- The Bills could use defensive help: Adding either a linebacker or safety could push Buffalo over the edge as a Super Bowl frontrunner.
- The Cowboys need more in their secondary: Dallas’ elite offense hasn’t been matched by its poor coverage in 2025.
Estimated Reading Time: 20 minutes
We are less than a week away from the NFL trade deadline at 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Nov. 4. With plenty of teams looking to get in on the action — as both buyers and sellers — here are some potential needs to address for all 32 squads.
Click here to jump to a team:
ARZ | ATL | BAL | BUF | CAR | CHI | CIN | CLE | DAL | DEN | DET | GB | HOU | IND | JAX | KC | LV | LAC | LAR | MIA | MIN | NE | NO | NYG | NYJ | PHI | PIT | SF | SEA | TB | TEN | WAS
ARIZONA CARDINALS: WIDE RECEIVER
At 2-5 prior to Week 9, the Arizona Cardinals would likely be more of a sell than buy candidate at this point — especially with the rest of the teams in their division all much further ahead of them in the standings with five wins. Their offensive line is likely the biggest need, but teams don’t trade good offensive linemen often, so the market for that would be thin.
Arizona’s 68.3 PFF receiving grade means wide receiver could be seen as the team’s best potential upgrade spot. Marvin Harrison Jr. and Michael Wilson feel like the only solid future pieces for the Cardinals in that group. None of their top four receivers in snaps owns a 64.0-plus PFF receiving grade.
ATLANTA FALCONS: LINEBACKER
At 3-4, the Falcons have been very hot and cold this season — which was what we predicted. They have a lot of young guys on defense, and Michael Penix Jr. is in his first year as a full-time starter. Linebacker feels like a spot for them to go after with Divine Deablo now out for an extended period.
The Falcons could target another wide receiver, likely with some downfield speed, but I’m not sure they’ll feel pressed to do so — that feels like more of a draft thing, unless they really love and want to pay up for someone like Rashid Shaheed.
BALTIMORE RAVENS: DEFENSIVE LINE
The Ravens have already traded away edge rusher Odafe Oweh, but with quarterback Lamar Jackson coming back into the lineup, there is still reason to believe they could get aggressive for a division title push. Ironically enough, the position they’ve already traded away is the one they need the most help with — edge rusher.
Rookie pass rusher Mike Green has the most pass-rush reps on the team but just a 7.7% pass-rush win rate this season. Baltimore will need more there if it wants to be a serious contender. Perhaps the Ravens would be in on a big splash like Jaelan Phillips from Miami.
BUFFALO BILLS: LINEBACKER OR SAFETY
The Bills’ trade deadline interest will be more about the players available than the specific positions. Their defense has been quite poor against the run — 29th in team PFF run-defense grade (59.1) and 30th in EPA per rush allowed. Linebacker and safety have each been the culprits, at times. Linebacker Logan Wilson, defensive tackle Calais Campbell and safety Budda Baker are potential options.
CAROLINA PANTHERS: LINEBACKER
The Panthers are 4-4, but it’s a strange 4-4. They could find themselves as contenders for a final wild-card spot, but are they willing to go all-in knowing that the ceiling is likely no higher? They have a young team on both sides of the ball, so what they really need is time to continue to gel.
If there is a roster weakness to identify for this season, it’s at linebacker. Christian Rozeboom has just a 41.3 PFF coverage grade in 2025.
CHICAGO BEARS: EDGE RUSHER
At 4-3, Chicago is much closer to being a buyer than a seller. Upgrading the pass rush seems like the most desirable course of action for general manager Ryan Poles. The Bears’ team 39.4% pass-rush win rate ranks 23rd, and their team 65.7 PFF pass-rush grade is 25th.
However, they do have young edge rusher Dominique Robinson, who has earned a good PFF pass-rush grade on limited action this season, and Austin Booker was just activated from injured reserve. Perhaps they already believe the cavalry is coming there.
CINCINNATI BENGALS: OFFENSIVE LINE
At 3-5 and with a move already made for Joe Flacco, the Bengals don’t seem likely to do much adding at the deadline — if anything, it feels like Trey Hendrickson and Logan Wilson are candidates to be moved.
If the Bengals can look around the league and find even a chance of an upgrade on their offensive line, I think they should consider it. Christian Haynes is returning from injured reserve in Seattle, but it’s unknown if he’ll be a starter for the Seahawks since he was in a training camp battle with Anthony Bradford in the preseason. Perhaps taking a flier there makes sense.
CLEVELAND BROWNS: WIDE RECEIVER
The Browns’ biggest problem, both in the short and long term, is their offensive line. They have to get younger with more promise at basically all five spots. But good offensive linemen rarely hit the trade market, especially young ones with promise — that’s a draft thing.
Cleveland’s wide receiver group has been underwhelming, to say the least. None of the team’s starting receivers owns a season-long PFF receiving grade above 60.5, and their 52.8 team PFF receiving grade from just the receiver position ranks last in the league by a good margin. Any improvement in talent should be considered.
DALLAS COWBOYS: SECONDARY
The Cowboys’ secondary is the Achilles’ heel of a team with an offense good enough to compete for a playoff spot. Through eight weeks, Dallas’ secondary has the 28th-ranked PFF coverage grade (48.2) and ranks worst in EPA per pass average allowed. The Cowboys have also given up the fourth-most passing yards (1,445), the third-highest completion rate (72.5%) and the highest passer rating (126.9).
Rookie cornerback Shavon Revel will come back from his ACL tear at some point, so maybe they believe that is enough — but right now, that unit is holding them back.
DENVER BRONCOS: LINEBACKER
Most of this Broncos team is set; they really just need to play up to their potential each week. We’ve seen that plenty already, as they own a 6-2 record. Inside linebacker feels like the biggest position of need for Denver, as Alex Singleton has been getting targeted in coverage en route to a 43.9 PFF coverage grade and 330 passing yards allowed.
A sneaky option could be wide receiver if the Broncos believe there’s an upgrade to be made, but it would really take the right player at the right price for them to consider it.
DETROIT LIONS: CORNERBACK
You’ll see a lot of people mention pass rusher as Detroit’s main deadline need, which is understandable since Aidan Hutchinson is doing a lot of the heavy lifting for them with a 27.1% pass-rush win rate. But edge rusher Al-Quadin Muhammad is holding his own as well with a 76.4 PFF pass-rush grade this season. If the Lions were to make a move there, it would be for a big fish like Trey Hendrickson or Jaelan Phillips.
I feel like a cornerback depth move is more likely. Detroit knows firsthand what it’s like when the injury bug hits hard at that position. The real “no excuses” addition would be for the Lions to get as much playable depth as possible at that position for a deep playoff run.
GREEN BAY PACKERS: DEFENSIVE TACKLE
The Packers boast a Super Bowl-caliber roster on both sides of the ball. Defensive tackle depth could be worth monitoring. With Kenny Clark now on the Cowboys, Devonte Wyatt is the only Green Bay defensive tackle with a PFF overall grade above 68.0, outside of rookie Warren Brinson, whom the Packers might believe in enough to eschew a move at the position.
HOUSTON TEXANS: RUNNING BACK
The Texans would love to make their offensive line better, but as we’ve said many times already, good offensive linemen rarely become available — especially in the middle of the season. Running back feels like the more likely position for them to target.
Woody Marks has been a nice splash of new talent for that group with his speed and good receiving ability out of the backfield (73.6 PFF receiving grade). But he’s the only one who is really giving the Texans dynamic rushing ability. The Dolphins’ Jaylen Wright or the Ravens’ Keaton Mitchell could be decent fliers. Of course, if the Jets’ Breece Hall is available at all, Houston should inquire.
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS: CORNERBACK
At 7-1, the Colts would only be buyers at the deadline, but general manager Chris Ballard loves his draft picks; I feel like it’s more likely that they just stay put with their current roster.
If Indianapolis is going to make a move, I think it will be for a cornerback. That is the Colts’ lowest-graded defensive position, especially with Charvarius Ward on injured reserve for a concussion. Perhaps the Saints’ Alontae Taylor could be of interest if New Orleans is a big seller before the deadline.
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS: SAFETY
The Jaguars already made one move this season, trading cornerback Tyson Campbell for cornerback Greg Newsome. They also moved quite a bit of draft capital to get Travis Hunter last April, so they likely aren’t in the business of shipping off more assets.
Jacksonville’s biggest area of need is safety. Andrew Wingard has recorded just a 45.7 PFF overall grade and a 35.5 PFF coverage grade this season.
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS: DEFENSIVE LINE
The Chiefs could have been stronger candidates for a defensive tackle addition, with rookie Omarr Norman-Lott now on injured reserve, but they recently added veteran Mike Pennel, with whom they are very familiar, as he played in Kansas City at some point in each of the past two seasons.
Perhaps there is another defensive line addition to be made, but I expect the Chiefs to be pretty quiet as one of the hottest teams in the league.
LAS VEGAS RAIDERS: SAFETY
The Raiders are much more likely to be a seller than anything. If they were looking for little upgrades, replacing Jakobi Meyers — if he is traded — would be one. Their safeties, Jeremy Chinn and Isaiah Pola-Mao, have each yielded four touchdowns this season. But Las Vegas, at 2-5 in that division, shouldn’t trade any of its valuable draft picks away for short-term solutions.
LOS ANGELES CHARGERS: OFFENSIVE LINE
The Chargers already made a deal this season, adding edge rusher Odafe Oweh from the Ravens. They should continue to look in the trenches around the deadline, but this time on the offensive end.
Joe Alt has returned from injury, but that group has struggled, especially on the interior. None of Zion Johnson, Mekhi Becton or Bradley Bozeman has a season-long PFF overall grade above 59.0.
LOS ANGELES RAMS: OFFENSIVE LINE
The Rams’ biggest deadline need was cornerback, but they recently acquired Titans cornerback Roger McCreary. Truth be told, this roster already feels like it’s set for a playoff run.
Any depth to the offensive line, even if it’s a preferred backup, would be where my eyes would go next. Offensive tackle Rob Havenstein has struggled a bit this year on his way to a 50.0 PFF pass-blocking grade, 16 total pressures allowed and an 11.0% pressure rate allowed.
MIAMI DOLPHINS: OFFENSIVE LINE
For a few teams on this list, we’ve said they are more likely to be sellers than buyers but have still entertained some positions they might be interested in. That is very difficult to do with the Dolphins, who might have more turnover than any organization in the league over the next calendar year.
Rookie guard Jonah Savaiinaea has struggled mightily this season, with 23 total pressures permitted. Perhaps offensive line help, even at that position, could be a useful long-term move.
MINNESOTA VIKINGS: WHATEVER HELPS J.J. McCARTHY
The Vikings are much more likely to stand on their offseason moves than make any more deals at the deadline. Pass rush feels like the top area Minnesota could address, but the team does have Andrew Van Ginkel coming back from his neck injury. The real answer here is that if the Vikings believe they do something to elevate McCarthy, then they’ll look into it.
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS: RUNNING BACK
I know wide receiver will be a popular position to name for the Patriots in trade deadline conversations, but unless they’re going to get A.J. Brown, I am not sure they will even consider it. The players with the five most receiving snaps on the team at tight end and wide receiver all have PFF receiving grades above 68.0, and they haven’t even used rookie wide receiver Kyle Williams much yet. Instead, I think they could look to bring in a third running back with Antonio Gibson out for the season.
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS: RUNNING BACK
At 1-7, the Saints are much more likely to be sellers than buyers. But if they believe there is a young defensive linemen who they could have in their rotation for the future, I think New Orleans would pursue that.
I also like the idea of them looking around the league for a running back. Alvin Kamara isn’t what he used to be, and Kendre Miller is out for the season with a torn ACL. Perhaps Jaylen Wright from Miami or any of the Panthers’ backs could be of interest for the long term.
NEW YORK GIANTS: WIDE RECEIVER
If the Giants were to be buyers at the deadline, they would need to keep the future in mind. Next year, they are hoping to have quarterback Jaxson Dart as their starter in his second season with Cam Skattebo and Malik Nabers back and healthy. Wan’Dale Robinson is a free agent this spring, and Darius Slayton has not been a focal point of the offense with a 13.0% threat rate (wide receiver usage rate). This would be for a Chris Olave or an A.J. Brown type of player, if they make such a move.
NEW YORK JETS: WIDE RECEIVER
The Jets have just one win this season, so I don’t expect them to be anywhere near the buying market at any position. If they are looking around the league, it might be for a wide receiver of the future to pair with Garrett Wilson. Either Chris Olave or Rashid Shaheed from New Orleans could be candidates.
New York did just trade for John Metchie, who I like as a WR3 for the future. Still, I don’t anticipate that the Jets will want to make any big decisions there until they have a better idea about their starting quarterback in 2026.
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES: PASS RUSHER
Last season, the Eagles placed in the top 10 in team PFF pass-rush grade (86.4), total pressures (305) and pressure rate (36.4%). They also ranked first in pass-rush win rate (56.7%). This year, they are outside the top 10 in both PFF pass-rush grade and win rate.
Philadelphia is still very much in a Super Bowl window. For whatever the cap space allows, go for the home run. Make an offer for Trey Hendrickson, Jaelan Phillips or even Myles Garrett.
PITTSBURGH STEELERS: WIDE RECEIVER
The Steelers recently added safety Kyle Dugger to replace DeShon Elliott, who hyperextended his knee recently and is considered week-to-week. They really need a reliable WR2 after D.K. Metcalf. Roman Wilson could be that guy, having generated a 143.6 passer rating when targeted, but he hasn’t been a WR2 yet from a volume perspective (82 receiving snaps this season).
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS: PASS RUSHER
With Nick Bosa down for the season, the 49ers have not been able to get to the quarterback and affect the pocket — which makes it even more impressive that they’re 5-3. Since Bosa has been out, San Francisco’s 59.4 PFF pass-rush grade ranks 28th and its 37.7% pass-rush win rate slots 25th.
Defensive coordinator Robert Saleh’s scheme is based around four defensive linemen and minimal blitzing (ideally). The 49ers could use big-time pass rush help. Trey Hendrickson, Jaelan Phillips and Kayvon Thibodeaux all come to mind.
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS: OFFENSIVE LINE
At 5-2 heading into the final weekend before the trade deadline, the Seahawks feel like they’re in a great place. The defense has a ton of potential — and is playing up to it. The offense has been red-hot, running through Sam Darnold and Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
If anything, maybe the Seahawks make some calls around the league for veteran offensive linemen on bad teams. Seattle holds a team 63.7 PFF blocking grade with a 62.7 PFF run-blocking grade and a 60.3 PFF pass-blocking grade. Remember, 60.0 is considered average on PFF’s grading scale.
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS: LINEBACKER
The Buccaneers aren’t typically very active around the trade deadline. General manager Jason Licht loves to build his team through the draft, so he doesn’t surrender his draft picks very easily.
Linebacker has been a struggle in Tampa Bay this season, as both Lavonte David and SirVocea Dennis boast PFF overall and coverage grades below 60.0. Perhaps the Buccaneers could be interested in Jordyn Brooks from Miami or Logan Wilson from Cincinnati at the right price.
TENNESSEE TITANS: NONE
If the Titans trade any draft picks before the deadline, it would be a shame. ESPN’s Seth Walder brought up a great point that, if anything, Tennessee could be looking to shed salary cap.
He used the example of Tyreek Hill. The Titans could trade for Hill’s big contract (since they have more than $110 million in projected cap space for 2026), and in doing so, receive a pick back from the Dolphins for getting him off their books, given his major knee injury. Then, the Titans could simply cut Hill before next season, since the dead cap really won’t affect them. Tennessee would essentially be paying cap space for more draft picks.
WASHINGTON COMMANDERS: PASS RUSHER
The Commanders’ offense hasn’t lived up to expectations this season, as Jayden Daniels, Deebo Samuel and Terry McLaurin have all dealt with injuries — but I’m not so sure they’ll make a move there. I am more worried about the low ceiling of Washington’s pass rush, as Jacob Martin (20.2%) is the only player on the defensive line with a win rate above 15.0%.
I don’t think the Commanders will be in the market for one of the biggest pass rushers, but maybe they’d be the ones to find the right price for Kayvon Thibodeaux.
