The NFL trade deadline arrives Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET, with a flurry of moves already reshaping rosters. The Bears acquired defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons from the Titans, the Seahawks added guard Quenton Nelson from the Colts, and the 49ers brought in defensive tackle DeForest Buckner from Indianapolis — a combined 15 Pro Bowl selections on the move. Additional deals sent Jacoby Brissett to the Ravens, Marvin Harrison Jr. to the Texans, and Joey Porter Jr. to the Cowboys. Last year’s deadline saw stars like Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams traded, setting a precedent for blockbuster moves.
Potential Buyers
Six teams are positioned as aggressive buyers. The Kansas City Chiefs (5-2) are seeking a wide receiver after Patrick Mahomes has not completed a pass 20+ yards downfield since Week 4, and their receiver unit ranks among the least productive. They may also target offensive line help. The Minnesota Vikings (6-1) could pursue a quarterback with Kyler Murray sidelined and Carson Wentz starting, while also needing a running back to improve the league’s worst ground attack. The New York Giants (5-2-1), leading the NFC East despite three starting quarterbacks, are linked to a bell-cow running back and defensive line depth. The Buffalo Bills (6-1) aim to bolster a suspect secondary, targeting safety or cornerback. The Jacksonville Jaguars (6-2) are in the market for a defensive tackle after DaVon Hamilton’s season-ending injury and offensive tackle depth following Anton Harrison’s injury. The San Francisco 49ers (7-1), despite adding Buckner, could further address a wide receiver corps and defensive line ravaged by injuries, including rookie Gracen Halton’s broken ankle.
Potential Sellers
Four teams appear ready to move veterans. The Indianapolis Colts are shopping three-time Pro Bowl running back Jonathan Taylor, who has requested a trade, along with wide receiver Josh Downs, defensive lineman Grover Stewart, and wide receiver Keenan Allen. The winless Los Angeles Chargers have reportedly made edge rushers Tuli Tuipulotu and Khalil Mack, plus cornerback Donte Jackson, available while insisting quarterback Justin Herbert is untouchable. The Philadelphia Eagles, amid a disappointing season, may deal cornerback Riq Woolen and defensive lineman Moro Ojomo. The Arizona Cardinals are listening to offers for safety Budda Baker, edge rusher Josh Sweat, and defensive tackle Roy Lopez after already trading Marvin Harrison Jr.
Wild-Card Teams
The Dallas Cowboys (4-5) could both buy and sell; they already acquired Joey Porter Jr. but the defense struggles, and wide receiver George Pickens (franchise tag) might be moved. The Cincinnati Bengals, with Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins playing at a high level, may add a running back or defensive stalwart to support a Super Bowl push. The New England Patriots, dealing with injuries across the offense, could target a running back, offensive lineman, wide receiver, or edge rusher. The Washington Commanders (2-5-1) face a dilemma: they have sellable assets like Stefon Diggs, K’Lavon Chaisson, Dorance Armstrong, and Andrew Wylie, but also need to build around quarterback Jayden Daniels amid a depleted supporting cast.
Players to Monitor
Five additional names could surface in talks: Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (a potential reunion), Jets quarterback Geno Smith, Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr., Dolphins defensive lineman Zach Sieler, and Titans safety Amani Hooker, who has five interceptions this season.
