2025 NFL trade deadline: Tracking every team's biggest need ahead of Nov. 4

BIGGEST NEED: Pass rush

New England moved on from two reserves, pass rusher Keion White and safety Kyle Dugger, but those trades don't change the need up front for a Pats crew that has been top-heavy. Outside of K'Lavon Chaisson and Harold Landry, New England isn't getting much off the edge. In Week 9, the Pats generated 14 QB pressures -- eight came from the combo of Milton Williams, Landry and Chaisson. Adding a rotational piece is a must at this stage. If the Pats really wanted to make a splash, shelling out for an edge like Trey Hendrickson, if he's healthy, could take Mike Vrabel's defense to the next level.  

ASSETS/PLAYERS ACQUIRED:

• 2026 6th-round pick
• 2027 6th-round pick

ASSETS/PLAYERS TRADED AWAY:

• DE Keion White
• S Kyle Dugger
• 2026 7th-round pick
• 2027 6th-round pick

BIGGEST NEED: Interior defensive line

Fans might be pining for a receiver to help Josh Allen, but the MVP has enough to make things work -- any addition on offense would be a bonus at this stage. The bigger concern remains up the gut, where the Bills' defense remains vulnerable -- it's been years since the 30-year-old Kareem Hunt looked as spry as he did Sunday at Highmark Stadium. The bicep injury that Ed Oliver suffered in Week 8 created a massive hole. There aren't many obvious big bodies to be had, but if Buffalo can add one, it would help plug things up.

BIGGEST NEED: Cap space/draft picks

Interim general manager Champ Kelly made his first move shortly after taking over for Chris Grier, shipping Jaelan Phillips to Philly for a third-round pick. It's an excellent value for a player the Dolphins were likely to lose in free agency. With Miami still projected to be $11 million above the salary cap next season (per Over the Cap), Kelly should keep selling. Bradley Chubb and Matt Judon could be options. The Dolphins might also be able to dangle Minkah Fitzpatrick. The next question is whether Miami would send leading receiver Jaylen Waddle out of town, even if the offense would be painful to watch in 2025 without him.

ASSETS/PLAYERS ACQUIRED:

• 2026 3rd-round pick

ASSETS/PLAYERS TRADED AWAY:

• LB Jaelan Phillips

EDITOR'S UPDATE: The Jets are trading Sauce Gardner to the Colts in exchange for two first-round picks and WR Adonai Mitchell, NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero reported Tuesday. Later, the Insiders reported that the Jets are also dealing DL Quinnen Williams to the Cowboys in exchange for a 2026 second-round pick, a 2027 first-round pick and DL Mazi Smith.

BIGGEST NEED: Draft capital

Shipping corner Michael Carter II out of town was a start. The Jets could get more building blocks by continuing to shed players who won't be in New York in the future. Like free-agent-to-be Breece Hall, if he's not in the long-term plans. Jermaine Johnson II could be trade bait, given that he's under contract beyond this season. If the Jets want to make a truly seismic move that would land them a windfall, they could trade star Quinnen Williams, among the biggest fish they have to offer. Reporting from NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport (and others, including The Athletic and ESPN) indicates the Jets would only move Williams for an over-the-top offer, but the fact that this hypothetical is being discussed in those terms and not definitively shot down suggests the team might at least consider it. Trading Williams would be an admission that the Jets are multiple years from contending and need as many lotto tickets as possible.

ASSETS/PLAYERS ACQUIRED:

• WR Adonai Mitchell
• WR John Metchie III
• DL Mazi Smith
• 2026 1st-round pick
• 2026 2nd-round pick
• Two 2027 1st-round picks
• 2027 6th-round pick

ASSETS/PLAYERS TRADED AWAY:

• CB Michael Carter II
• CB Sauce Gardner
• DL Quinnen Williams
• 2027 7th-round pick

BIGGEST NEED: Wide receiver

The Steelers defense continued its roller-coaster season with an upswing in Week 9, forcing six turnovers against the Colts. Some aid for a unit that still allowed 313 yards passing would be beneficial, but adding another wideout could provide a greater impact down the stretch. Aaron Rodgers has relied heavily on his tight ends, but the WR crew has produced little. Calvin Austin III led Pittsburgh with 56 yards on Sunday. Roman Wilson's ill-advised hurdle-turned-fumble highlighted the need for a reliable outside weapon. Prying away a veteran like Jakobi Meyers from Las Vegas could give Rodgers a trusty playmaker to patrol the middle. (EDITOR'S UPDATE: Meyers was traded to the Jaguars, NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero reported on Tuesday.)

ASSETS/PLAYERS ACQUIRED:

• S Kyle Dugger
• 2026 7th-round pick

ASSETS/PLAYERS TRADED AWAY:

• 2026 6th-round pick

BIGGEST NEED: Defensive depth

Baltimore swung a trade Monday evening to import Dre’Mont Jones from Tennessee, which will help bolster the entire front line. Jones netted 4.5 sacks in the past four games. The move helps improve the entire front, with Jones capable of playing on the outside and also having experience on the interior. If Baltimore looks to make another deadline deal, it might be to upgrade the defensive depth. Adding another edge or corner depth would help if injuries strike down the stretch. 

ASSETS/PLAYERS ACQUIRED:

• LB Dre'Mont Jones
• S Alohi Gilman
• 2026 5th-round pick
• 2026 6th-round pick

ASSETS/PLAYERS TRADED AWAY:

• OLB Odafe Oweh
• CB Jaire Alexander
• Conditional 2026 5th-round pick
• 2027 7th-round pick
• Future 7th-round pick

BIGGEST NEED: Future assets

Another late loss highlighted the fact that this defense simply isn't built to keep any sort of lead. No amount of Joe Flacco magic can change that. The offense has done everything it can; it's not enough. Cincy has allowed 27-plus points in eight straight games. Woof. With a top-heavy roster and just seven draft picks in 2026 as of Monday, it was smart to send veteran linebacker Logan Wilson to Dallas in exchange for an additional selection (a seventh-rounder) Tuesday morning. And they should continue to sell. To this point, the Bengals have eschewed moving pending free agent Trey Hendrickson, who is dealing with a nagging hip injury. Will Sunday's collapse finally change their tune?

ASSETS/PLAYERS ACQUIRED:

• QB Joe Flacco 
• 2026 6th-round pick
• 2026 7th-round pick

ASSETS/PLAYERS TRADED AWAY:

• LB Logan Wilson
• 2026 5th-round pick

EDITOR'S UPDATE: The Bears are acquiring pass rusher Joe Tryon-Shoyinka from the Browns in a deal involving late-round picks from both teams, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Tuesday.

BIGGEST NEED: Building for the future

The focus should remain on the youngsters; while trading Myles Garrett doesn't seem to be in the cards, shipping out veterans not in the long-term plans makes sense. GM Andrew Berry has already started, trading Joe Flacco for a pick-swap and shedding Greg Newsome II for cost-controlled veteran Tyson Campbell. And he shouldn't stop now. David Njoku (in a contract year) could be moved. Given the need around the league, Berry could 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
• Late-round draft pick

ASSETS/PLAYERS TRADED AWAY:

• QB Joe Flacco
• CB Greg Newsome II
• DE Joe Tryon-Shoyinka
• Two 2026 6th-round picks
• Late-round draft pick

EDITOR'S UPDATE: The Colts are acquiring Sauce Gardner from the Jets in exchange for two first-round picks and WR Adonai Mitchell, NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero reported Tuesday.

BIGGEST NEED: Defensive depth

The corner crew has played better since Kenny Moore's Week 7 return, but that group could still use some depth, in light of Charvarius Ward's continued absence. The defensive front is banged up and would welcome some aid. The linebacker crew was picked on in coverage in Sunday's loss to Pittsburgh, and that is a place where the Colts might be able to find some help. Bringing in Logan Wilson from Cincy might make some sense for a unit run by ex-Bengals DC Lou Anarumo. (EDITOR'S UPDATE: Wilson was traded from the Bengals to the Cowboys.)

ASSETS/PLAYERS ACQUIRED:

• CB Sauce Gardner

ASSETS/PLAYERS TRADED AWAY:

• WR Adonai Mitchell
• 2026 1st-round pick
• 2027 1st-round pick

EDITOR'S UPDATE: The Jaguars acquired Jakobi Meyers from the Raiders on Tuesday in exchange for fourth- and sixth-round draft picks, per NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero.

BIGGEST NEED: Pass rush

The 31-year-old Emmanuel Ogbah had a turn-back-the-clock game on Sunday, generating four QB pressures against the Raiders, but a lack of pass-rushing depth was still a concern vs. Vegas' sieve-like offensive line. Behind Josh Hines-Allen and Arik Armstead, the Jags simply haven't gotten consistent production up front. Travon Walker's ejection didn't help. Travis Hunter's injury adds depth concerns at both receiver and corner, but if GM James Gladstone is going to make a bold move ahead of the deadline, bringing in a front-line player would offer the biggest impact as the Jags attempt to make a playoff push.

ASSETS/PLAYERS ACQUIRED:

• WR Jakobi Meyers
• CB Greg Newsome II
• 2026 6th-round pick

ASSETS/PLAYERS TRADED AWAY:

• CB Tyson Campbell
• 2026 4th-round pick
• 2026 6th-round pick
• 2026 7th-round pick

BIGGEST NEED: Running back

I'll finally concede that the Texans could use some running back help, with Nick Chubb being a shell of himself and rookie Woody Marks failing to provide consistency. Adding a playmaker out of the backfield could inject some life into a ground game that has sorely missed Joe Mixon this season. The big question is whether any running back this side of Barry Sanders would have much success behind an offensive line that struggles to open holes in the ground game.

BIGGEST NEED: Draft assets

Tennessee should be the biggest seller at the deadline, leaning into young players and moving pending free agents. Shipping Roger McCreary to the Rams and Dre'Mont Jones to the Ravens made sense. Outside of Jeffery Simmons and Cam Ward, nearly everyone else should be available. If healthy, Arden Key and Calvin Ridley should be shopped. Tony Pollard could be moved, with Tyjae Spears taking on a bigger workload. Trading tight end Chig Okonkwo would free up more targets for rookie Gunnar Helm. If a team came calling for veteran guard Kevin Zeitler, another pending free agent, parting with the starter could be a good long-run gambit, even if it might be an immediate negative for Ward.

ASSETS/PLAYERS ACQUIRED:

• Two conditional 2026 5th-round picks

ASSETS/PLAYERS TRADED AWAY:

• LB Dre'Mont Jones
• CB Roger McCreary
• Conditional 2026 6th-round pick

BIGGEST NEED: Offensive weapons

The Broncos' offensive lulls continue to be an issue, necessitating fourth-quarter comebacks. The ability to execute down the stretch is a boon for Sean Payton's team; still, it would be better to not make things so difficult in the first place. Against a good Texans defense, the receiver corps was uber quiet, with Courtland Sutton and Troy Franklin combining for five catches, 57 yards and a TD. Adding a WR2 who can win one-on-ones would be beneficial for Bo Nix. The Evan Engram experiment hasn't gone well (he logged zero catches on three targets Sunday). Bringing in another TE, perhaps the athletic Chig Okonkwo from Tennessee, could give the group a boost.

BIGGEST NEED: Offensive line

There have been rumblings for a while that the Chargers are in on the running back market, and it would be unsurprising if that were true, with Kimani Vidal crashing back to Earth in Week 9 (2.5 YPC on 12 totes). The biggest concern remains the offensive line, which has been battered by injuries. Rashawn Slater was lost for the year in August. Joe Alt is to have season-ending ankle surgery for an injury suffered Sunday. Mekhi Becton missed Sunday's game with a knee injury. Trey Pipkins (seven QBPs allowed against the Titans) has struggled and dealt with injuries himself. Starting offensive linemen aren't readily available, but it's a glaring need, as Justin Herbert continues to get pounded.

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

The Chiefs could make a deadline play for a running back, following Isiah Pacheco's injury, but adding another edge rusher is of bigger need. Chris Jones has been abnormally quiet, putting up just one QB pressure on Sunday, and George Karlaftis has done most of the heavy lifting. It's telling that blitzing linebacker Nick Bolton sits third on the team in QBPs, with 14, through Week 9.

EDITOR'S UPDATE: The Raiders sent Jakobi Meyers to the Jaguars in exchange for fourth- and sixth-round draft picks, NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero reported on Tuesday.

BIGGEST NEED: Draft assets

Pete Carroll might not want to turn the page already, but it's time for the Raiders to admit an immediate rebound isn't happening. There are far too many holes in Vegas to plug in one year. The Raiders won't trade Maxx Crosby, but parting with veterans who won't be around for the long haul is the best course of action. Jakobi Meyers hasn't been shy about wanting a trade. The Raiders reportedly have set a high asking price for the WR; in theory, a sixth loss in eight games should lower that demand. Vegas currently has six draft picks in 2026. That's not nearly enough for a team that needs young talent.

ASSETS/PLAYERS ACQUIRED:

• 2026 4th-round pick
• 2026 6th-round pick

ASSETS/PLAYERS TRADED AWAY:

• WR Jakobi Meyers

BIGGEST NEED: Offensive-line depth

The NFL's biggest wheeler and dealer, Howie Roseman, already made moves to shore up a defense that needed an infusion of talent, bringing in not one but two corners during the Eagles' Week 9 bye. If healthy, Jaire Alexander is a solid boundary corner, and Michael Carter II brings versatility to the mix. Monday's trade for Jaelan Phillips is a good dice roll for an edge rusher with upside who has dealt with injuries that have sapped him of his playmaking. With the defensive additions, one area left to consider is along the O-line, which has been made less effective than it's been in previous years by health issues.

ASSETS/PLAYERS ACQUIRED:

• LB Jaelan Phillips
• CB Jaire Alexander
• CB Michael Carter II  
• Two 2027 7th-round picks

ASSETS/PLAYERS TRADED AWAY:

• WR John Metchie III  
• 2026 3rd-round pick
• 2026 6th-round pick
• 2027 6th-round pick

EDITOR'S UPDATE: The NFL Network Insiders reported on Tuesday that the Jets are dealing DL Quinnen Williams to the Cowboys in exchange for a 2026 second-round pick, a 2027 first-round pick and DL Mazi Smith.

BIGGEST NEED: Defensive front

The 3-5-1 Cowboys probably shouldn’t be buyers at the deadline, but Jerry Jones already made a move to upgrade the linebacker corps, shipping a seventh-round pick to Cincinnati for Logan Wilson. The veteran is an upgrade, but he won’t solve all the problems on a miserable Dallas defense. The Cowboys still sorely need interior defensive help and could use another pass rusher. They also have issues at safety. Shelling out even more draft capital wouldn’t be ideal long-term, given all the needs, but Jones marches to the beat of his own drum -- always.

ASSETS/PLAYERS ACQUIRED:

• DL Quinnen Williams
• LB Logan Wilson

ASSETS/PLAYERS TRADED AWAY:

• DL Mazi Smith
• 2026 2nd-round pick
• 2026 7th-round pick
• 2027 1st-round pick

BIGGEST NEED: Draft capital

Even before Jayden Daniels' fourth-quarter injury on Sunday night, this was shaping up to be a lost season in D.C. The Commanders are too old up front on defense and haven't gotten enough consistency on offense, with struggles out of the backfield and receiver injuries being the biggest problems. Washington has just six draft picks in 2026, none of which are in the second or fourth round. That's not great for a roster in need of younger, fresher playmakers, particularly on defense. One issue is that most of the pending free agents Washington might peddle are older veterans -- Bobby Wagner, Zach Ertz, Von Miller -- or players who have dealt with injuries and, thus, likely won't bring back much value at the deadline.

BIGGEST NEED: Cap space

The Cam Skattebo injury seems to have taken what little wind was left out of the Giants' sails, leaving rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart to drag a carcass of a club up and down the field -- and boy, does he need some help. He's just not likely to see it in 2025. Big Blue is already low on cap space this year and is on the low end in 2026. One issue is that the Giants, who have said they won't move Kayvon Thibodeaux, don't have many assets other teams should obviously covet. Russell Wilson's name has been bandied about in the media, but I'm not convinced there will be interest. Evan Neal has been inactive for much of the season; would any team give up assets for the former first-round pick?

BIGGEST NEED: Defensive interior

Tucker Kraft's torn ACL is a massive blow, but I anticipate the Packers will look inward to help replace the tight end's production. The interior of the defense put together a solid few weeks -- but then was bullied on Sunday by the Panthers and Rico Dowdle. Colby Wooden, who has played solidly, also exited with a shoulder injury. I don't expect GM Brian Gutekunst to make a big deadline deal on the heels of this year's Micah Parsons acquisition, but adding more beef inside would be the move.

BIGGEST NEED: Offensive line

Detroit's offense has been up and down this season due, in part, to the struggles of an interior offensive line. The Lions' young guard duo suffered a blow in the form of a knee injury to Christian Mahogany, which will keep him out a "long time," per Dan Campbell. With other injuries to deal with, including to left tackle Taylor Decker, Detroit's depth will be tested. The inability to run the ball against Minnesota was a bad sign. GM Brad Holmes isn't one to make a panic move, but he should at least make a call to Tennessee to see if the Lions could bring back veteran guard Kevin Zeitler.

EDITOR'S UPDATE: The Bears are acquiring pass rusher Joe Tryon-Shoyinka from the Browns in a deal involving late-round picks from both teams, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Tuesday.

BIGGEST NEED: Edge

The Bears' secondary was scorched by the Bengals, with their top three corners combining to allow 260 passing yards. The hope is that eventually Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon return to bolster the corner crew. The bigger issue is a pass rush that struggles to affect the quarterback regularly with four rushers -- and which lost Dayo Odeyingbo for the year to a torn Achilles. Austin Booker earned a sack in his first game coming off an injury, but the Bears need more help in this area if they're to continue competing in a hotly contested NFC North.

ASSETS/PLAYERS ACQUIRED:

• DE Joe Tryon-Shoyinka
• Late-round draft pick

ASSETS/PLAYERS TRADED AWAY:

• Late-round draft pick

BIGGEST NEED: Cornerback

Notching a big division win with a young quarterback playing well will bring such a sense of relief to a team. Offensive line depth remains a concern, but with Brian O'Neill and Christian Darrisaw on the field, this group is functional. Blake Brandel had his best game at the pivot. The secondary could still use some depth at corner, where the third spot has been filled by a rotation. With no projected cap space next year, the Vikings likely won't make a splash move at the deadline, but they also don't need to sell off parts, in light of how close they've stayed to contention in the NFC North.

BIGGEST NEED: Coverage linebacker

The offense has been a rough watch of late, but the hope is that the club can get healthier after its Week 9 bye. The defense feasted on turnovers against the Saints in Week 8, but coverage at the linebacker level remains a concern. Tampa has allowed a league-high 457 yards receiving to running backs this season, and that would be a place to bolster if Jason Licht decides to make a deadline move.

BIGGEST NEED: Pass rush

Those plucky Panthers won't say die. Sunday's impressive road win at Lambeau Field pushed Dave Canales' crew back above .500 and kept them in contention. With winnable games against New Orleans and Atlanta on the docket, now is the time to make a run. The edge rush remains the group most ripe for improvement. Rookie Nic Scourton has flashed in recent weeks, and D.J. Wonnum has been up and down. Adding a D-lineman who can affect the QB would be massive for the Panthers' playoff push.

BIGGEST NEED: Draft assets

Falcons fans are surely steeled against the depression that comes from watching a club invent ways to drop games, with Sunday's defeat coming courtesy of a missed PAT. Three consecutive losses have Raheem Morris' club gasping for air. There are winnable games down the stretch, but at this point, can Atlanta be trusted to follow through on those opportunities? With just five draft picks in 2026, the Falcons should be thinking about selling. They don't seem inclined to move Kirk Cousins. If he's not traded this week, we can finally shelve that discussion until the offseason.

EDITOR'S UPDATE: The Saints are trading WR Rashid Shaheed to the Seahawks, NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero reported Tuesday. In exchange, New Orleans will receive fourth- and sixth-round picks in 2026 from Seattle.

BIGGEST NEED: Draft assets

The losses keep getting uglier in New Orleans, but at least the Saints have already gotten a win out of the way, so that they can avoid the 0-fer talk. Tyler Shough should get the balance of the year to see if he can be a long-term solution. There wasn't enough to go off in his first start to say one way or the other. With just five draft picks in 2026, the Saints should be willing to part with their veterans. We know Brandin Cooks is available, but given his age (32 years old) and lack of production, he probably wouldn't net much of a return. There has been a lot of chatter about Chris Olave, but he seems more like an extension candidate than trade bait. Rashid Shaheed could be the wideout New Orleans moves before Tuesday. Ninth-year veteran Davon Godchaux is another option.

ASSETS/PLAYERS ACQUIRED:

• 2026 4th-round pick
• 2026 6th-round pick

ASSETS/PLAYERS TRADED AWAY:

• WR Rashid Shaheed

EDITOR'S UPDATE: The Saints are trading WR Rashid Shaheed to the Seahawks, NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero reported Tuesday. In exchange, New Orleans will receive fourth- and sixth-round picks in 2026 from Seattle.

BIGGEST NEED: Linebacker

This really is about the knee injury that forced Ernest Jones IV out of Sunday's win over Washington. Mike Macdonald said it's not season-ending, but that the stud linebacker -- who has keyed the middle of Macdonald's defense -- could miss some time. Second-year fourth-round pick Tyrice Knight replaced Jones. On this well-rounded team, bringing in insurance if Jones is out for a spell would be worth a low-cost move.

ASSETS/PLAYERS ACQUIRED:

• WR Rashid Shaheed

ASSETS/PLAYERS TRADED AWAY:

• 2026 4th-round pick
• 2026 6th-round pick

BIGGEST NEED: Kicking

Sean McVay won't put all the kicking woes on Joshua Karty, but the problems with the Rams' field goal unit are rough. The kicker has missed five of 15 FG attempts (66.7%) and shanked three PATs through eight games. It's hard to average a missed kick per game in a season, but that's where L.A. sits. Perhaps shoring up the blocking will help some, but not all those botches are on the protection. The need here speaks to how well the other two units have played this season. Special teams could be an Achilles' heel come January, and McVay knows it. According to the NFL Research trade database, which goes back to 1995, no kicker has been traded in-season -- likely because good kickers aren't available for trade, and teams wouldn't be giving up assets to acquire them if they were. Somehow, I wouldn't be shocked if Les Snead became the first to pull it off.

ASSETS/PLAYERS ACQUIRED:

• CB Roger McCreary 
• Conditional 2026 6th-round pick

ASSETS/PLAYERS TRADED AWAY:

• Conditional 2026 5th-round pick

BIGGEST NEED: Edge

The trade for Keion White was more about importing a body than acquiring a difference-maker. It's one game, but on Sunday against the Giants, White had zero pressures in 26 pass rushes, per Next Gen Stats. The Niners generated two sacks and 13 QB pressures in the Week 9 win. Against better teams, they'll need to be more disruptive. Making matters more problematic for the already injury-riddled San Francisco front: rookie Mykel Williams suffered a torn ACL. The question for GM John Lynch is whether it's worth shelling out assets and/or taking on salary to solve the problem or just trust Robert Saleh to patch things together and hope the offense can get healthy enough to outscore opponents down the stretch.

ASSETS/PLAYERS ACQUIRED:

• DE Keion White
• 2027 6th-round pick

ASSETS/PLAYERS TRADED AWAY:

• 2027 6th-round pick

BIGGEST NEED: Interior O-line

Monday night’s resounding win in Dallas might stop the Cardinals from selling off assets as they hope to make a second-half run. However, given that they were in possession of just seven 2026 draft picks as of Tuesday morning, they probably shouldn’t be buyers, either. If there was a spot to improve, it would be along the offensive line, where Arizona's guards have struggled. With a young squad that possesses intriguing, green talent, particularly on defense, getting those players snaps the rest of the season could be big for long-term development in the desert.