As the 2025 NFL trade deadline approaches on November 4th, an abundance of talented running backs could be on the move, reshaping playoff aspirations for contenders and accelerating rebuilds for struggling franchises. Our in-depth analysis breaks down each key candidate, their potential impact, and the fan-driven speculation surrounding their futures.
The NFL trade deadline, set for November 4, 2025, is always a period of intense speculation and strategic maneuvering. While a trade of the magnitude of the pre-season Micah Parsons move to the Green Bay Packers is unlikely, teams are actively exploring options to fine-tune their rosters. One position consistently mentioned in trade discussions is running back, where contenders often seek depth or an elite talent to push them over the top.
The league currently sees an excess of talent in the running back market, making it an opportune time for RB-needy teams to find a suitable fit via trade. This dynamic creates fascinating scenarios for both struggling franchises looking to rebuild and playoff hopefuls aiming to solidify their backfields.
Unpacking the Top Running Back Trade Candidates
Here’s a closer look at the running backs who are most likely to be featured in trade rumors as the 2025 NFL trade deadline draws near, along with the reasons why a move makes sense for their current teams and potential suitors.
Breece Hall, New York Jets
Despite the Jets’ public stance that they don’t want to part with Breece Hall, a trade could be in their long-term best interest. At just 24 years old, Hall is set to hit free agency after the current season. With the Jets holding an abysmal 0-7 record, a deep rebuild appears inevitable. Committing a significant contract to a running back—a position often considered a luxury rather than a foundational piece for a non-contender—might be seen as unwise.
Trading Hall would allow the Jets to acquire valuable draft capital, accelerating their rebuild. Hall has demonstrated exceptional talent, averaging 4.6 yards per carry throughout his career and is on pace for an impressive 1,486 scrimmage yards this season. His youth and production would undoubtedly attract significant interest from multiple NFL teams looking for a dynamic offensive weapon. For more on potential landing spots, fans can consult rumors tracked by Yahoo Sports.
Rico Dowdle, Carolina Panthers
Rico Dowdle is another player whose contract status could make him an attractive trade piece. Similar to Hall, Dowdle is slated to become a free agent after the season. His impressive performance stepping in for Chuba Hubbard has elevated his profile significantly. The Panthers, who are in playoff contention, might prefer to retain Dowdle for their current run. However, the opportunity to “sell high” on a veteran who could command a decent return in draft picks might be too tempting to pass up, especially with Hubbard under a long-term contract.
Dowdle, 27, has been a productive force, accumulating 551 yards and two touchdowns on 98 carries through seven games. His powerful build (5-11, 215 pounds) and strong contact balance make him a versatile fit for virtually any offensive scheme in the league.
Tony Pollard, Tennessee Titans
Among veteran running backs, Tony Pollard is considered one of the most probable candidates to be traded. The Tennessee Titans are in a clear rebuilding phase, currently sitting at a 1-6 record. With coach Brian Callahan recently fired and the team focused on building around quarterback Cam Ward, the Titans might prioritize evaluating younger talent like 24-year-old Tyjae Spears in a lead back role.
Pollard, 28, has managed to gain 380 yards and score two touchdowns on 98 carries this season, despite playing behind a struggling offensive line. A move to a team with a more robust offensive front could significantly boost his production and value, making him an attractive option for a contender seeking an immediate impact.
Derrick Henry, Baltimore Ravens
The discussion around Derrick Henry joining the Baltimore Ravens has a history, with the Titans reportedly attempting to trade him to Baltimore before the 2024 trade deadline, as detailed by NFL insider Ari Meirov. While that trade never materialized, the Ravens’ interest was evident. Ironically, the Ravens later signed Henry to a two-year, $30 million extension in the offseason.
Despite this commitment, Henry, at 31, has accumulated an astonishing 2,622 career touches. While he’s averaged a solid 5 yards per carry this season, the Ravens, who have faced an injury-riddled 2025 campaign, might consider moving on from a player who could show signs of age at any moment. Trading Henry, while seemingly counterintuitive after a recent extension, could allow the Ravens to recoup assets and avoid a potential decline in performance, even if they aim for contention in 2026.
Keaton Mitchell, Baltimore Ravens
If the Ravens are hesitant to move Henry, Keaton Mitchell presents a more realistic trade option. Mitchell possesses exceptional speed but currently finds himself in a crowded backfield rotation behind Henry and Justice Hill. For a team in search of an injection of speed and dynamism at the running back position, Mitchell could be an enticing, low-cost acquisition.
Though he has seen limited action in 2025 with just eight yards on three carries, Mitchell’s career average of 6.7 yards per carry on 65 touches (434 yards, two touchdowns) highlights his explosive potential. He could thrive as a threatening, speed-based gadget weapon in an offense designed to utilize his unique abilities.
Jerome Ford, Cleveland Browns
Jerome Ford could be an ideal trade candidate for teams seeking a reliable third-down back. His average of just 3.5 yards per carry this season marks his lowest since his rookie campaign in 2022, and he has clearly fallen behind Quinshon Judkins in Cleveland’s backfield pecking order. With Ford set to become a free agent in 2026, the Browns might look to capitalize on his value now.
Ford’s true strength lies in his receiving and pass-blocking abilities. He has tallied 101 receptions since the start of the 2023 season and ranks 27th among 53 qualified running backs in pass blocking, according to Pro Football Focus. These versatile skills make him a valuable asset for teams needing a specialized role player in their backfield.
Nick Chubb, Houston Texans
The trade status of Nick Chubb largely hinges on the health and return of Joe Mixon, who has been sidelined for the entire 2025 season with a mysterious ankle injury. If Mixon makes his return, he, along with Woody Marks, would likely anchor Houston’s backfield. This scenario would relegate Chubb to a backup role, primarily as a powerful between-the-tackles runner.
Chubb has averaged 4.2 yards per carry this season, continuing his recovery from a second major knee surgery. His imposing 5-11, 227-pound frame makes him an intriguing goal-line bruiser for any team in need of a power back to punch it in from short yardage.
Devin Singletary, New York Giants
For the New York Giants, rookie sensation Cam Skattebo has emerged as a revelation, and the now-healthy Tyrone Tracy Jr. looks like an ideal complement to Skattebo’s bruising style. This leaves veteran Devin Singletary as the odd man out in the Giants’ running back rotation.
Singletary has averaged just 3.7 yards per carry over his two years with the Giants, a dip from his consistent performance earlier in his career where he accumulated 1,000-plus scrimmage yards every year from 2021-23. The 28-year-old’s proven skills as a receiver could still make him an appealing target for teams looking to add experienced depth or a top backup to their running back rooms.
Jaylen Wright, Miami Dolphins
Rookie Jaylen Wright has found himself primarily a healthy scratch for the Miami Dolphins, as he’s fallen behind De’Von Achane and Ollie Gordon II in a talented backfield. With the Dolphins having stumbled out of the gate in 2025, they might consider moving on from Wright as they potentially prepare for larger organizational shifts.
Wright, a fourth-round pick from Tennessee in the 2024 NFL Draft, garnered significant attention for his impressive speed and ability to handle a heavy SEC workload. While he averaged just 3.7 yards per carry in his rookie season, a change of scenery to a team that can better utilize his talents might unlock his full potential at just 22 years old.
Alvin Kamara, New Orleans Saints
While Alvin Kamara’s name has surfaced in trade discussions ahead of the deadline, a move is highly unlikely. The 30-year-old running back has publicly stated his desire to play his entire career in New Orleans and even recently implied he would retire if traded. This strong personal preference significantly reduces his trade viability, despite potential interest from other teams.
Furthermore, the Saints’ internal situation makes a Kamara trade less appealing. They recently lost backup Kendre Miller to a season-ending ACL tear. With their current record of 2-5 and a five-game losing streak, trading their star running back now, even for a rebuilding squad, would further deplete their offensive options and likely be a fan-unfriendly move.
The Impact of the Trade Deadline on NFL Backfields
The upcoming NFL trade deadline on November 4th presents a crucial juncture for many franchises. For teams struggling with their running game, like the Dallas Cowboys who were noted for their league-worst ground attack in a previous analysis, a trade could be the desperate measure needed to ignite their offense. However, as some analysts suggest, overpaying for a short-term solution might not be a smart long-term strategy, particularly for teams not truly in contention.
Ultimately, the decisions made at the deadline regarding these running back talents will not only shape the remainder of the 2025 season but also have lasting implications for the future trajectories of these players and their respective teams.
