Most trades on NFL deadline day: How 2025 total compares to recent years

The clock has struck 4 p.m., and the 2025 NFL Trade Deadline did not just pass -- it exploded.

Spearheaded by the New York Jets’ historic fire sale of two All-Pro players, the league witnessed a flurry of star movement that instantly reshaped the playoff race and the future of several franchises. From the Colts sending two first-round picks for cornerback Sauce Gardner to the Cowboys shelling out for defensive tackle Quinnen Williams, the volume and velocity of the deals were unlike anything seen in recent memory.

Contenders like the Colts, Cowboys, and Eagles aggressively pushed their chips all-in, while rebuilding teams finally embraced the draft capital philosophy. With multiple first-round picks changing hands and a cascade of other impactful deals -- including Jaelan Phillips to the Eagles and Jakobi Meyers to the Jaguars -- the sheer amount of activity places this deadline among the most eventful in league history.

This monumental trade period has fans asking: Where does the 2025 deadline truly rank in the NFL record books in terms of the total number of players and picks exchanged?

MORE: Ranking every NFL trade at 2025 deadline, from best to worst

How many trades were made on NFL trade deadline day 2025?

There were 10 trades on NFL trade deadline day:

Player	Former Team	New Team
Sauce Gardner	Jets	Colts
Quinnen Williams	Jets	Cowboys
Jakobi Meyers	Raiders	Jaguars
Rashid Shaheed	Saints	Seahawks
Trevor Penning	Saints	Chargers
Jaelan Phillips	Dolphins	Eagles
Dre’Mont Jones	Titans	Ravens
Joe Tryon-Shoyinka	Browns	Bears
Logan Wilson	Bengals	Cowboys
Ja'Sir Taylor	Chargers	Jets

Sauce Gardner to the Colts

In the most stunning move of the deadline, the New York Jets traded two-time All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner to the AFC South-leading Indianapolis Colts. The Colts went all-in on a Super Bowl push, paying an immense price: two future first-round draft picks (in 2026 and 2027) and second-year wide receiver Adonai Mitchell.

This transaction immediately catapults the Colts' defense into elite status and signals a complete, aggressive rebuild for the 1-7 Jets, who secured massive future draft capital for their cornerstone defender.

Quinnen Williams to Cowboys

Gardner was not the only superstar to get traded from Florham Park today, with Quinnen Williams being shipped to the Dallas Cowboys for 2026 second-round pick, a 2027 first-round pick (the better of Dallas's two selections), and former 2023 first-round defensive tackle Mazi Smith.

After Dallas traded Micah Parsons right before the season, it has gained two former All-Pro defensive tackles in Williams and Kenny Clark.

MORE NFL TRADE DEADLINE:

• Full list of every deal completed on deadline day
• Complete trade grades, from Colts acing Sauce Gardner deal to Jets flunking
• Ranking all the trade deadline deals from best to worst
• Who are the biggest winners and losers from 2025 deadline? 

Jakobi Meyers to Jaguars

The Las Vegas Raiders decided to sell at the deadline, granting veteran wide receiver Jakobi Meyers a trade to the AFC South-contending Jacksonville Jaguars. Meyers was acquired by the Jaguars for a 2026 fourth-round pick and a 2026 sixth-round pick.

For Jacksonville, Meyers provides an immediate, reliable possession receiver to stabilize their depth chart; Travis Hunter will be out multiple weeks after going on the injured reserve with a knee injury. 

Rashid Shaheed to Seahawks

The New Orleans Saints traded wide receiver and return specialist Rashid Shaheed to the Seattle Seahawks for a 2026 fourth-round pick and a 2026 fifth-round picks.

Shaheed, a 2023 All-Pro punt returner, gives Seattle a true home-run threat who can stretch the field and open up the passing game alongside Jaxon Smith-Njigba.

Per ESPN's Adam Schefter, there were 22 players moved via trade in the 2025 NFL season.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 4, 2025

AD Mitchell and Mazi Smith were both moved in deadline deals, bringing the tally of players moved on Nov. 4 up to 10.

MORE: What Jakobi Meyers trade means for Travis Hunter injury

Most trades on NFL deadline day

This year's trade deadline was tied for the most all-time, assuming the reported deals go through.

Rank	Year	Number of Trades	Defining Deal(s)
1	2022	10 Trades	T.J. Hockenson to Vikings, Bradley Chubb to Dolphins, Chase Claypool to Bears.
2	2025	10 Trades	Sauce Gardner to Colts, Quinnen Williams to Cowboys, Rashid Shaheed to Seahawks.
3	2023	8 Trades	Leonard Williams to Seahawks, Kevin Byard to Eagles, Montez Sweat to Bears.
4	2017	8 Trades	Jimmy Garoppolo to 49ers, Jay Ajayi to Eagles, Kelvin Benjamin to Bills.
5	2019	7 Trades	Jalen Ramsey to Rams, Mohamed Sanu to Patriots, Emmanuel Sanders to 49ers.

MORE: NFL power rankings