NFL Trade Deadline November 4, 2025: Winners & Losers - Complete Analysis

NFL Trade Deadline November 4, 2025: Winners, Losers, and Fantasy Implications

The NFL trade deadline has come and gone for the 2025 season, with teams making their final roster moves before the 4:00 PM ET cutoff on Tuesday, November 4th. While this year's deadline was quieter than some previous years, several impactful moves were made that will affect both NFL playoff races and fantasy football leagues heading into the crucial stretch run.

Key Trade Deadline Details

Deadline: November 4, 2025, 4:00 PM ET

The NFL trade deadline marks the final opportunity for teams to acquire players via trade for the remainder of the season. After this point, rosters are essentially locked except for waiver wire pickups and practice squad elevations.

Major Trades Completed

Philadelphia Eagles Acquire Jaire Alexander (CB)

The Eagles made a splash by trading for Green Bay Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander, one of the premier defensive backs in the NFL. This move significantly strengthens Philadelphia's secondary as they push for playoff positioning in the competitive NFC.

Fantasy Impact:

• Eagles' defense becomes even more valuable in fantasy formats that score defensive stats
• Opposing wide receivers face tougher matchups against Philadelphia
• Eagles DST value increases for fantasy playoffs

San Francisco 49ers Acquire Keion White (EDGE)

The 49ers bolstered their pass rush by acquiring edge rusher Keion White, adding depth and talent to their defensive front. This move helps San Francisco maintain their defensive dominance heading into the playoff stretch.

Fantasy Impact:

• 49ers defense becomes more formidable
• Opposing quarterbacks and running backs face increased pressure
• 49ers DST value trends up for fantasy managers

Pittsburgh Steelers Acquire Kyle Dugger (S)

The Steelers added safety Kyle Dugger to strengthen their secondary, continuing their tradition of building strong defensive units.

Fantasy Impact:

• Steelers DST gets a boost
• Limited direct fantasy player impact
• Strengthens Pittsburgh's playoff push

Los Angeles Rams Acquire Roger McCreary (CB)

The Rams added cornerback Roger McCreary from Tennessee, addressing secondary needs as they navigate the competitive NFC West.

Fantasy Impact:

• Rams defense improvement
• Tennessee secondary loses a key piece
• Titans' pass defense becomes more vulnerable

Trades That Didn't Happen

Several high-profile players remained with their current teams despite speculation:

• Various running backs stayed put despite rumors
• Wide receiver trade market was quieter than expected
• Most contenders made minor moves rather than blockbusters

Fantasy Football Trade Deadlines

IMPORTANT: Your fantasy league's trade deadline is likely DIFFERENT from the NFL's deadline.

Yahoo Fantasy Football Trade Deadline: November 22, 2025

• Yahoo leagues typically have later deadlines
• Check your specific league settings
• Commissioners can customize dates

ESPN Fantasy Football Trade Deadline: November 26, 2025

• ESPN leagues often extend through Thanksgiving week
• Verify your league's specific deadline
• Don't miss your window to make moves

Sleeper and Other Platforms: Varies by commissioner settings

• Always check your league's specific deadline
• Most fall between Week 11-13
• Plan your trade strategy accordingly

Winners From the Trade Deadline

Philadelphia Eagles

The Eagles' acquisition of Jaire Alexander makes their defense even more intimidating. For a team already competing for the NFC's top seed, this move could be the difference in playoff matchups.

Fantasy Benefit:

• Eagles DST becomes a must-start option
• Game scripts may favor run-heavy approaches by opponents
• Philadelphia's offensive weapons benefit from stronger defense

San Francisco 49ers

Adding Keion White to an already elite defensive front creates nightmares for opposing offenses. The 49ers' championship window remains wide open with this enhancement.

Fantasy Benefit:

• 49ers DST value increases significantly
• Christian McCaffrey and offensive weapons benefit from better field position
• Opposing offenses may struggle, creating favorable game scripts

Fantasy Managers Who Made Moves Early

Managers who completed their fantasy trades before the deadline and capitalized on the waiver wire (Kareem Hunt, Tucker Kraft, etc.) position themselves well for the playoff push.

Losers From the Trade Deadline

Tennessee Titans

Losing Roger McCreary weakens an already struggling secondary. The Titans are in rebuilding mode, but this move makes their defense even more vulnerable down the stretch.

Fantasy Impact:

• Opposing wide receivers face softer coverage
• Titans DST loses value
• Stream against Tennessee in favorable matchups

Green Bay Packers

Trading away Jaire Alexander signals potential concerns about their playoff positioning or future planning. Losing a cornerback of his caliber impacts their defensive reliability.

Fantasy Impact:

• Packers DST takes a hit
• Opposing passing games may find more success
• Jordan Love and the offense may need to outscore opponents more frequently

Fantasy Managers Who Waited Too Long

Managers who hesitated on waiver wire additions or trade negotiations may have missed critical opportunities. The deadline creates urgency that some fail to recognize until it's too late.

How These Moves Impact Fantasy Playoffs

Defense/Special Teams Streaming:

With several defensive upgrades completed, DST streaming strategies need adjustment:

• Target: Defenses playing against Tennessee (weakened secondary)
• Prioritize: Eagles DST, 49ers DST for playoff weeks
• Avoid: Streaming against Philadelphia or San Francisco

Quarterback Streaming:

Quarterbacks facing weakened defenses gain value:

• Monitor: QBs facing Tennessee's defense
• Fade: QBs facing upgraded Eagles or 49ers defenses

Overall Offensive Impact:

Teams with improved defenses may control game flow better, potentially affecting offensive game scripts and volume distribution.

Fantasy Trade Deadline Strategy

If Your League Deadline Hasn't Passed:

BUY Targets:

• Players on teams with improved defenses (Eagles, 49ers offensive weapons)
• Undervalued players who could benefit from opponent defensive downgrades
• Playoff schedule beneficiaries

SELL Targets:

• Players facing tougher playoff schedules
• Aging veterans on teams out of contention
• Injury-prone assets before it's too late

HOLD:

• Elite talent regardless of trade deadline moves
• Players with favorable fantasy playoff schedules
• Consistent weekly producers

Week 10 and Beyond: Post-Deadline Landscape

Defensive Landscape:

• Eagles and 49ers defenses are elite tier
• Titans defense is exploitable
• Plan your starts/sits accordingly

Offensive Adjustments:

• Teams may lean more heavily on their strengths
• Coaching staffs have finalized their rosters for the stretch run
• Scheme adjustments may emerge

Playoff Implications:

• NFL playoff races are clearer post-deadline
• Fantasy managers should target players on teams fighting for positioning
• Avoid players on teams that may rest starters late in season

Key Takeaways

• NFL deadline: November 4, 2025, 4:00 PM ET (PASSED)
• Yahoo fantasy deadline: November 22, 2025 (CHECK YOUR LEAGUE)
• ESPN fantasy deadline: November 26, 2025 (CHECK YOUR LEAGUE)
• Eagles and 49ers are defensive winners
• Titans are defensive losers, creating streaming opportunities
• Act quickly on remaining fantasy trade opportunities before YOUR deadline
• Stream against Tennessee in favorable matchups
• Prioritize upgraded defenses (PHI, SF) for fantasy playoffs

The 2025 NFL trade deadline may not have produced blockbuster offensive moves, but the defensive upgrades for contending teams create significant ripple effects for fantasy football. Smart managers will adjust their strategies accordingly and capitalize on the remaining time before their league's trade deadline expires.

Don't let your fantasy trade deadline pass without maximizing your roster. The NFL teams have made their moves—now it's your turn.