With the 2026 NFL trade deadline set for November 10 at 4 p.m. ET, teams across the league are assessing whether to buy, sell, or stand pat as they eye playoff pushes or future building. The deadline follows a blockbuster move that sent All-Pro defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons from the Tennessee Titans to the Chicago Bears for a package including two first-round picks, setting the stage for further potential deals.
AFC
AFC North: The Cincinnati Bengals are targeting linebacker help, with Jordyn Brooks and Daiyan Henley as options. The Cleveland Browns seek tight end depth, eyeing Dallas Goedert or Tip Reiman. The Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers both prioritize cornerback, with similar target lists including Riq Woolen, Donte Jackson, Alontae Taylor, Amik Robertson, and Nahshon Wright.
AFC South: The Indianapolis Colts need wide receiver support for quarterback Daniel Jones, with Jerry Jeudy, Brian Thomas Jr., Calvin Ridley, Jauan Jennings, and Quentin Johnston as possibilities. The Jacksonville Jaguars are pursuing defensive line reinforcements such as Daron Payne, Grover Stewart, Moro Ojomo, Roy Lopez, and Zach Sieler. The Houston Texans want a running back boost, with Jonathan Taylor, Tony Pollard, Tyjae Spears, and Alvin Kamara mentioned. The Tennessee Titans, despite recent contracts for Cor'Dale Flott and Alontae Taylor, are also looking at cornerback options.
AFC East: The Buffalo Bills are in the market for a safety, targeting Budda Baker, Derwin James, or Amani Hooker. The Miami Dolphins and New York Jets both have cornerback and defensive line needs respectively, with the Jets also considering interior defensive linemen like Payne, Stewart, Ojomo, Lopez, and Sieler. The New England Patriots require interior offensive line help after injuries, with Landon Dickerson, Jackson Powers-Johnson, Cesar Ruiz, Andrew Wylie, and Teven Jenkins as potential fits.
AFC West: The Denver Broncos are focused on offensive tackle, with Braden Smith and Dawand Jones as options. The Los Angeles Chargers, Kansas City Chiefs, and Las Vegas Raiders all list wide receiver as a primary need, sharing a similar pool of targets including Josh Downs, Jerry Jeudy, Brian Thomas Jr., Calvin Ridley, Jauan Jennings, and Quentin Johnston.
NFC
NFC North: The Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, and Green Bay Packers all identify cornerback as a key need, with the same group of potential targets (Woolen, Jackson, Taylor, Robertson, Wright). The Minnesota Vikings are seeking interior offensive line upgrades, eyeing Dickerson, Powers-Johnson, Ruiz, Wylie, and Jenkins.
NFC South: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Atlanta Falcons, and Carolina Panthers each have receiver or cornerback needs. The Buccaneers and Falcons are looking at wide receiver options (Downs, Jeudy, Thomas Jr., Ridley, Jennings, Johnston), while the Panthers are targeting cornerback help. The New Orleans Saints are pursuing defensive line talent, with Payne, Stewart, Ojomo, Lopez, and Sieler as possibilities.
NFC East: The Washington Commanders and Dallas Cowboys have distinct needs: cornerback for Washington (same target list) and edge rusher for Dallas, with a long list including Khalil Mack, Maxx Crosby, Josh Sweat, Jermaine Johnson II, Shemar Stewart, Tuli Tuipulotu, Kayvon Thibodeaux, Josh Uche, Will McDonald IV, K'Lavon Chaisson, and Dorance Armstrong Jr. The Philadelphia Eagles are shopping interior offensive linemen, with Jackson Powers-Johnson, Cesar Ruiz, Andrew Wylie, and Teven Jenkins as potential acquisitions. The New York Giants need defensive line help after trading Dexter Lawrence, targeting Payne, Stewart, Ojomo, Lopez, and Sieler.
NFC West: The San Francisco 49ers, Arizona Cardinals, and Los Angeles Rams all list wide receiver as a top need, sharing the same target pool. The Seattle Seahawks are the division's outlier, seeking an edge rusher with a similar extensive list to Dallas.
As the deadline approaches, front offices will weigh short-term playoff aspirations against long-term roster construction, with the Simmons trade serving as a reminder that significant moves can reshape the landscape quickly.
