The 2025 NFL trade deadline has come and gone, leaving fans and analysts alike buzzing about the moves that were made—and the ones that weren’t. But here’s where it gets controversial: while some teams shook things up with blockbuster deals, others stood pat, leaving big-name players like Jaylen Waddle and Breece Hall in their current uniforms. Was this a missed opportunity, or a smart long-term play? Let’s dive in.
The New York Jets stole the spotlight in the final hours, orchestrating a pair of trades that sent shockwaves across the league. They shipped star cornerback Sauce Gardner to the Indianapolis Colts and veteran defensive tackle Quinnen Williams to the Dallas Cowboys, hauling in a combined three first-round picks over the next two drafts. And this is the part most people miss: while the Jets were busy reshaping their roster, they also decided to hold onto other key players, including running back Breece Hall and linebacker Jermaine Johnson, despite trade rumors swirling around both.
Hall, who had been vocal about trade speculation leading up to the deadline, took to social media to express his mixed emotions: ‘Sick about my bruddas man … happy for them but man im sick rn,’ he wrote on X. The 24-year-old, a 2022 second-round pick, has been a standout performer for the Jets, leading the team in rushing and recently posting a season-high 133 yards against the Cincinnati Bengals. So why didn’t he get moved? It’s possible the Jets’ asking price of a third-round pick was too steep, or perhaps they see him as a cornerstone for their future.
Jermaine Johnson, another 2022 first-round pick, also stayed put despite reported interest from other teams. His emotional reaction to the trades of his teammates speaks volumes: ‘I’d be lying if I said I was happy my brothers are gone because I’m not, I’m sick. But, I believe strongly in the organization, staff and my other brothers in the locker room.’ Johnson’s commitment to the Jets’ long-term vision is clear, but is the team doing enough to build around him?
Meanwhile, the Miami Dolphins kept their star receiver Jaylen Waddle, even as the organization faces internal turmoil. With general manager Chris Grier out and coach Mike McDaniel on the hot seat after a 2-7 start, many expected Miami to shake things up. Waddle, in the final year of his rookie deal, could have fetched a significant return, but the Dolphins opted to keep him. Here’s a thought-provoking question: Is this a sign of confidence in Waddle’s future, or a missed chance to capitalize on his value?
Another Dolphin who stayed put was linebacker Bradley Chubb, whose restructured contract and hefty cap hit in 2026 made him a prime trade candidate. Yet, after missing the entire 2024 season due to injury, Chubb remains in Miami. With four sacks so far this season, he’s showing signs of a comeback, but is it enough to justify his cost?
Other notable names who didn’t move include Brian Thomas Jr. of the Jacksonville Jaguars, Trey Hendrickson of the Cincinnati Bengals, and Mark Andrews of the Baltimore Ravens. Thomas, despite injury concerns, remains the Jags’ top receiver, while Hendrickson’s contract dispute with the Bengals was resolved just in time to keep him off the trade block. Andrews, a reliable target for Lamar Jackson, is part of the Ravens’ effort to salvage their season after a disastrous 1-5 start.
Then there’s A.J. Brown of the Philadelphia Eagles, whose social media posts sparked trade rumors. But GM Howie Roseman shut down the speculation, calling Brown a ‘great player’ and emphasizing his importance to the team. But here’s a counterpoint: If Brown’s production continues to dip, could the Eagles reconsider their stance in the offseason?
Veterans like Kirk Cousins (Atlanta Falcons), Russell Wilson (New York Giants), and Alvin Kamara (New Orleans Saints) also stayed put, despite their limited roles or declining team fortunes. Cousins, benched in favor of Michael Penix Jr., remains in Atlanta, while Wilson is now a backup to rookie Jaxson Dart. Kamara, who has expressed his desire to retire in New Orleans, stays loyal to the Saints despite their 1-8 record.
So, what does all this mean for the league? Some teams clearly prioritized future assets over immediate wins, while others doubled down on their current rosters. Here’s the big question for you: Did the teams that held onto their stars make the right call, or will they regret not cashing in while they could? Let us know in the comments—this debate is far from over.
