The NFL trade deadline is Nov. 10, and while everyone’s buzzing about who might move, there’s a serious curveball: 12 prominent players hold no-trade clauses in their contracts. This isn’t just a minor detail, it completely changes the game for any team eyeing a blockbuster deal, especially when you’re talking about the league’s biggest names. These clauses mean any trade has to get a green light from the player himself, putting ultimate control directly in their hands.
Untouchable MVPs and the Power They Wield
When you’re talking about players who can literally say “no” to a trade, you start with guys like Joe Burrow and Patrick Mahomes. For Burrow, who is locked in with the Bengals through the 2029 season, the idea of a trade is beyond laughable. Seriously, there’s a better chance of astronauts landing on Jupiter next week! The guy is having an absolute MVP-caliber season, leading the NFL in completion percentage and touchdown passes. He just carved up the Titans for five touchdowns in Sunday’s come-from-behind win, and he’s the biggest reason the Bengals are sitting pretty at 5-2. His 73.0 completion percentage, 2115 yards, 20 TDs, and just 6 interceptions with a 7.92 yards per attempt are just ridiculous. He’s untouchable, and his no-trade clause is just the cherry on top.
Game-Changers Across the League
Beyond the elite signal-callers, other players are holding serious power too. Take Will Anderson Jr., the Texans’ DE. Even if Houston *wanted* to deal him (and they absolutely do not), that no-trade clause would make it a nightmare. Anderson is in the first year of a massive three-year deal, and despite a rough start for the Texans, they aren’t rebuilding. He’s gone a couple of games without a sack, but the dude still leads the entire NFL with 7.5 quarterback takedowns through eight weeks. Since Week 6 of the 2025 season, his 16.5 sacks are the third-most in the league, behind only Myles Garrett and Chase Young. Speaking of Myles Garrett, he’s also on that list. Remember when he sacked Burrow in Week 18 of 2025 to grab the all-time single-season sack record? That was his last one before getting hurt in Week 1 this season. Rams coach Sean McVay says his 21-day return window is opening this week, so he’s coming back with a vengeance. Then there’s Jared Goff, who’s found a career resurgence with the Lions. After that famous trade from Los Angeles back in 2021, Goff has helped restore the roar for that franchise. He’s thrown for 1964 yards, 15 TDs, and only 1 INT with a 67.7 completion percentage and 7.92 yards per attempt. The man is on track to pass Hall of Famer Dan Fouts on the NFL’s career passing list by the end of the season.
With the Nov. 10 deadline looming, these no-trade clauses mean a lot of the usual trade chatter for these guys is just that: chatter. Unless one of these superstars decides to surprise everyone, they’re staying put. It just shows how much power certain players have secured in this league, changing the whole dynamic of the trade market.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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