As the NFL calendar creeps closer to Tuesday’s trade deadline, several franchises across the league are moving to secure key talent while navigating significant injury concerns and roster shuffles. The Detroit Lions became the latest organization to lock down a cornerstone defender, reportedly agreeing to a four-year contract extension with pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson. The financial details have yet to be disclosed, but the move further cements the 2025 season as the year of the pass rusher earning paydays. Hutchinson joins a growing list that includes Micah Parsons in Green Bay, T.J. Watt in Pittsburgh and Myles Garrett in Cleveland.
Garrett’s name surfaced again this week amid persistent speculation that the former Defensive Player of the Year might seek an opportunity elsewhere due to Cleveland’s struggles. However, according to ESPN, a team source insisted there is “no chance” the Browns will entertain trade talks involving the star edge rusher. The team’s stance remains firm, strengthened by Garrett’s no-trade clause and his public silence about pursuing a departure. After signing a massive extension in March—briefly making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in league history—the Browns appear intent on building around the defensive anchor. Garrett reaffirmed his value last Sunday by recording a stunning five sacks, setting a new franchise single-game record.
Elsewhere in the AFC North, the Baltimore Ravens received a major boost heading into Thursday night’s primetime matchup against the Miami Dolphins. Quarterback Lamar Jackson, who missed the past three games with a hamstring injury suffered in a Week 4 loss to Kansas City, returned to full practice participation this week. Speaking with reporters, Jackson expressed excitement about his return, saying, “Can’t wait to touch grass with my guys… It’s been a while.” The Ravens snapped a four-game skid with a 30-16 win over Chicago last weekend, and Jackson’s return could not come at a more pivotal moment as Baltimore battles to stay relevant in a competitive AFC race.
Injuries, however, remain a league-wide concern. New York Giants rookie running back Cam Skattebo suffered one of the most gruesome injuries of the season during Sunday’s loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. The Arizona State product dislocated his ankle, fractured his fibula and ruptured his deltoid ligament when his leg was pinned underneath him after a reception. He underwent emergency surgery in Philadelphia on Sunday night, and was subsequently placed on season-ending injured reserve. While the timetable for recovery ranges from four to six months, early reports suggest Skattebo could still participate in OTA and minicamp sessions in the spring.
The Giants’ week of medical setbacks continued, as promising second-year wideout Malik Nabers underwent successful ACL surgery after being sidelined since Week 4. Nabers, a 2024 first-round pick, had started his sophomore season strong, collecting 18 receptions for 271 yards and two touchdowns over four games. The organization also brought in reinforcements, claiming cornerback Jarrick Bernard-Converse off waivers from the Browns, and hosting a large-scale tryout that included former Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson. Johnson’s journeyman path across three franchises in 2024–25 has raised questions about his future viability in the league.
Other quarterback-related updates continued around the league. Falcons rookie starter Michael Penix Jr. remains day-to-day with a bone bruise suffered earlier this month, leaving veteran Kirk Cousins to shoulder the load in last weekend’s loss to Miami. The Cincinnati Bengals are monitoring the availability of Joe Flacco, who is dealing with an AC joint sprain in his throwing shoulder. Head coach Zac Taylor described Flacco’s status as “day-to-day,” with Jake Browning preparing in the event of an absence.
Roster movement continues to keep teams active ahead of the deadline. The New England Patriots traded safety Kyle Dugger to the Pittsburgh Steelers, receiving a 2026 sixth-round draft pick in return while retaining a majority of the $5.4 million remaining on Dugger’s contract. New England added a seventh-round pick as part of the swap. The Titans, meanwhile, signed cornerback Micah Robinson and edge rusher Truman Jones to their 53-man roster, providing depth as the defense works through a wave of minor injuries.
One of the league’s elder statesmen also resurfaced this week, as the Denver Broncos added 41-year-old tight end Marcedes Lewis to their practice squad. Should he be elevated and appear in a game, Lewis would become the oldest tight end ever to play in an NFL contest—a testament to his longevity and conditioning.
Finally, the Washington Commanders expect quarterback Jayden Daniels to return to practice this week after missing Monday night’s loss to the Kansas City Chiefs with a low-grade hamstring strain. Head coach Dan Quinn praised Daniels’ rehab progress, noting the second-year signal-caller could be cleared shortly.
With the trade deadline looming, front offices across the NFL are evaluating long-term intentions against short-term urgency. Teams competing for playoff positioning will weigh measured risk against roster health, while rebuilders may seize opportunities to stockpile draft capital.
The coming days promise movement, rumors and decisive action—and the league’s landscape could shift rapidly before Tuesday’s deadline clock strikes zero.