When is the NFL trade deadline in 2022? Day, time, top free agents, and more 

The NFL season is in full flow. At this stage, teams know exactly where they stand. The potential playoff hopefuls know what to do, the Super Bowl contenders have virtually wrapped up business, and the lottery enthusiasts are tanking at a high clip.

Over the years, we have seen some utterly remarkable NFL trade deadline days, some of which have altered the very fabric of the league. However, the 2022 NFL trade deadline differs from one of those years, as the league's best players are pretty content with their franchises for a change. That aside, you can never be sure in the ever-changing world of the Gridiron, a sport that can be won or lost by the margins.

So welcome to the NFL trade deadline exposé, where you will learn about the second most important day of a league General Manager.

What time does the 2022 NFL Trade Deadline close?

The NFL (National Football League) trade deadline will pass at 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday, November 1. It is important to note that some trades may not be announced until after 4 p.m. ET. It must be agreed upon and filed to the league office before that time.

Also note that four trades were completed on the National Football League trade deadline in the 2021 season, with the most notable of which was the Kansas City Chiefs acquiring pass rusher Melvin Ingram from the Steelers.

Can NFL teams trade after the deadline?

No, National Football League franchises cannot make trades after the leader trade deadline.

Trades will be barred from being made official until the NFL's new league year begins on March 15, 2023, at 4 p.m. ET.

Even though trades cannot be completed before the new league year begins, franchises can agree in principle to deals before it opens. Therefore, you only have to look so far with such occurrences as the happenings of the last manner last season, such as the Russell Wilson trade from the Seattle Seahawks to the Denver Broncos.

NFL Trade Deadline tracker: Top players who got traded so far

The NFL is a star-centered league, as teams do not hide the fact that they cater to the specific needs of a special type of franchise cornerstone. So far in the 2022 NFL season, we have seen several top-notch trades, with the following being the most notable:

October 17:

The Carolina Panthers trade wide receiver Robbie Anderson to the Arizona Cardinals for a 2024 sixth-round pick and a 2025 seventh-round pick.

October 20:

The Carolina Panthers continue to trade star running back Christian McCaffrey to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for four future draft picks (none first round).

October 25:

The Jacksonville Jaguars trade star running back James Robinson to the New York Jets for a 2023 sixth-round draft pick. The pick has conditions that could make it a fifth-round selection.

October 25:

The Las Vegas Raiders trade defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins and a 2024 seventh-round pick to the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for a 2023 sixth-round pick.

October 26:

The Philadelphia Eagles get the defensive end, Robert Quinn, from the Chicago Bears in exchange for a 2023 fourth-round pick.

NFL trade rumors

Thanks to the advent of social media, there is seemingly nothing under wraps anymore, as NFL trades are common knowledge before the real trade happens.

Asides from the trades mentioned above, here are some trade rumors that NFL enthusiasts should take note of:

1. Cam Akers

The Los Angeles Rams running back is essentially running on borrowed time here, as it has been acknowledged by his head coach, Sean McVay, that the Rams intend to move him on. But, first, you got to feel for Cam Akers, as the backfield option came back from a serious injury last year to contribute in no small part to the Rams' Super Bowl win.

However, football moves fast, and Akers is increasingly unlikely to be heading into the playoffs with the Rams. Nevertheless, the versatile RB has several options, and teams such as the Carolina Panthers and Los Angeles Chargers shouldn't mind having a Super Bowl winner in their locker room.

2. Kareem Hunt

Kareem Hunt handed in a trade request to the Cleveland Browns front office at the beginning of the season, with the running back clearly not liking how the organization was being run, with Nick Chubbs getting most of the action. As of the time of writing, he's still a Brown, and he is putting in typically solid numbers across the board. It remains to be seen whether he will get his wish before the trade deadline. The Buffalo Bills and Philadelphia Eagles need a top-notch running back and would be on high alert as regards Hunt's availability.

3. Kendrick Bourne

Kendrick Bourne is the fourth-string quarterback of the New England Patriots, and that must suck for a player who sees himself as so much more. The wideout has played a mere 28.5 percent of New England's snaps this season, despite being a prominent member of their offense last season.

There are rumors that teams around the league are checking out his availability. However, Coach Bill Belichick is notoriously difficult to negotiate a trade with. So, this rumor has no positive conclusion for Kendrick Bourne.

Top free agents in and around the league

It's the eighth week of NFL action, and most top-notch free agents have already been snapped up. However, a few all-star-level talents are up for grabs, but with a catch. There are:

1. Odell Beckham Jr., wide receiver, last played for the Los Angeles Rams
2. Antonio Brown, wide receiver, last played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
3. Eric Fisher, offensive tackle, last played for the Indianapolis Colts
4. Will Fuller, wide receiver, last played for the Miami Dolphins
5. Quinton Spain, guard, last played for the Cincinnati Bengals