NFL Players Showcase Kindness During Week 9 Preparations, Trade Deadline Looms

Several NFL players spent the week engaging in charitable activities with children in hospitals, while teams simultaneously prepare for the upcoming trade deadline on Tuesday.

New York Giants rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart visited the Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital in Hackensack, New Jersey, dressed as Superman, spending time coloring with 5-year-old Giuseppe Maneiro, who is battling leukemia. Similarly, Carolina Panthers rookie Tetairoa McMillan surprised children at the Atrium Health Levine Children’s Hospital in Charlotte, appearing as Moana’s Maui. Other teams, including the Vikings, Patriots, and 49ers, also hosted events for young patients, demonstrating a league-wide effort to connect with the community. These acts of kindness offer a positive counterpoint to the often-intense world of professional football and provide crucial support to children facing difficult circumstances.

As players focused on off-field goodwill, front offices intensified trade discussions ahead of Tuesday’s deadline. Sources indicate that Cleveland Browns star Myles Garrett is not available for trade, with a high-ranking source stating, “He’s a Brown and will remain a Brown.” The Miami Dolphins have received interest in linebacker Jaelan Phillips, potentially seeking at least a third-round pick in return, and are also fielding calls on defensive ends Bradley Chubb and Matthew Judon. The Philadelphia Eagles inquired about New York Jets’ Jermaine Johnson, but the Jets are reportedly seeking a second-round pick or better. For more information on NFL trades, visit NFL.com’s trade tracker.

Other notable trade chatter includes the Cincinnati Bengals fielding calls on several players, including linebacker Logan Wilson and defensive end Trey Hendrickson, though they currently appear unwilling to part with core pieces. The Patriots are searching for a pass rusher, while the Houston Texans are showing promising signs of revival after a slow start, with rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud excelling in their recent win against the San Francisco 49ers. The 49ers, meanwhile, are bracing for a potentially challenging game at MetLife Stadium, a venue where they previously suffered a significant rash of injuries in 2020, as detailed in a report by ESPN. Officials stated that discussions will continue through Monday, with final decisions expected before the deadline.