2025 NFL trade needs tracker: Every team's top priority ahead of Nov. 4 deadline

BIGGEST NEED: Defensive back

The Patriots romped against the woebegone Titans, who make most opponents look good, but there are still concerns on the back end, where the safeties continue to give up too many free runners. While the return to health of K'Lavon Chaisson (two sacks on Sunday) at least sparked some life in the pass rush, I still wouldn't rule out adding an edge rusher in New England.

BIGGEST NEED: Run defense

The Bills' offense has stumbled the past few weeks and could use a playmaker, but the bigger need remains help for a sieve-like defense. They can't stop the run, allowing a ghastly 5.8 yards per carry. The front gets blown off the ball, the linebackers miss tackles and safeties struggle to fill gaps. Hopefully, they get healthier coming off their Week 7 bye, but reinforcements would help.

BIGGEST NEED: Cap space

The Dolphins might not be ready to decide on Mike McDaniel's future now, but this is a club that needs wholesale changes looking toward 2026, when they are projected to be over the cap by roughly $11 million (per Over the Cap) and will have next to nothing to roll over from this year. Thus, they should be open to dealing. Miami could rebuff calls for receiver Jaylen Waddle, but with a need for pass rushers around the league, Jaelan Phillips, Bradley Chubb and even Matt Judon -- an apparently healthy scratch in Week 7 after logging zero sacks in his first six appearances with the team -- should be movable.

BIGGEST NEED: Draft capital

Sell! Sell! Sell! But whom to dangle? The Jets are on a collision course with the top pick in the draft, and adding more selections should be a priority on a team full of holes. Free-agent-to-be Breece Hall should be considered. Jermaine Johnson II hasn't thrived (zero sacks, two QB hits in four games) in the new defense installed under Aaron Glenn and might do better with a fresh start. Given the need for corners around the NFL, Michael Carter II could be moved, if healthy (he's missed the past three weeks with a concussion).

BIGGEST NEED: Run D

Welp, after two solid weeks, Pittsburgh's defense was back to being leaky. The Steelers have allowed 117-plus rush yards in four games this season, including on Thursday, when they made a previously putrid Bengals run game look explosive. The middle has struggled to plug gaps, and the linebacking corps has missed tackles. The LBs have also struggled in coverage this season. Adding another receiver remains an option, but the biggest issue in Pittsburgh isn't Aaron Rodgers' offense, it's a defense that looked old -- particularly so on a short week.  

BIGGEST NEED: Linebacker

The Week 7 victory over Pittsburgh kept Cincinnati alive for at least another week or so. If the Bengals are going to complete the comeback and push for a playoff spot, the defense must improve. They can't count on Joe Flacco putting up 30-plus points every week. The Bengals could use aid at all three levels, but the linebacking group, which missed a host of tackles and was pushed out of running lanes, is a good place to start. The LB crew also struggled in coverage, allowing 13 catches on 16 targets in Week 7. Safety is another area the club could upgrade. 

ASSETS/PLAYERS ACQUIRED:

• QB Joe Flacco 
• 2026 6th-round pick (from Detroit)

ASSETS/PLAYERS TRADED AWAY:

• 2026 5th-round pick

BIGGEST NEED: Building for the future

Beating a rudderless Dolphins team shouldn't change the calculus in Cleveland, which must focus on letting the youngsters grow while planning for the future. Shipping out veterans not in the long-term plans makes sense. General manager Andrew Berry has already started, trading Joe Flacco for a pick-swap and Greg Newsome II for cost-controlled veteran Tyson Campbell, who has played well thus far. Berry should keep selling. If healthy, David Njoku (in a contract year) could be moved. Given the need around the league, would Berry trade one of his free-agent-to-be offensive linemen, even if it would make life more difficult on rookie QB Dillon Gabriel?

ASSETS/PLAYERS ACQUIRED:

• CB Tyson Campbell
• 2026 5th-round pick
• 2026 7th-round pick

ASSETS/PLAYERS TRADED AWAY:

• QB Joe Flacco
• CB Greg Newsome II
• 2026 6th-round pick
• 2026 6th-round pick (from Detroit)

BIGGEST NEED: Defensive line

The Ravens can bank on Lamar Jackson to boost the offense when he gets back on the field. The defense, however, remains in a bad spot. The early October trade for safety Alohi Gilman did help the back end, but the front seven still can't generate pressure. According to Pro Football Focus, Odafe Oweh leads the Ravens this season with 12 QB pressures. Yes, Oweh plays for the Chargers now. Bolstering the defensive front with a run stuffer and/or edge presence is a must, or Jackson's return will be undercut.

ASSETS/PLAYERS ACQUIRED:

• S Alohi Gilman
• 2026 5th-round pick

ASSETS/PLAYERS TRADED AWAY:

• OLB Odafe Oweh
• Future 7th-round pick

BIGGEST NEED: Cornerback

Kenny Moore's return in Week 7 (eight tackles, one pass defensed against the Chargers) helped, but the Colts remain thin at cornerback, with Charvarius Ward's freak Week 6 pregame injury landing him on IR. Even as Indy keeps racking up the Ws, the defense has had to work through significant health issues, with defensive ends Samson Ebukam (knee) and Tyquan Lewis (groin) going down on Sunday. Adding a playmaker or two to the D to complement an explosive offense should be the move for GM Chris Ballard.

BIGGEST NEED: Pass rush

Getting dog-walked by the L.A. Rams in London exposed a host of needs for Jacksonville. The offensive line is still an issue, but with few options available there, upgrading a defense that has struggled to get after the passer could provide greater impact. In Week 7, Jacksonville earned just four QB hits and didn't sack Matthew Stafford once. Behind Josh Hines-Allen (seven QB pressures) and Arik Armstead (four), there wasn't a playmaker in the bunch on Sunday. GM James Gladstone hasn't been afraid to be active early in his tenure. With a two-game losing streak taking some shine off in Jacksonville, he could make a move to bolster the Jags' position in the AFC playoff race.

ASSETS/PLAYERS ACQUIRED:

• CB Greg Newsome II
• 2026 6th-round pick

ASSETS/PLAYERS TRADED AWAY:

• CB Tyson Campbell
• 2026 7th-round pick

BIGGEST NEED: Offensive line

At this point, the poor quality of the blocking is debilitating. The Texans can't open holes in the ground game. C.J. Stroud is under siege like he's a medieval castle. And the play-calling doesn't account for the fact that the line is at a disadvantage. The offseason roadmap to revamp the blocking felt faulty from the start. It looks worse in action. There aren't many options at this point -- teams aren't likely to trade quality blockers, and there are several clubs that would pounce if they were -- but it's by far the Texans' biggest issue in a season that is spiraling.

BIGGEST NEED: Draft assets

OK, fine; they don't want to trade Jeffery Simmons. It makes sense not to ship out the team's best player, who is under contract through 2027, even if doing so would likely provide the biggest potential draft haul in return. Outside of Simmons and Cam Ward, everyone else should be available, including Tony Pollard, Roger McCreary and, if healthy, Arden Key and Calvin Ridley. Dre'Mont Jones could be a name to watch, as his production has ticked up (he's logged sacks in back-to-back games). Veteran guard Kevin Zeitler is a free-agent-to-be, and while moving him wouldn't help Ward, there are a lot of teams in need of O-line aid.

BIGGEST NEED: Receiver

Linebacker could be another spot for the Broncos to target, but with marquee free-agent signing Dre Greenlaw just coming back, we can pause that discussion for now. Alex Palczewski filled in fine at guard on Sunday, credited by Next Gen Stats with allowing two QB pressures on 53 pass blocks. The issue for Denver is an offense that goes into lulls. Outside of Courtland Sutton, the Broncos don't have a wideout who can consistently win one-on-one. Marvin Mims Jr. flashes now and again. Ditto Troy Franklin. Tight end Evan Engram has been up-and-down (mostly down). Trading for a tight end (in the mold of Mark Andrews or David Njoku) might be easier than adding a playmaking receiver who can win regularly opposite Sutton, but the latter move could boost this inconsistent offense. Denver surely hoped the young players would grow into bigger roles this season.That said, the Broncos are sitting in first in the AFC West, meaning now is the time to go all-in and acquire another weapon for Bo Nix.

BIGGEST NEED: Offensive line

We'll monitor the ankle injury that forced Derwin James out on Thursday. If it's a long-term issue, safety aid could be in the cards for the Chargers. For now, I'm sticking with the O-line. Joe Alt's return stabilized the unit in Week 8, and the ground game took some of the load off Justin Herbert, but the QB was still pressured on 38.2% of his dropbacks. And then guard Mekhi Becton (knee) became the latest to suffer an injury, leading to the line in front of Herbert being reshuffled again.

ASSETS/PLAYERS ACQUIRED:

• OLB Odafe Oweh
• Future 7th-round pick

ASSETS/PLAYERS TRADED AWAY:

• S Alohi Gilman
• 2026 5th-round pick

BIGGEST NEED: Pass rush

Walloping Las Vegas didn't change the deadline priority in K.C. The sample size was small (a total of 30 offensive plays and 18 pass attempts logged by the Raiders on Sunday), but the Chiefs earned just six total pressures against a beleaguered Raiders O-line, per PFF. Chris Jones had three. No one else had more than one. It didn't matter one iota in Week 7, but eventually, the pass rush will need help.

BIGGEST NEED: Draft assets

It's time for the Raiders to think about the future. At 74 years old, Pete Carroll might not want to endure a long rebuild, but an immediate turnaround isn't happening with this crew. There are far too many holes to plug in the sinking ship. The O-line. The corners. The pass rush, sans Maxx Crosby. The receivers. I'm not going to suggest something truly outlandish, like trading Crosby (though if he were available, every team in the league should be calling). But sending Jakobi Meyers to a contender makes sense. Devin White has played well and will be a free agent next year. Vegas currently has six draft picks in 2026. This team must add more chips to build out a roster needing an infusion of talent.

BIGGEST NEED: Cornerback

I listed corner above, but you can really take your pick between that and edge rusher. The pass rush certainly could use some pop; even if Brandon Graham makes an impact upon his unretirement, I still think Howie Roseman would pounce on a trade if one materialized. The corner situation, however, continues to be a problem in Philly, and based on the players currently on the roster, there are no good answers. Adoree' Jackson suffered a concussion and has struggled when in the lineup, and he only got the starting gig back after Kelee Ringo was ripped apart.

BIGGEST NEED: Safety

The offense gives Dallas a shot to win every week and could carry the team into the playoff hunt, but the defense, while playing better lately, still has holes. Jerry Jones said he has the "ammo" to boost that unit; we'll see if he makes a move. As much as DeMarvion Overshown's potential return should help, further upgrading at the deadline would indicate the Cowboys actually plan to make a push for the postseason. Another pass rusher, defensive tackle or safety should all be in play.

BIGGEST NEED: Secondary

The Commanders' aged defense continues to get worked over. Marshon Lattimore has been picked on regularly. Mike Sainristil is having a disappointing Year 2 thus far. And the safety crew has been beat and missed tackles. As Dan Quinn's crew is currently constructed, things won't get better.

BIGGEST NEED: Cap space

The roller-coaster ride against the Broncos was fun, but that latest collapse underscores the notion that the Giants aren't ready for the bright lights. Planning for the future while developing Jaxson Dart is the way to go for Big Blue, which is quite low on cap space in 2025 -- meaning there won't be much to roll over next year, when the team also isn't set to have a ton of room. Kayvon Thibodeaux remains a name to watch if the team decides he isn't in the long-term plans. The Giants could also trade Russell Wilson if a need arises elsewhere. Devin Singletary has become superfluous in the backfield behind Cam Skattebo and Tyrone Tracy Jr..

BIGGEST NEED: Cornerback

The interior played well in Arizona, but the corner group was still beaten by Jacoby Brissett on Sunday. The biggest culprit was Nate Hobbs, who allowed four catches for 87 yards, per Next Gen Stats. Hobbs has particularly struggled on the outside after spending most of his career manning the slot. Adding an outside corner could significantly boost the Packers' defense heading down the stretch.

BIGGEST NEED: Cornerback

Detroit's no-name secondary played a massive game on Monday Night Football. While that's a feather in the cap of defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard, the Lions don't want to lean on a crew of undrafted free agents for long. When you hit it big early at a casino, walk out, or you'll wind up giving it all back to the house -- and Detroit's secondary is playing with house money after Monday. Adding another veteran for depth would provide insurance if injuries continue to mount.  

BIGGEST NEED: Cornerback

The run defense turned in back-to-back good performances after being a sieve to open the season. The secondary, however, is now dealing with another injury. Tyrique Stevenson suffered a shoulder injury in Week 7. Between that and Jaylon Johnson still being out, the Bears could use depth at corner to keep the secondary afloat.

BIGGEST NEED: Cornerback

The offensive line remains a massive issue, with injuries to tackles Brian O'Neill and Christian Darrisaw exacerbating the troubles the unit is already dealing with on the interior. However, it's time to address a disappointing defense. The corner crew entered the season with questions and has gone through a roller-coaster ride. Isaiah Rodgers has been magic or tragic this season. Jeff Okudah has been picked on and left Thursday's game with a concussion. If the back end of Brian Flores' defense can't find stability, an already long season will continue to spiral.

BIGGEST NEED: Coverage linebacker

The Bucs' defense continues to get eaten alive by running backs catching passes; through the first seven weeks of the season, Tampa allowed a league-high 431 receiving yards to RBs. And SirVocea Dennis has been a liability in coverage. He got picked on by the Lions on Monday, allowing six catches on six targets for 68 yards. Defenses will continue to spam the Bucs' linebackers in coverage until Todd Bowles gets it fixed.

BIGGEST NEED: Pass rush

Bryce Young's ankle injury doesn't change the need here much, with Andy Dalton stepping in and Mike White joining the practice squad. The defensive line played well against a bad Jets team on Sunday, but the unit could still use help when it comes to facing functioning offenses, perhaps in the form of another playmaker on the edge to pair with rookie Nic Scourton (who's flashed, logging six QB pressures in Week 7).

BIGGEST NEED: Linebacker

Divine Deablo's fractured forearm highlighted some issues in the middle of a Falcons defense that was eaten alive by Christian McCaffrey on Sunday. Deablo has been a rock in the middle, both against the run and pass. If he's out for a significant amount of time, Atlanta's depth will be tested.

BIGGEST NEED: Draft assets

New Orleans has just five picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, and this is the part of the rebuild when the Saints should sell players not in their long-term plans. Alvin Kamara isn't going anywhere, nixing one trade option, but veterans like Demario Davis and Carl Granderson could have more value on playoff contenders. NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport also noted that wide receiver Rashid Shaheed, offensive lineman Dillon Radunz and linebacker Pete Werner are expected to be the subject of trade calls.

BIGGEST NEED: Edge

The plug-and-play 49ers chug along, even as the football gods continue to smite them with injury after injury. Bryce Huff (six QBPs, one sack vs. ATL) has brought some pop in the wake of Nick Bosa's ACL tear, but the depth remains shallow on the edge. Given San Francisco's standing atop the NFC West, adding another pass rusher to the mix could be massive for a January run.

BIGGEST NEED: Secondary depth

There aren't glaring holes on Mike Macdonald's club, and the emergence of rookie Nick Emmanwori in the slot has been a game-changer in the secondary. Seattle has navigated the injuries to safety Julian Love and cornerback Devon Witherspoon well, but could use some depth on the back end to solidify the defense as we press onward.

BIGGEST NEED: Cornerback

There isn't much to quibble with on Les Snead's roster, which continues to churn out victories. No Puka Nacua? No problem at all. The Rams' secondary crew had a solid week against the Jags in London, giving up most of its yards allowed in garbage time. If there is a place to upgrade though, it's at corner.

BIGGEST NEED: Draft assets

A fifth consecutive close loss has the Cards deep in the NFC West cellar. With six of their final 10 games coming against teams that would qualify for the playoffs if the season ended today, Arizona can start thinking about the future. The Cardinals have their original seven draft picks in 2026 but no additional assets. Could they send stalwart Calais Campbell to a Super Bowl contender -- if he wants to leave the desert again? Other pending free agents include Zay Jones and Jonah Williams.