The NFL trade deadline did not fail to entertain this year, as trades were flying across the league heading into the deadline.
Let’s take a look at some of the winners of the 2025 trade deadline.
Indianapolis Colts
The Colts made waves across the league, trading away two first rounders to acquire Pro Bowl CB Sauce Gardner from the New York Jets. This was a stunning move by the Jets, who had just signed Gardner to a four year extension heading into this season.
Now did the Colts overpay here? Maybe.
But with the team at 7-2, a loaded roster, and a Daniel Jones playing at a pro bowl level, the team felt confident going all in on winning now. If the Colts continue to play at this level, and make a deep playoff run this year with Gardner bolstering the secondary, there’ll be no questioning whether they gave up too much.
Seattle Seahawks
The Seattle Seahawks look like a team that is ready to win now, led by Sam Darnold, JSN, and a stacked defense led by head coach Mike MacDonald. The team boasts a 7-2 record, and is coming off a dominating win against the commanders in which Darnold didn’t have his first incompletion until the second half. Going into the deadline, they had no choice but to be buyers.
In a trade with the Saints, the Seahawks acquired WR Rashid Shaheed, in exchange for a 2026 fourth- and fifth-fifth round pick. This trade is a slam dunk for the Seahawks, who acquire a downfield threat who can compliment JSN and Cooper Kupp on the outside.
Watch out for Seattle down the stretch run.
Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles have had an up and down season, but there is no doubt they are one of the most talented rosters in the NFL, and a favorite to come out of the NFC once again. Holding a 6-2 record, in what has been a down year for the NFC East, the Eagles are destined to make another run in the playoffs. Eagles GM Howie Roseman always loves to make a good trade, so when the deadline came around, to no one’s surprise, the team made a big move.
In a trade with the Miami Dolphins, the Eagles acquired star pass rusher Jaelan Phillips, in exchange for a third-round pick. This trade is a win for the Eagles, who acquire a player who has been a consistent force pass rushing on what’s been a struggling Dolphins team.
As long as Phillips can stay healthy, keep an eye on him to make some game-changing plays down the stretch run.
