NFL Nation
NFL Nation
- NFL Nation is made up of 32 team-specific reporters who cover the NFL year-round across ESPN.com, ESPN television shows, ESPN Radio, ESPN+ and social media platforms. It was established ahead of the 2013 season.
Jeremy Fowler
Jeremy Fowler
senior NFL national reporter
- Jeremy Fowler is a senior national NFL writer for ESPN, covering the entire league including breaking news. Jeremy also contributes to SportsCenter both as a studio analyst and a sideline reporter covering for NFL games. He is an Orlando, Florida native who joined ESPN in 2014 after covering college football for CBSSports.com.
Dan Graziano
Dan Graziano
senior NFL national reporter
- Dan Graziano is a senior NFL national reporter for ESPN, covering the entire league and breaking news. Dan also contributes to Get Up, NFL Live, SportsCenter, ESPN Radio, Sunday NFL Countdown and Fantasy Football Now. He is a New Jersey native who joined ESPN in 2011, and he is also the author of two published novels.
Aaron Schatz
Aaron Schatz
ESPN Writer
- Aaron Schatz is an NFL analyst for ESPN.com. He has more than 20 years of experience working in NFL analytics and is the creator of the DVOA and DYAR metric. He also serves as the Chief Analytics Officer at FTN Network.
Seth Walder
Seth Walder
ESPN Analytics
- Seth Walder is an analytics writer at ESPN, specializing in quantitative analysis. He is also a regular on "ESPN Bet Live" and helps cover sports betting. Seth has been at ESPN since 2017. He previously worked at the New York Daily News covering the Jets and Giants. You can follow Seth on X via @SethWalder.
Nov 4, 2026, 06:20 AM ET
The 2026 NFL trade deadline is Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET. We have already had a fair share of trades made this season, but could more be on the horizon? Will the Colts continue to trade players away -- such as Jonathan Taylor -- and build draft capital for the future? Will the Chiefs finally find a trade for a dependable wide receiver for QB Patrick Mahomes? How will the Eagles and Ravens approach things without their QB1s? Let's take a 32-team look at what to expect over the next week.
First, we checked where each team stands through Week 8 using ESPN's Football Power Index projections. Then, we asked our NFL Nation reporters to name each team's trade deadline goal. Who is staying put, and who is open for business? Next, NFL insiders Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano leaned on their reporting to predict which players on every team could be on the move. Finally, analysts Aaron Schatz and Seth Walder picked one player each team should try to acquire.
Here's everything you need to know heading into the deadline.
Jump to:
ARI | ATL | BAL | BUF | CAR | CHI | CIN
CLE | DAL | DEN | DET | GB | HOU | IND
JAX | KC | LAC | LAR | LV | MIA | MIN
NE | NO | NYG | NYJ | PHI | PIT | SF
SEA | TB | TEN | WSH
Arizona Cardinals (3-5)
Chance to make playoffs: 1.1%
Projected first-round draft slot: No. 8
What is the deadline goal? Keep building for the future. That seems to be the M.O. of another M.O. -- Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort. He's in Year 4 of a three-year rebuild that hasn't blossomed yet. Moving players who are unhappy or veterans for draft capital is not out of the question after trading Marvin Harrison Jr. to the Texans last month. The Cardinals want to build toward the future, especially for next season when they will likely have to address the quarterback position again. -- Josh Weinfuss
Who could be on the move? Edge Josh Sweat. The Cardinals have received trade interest on Sweat, who would be a natural fit in Dallas. Word is he wants a new deal, which could be a hurdle. Safety Budda Baker and quarterback Jacoby Brissett are also names to watch. -- Fowler
Who should they target? Vikings WR Tai Felton. Felton has only six receptions in a season and a half in the NFL, but the Cardinals could try to find the skills that made him a third-round pick in 2025. They need young receiving talent behind Michael Wilson. -- Schatz
Atlanta Falcons (3-5)
Chance to make playoffs: 7.9%
Projected first-round draft slot: No. 10
What is the deadline goal? Don't give up valuable future assets. New Falcons general manager Ian Cunningham hated that the team had only five draft picks in 2026. He vowed that the franchise would never have that few again. Cunningham wants to build the Falcons through the draft. So, do not expect him to gamble away picks unless there's a no-brainer offer out there. The Falcons are unlikely to be active with their 3-5 record, because they still believe they can win the NFC South. They just won't give up important draft capital to do it. -- Marc Raimondi
Who could be on the move? Safety Jessie Bates III. To be clear ... I do not believe the Falcons are trying to trade Bates, and I would be surprised if they did. But he's an excellent player in the final year of his contract, and there are teams out there that would like to know whether they can get him. I believe it would take a huge offer. -- Graziano
Who should they target? Texans WR Kayshon Boutte. This would be the second time Boutte has been traded this season, after the Patriots dealt him to Houston in August. But that was before the Texans traded for Marvin Harrison Jr. (and before the Texans got out to a 2-5 start). The Falcons are 3-5 but not out of the race in the NFC South, so adding a cheap player who could help is not out of the question, and Boutte is exactly that. -- Walder
Baltimore Ravens (4-4)
Chance to make playoffs: 7.2%
Projected first-round draft slot: No. 11
What is the deadline goal? Trade for QB or listen to offers. With injured QB Lamar Jackson (right thumb) out for at least four games and perhaps the season, the Ravens have to decide whether they want to add a quarterback to try to keep season afloat or trade their own players for capital. Running back Derrick Henry could be a target for a championship contender. But it wouldn't be surprising if the Ravens stand pat. -- Jamison Hensley
Who could be on the move? Wide receiver Rashod Bateman. Several teams are looking for receiver help, and Bateman would have value, should Baltimore entertain it. He's not a focal point in the offense and would probably welcome the chance to be more of one elsewhere. -- Fowler
2:26
Why Stephen A. doesn't think Lamar Jackson is done being a Raven
Who should they target? Cardinals QB Jacoby Brissett. The injury to Jackson completely changes the Ravens' needs. They're still in the playoff race and need a quarterback with more experience than undrafted rookie Joe Fagnano. Brissett might have lost his job to Gardner Minshew II on Sunday, but he still ranks 24th among qualified quarterbacks with 48.9 QBR. That's not good, but that's not undrafted rookie level either. -- Schatz
Buffalo Bills (6-1)
Chance to make playoffs: 99.1%
Projected first-round draft slot: No. 31
What is the deadline goal? Be aggressive with secondary options. With the way the Bills' offense is playing, a league-average defense should be enough to make them serious contenders. Now, the salary cap situation complicates things. With the roster as is, the Bills have a little less than $4 million to spend. But they should be in the market for an extra safety or nickel corner to fortify a weakness and alleviate some of the concerns caused by injuries and early-season mistakes. -- Nick Suss
Who could be on the move? Wide receiver Keon Coleman. Coleman has played well enough to stay in Buffalo's short-term and maybe long-term plans. But the assignment here is to come up with someone from every team who could get traded, even if we don't think the team will trade anyone. So consider this pure speculation that Coleman could be attractive enough to a receiver-needy team to bring back the defensive help Buffalo seeks. -- Graziano
Who should they target? Buccaneers edge Yaya Diaby. He would provide a jolt of pass rush to a defense that badly needs it. Buffalo ranks 26th in pass rush win rate, but Diaby's win rate at edge is in the 97th percentile this season, and he has 3.0 sacks. The Bills are in a tight cap situation, but Diaby is a pending free agent. -- Walder
Carolina Panthers (3-4)
Chance to make playoffs: 23.6%
Projected first-round draft slot: No. 13
What is the deadline goal? Find cost-effective help, if possible. The Panthers are in an awkward spot after losing two consecutive games and firing defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero last week. But while they are under .500, they're still leading the NFC South entering Week 9. Carolina needs help at cornerback and on the offensive line. Coach Dave Canales said they're open to improving the roster with a trade, but they'll need to use some salary cap gymnastics (they have less than $1 million in cap space) to make that happen. -- Mike Kaye
Who could be on the move? Tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders. Sanders has fallen out of favor in Carolina and was a healthy scratch Thursday night in Green Bay. Sanders doesn't hold significant value, but perhaps a Day 3 pick swap gets this done. -- Fowler
Who should they target? Jets S Andre Cisco. This goes with the recommendation for the Jets, a suggestion that New York send a veteran free safety to the contending Panthers in exchange for youth at the position. This would also allow sixth-round rookie Zakee Wheatley more time to develop and improve the Panthers' pass defense, which ranks 21st in DVOA against deep passes. -- Schatz
Chicago Bears (6-2)
Chance to make playoffs: 90.4%
Projected first-round draft slot: No pick
What is the deadline goal? All-in. The Bears showed they are trying to win a Super Bowl when they sent two first-round picks and a fourth to the Tennessee Titans for All-Pro DT Jeffery Simmons (and a fifth) on Oct. 29. Chicago took on the remaining $7.9 million of Simmons' 2026 compensation, which is his cap charge for the rest of the season. The leaves the team with just under $4 million in available cap space, according to Roster Management System, which provides some flexibility if the Bears want to keep adding. Bolstering their group of edge rushers might not cost the Bears more than a Day 3 pick. -- Courtney Cronin
Who could be on the move? Quarterback Case Keenum. I don't think the Bears are looking to trade away players, but for the purposes of this exercise, that doesn't matter. Teams always need QB help, and Keenum showed a little something earlier this season in relief of Caleb Williams. For the right offer, who knows? -- Graziano
Who should they target? Dolphins edge Josh Uche. The Bears already paid a ton to bring in Simmons, so I assume they'll be seeking bargains for the rest of deadline season. But they still could use some help at edge, and Uche could contribute to that rotation alongside Montez Sweat, Austin Booker and Daniel Hardy. This season, Uche has recorded a pass rush win rate that ranks in the 60th percentile and a pressure rate in the 35th percentile at edge. -- Walder
2:10
Stephen A.: Right now, the Bears look like the NFL's best team
Cincinnati Bengals (5-2)
Chance to make playoffs: 96.1%
Projected first-round draft slot: No. 28
What is the deadline goal? Potentially landing depth at linebacker or cornerback. Those position groups have needed to be fortified dating back to last offseason. The Bengals are off to their best start since 2021, the season they reached the Super Bowl, so they could look to improve. They have the salary cap space ($7.4 million) to make a small move to address needs. -- Ben Baby
Who could be on the move? Edge Shemar Stewart. Coach Zac Taylor has poured cold water on this, saying any talk of a Stewart trade is "made up." But he's not playing much right now, and teams have him on their radar just in case. -- Fowler
Who should they target? Saints LB Pete Werner. A 27-year-old linebacker right in his prime, Werner would help improve the Bengals' defense up the middle. He's good on blitzes and against the run. Last season, he had a 70% run stop rate -- meaning that 70% of his run tackles stopped the runner short of a successful play. -- Schatz
Cleveland Browns (5-3)
Chance to make playoffs: 17.3%
Projected first-round draft slot: No. 15, 19
What is the deadline goal? Supplement the young core. The Browns are ahead of schedule with the second-youngest team in the NFL and have the draft capital -- 11 selections in the 2027 draft -- to make a big swing. But with ongoing quarterback questions, it might be best to maintain their picks. GM Andrew Berry is always open to swinging a trade, but a less flashy move to add depth, namely at tight end or defensive line, seems more realistic. -- Daniel Oyefusi
Who could be on the move? Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy. He has made some plays, and Cleveland could certainly keep him around. But the team is going much younger at receiver, so it makes sense to listen if teams are into Jeudy, who is still somehow only 27 years old. -- Graziano
Who should they target? Raiders QB Kirk Cousins. The Browns are in an unexpectedly strong position with an actual chance to make the playoffs. The talk of Deshaun Watson's improved play has been vastly overstated, as he ranks 28th in QBR. Cousins is playing much better (16th in QBR) and would likely get more out of the surging young playmakers. He would be a temporary solution at quarterback, but that's better than trying to get to the postseason with Watson at QB. -- Walder
Dallas Cowboys (3-5)
Chance to make playoffs: 43.1%
Projected first-round draft slot: No. 21
What is the deadline goal? The Cowboys could be all over the map. Owner Jerry Jones has said he would be willing to make a trade to help this team, but given the start to the season, would a trade for a pass rusher really change the dynamics on defense? Dallas has only four picks in 2027, so assets are low. The Cowboys made a big move already in acquiring cornerback Joey Porter Jr. from the Pittsburgh Steelers. While he has played well when on the field, an ankle injury has nagged him. The biggest decision they have to make is whether George Pickens is part of their future. If he isn't, would it be wiser to acquire more picks than potentially waiting for a 2028 compensatory pick if he leaves in free agency? -- Todd Archer
Who could be on the move? Tight end Luke Schoonmaker. There are a lot of directions Dallas could go here. But the struggling defense can't afford to move players on that side of the ball. Schoonmaker is No. 3 tight end in the pecking order, and teams are looking for blocking tight ends. I just don't see Dallas moving key players at this point. -- Fowler
Who should they target? Jets edge Kingsley Enagbare. The Cowboys are currently 31st in pass rush win rate and still need help on the edge. The 26-year-old Enagbare is having a career season, ranked eighth among edges in pass rush win rate, and he's on a one-year deal. As an added bonus, Enagbare is also third among edges in run stop win rate. -- Schatz
3:09
Stephen A.: 'Cowboys are trash'
Denver Broncos (6-2)
Chance to make playoffs: 93.9%
Projected first-round draft slot: No. 27
What is the deadline goal? Finding the balance between what they want now and what they'll need later. The Broncos have a long list of free agents come March, including three starters in the league's deepest secondary. They have picked just twice in the first round of the past five drafts and didn't pick until the third round last April. So, any desires about a running back or other skill positions in an offense that has been a teeth-grinding affair to this point have to go beyond a short-term option. -- Jeff Legwold
Who could be on the move? Wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. Mims is very young (24), and the Broncos likely aren't interested in moving him. But he's in the final year of his contract and has speed and the ability to help in the return game. Teams like young guys who can do multiple things. -- Graziano
Who should they target? Eagles G Landon Dickerson. One of the reasons quarterback Bo Nix had early career success was because he played behind one of the best offensive lines. This season, that hasn't been the case with the Broncos ranking 20th in pass block win rate. Dickerson is not a guarantee after his performance fell off last season and a knee injury cost him a slew of games this season. But he doesn't have guaranteed money after 2026. The Broncos can be the team that rolls the dice on him returning to form. -- Walder
Detroit Lions (5-2)
Chance to make playoffs: 78.3%
Projected first-round draft slot: No. 24
What is the deadline goal? Adding help to the secondary. Lions GM Brad Holmes looks at everything, according to head coach Dan Campbell. "I mean, he's nonstop," Campbell said Oct. 30. Earlier this season, the coach acknowledged that the Lions were engaged in trade talks for corner Joey Porter Jr. (who ended up in Dallas), as they desired to add help to the unit. Detroit's defense could still benefit from an experienced cornerback, and the draft capital is there to help, as the Lions are projected to have 10 picks in 2027. -- Eric Woodyard
Who could be on the move? Cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr. The Lions don't have any obvious trade candidates, but Rakestraw, a 2024 second-round pick, was benched in Week 8. The Lions have depth issues in the defensive backfield, though, so this might be a nonstarter. -- Fowler
Who should they target? Dolphins CB JuJu Brents. The Lions' secondary is helped immensely by getting safeties Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch back from injury, but they could still use another cornerback. Brents becomes a free agent at the end of this season and has been surprisingly effective for the Dolphins, ranking third among qualifying cornerbacks in my coverage DVOA metric behind Trent McDuffie and Jahdae Barron. -- Schatz
Green Bay Packers (5-3)
Chance to make playoffs: 49.1%
Projected first-round draft slot: No pick
What is the deadline goal? Help the running game. The Packers are very much in the NFC playoff picture despite having the worst running game in the NFL. At 60.6 rushing yards per game, they're nearly 17 yards behind the next-worse running team, the Raiders. The Packers appear to be in the mix for running back Jonathan Taylor if the Colts move him, despite not having a 2027 first-round pick. But given how bad their blocking has been, an offensive lineman or two might make more sense than a running back. -- Rob Demovsky
Who could be on the move? Cornerback Keisean Nixon. Nixon is another player in the final year of his deal who has return-game chops. The Packers need a lot of help with OL and RB, and maybe dangling a player from the current roster could help. -- Graziano
Who should they target? Colts K Spencer Shrader. The biggest issue for Green Bay this season has been its offensive line. But the most easily fixed problem might be at kicker, with sixth-round rookie Trey Smack struggling. Actually, that's putting it mildly. Smack has recorded minus-2.1 field goals over expected, second worst in the NFL this season, along with three missed PATs. Shrader is on the other end of that spectrum, with 4.1 field goals made over expected, per NFL Next Gen Stats. He's in a contract year, too. -- Walder
Houston Texans (2-5)
Chance to make playoffs: 25.7%
Projected first-round draft slot: No. 16
What is the deadline goal? Keep assets. Houston isn't in the position to trade players away. It wants to stay competitive in hopes of clawing back into the playoff hunt. The Texans have already given up a 2027 second-round pick for wideout Marvin Harrison Jr. to bolster the receiving room. If the season goes south, they'll need all six 2027 draft picks to revamp the roster. -- DJ Bien-Aime
Who could be on the move? Edge Jadeveon Clowney. Clowney has generated trade interest, and because he has played for seven NFL teams over his 13-year career, he's comfortable with gun-for-hire status. -- Fowler
Who should they target? Raiders CB Taron Johnson. The Texans could use more depth at the nickel with Jalen Pitre dealing with a left shoulder injury. When Pitre returns, having the veteran Johnson around would allow Pitre to occasionally spell Reed Blankenship at safety (or even start in his place). -- Schatz
0:52
Details on C.J. Stroud's contract negotiations
Indianapolis Colts (2-6)
Chance to make playoffs: 1.7%
Projected first-round draft slot: No pick
What is the deadline goal? Prepare for the future. The Colts told the league what they think about their prospects for this season when they traded stars Quenton Nelson and DeForest Buckner last week. And they are still fielding lots of calls, especially for Taylor, who has two years remaining on his contract and is still among the NFL's elite backs. Receiver Josh Downs has requested a trade, and there is a non-zero chance that nose tackle Grover Stewart is moved. -- Stephen Holder
Who could be on the move? Running back Jonathan Taylor. We could have put a half-dozen names here easily, but this one is the most fun. It's going to take a big offer to get the Colts to deal away the 27-year-old Taylor with two years left on his contract, but teams are exploring it. -- Graziano
Who should they target? Cardinals DL Darius Robinson. There aren't many players who make sense for the Colts to add, but a young player whose value has dropped could be an option if the Colts want to take a shot at developing them. Robinson has played only 36% of the Cardinals' defensive snaps this season but is showing signs of life in pass rush. Robinson has a 16% pass rush win rate when playing defensive tackle, which is roughly average, and a 13% pressure rate as an interior rusher, which is well above average. -- Walder
Jacksonville Jaguars (5-2)
Chance to make playoffs: 97.8%
Projected first-round draft slot: No. 30
What is the deadline goal? Help on the interior of the defensive line was a need before Sunday's game, and it's even more so after the right knee injury to nose tackle DaVon Hamilton. Hamilton was the key to the Jaguars' top-ranked run defense, and now they will be looking for a replacement run-stuffer as well as trying to find someone who can help provide interior pass rush, a lack of which has been a problem. The Jaguars have only $4.6 million in cap space, so that might make it a little harder for GM James Gladstone to maneuver. -- Mike DiRocco
Who could be on the move? Wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. The Jaguars have been unwilling to explore trading him just yet. But several team execs believe the significant trade interest in Thomas and his declining role in Jacksonville will eventually facilitate a deal, with the likes of Kansas City and Pittsburgh in the market. -- Fowler
Who should they target? Raiders G Spencer Burford. Pass blocking is one of the Jaguars' few weaknesses this season, and right guard Ezra Cleveland's 78.7% pass block win rate ranks 63rd out of 66 qualifying guards. Burford is on a one-year contract in Las Vegas, and his pass block win rate is 90.5%, which ranks 10th. -- Schatz
Kansas City Chiefs (5-2)
Chance to make playoffs: 90.9%
Projected first-round draft slot: No. 26
What is the deadline goal? Get a receiver. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that the Chiefs are looking for a receiver, which makes sense because it's clear QB Patrick Mahomes needs a receiver to depend on. In the loss to the Seahawks, the Chiefs' receivers combined for six receptions for 39 yards. Even with Rashee Rice (seven receptions for 53 yards and a touchdown) back in the lineup against the Broncos, the rest of the group generated just six receptions for 37 yards. The Chiefs also have two 2027 third-round picks at their disposal. -- Nate Taylor
Who could be on the move? Cornerback Kristian Fulton. He's in the final year of his contract and making almost $10 million this season. The Chiefs could free up some money with a move like this to bring in help for their lackluster offense. -- Graziano
Who should they target? Buccaneers WR Chris Godwin Jr. In Godwin, the Chiefs would get a veteran player who is past his prime -- just 1.2 yards per route run this season -- but could still be an asset. Godwin is playing on a fully guaranteed $22 million salary, so this trade would involve the Bucs converting almost all of Godwin's remaining money into a signing bonus before dealing him in exchange for a draft pick. Tampa Bay would be unlikely to keep Godwin on his current contract in 2027, so if they believe they are out of contention this season, it could make sense to get something for him now. -- Walder
Las Vegas Raiders (4-4)
Chance to make playoffs: 9.1%
Projected first-round draft slot: No. 12
What is the deadline goal? Stand pat and continue to evaluate the roster. The Raiders do not plan to trade star defensive end Maxx Crosby, who wants to remain in Las Vegas. With that said, Las Vegas is better off standing pat and evaluating the current talent on the roster. The Raiders don't have a ton of players outside of Crosby who could give them significant value in return. Sure, Las Vegas could trade for a wide receiver or maybe an interior defensive lineman. But if that move requires them to part ways with a substantial amount of draft capital, they shouldn't do so. -- Ryan McFadden
Who could be on the move? Guard Jackson Powers-Johnson. Powers-Johnson fell out of the Raiders' offensive line rotation, and though the Raiders are not actively seeking to trade him, the expectation is they would listen to offers. Teams always need offensive line help. -- Fowler
Who should they target? Jaguars WR Brian Thomas Jr. The Raiders have thrown only 41% of passes to wide receivers. That's the lowest figure in the NFL. The Jaguars have pretty much given up on Thomas, but he would become the clear No. 1 option in Las Vegas, and perhaps he could find the form that helped him catch 87 passes for 1,282 yards and 10 touchdowns as a rookie in 2024. -- Schatz
2:04
Schefter to McAfee: I don't see Kirk Cousins as a trade option
Los Angeles Chargers (0-7)
Chance to make playoffs: 0.1%
Projected first-round draft slot: No. 3
What is the deadline goal? Look for ways to build for future. The winless Chargers might be thinking about potential coaching and general manager changes and could choose to initiate a roster teardown and rebuild. Los Angeles should at least look to move older players who are not in the team's long-term plans for contention. -- Ben Solak
Who could be on the move? Edge Khalil Mack. He is making $8 million this year, so the acquiring team would be on the hook for only about half of that. Let's get Mack someplace where he can get to a Super Bowl before all is said and done. -- Graziano
Who should they target? Raiders OL Jackson Powers-Johnson. The only acquisition the Chargers should be making is one aimed at the future, and they've struggled to find reliable play in the interior of their offensive line for years. Powers-Johnson was recently benched, and the Chargers could take a stab at developing him in hopes of realizing the potential that made him a second-round pick in 2024. Powers-Johnson is under contract through 2027. -- Walder
Los Angeles Rams (4-4)
Chance to make playoffs: 44%
Projected first-round draft slot: No pick
What is the deadline goal? Stay put. The Rams have only four draft picks in 2027 (their own second-, fourth-, fifth- and sixth-rounders). Coach Sean McVay said the team doesn't plan to add externally before the deadline, as others in the division have. Instead, the Rams view the players they'll be getting back from injury in the next month as their additions. "Maybe it'd be a different conversation if we're talking about guys that are on IR and done for the whole season," McVay said. -- Sarah Barshop
Who could be on the move? Cornerback Emmanuel Forbes Jr. He lost his starting spot to additions Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson, and perhaps he has untapped ability as a rangy 2023 first-round pick who has shown glimpses in Los Angeles. The Lions are among teams looking for corner help. -- Fowler
Who should they target? Commanders WR Dyami Brown. Brown is on a one-year deal; he would give the Rams a veteran field stretcher who could play some snaps while Davante Adams (hamstring) is out, and as an added bonus, he's lauded as a run blocker. McVay loves wide receivers who can run block. -- Schatz
Miami Dolphins (1-6)
Chance to make playoffs: <0.1%
Projected first-round draft slot: No. 2
What is the deadline goal? Keeping the team leaders. The Dolphins aren't looking to acquire players at the deadline, and their record might lead some to believe they could be looking to trade their own. Miami's most logical trade candidates (RT Austin Jackson and DT Zach Sieler) are critical among their position groups -- especially Sieler. But if a big offer comes, GM Jon-Eric Sullivan proved with the Jaylen Waddle trade that he isn't afraid to deal a valued player. The focus moving forward is to get better, not just accumulate draft capital. -- Marcel Louis-Jacques
Who could be on the move? Edge Josh Uche. Uche is a productive player on a super-cheap contract who could help as part of a contender's pass rush rotation. If he's not part of Miami's plans beyond this season, why not get something for him? -- Graziano
Who should they target? Texans OT Braden Smith. It doesn't usually make sense for a team in Miami's position to acquire veterans, but one exception is trying to improve pass protection to aid in quarterback development. Smith might be an upgrade at right tackle for the Dolphins: Jackson's pass block win rate ranks in the 12th percentile, and Smith ranked in the 46th percentile last season with the Colts. And $2.5 million of Smith's $8 million 2027 salary is fully guaranteed. -- Walder
Minnesota Vikings (6-1)
Chance to make playoffs: 83.9%
Projected first-round draft slot: No. 25
What is the deadline goal? Careful decisions. The Vikings understand their winning start has put them in strong position for a playoff spot, if not an NFC North title. Their winning formula -- elite-level defense and special teams, with an offense that doesn't commit many turnovers -- has been used by many Super Bowl teams. But they also want to preserve their future draft classes for new GM Nolan Teasley, who was hired in part to restock the roster with young talent. So they will and have listened to every possibility and are interested in adding to both lines as well as at running back and tight end but will make careful decisions. -- Kevin Seifert
Who could be on the move? Wide receiver Jauan Jennings. The Vikings had trade talks with San Francisco about Jennings, who preferred to stay in Minnesota, and the team obliged. And he has played 62 snaps over the past two weeks, so perhaps both sides can move forward. But he has been in trade discussions already, so he can always return to the conversation. -- Fowler
Who should they target? Chargers QB Justin Herbert. Go big or go home. Would coach Kevin O'Connell be able to unlock the skills that made Herbert great early in his career in a way coordinator Mike McDaniel hasn't been able to? -- Schatz
0:29
Kyler Murray's hamstring issue fuels QB speculation in Minnesota
New England Patriots (5-3)
Chance to make playoffs: 80.8%
Projected first-round draft slot: No. 23
What is the deadline goal? Play the field. If that means capitalizing on the availability of a modest-salaried player who might help address a depth-based need such as at defensive tackle or outside linebacker, the Patriots should pounce. If that means another team might be willing to part with a significant future asset for a high-salaried player whose loss could be absorbed, they should pounce on that as well. The Patriots have less than $5 million is salary cap space and are projected to have nine draft picks in 2027. -- Mike Reiss
Who could be on the move? Quarterback Tommy DeVito. I don't think the Patriots are trading players. However, DeVito is a backup quarterback with NFL starting experience, so it's not crazy to think New England could get a call. -- Graziano
Who should they target? Saints G Cesar Ruiz. Both of the Patriots' Week 1 starters at guard -- Alijah Vera-Tucker (hamstring) and Mike Onwenu (ankle) -- are on injured reserve. In Ruiz, New England would be adding a starting-caliber guard who is having a particularly good season, with a 78th percentile pass block win rate. He's a better pass protector than run blocker, but the former is more important in New England where protecting Drake Maye is the most important job of the offensive line. -- Walder
New Orleans Saints (2-5)
Chance to make playoffs: 7.2%
Projected first-round draft slot: No. 7
What is the deadline goal? Get what they can. The Saints aren't going to gain a lot of cap space from any trade because they restructured all of their major contracts, but now would be the time to see whether any of their older veterans who likely won't be on the team in 2027 or younger players who aren't contributing much could be sent to another team for a short-term gain. The Saints are struggling in enough areas that trying to acquire players at the trade deadline isn't likely to make a major difference in their performance. -- Katherine Terrell
Who could be on the move? Safety Justin Reid. Multiple teams could use safety help, from Buffalo to Jacksonville. Reid is 29 and has 124 career starts. He's due $9.3 million this season, and his guarantees run out in 2027. -- Fowler
Who should they target? Commanders DT Javon Kinlaw. The Saints are last in the NFL in run defense DVOA, and the veteran Kinlaw ranks 22nd among interior defensive linemen with a 34.4% run stop win rate. -- Schatz
New York Giants (4-2-1)
Chance to make playoffs: 47.3%
Projected first-round draft slot: No. 17
What is the deadline goal? Bring in reinforcements for this season and beyond. That is the key. GM Joe Schoen said any move would have to be for the "short term and long term." Two positions to monitor closely are running back and defensive line. The Giants have already shown significant interest in Colts running back Jonathan Taylor with the NFC East title clearly in the picture. -- Jordan Raanan
Who could be on the move? Wide receiver Darnell Mooney. Mooney is a veteran wide receiver who doesn't make much money on a team with a potentially emerging rookie receiver in Malachi Fields. -- Graziano
Who should they target? Falcons DT Maason Smith. The Falcons are suddenly somewhat loaded at defensive tackle. The stats paint a bit of a mixed picture on Smith, who ranks in the 96th percentile in pass rush win rate and 38th percentile in pressure rate. But the Giants could use an interior player who could provide some pass rushing threat in passing situations, and Smith could be that. -- Walder
New York Jets (2-6)
Chance to make playoffs: 0.3%
Projected first-round draft slot: No. 5, 6, 14
What is the deadline goal? Keep an eye on the future. The goal is to keep building for the long term -- a mission that began in earnest last season with the Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams trades. The Jets don't expect to be particularly active, but they will examine potential deals that fetch a draft pick or a player who can help in 2027. Their most immediate need is defensive tackle, a position hurt by injuries. Despite rumors, the Jets reportedly have no plans to trade receiver Garrett Wilson or running back Breece Hall. -- Rich Cimini
Who could be on the move? Edge Will McDonald IV. I was told the Jets do not plan to trade McDonald. But he's more of a complementary player in the Jets' edge rush rotation when everyone is healthy, and if pass-rush-needy teams strike out elsewhere, perhaps they make an attractive offer to the Jets. Hall was tempting to list here, as was corner Nahshon Wright. -- Fowler
Who should they target? Panthers S Lathan Ransom. Ransom was in line to be a starting safety this season but has been passed in the lineup by rookie Zakee Wheatley. The 2025 fourth-round pick would add to a Jets defensive backfield that could lose veterans Dane Belton and Andre Cisco to free agency in 2027. -- Schatz
Philadelphia Eagles (2-6)
Chance to make playoffs: 0.8%
Projected first-round draft slot: No. 4
What is the deadline goal? Philly wants to retool on the fly. We have already seen the front office's willingness to move on from players when it sent center Cam Jurgens to the Ravens in early October. The Eagles have fallen further out of contention since, increasing the chances GM Howie Roseman would be willing to part with others not in the team's long-term plans if the compensation is right. Given the lack of appetite for a complete rebuild in Philadelphia, a high volume of trades is unlikely, but it would not be a surprise if Roseman makes a couple of moves as the Eagles continue to stockpile picks for the 2027 and '28 drafts. -- Tim McManus
Who could be on the move? Cornerback Riq Woolen. Woolen was a part of a Super Bowl champion team just nine months ago. The Eagles' season seems to have gone down the drain, and I would expect moves in both directions. -- Graziano
Who should they target? Jets RB Isaiah Davis. Even if the Eagles aren't going to trade running back Saquon Barkley before the trade deadline (and I think they should), they could use some depth behind him. In Davis, the Eagles would get a player who is the Jets' third running back but has shown some promise: He has posted 1.0 rush yards over expected per carry over his career, per NFL Next Gen Stats. If the Eagles are going to play out an uncompetitive season, they might as well play some young players and find out whether they can offer value going forward. -- Walder
0:49
Saquon Barkley staying put in Philly
Pittsburgh Steelers (6-2)
Chance to make playoffs: 80%
Projected first-round draft slot: No. 22
What is the deadline goal? Don't mortgage the future for the present. Coming off their most well-rounded performance, the Steelers aren't in desperation mode at the trade deadline. They could use help at cornerback and wide receiver, but only if the price is right. While the Steelers are in win-now mode, their top priority remains finding their next franchise quarterback. While that answer could be on the roster in Drew Allar or Will Howard, the Steelers still don't want to surrender the kind of significant draft capital that could be used to land a premium prospect. -- Brooke Pryor
Who could be on the move? Quarterback Mason Rudolph. The Steelers are more likely to bring in players at the deadline. In fact, I don't expect Pittsburgh to move anyone. But it has a surplus at quarterback, and should more quarterback injuries occur around the league, perhaps teams call on Rudolph with an attractive offer. -- Fowler
Who should they target? Colts WR Josh Downs. The Colts and Steelers already made a deal for one wide receiver in the offseason, so why not another one? Downs' ability to get open against zone coverage would fit the short passing game the Steelers run with Aaron Rodgers. -- Schatz
San Francisco 49ers (6-1)
Chance to make playoffs: 99.1%
Projected first-round draft slot: No. 32
What is the deadline goal? Go for it. The 49ers have been hearing for years that their Super Bowl window is closing, yet they remain in the mix. This season, the Niners established it early with a winning start, but injuries along the defensive line and at receiver have made their needs obvious. They already acquired DT DeForest Buckner, but it would be a surprise if San Francisco didn't, as OT Trent Williams told ESPN, "go for broke" with another meaningful addition (or two). -- Nick Wagoner
Who could be on the move? Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. Be honest. You forgot he was still there, right? A ton of issues would need to be worked out, but it's hard to imagine he just never plays again -- especially because he just hired an agent. -- Graziano
Who should they target? Jets WR Adonai Mitchell. It's no secret that the 49ers are down bad at wide receiver. Mitchell has long flashed more promise than results, though we saw that promise Sunday when he recorded seven receptions for 142 yards and a touchdown. The Jets might be reluctant to part with Mitchell. But because they have Garrett Wilson, Omar Cooper Jr. and Kenyon Sadiq, it's worth making a call. -- Walder
Seattle Seahawks (4-4)
Chance to make playoffs: 48%
Projected first-round draft slot: No. 20
What is the deadline goal? Be ready to strike if the right deal is available. There aren't any glaring holes on the Seahawks' roster, which already got one boost last week with the trade for left guard Quenton Nelson. Zach Charbonnet and Jadarian Price returned to Seattle's backfield as well. But depending on the severity of some recent injuries -- wide receiver Rashid Shaheed and outside linebacker Uchenna Nwosu missed Week 8 -- a few spots could use a reinforcement. Even after giving up a 2027 third-round pick (and a 2028 fifth-rounder) for Nelson, the Seahawks are projected to have 10 selections in next year's draft. -- Brady Henderson
Who could be on the move? Guard Anthony Bradford. Bradford is the odd man out after the Nelson acquisition, and though parting with guard depth would be tough for the contending Seahawks, Bradford could net GM John Schneider an extra draft pick. -- Fowler
Who should they target? Colts TE Mo Alie-Cox. The Seahawks use multiple tight ends on roughly 40% of snaps but lost Elijah Arroyo to a season-ending shoulder injury. Alie-Cox, who is on a one-year contract, is a block-first tight end who can alternate with Eric Saubert and help improve the Seahawks' running game. -- Schatz
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-5)
Chance to make playoffs: 64.6%
Projected first-round draft slot: No. 18
What is the deadline goal? Two straight dominant wins have pulled the Bucs out of expected fire sale mode ahead of the trade deadline, and they now appear more likely to stand pat and lean on their veteran roster in a tight NFC South race. Multiple teams have inquired about star defensive tackle Vita Vea this year, per sources, but the Bucs have been reluctant to deal him. Outside linebacker Yaya Diaby was also seen as a trade target, but his Grade 2 MCL sprain might complicate those pursuits. -- Cameron Wolfe
Who could be on the move? Wide receiver Chris Godwin Jr. The Buccaneers haven't completed a pass in their past 15 drives, and they've won their past two games. If you don't ever need to throw it, what are you doing with all of these wide receivers? -- Graziano
Who should they target? Eagles TE Dallas Goedert. The Buccaneers brought back Cade Otton on a three-year deal, but thus far the results have been disappointing. Otton has managed just 0.9 yards per route run, and his blocking numbers are down, with a run block win rate in just the 19th percentile. Goedert isn't going to help in the latter area, but he will in the former: He has recorded 1.8 yards per route run. -- Walder
Tennessee Titans (1-7)
Chance to make playoffs: <0.1%
Projected first-round draft slot: No. 1, 29
What is the deadline goal? Continue to evaluate the roster. Trading their best player, defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons, for two first-round picks made a big splash. Coach Robert Saleh and GM Mike Borgonzi said the deal was one they couldn't pass up and a trade that will accelerate their rebuild process. But the Titans need to figure out who will be part of the rebuild, starting with quarterback Cam Ward. Tennessee has some additional players who could garner decent value in running back Tony Pollard, safety Amani Hooker and wide receiver Calvin Ridley. But Borgonzi said he doesn't intend to make more moves, at least not unless he gets another offer he can't refuse. -- Turron Davenport
Who could be on the move? Wide receiver Calvin Ridley. Ridley is considered a backup plan for a few teams in the receiver market. The sense I get from talking to teams is the Titans would need a quality Day 3 pick to part with Ridley, whose $13 million in 2026 cash could be a hurdle based on his low production (six receptions). -- Fowler
Who should they target? Broncos DL Sai'vion Jones. After trading away Simmons, the Titans should look for any young, highly drafted defensive linemen who haven't developed with their current teams. Jones might fit the bill, as he was unable to claim the defensive end spot across from Zach Allen this season. -- Schatz
Washington Commanders (2-4-1)
Chance to make playoffs: 11.6%
Projected first-round draft slot: No. 9
What is the deadline goal? Get better. It's an obvious goal for any team, but it's also how Washington views the situation and why the Commanders wouldn't consider themselves too active in looking to acquire or trade players based on their record. Even if, say, they lost to the Rams on Sunday and started to trade veterans on one-year deals for draft picks, they could still look to add talent, too -- not for this season alone but for the long hall. A player such as Jaguars receiver Brian Thomas Jr. would make sense. He has a high ceiling at a position they will need help at in 2027. Washington could also use more help at running back and offensive line. The Commanders have seven draft picks in 2027, the first time since 2024 that they have all of their selections. -- John Keim
Who could be on the move? Offensive tackle Andrew Wylie. Wylie is an swing-tackle type on an inexpensive contract who could be of interest in a market in which every team is looking for offensive line help and there's rarely any available. -- Graziano
Who should they target? Chargers RB Kimani Vidal. One spot at which Washington could use an upgrade is running back. Commanders running backs have amassed minus-69 rush yards over expected, per NFL Next Gen Stats. Vidal has minus-2 RYOE this season as part of a three-man backfield in Los Angeles, but he flashed promise with 58 RYOE last season. -- Walder
Source: ESPN · NFL Nation, Jeremy Fowler, Dan Graziano, Aaron Schatz, Seth Walder
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