The 2026 NFL trade deadline is less than a week away, and every team in the current playoff picture is evaluating moves to either bolster a Super Bowl push or reset for the draft. Several high-profile players such as guard Quenton Nelson and defensive tackles DeForest Buckner and Jeffrey Simmons have already been dealt, and more big names could move before November 10.
AFC Contenders
Buffalo Bills: Pipe dream target is Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates, a perfect complement to Cole Bishop; realistic option is Tennessee Titans safety Amani Hooker, a reliable post safety entering the final two years of his contract.
Denver Broncos: Dream scenario lands Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor, who has 78 explosive runs since 2023; realistic target is Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert, entering the final year of his deal and a reliable seam threat.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Covet Colts receiver Josh Downs, who excels against man coverage; more attainable is Washington Commanders cornerback Amik Robertson, a versatile, aggressive defender familiar with defensive coordinator Patrick Graham.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Seek interior defensive line help after losing Davon Hamilton. Pipe dream is New England Patriots tackle Christian Barmore, who leads the Patriots in pressures since 2025; fallback is Miami Dolphins tackle Zach Sieler, a high-effort player with 16 pressures in seven games.
Kansas City Chiefs: Desperate for receiver help with Tyquan Thornton out. Ultimate target is New York Jets' Garrett Wilson, a true WR1; more realistic is Jacksonville Jaguars' Brian Thomas Jr., a vertical threat who can win outside the numbers.
Cincinnati Bengals: Need linebacker and cornerback upgrades. Dream target is Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Daiyan Henley, an urgent coverage and blitz player; realistic option is Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Riq Woolen, a big-play vertical defender.
New England Patriots: Look to add speed to the pass rush. Pipe dream is Pittsburgh Steelers edge Alex Highsmith, whose contract is most tradeable among Pittsburgh's edge trio; realistic target is New York Jets edge Will McDonald IV, a speed rusher seeing reduced snaps.
NFC Contenders
San Francisco 49ers: Receiver room decimated by injuries. Dream target again is Josh Downs; realistic veteran option is Tennessee Titans' Calvin Ridley, hoping a change of scenery revives his production.
Minnesota Vikings: Struggling run game ranks near bottom in EPA and success rate. Ideal fit is Jonathan Taylor; consolation is Tennessee Titans' Tony Pollard, enjoying a strong season with explosive capability.
New York Giants: Need a running back after Najee Harris' departure. Dream is Jets' Breece Hall, a burst-oriented big-play back; realistic defensive addition is Indianapolis Colts tackle Grover Stewart to shore up a run defense allowing 4.8 yards per carry between the tackles.
Carolina Panthers: Targeting Chargers defenders. Pipe dream is edge Khalil Mack, a veteran physical presence; realistic is cornerback Donte Jackson, versatile in zone schemes.
Chicago Bears: Could reunite with Khalil Mack to round out the edge room; more likely cornerback target is Washington's Amik Robertson, an aggressive outside fit for Dennis Allen's defense.
Detroit Lions: Secondary ravaged by injuries. Dream is Colts cornerback Charvarius Ward for man-coverage experience; realistic reunion with Amik Robertson, a fan favorite who knows the system.
Green Bay Packers: Run game ranks last in EPA per carry. Pie-in-the-sky is Eagles guard Landon Dickerson to stabilize left guard; realistic is Titans running back Tyjae Spears, an explosive third-down weapon.
Contenders Just Outside the Picture
Seattle Seahawks: Edge depth hit by injuries; dream target is Buccaneers' Yaya Diaby for power and length; offensive need met by Josh Downs as a separator.
Los Angeles Rams: Explosive play rate dropped significantly. Dream receiver is Brian Thomas Jr. to stretch the field; realistic cornerback is Chargers' Donte Jackson to replace injured Jaylen Watson.
