet. Thibodeaux has also contributed 22 pressures, albeit on a more mediocre 12.6% pass-rush win rate.
The Giants have seen a spark since turning to Jaxson Dart, but at 2-4 — and with the fifth-hardest remaining schedule prior to Week 6 — their playoff odds are slim to none. New York felt comfortable enough to pick up Thibodeaux’s fifth-year option, but keeping him around in the long term with Abdul Carter and Brian Burns probably isn’t the shrewdest. The former fifth overall pick would have plenty of fans around the league.
LB Demario Davis, New Orleans Saints
Possible Fits: 49ers, Colts, Bills, Broncos
Davis has remained one of the league’s ageless wonders in 2025. Even at age 36, his 81.2 overall PFF grade ranks eighth among qualified linebackers. Although keeping up in coverage has proven a bit more of a liability, Davis is still a tremendous run defender, evidenced by his 90.5 PFF run-defense grade and 19 stops.
Even though the Saints have gone 22-35 over the last four years, they haven’t shown a willingness to part with veterans like Davis. Perhaps that will finally change with Davis in the last season of a two-year extension. The 49ers need a replacement for Fred Warner after his season-ending ankle injury, while Bills linebackers own the second-worst PFF run-defense grade so far.
WR Jakobi Meyers, Las Vegas Raiders
Possible Fits: Steelers, Patriots, 49ers, Broncos
During his stint in Las Vegas, Meyers has overcome highly questionable quarterbacking to still play like an above-average receiver. In fact, since 2023, Meyers owns an 80.3 PFF receiving grade while dropping just five passes — tied for the fewest among receivers with 200 or more targets in that span. This season, Meyers has earned a 69.5 PFF receiving grade and averaged a career-best 5.6 yards after the catch per reception.
Pete Carroll’s first season with the Raiders has been a disaster, with the team having only an 8% chance to make the playoffs through five games. With Meyers on an expiring deal and Las Vegas drafting both Jack Bech and Dont’e Thornton Jr. in April, the veteran could be expendable. The Steelers are only 25th in yards by slot receivers this year and could use another viable option next to D.K. Metcalf, and Josh McDaniels could be interested in a reunion with Meyers in New England.
Dl Calais Campbell, Arizona Cardinals
Possible Fits: Chiefs, Jaguars, Bears, Packers
Even at 39, Campbell has still been an above-average player for the Cardinals this season. He’s on track for a 15th straight year with a 71.0-plus overall PFF grade, and has been a well-rounded addition for Arizona’s new-look defense. Campbell has generated 11 pressures while also producing a 70.0 PFF run-defense grade.
The Cardinals’ promising start has taken a wayward turn for the worst, one that doesn’t seem especially salvageable. With Campbell at his age and on a one-year deal, shipping him away — particularly to pave the way for playing time for younger players — could be logical. Kansas City’s 28.8 run-defense grade by interior defenders is the lowest in the NFL, and a reunion in Jacksonville isn’t out of the question.
CB Tariq Woolen, Seattle Seahawks
Possible Fits: Lions, Bills, Falcons, Bears, Eagles
After displaying tremendous promise over his first three seasons, Woolen has not reached that excellence in 2025. Through five weeks, Woolen has compiled a 41.1 PFF coverage grade — the seventh-lowest among qualified cornerbacks — along with 14.1 yards per catch. What’s only made matters worse is Woolen’s 23.8% missed tackle rate.
The Seahawks look poised to make the playoffs at 4-2, but the team could still deal a player like Woolen — especially with depth at the position in Shaquill Griffin, Josh Jobe and Derion Kendrick. Woolen’s background and fundamental athleticism would attract numerous teams, even though he’s a 2026 free agent. The Lions are desperate for corners in lieu of injuries to D.J. Reed and Terrion Arnold, while Buffalo needs additional playmakers at the position with Christian Benford slumping.

CB Rasul Douglas, Miami Dolphins
Possible Fits: Lions, Bills, Falcons, Bears, Eagles
Douglas didn’t sign with the Dolphins until late August, which was surprising given his pedigree. As it turns out, there are likely a myriad of teams that would have liked to have added Douglas earlier based on his play in 2025. Doulgas has posted a 77.9 PFF coverage grade with three pass breakups across 161 coverage snaps, looking more like the standout player we saw in 2023.
At 1-5 and with persistent locker room turmoil, Miami will likely have a “for sale” sign up. The 30-year-old rental could help the Falcons — who hold the worst PFF coverage grade at cornerback (47.1) — or the Bears, who are without Jaylon Johnson indefinitely.
QB Anthony Richardson, Indianapolis Colts
Possible Fits: Steelers, Rams, Raiders, Jets
When the Colts signed Daniel Jones this offseason, they figured it would bring the best out of Richardson. Instead, Richardson’s stock sank while Jones’ skyrocketed. The former fourth overall pick has played just 14 snaps this season as Jones’ backup, with the former Giants starter starring with an 81.0 overall PFF grade.
It’s possible that the Colts could want to keep Richardson on their roster, either as insurance for this season or in case they can’t retain Jones this offseason. Still, teams with quarterback questions come March and April could try to get ahead of the curve, stashing Richardson and his potential several months earlier. The Steelers will confront another offseason of uncertainty under center with Aaron Rodgers set to be a free agent, while Matthew Stafford’s career feels very year-to-year at this juncture despite his elite play.
LB Jordyn Brooks, Miami Dolphins
Possible Fits: 49ers, Colts, Bills, Broncos
Even on an underwhelming Dolphins defense, Brooks has still played at a solid caliber in 2025. He’s missed only two tackle attempts all season, and his 61.1 PFF coverage grade is in the 56th percentile at the linebacker position.
Turning 28 later this month and in the last year of his two-year deal with Miami, Brooks should be a prime trade candidate. Indianapolis’ 35.1 overall PFF mark at the position is the lowest in the league, and look for the Broncos — who are 24th in PFF coverage grade at linebacker this year — to potentially add a player up the middle, especially with Dre Greenlaw yet to play.
T Jermaine Eluemunor, New York Giants
Possible Fits: Chargers, Buccaneers, Packers
Eluemunor has quietly developed into a solid pass-protecting right tackle. Through Week 6, he’s notched a 71.0-plus PFF pass-blocking grade in each of his two seasons with the Giants, allowing just six sacks on 760 opportunities. He also brings experience playing left tackle and right guard, all of which would make him coveted.
The Giants may not want to detract from Dart’s development by removing his starting right tackle — but if the framework is there for a deal for the soon-to-be free agent, it could be too tempting to turn down. The Chargers, Buccaneers and Packers have all been besieged by injuries to tackles this year and could particularly use assistance at right tackle.
RB Breece Hall, New York Jets
Possible Fits: Bears, Chiefs, Texans, Chargers
On the heels of a let-down 2024 campaign, Hall has rebounded nicely in 2025. His PFF rushing grade has remained relatively the same at a 69.4 mark, but he’s increased his yards-after-contact average (3.50) while gaining an explosive rush at a 21.2% clip. Beyond that, Hall has flourished as a receiver with a 71.8 PFF receiving grade with 6.3 yards after the catch per reception.
Hall’s future in New York seemed bleak at best given Braelon Allen’s development — and even with Allen sidelined for much of the rest of the year, the Jets will likely prioritize other pending free agents over their inconsistent back. Bears running backs rank 26th in PFF rushing grade, and the Chiefs could use a boost at the position with Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt both below a 68.0 rushing mark.
CB Alontae Taylor, New Orleans Saints
Possible Fits: Lions, Falcons, Bills, Bears, Eagles
Although little has been good about the Saints’ 2025 season, Taylor’s play has pointed upward. This year, he’s produced a career-best 69.5 PFF coverage grade. What also aids his value is inside-outside versatility, having played 1,239 or more snaps on the outside and in the slot.
The Saints have demonstrated a willingness to move on from serviceable-to-good corners in recent years, including Marshon Lattimore and Paulson Adebo. If New Orleans doesn’t intend to pay Taylor this offseason, the 26-year-old could be sought after. Perhaps Dennis Allen would try to reunite with his former draft pick, or the Eagles could take a swing with a need at perimeter cornerback.
EDGE Arden Key, Tennessee Titans
Possible Fits: 49ers, Lions, Buccaneers, Chiefs
Key may not be a household name, but he’s still a decent player with a good track record. Although his pass-rush win rate has dropped to 8.2%, he’s been solid against the run with a 65.0 PFF run-defense grade. Plus, he’s reached 39 pressures in each of the last four years.
With the Titans likely pursuing higher-level edge defenders this offseason, Key is a strong candidate to be traded while in the last year of his contract. He played with the 49ers in 2021, and Mike Caldwell — his defensive coordinator while with the Jaguars in 2022 — is now on the defensive staff in Tampa Bay.
S Geno Stone, Cincinnati Bengals
Possible Fits: Commanders, Bills, Texans
Since inking a two-year, $14 million deal to join the Bengals, Stone’s play has taken an unimaginably spiral. Among safeties to play 1,000 or more snaps over the last two seasons, Stone’s 56.6 overall PFF grade is the eighth-lowest. However, there have been some reasons for optimism this year, including his 76.2 PFF run-defense grade and 7.7% missed tackle rate.
Assuming the Bengals will wave the white flag on their 2025 season, Stone would be a player from which to move on. The pending free agent would look to regain 2023 form on a team like the Commanders and Bills, each of whom ranks 26th or worse in overall PFF grade for safeties.
TE Chigoziem Okonkwo, Tennessee Titans
Possible Fits: Broncos, Chargers, Texans
Okonkwo erupted as an under-the-radar rookie in 2022, compiling an 84.6 PFF receiving grade and 2.62 yards per route run. Since then, though, he’s yet to match that prolific play, finishing with no better than a 65.5 receiving mark in the three years after. One positive element in Okonkwo’s performance is that his pass blocking has improved, culminating in a 74.8 PFF pass-blocking grade — the 16th-best mark among qualified tight ends.
As this list elucidates, the tight end trade and free agent markets will be relatively saturated — but Okonkwo, still 26, possesses upside. In addition to Denver and Los Angeles, Houston could use a player like Okonkwo, as the Texans sit 29th in team PFF pass-blocking grade at tight end.
LB Jamal Adams, Las Vegas Raiders
Possible Fits: Bills, 49ers, Colts, Texans, Broncos
Amid the Raiders’ floundering start, Adams has surprisingly enjoyed a career resurgence. Now playing mostly as a linebacker, the former Jets star has earned an 80.0 overall PFF grade on 132 snaps. He’s flourished in coverage with a 78.7 PFF coverage grade and only 47 yards allowed on 70 coverage snaps, plus has contributed eight stops.
Playing 23 or more snaps in the box, slot or along the defensive line, Adams is a versatile asset who could boost teams looking for linebacker or safety help. The Bills jump to mind with needs at both, especially with their intra-division familiarity playing against Adams.
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