The 2026 NFL trade deadline approaches on November 10, with playoff contenders evaluating moves to bolster their rosters. CBS Sports outlines one realistic and one pipe‑dream trade for each team in the current playoff picture.
AFC Contenders
Buffalo Bills: Pipe dream – safety Jessie Bates (Falcons); realistic – safety Amani Hooker (Titans). The Bills seek secondary help after allowing the fifth‑most 20+ yard completions.
Denver Broncos: Pipe dream – running back Jonathan Taylor (Colts); realistic – tight end Dallas Goedert (Eagles). Denver ranks 26th in explosive play rate.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Pipe dream – wide receiver Josh Downs (Colts); realistic – cornerback Amik Robertson (Commanders). Pittsburgh struggles against man coverage.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Pipe dream – defensive tackle Christian Barmore (Patriots); realistic – defensive tackle Zach Sieler (Dolphins). Jaguars need interior pass rush after Davon Hamilton’s injury.
Kansas City Chiefs: Pipe dream – wide receiver Garrett Wilson (Jets); realistic – wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (Jaguars). Chiefs lack explosive receivers with Tyquan Thornton out.
Cincinnati Bengals: Pipe dream – linebacker Daiyan Henley (Chargers); realistic – cornerback Riq Woolen (Eagles). Cincinnati’s linebacker and secondary units have shown inconsistency.
New England Patriots: Pipe dream – edge rusher Alex Highsmith (Steelers); realistic – edge rusher Will McDonald IV (Jets). New England seeks speed on the defensive line.
NFC Contenders
San Francisco 49ers: Pipe dream – wide receiver Josh Downs (Colts); realistic – wide receiver Calvin Ridley (Titans). San Francisco’s receiver corps is decimated by injuries.
Minnesota Vikings: Pipe dream – running back Jonathan Taylor (Colts); realistic – running back Tony Pollard (Titans). Minnesota ranks near the bottom in rushing efficiency.
New York Giants: Pipe dream – running back Breece Hall (Jets); realistic – defensive tackle Grover Stewart (Colts). Giants struggle to run the ball and stop the run.
Carolina Panthers: Pipe dream – edge rusher Khalil Mack (Chargers); realistic – cornerback Donte Jackson (Chargers). Carolina’s defense has been hit by injuries.
Chicago Bears: Pipe dream – edge rusher Khalil Mack (Chargers); realistic – cornerback Amik Robertson (Commanders). Chicago added defensive tackle Jeffrey Simmons but needs edge depth.
Detroit Lions: Pipe dream – cornerback Charvarius Ward (Colts); realistic – cornerback Amik Robertson (Commanders). Detroit’s secondary has been weakened by injuries.
Green Bay Packers: Pipe dream – guard Landon Dickerson (Eagles); realistic – running back Tyjae Spears (Titans). Green Bay’s run game ranks last in EPA per carry.
Teams Just Outside the Playoff Picture
Seattle Seahawks: Pipe dream – edge rusher Yaya Diaby (Buccaneers); realistic – wide receiver Josh Downs (Colts). Seattle’s edge depth has been ravaged by injuries.
Los Angeles Rams: Pipe dream – wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (Jaguars); realistic – cornerback Donte Jackson (Chargers). Rams’ explosive play rate has dropped significantly.
