The NFL’s deadline for teams to reduce their rosters to 53 players by August 26 is prompting a flurry of transactions, with franchises working to finalize their lineups. Among these moves, Skyy Moore was traded to the San Francisco 49ers on August 20, a team he once faced as an opponent in the Super Bowl. This trade reflects the urgency teams face to strengthen their squads before the cutdown date.
Skyy Moore Joins the 49ers to Offset Wide Receiver Injuries
Wednesday was marked by significant trading activity throughout the league as teams moved quickly to stay competitive amid mounting injuries and impending roster cuts. The most notable transaction involved wide receiver Skyy Moore moving from the Kansas City Chiefs to the San Francisco 49ers. San Francisco’s receiving corps has been severely impacted by injuries and suspensions. Among the players sidelined are Brandon Aiyuk with a knee injury, Jauan Jennings nursing a calf problem, Jordan Watkins suffering a high ankle sprain, and Demarcus Robinson serving a three-game suspension.
“Trade: Chiefs are sending WR Skyy Moore to the San Francisco 49ers. The 49ers have been decimated with injuries at WR. Brandon Aiyuk is recovering from a knee injury, Jauan Jennings has been dealing with a calf injury, Jordan Watkins has a high ankle sprain, DeMarcus Robinson is… pic.twitter.com/Yb6SDVY9VS” —Adam Schefter
To address this shortage, the 49ers acquired Moore, a player whose value had declined after a challenging season in which he played only six games and failed to record a reception. Over his first two NFL seasons, Moore accumulated 494 receiving yards and one touchdown. The trade involved the Chiefs sending a sixth-round draft pick and an additional seventh-rounder to the 49ers in exchange for Moore.
Additional Wide Receiver Moves: Broncos Send Devaughn Vele to Saints
Alongside Moore’s trade, the Denver Broncos sent wide receiver Devaughn Vele to the New Orleans Saints. Vele, who is entering his second NFL season after a rookie year tallying 475 yards and three touchdowns in 13 games, was traded for fourth- and seventh-round picks. The Saints are adding Vele as they seek depth beyond star receiver Chris Olave, deep threat Rashid Shaheed, and veteran Brandin Cooks. Vele is expected to compete for the Saints’ WR3 position as the season moves forward.
New York Jets Strengthen Defensive Line Through Multiple Trades
The New York Jets were particularly active in bolstering their defensive front on Wednesday. They acquired defensive tackles Harrison Phillips and Jowon Briggs, moves aimed at shoring up their defensive tackle group in advance of the regular season. Phillips came from the Minnesota Vikings in exchange for a 2026 sixth-round pick and a 2027 sixth-round pick, while the Vikings receive a 2027 seventh-rounder as part of the deal.
“ESPN sources: Vikings are trading DT Harrison Phillips and a 2027 7th-round pick to the New York Jets in exchange for a 2026 6th-round pick and a 2027 6th-round pick, pending Phillips’ physical. Phillips now joins Jowon Briggs as the second DT that the Jets traded for Wednesday. pic.twitter.com/5FkVEHsox3” —Adam Schefter
For Jowon Briggs, the Jets traded a 2026 sixth-round pick to the Cleveland Browns, acquiring Briggs and a seventh-round pick in return. These acquisitions display the Jets’ determination to improve their defensive front ahead of final roster decisions.
Potential Trades Still in Play as Contract Disputes Continue
While these trades mark some of the most significant moves heading into the final weeks before the NFL roster cutdown, further transactions remain possible. Attention is focused on potential trades involving prominent players Micah Parsons and Trey Hendrickson, both of whom have requested trades due to ongoing contract disagreements. Their situations remain unresolved as teams monitor developments closely.
Implications of These Trades for Team Rosters and Competitiveness
The trade sending Skyy Moore to the 49ers highlights how injury crises can force teams to act swiftly to fill critical gaps. San Francisco’s wide receiver group was hit hard, and acquiring Moore adds vital depth before the season opener. Similarly, the Broncos and Saints’ dealings show a focus on youth and potential upside, while the Jets’ moves emphasize defensive reinforcement. As the August 26 roster cut deadline nears, teams are balancing player talent, injury status, and draft assets to finalize their lineups and maintain competitiveness throughout the 2025 NFL season.