A Season With No Clear Favorites
Six weeks into the 2025 NFL season, parity reigns supreme. With 20 of 32 teams sitting at .500 or better — and 14 above a .667 winning percentage — the league is unusually balanced. Few clear favorites have emerged, creating what could be one of the busiest trade markets in recent memory. Meanwhile, the New York Jets remain winless, and the injury-ridden Baltimore Ravens are hoping quarterback Lamar Jackson’s return can revive their season.
The crowded standings mean more teams are still in contention as the November trade deadline approaches. With so many potential buyers and only a handful of sellers, general managers are expected to be aggressive in pursuit of impact players who could tilt the playoff race.
Big Names With Big Decisions
In Dallas, Jerry Jones continues to dominate headlines. The Cowboys’ season has been defined by bold moves — from trading star pass rusher Micah Parsons in August to acquiring wide receiver George Pickens in the spring. Now at 2-3-1, the Cowboys are on the edge of contention. Armed with an extra first-round pick and over $30 million in salary cap space, Jones has hinted that he’s open to another major deal to shore up his struggling defense, which ranks last in the league.
The Detroit Lions, meanwhile, are again in the mix for an NFC title. Despite a recent loss to Kansas City, Detroit remains strong but vulnerable in the secondary. With $27 million in cap space, the Lions are well-positioned to add defensive depth as they pursue their first Super Bowl appearance.
Cap-Rich Contenders on the Move
Few teams are better equipped to make a splash than the New England Patriots, who sit atop the AFC East for the first time in years. With nearly $55 million in available cap space and multiple extra draft picks for 2026, the Patriots could make a major addition while their young quarterback Drake Maye remains on a rookie deal. Defense remains their strength, but additional pass rush depth could make them a legitimate Super Bowl contender.
The Philadelphia Eagles are also expected to be active. General manager Howie Roseman has never shied from aggressive trades, and despite a slow start, the defending champions remain dangerous. With needs on the offensive line, at wide receiver, and in the secondary, the Eagles could restructure existing deals to target a top defensive player such as Cincinnati’s Trey Hendrickson.
Dark Horses and Late Pushes
The Pittsburgh Steelers are quietly leading their division, holding a narrow edge over the rest of the AFC North. After years without a playoff win, head coach Mike Tomlin and GM Omar Khan might seize the moment to strengthen their roster. With limited cap room — around $6 million — Pittsburgh would need to get creative, but adding another linebacker or receiver could bolster their postseason chances.
Out west, the Seattle Seahawks are in a three-way tie atop the NFC West. GM John Schneider has both the experience and the flexibility to make midseason improvements, with over $20 million in cap space available. Expect Seattle to explore options for offensive line and defensive reinforcements as they push for the division crown.
Finally, the Washington Commanders, coming off an unexpected 2024 playoff run, could also enter the market. Despite recent struggles, they remain within striking distance in the NFC East and have over $25 million to spend. Improving their run defense and stabilizing the secondary will be key to supporting second-year quarterback Jayden Daniels.
A Deadline Unlike Any Other
With unprecedented parity and multiple contenders flush with cash and draft assets, the 2025 trade deadline is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable in years. In a league where even midseason trades can reshape the playoff landscape, every general manager with cap space — or ambition — is on notice.