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. White generated just three QB pressures this season and was a healthy scratch in the week before being shipped out of town. The pass rush has perked up with K'Lavon Chaisson's emergence, but rotational depth is a need. The dropoff has been steep when New England calls on its backups. If the Pats really wanted to make a splash, adding an edge like Trey Hendrickson or Arden Key could take Mike Vrabel's defense to the next level. 

ASSETS/PLAYERS ACQUIRED:

• Two 2026 6th-round picks

ASSETS/PLAYERS TRADED AWAY:

• DE Keion White
• S Kyle Dugger
• Two 2026 7th-round picks

BIGGEST NEED: Interior defensive line

Ed Oliver's latest injury (to his bicep) is a big blow to the Bills, in terms of his impact both in the run game and as a pocket pusher. The run D continues to have issues and has missed far too many tackles this season. With Oliver set to miss time, Buffalo could use another big body to plug the hole.

BIGGEST NEED: Cap space

Miami's second win of the season doesn't change the calculus in South Beach. The Dolphins should still be sellers at the deadline, looking toward 2026, where they're set to be roughly $11 million above the projected salary cap (per Over the Cap). Given the need around the league for pass rushers, Jaelan Phillips, Bradley Chubb and even Matt Judon, who has played sparingly, should be considered tradable.  

EDITOR'S UPDATE: The Eagles acquired cornerback Michael Carter II from the Jets in exchange for WR John Metchie III and a swap of Day 3 2027 picks.

BIGGEST NEED: Draft capital

Gang Green finally got in the win column, but they're still sell candidates in the early stages of Aaron Glenn's rebuild. Free-agent-to-be Breece Hall looked great on Sunday, perhaps upping his potential trade value. Jermaine Johnson II (one sack in five games) could be dangled -- perhaps to someone like San Francisco, which needs edge help and has a defensive coordinator (Robert Saleh) who got the best out of Johnson in New York.

ASSETS/PLAYERS ACQUIRED:

• WR John Metchie III
• 2027 6th-round pick

ASSETS/PLAYERS TRADED AWAY:

• CB Michael Carter II
• 2027 7th-round pick

BIGGEST NEED: Defensive depth

The addition of safety Kyle Dugger in a trade with the New England Patriots, which coincided with DeShon Elliott's placement on injured reserve, is a start. The Steelers' defense still needs additional aid. The safety crew has been on a roller-coaster ride. Pittsburgh's linebacker coverage has been woeful, and the veteran corners have been mostly average. When you consider that the run-stopping unit has also been gashed for much of the season, it's clear Mike Tomlin's defense requires an injection of talent -- or else the Steelers' division lead could slip away. On offense, it would be nice to bring in another pass-catching weapon for Aaron Rodgers alongside DK Metcalf, who is the only player on the roster so far to top 200 receiving yards this season. But if we're strictly talking need, the focus should be on an aged defense that has been lit up.

ASSETS/PLAYERS ACQUIRED:

• S Kyle Dugger
• 2026 7th-round pick

ASSETS/PLAYERS TRADED AWAY:

• 2026 6th-round pick

BIGGEST NEED: Future assets

Sunday's loss to the previously winless Jets underscores the reality that the Bengals do not have a playoff-caliber defense, and no amount of Joe Flacco magic -- or, in fact, pre-deadline trades -- can change that. With a top-heavy roster and just seven draft picks in 2026, Cincinnati should sell to generate more cheap lotto tickets. The biggest fish in the trade pond is pending Bengals free agent Trey Hendrickson, though a nagging hip injury could make it difficult to maximize a return.  

ASSETS/PLAYERS ACQUIRED:

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

ASSETS/PLAYERS TRADED AWAY:

• 2026 5th-round pick

BIGGEST NEED: Defensive line

Securing a massive win sans Lamar Jackson -- while the rest of the division lost on Sunday -- kept the Ravens in potential striking distance. But even after their best game of the season, I'd expect Baltimore to attempt to bring in more front-line help. Rookie Mike Green stepped forward, and Kyle Van Noy is getting healthier, but this D-front lacks pop. It's telling that Nnamdi Madubuike, who went on injured reserve in September after playing in just two games, still ranks in the top three on the team in QB pressures, per Pro Football Focus. If Baltimore is truly going to make a run, bolstering this unit is a must.

ASSETS/PLAYERS ACQUIRED:

• S Alohi Gilman
• 2026 5th-round pick

ASSETS/PLAYERS TRADED AWAY:

• OLB Odafe Oweh
• Future 7th-round pick

BIGGEST NEED: Building for the future

Sunday's poor outing despite a career day for Myles Garrett highlights how far the Browns have to go before they can be consistently competitive. The focus should remain on the youngsters; 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 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

ASSETS/PLAYERS TRADED AWAY:

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

BIGGEST NEED: Cornerback

Kenny Moore's return over the past two weeks has helped solidify the crew, even with Charvarius Ward still out. However, the Colts won't be playing the Titans every week. An additional outside corner could bring some extra support. If GM Chris Ballard really wanted to make a splash, he could add a pass rusher after injuries thinned out the group.

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. 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

Oh, so that's what the Texans can look like with a competent offense. Who knew? I'm still sticking with the offensive line as the biggest issue with the current attack. In Sunday's win over the Niners, C.J. Stroud got the ball out quickly, helping his blockers avoid the pressures that have plagued the unit. The Texans allowed a season-low 21.4% pressure rate against San Francisco in Week 8, per Next Gen Stats. We need to see this kind of success for multiple weeks -- and against a team not decimated by injuries on the edge -- for us to believe the offense has turned the corner. Sidebar: I'm too big a Woody Marks fan to preach the need for an RB trade at this stage.

BIGGEST NEED: Draft assets

Shipping Roger McCreary to the Rams made sense, with the corner set to be a free agent. And the Titans should keep selling; outside of Jeffery Simmons and Cam Ward, nearly everyone should be available. Dre'Mont Jones continues to play well (he's notched a sack in three straight games) and is on the final year of his deal. He could be a hired gun in a league in need of D-linemen. 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:

• Conditional 2026 5th-round pick

ASSETS/PLAYERS TRADED AWAY:

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

BIGGEST NEED: Corner depth?

Of course, the week after I suggest the Broncos need a WR2, Troy Franklin goes off. The Broncos looked dominant in seemingly every facet on Sunday against Dallas. The offensive line opened massive holes and gave Bo Nix time. The receivers and tight ends all produced. RJ Harvey blasted off. The linebacker corps -- which had been a question mark, particularly in coverage -- had one of its best games. The D-front continues to eat. The biggest negative was the pec strain that could cost Patrick Surtain II some time, which could test the corner depth. Denver could also add a veteran tight end to the mix, with Nate Adkins suffering a knee injury. David Njoku and Chig Okonkwo could be targets, even if they're not blocking-style TEs. There aren't glaring holes on this roster, but every team could use depth at this stage, to battle yearly attrition.

BIGGEST NEED: Offensive line

We'll monitor the ankle injury that forced Derwin James out on Thursday. If it's a long-term issue, compounding the knee injury that will cost CB Tarheeb Still 2-4 weeks, 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

The K.C. defense is surging but could still use some help on the edge. The Chiefs generated 14 QB pressures against the Commanders in Week 8, with George Karlaftis accounting for six (43%). Chris Jones' abnormally quiet night (he logged zero QB pressures in a game for the first time since the 2021 Wild Card Round) highlighted the pass-rush question. If Trey Smith's back injury lingers, O-line depth could become a need.

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. Trading Crosby appears to be off the table (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.

EDITOR'S UPDATE: The Eagles acquired cornerback Michael Carter II from the Jets in exchange for WR John Metchie III and a swap of Day 3 2027 picks.

BIGGEST NEED: Cornerback

Beating up on the Giants didn't change the need at corner in Philly, even with Kelee Ringo having arguably his best game in coverage. Adoree' Jackson missed the contest, and the depth on the outside remains a question mark, particularly when it comes to facing better wideout corps. We'll see down the road what sort of impact the unretired Brandon Graham makes, but I could envision Howie Roseman adding another pass rusher if the opportunity arises.

ASSETS/PLAYERS ACQUIRED:

• CB Michael Carter II  
• 2027 7th-round pick

ASSETS/PLAYERS TRADED AWAY:

• WR John Metchie III  
• 2027 6th-round pick

BIGGEST NEED: Defense

Every level of the Cowboys' defense was woeful in Denver. The pass rush generated seven total pressures. The secondary was ripped apart. The linebackers got out of their lanes. It was abysmal. There simply aren't enough playmakers on that side of the ball, leaving tons of holes to fill for Dallas as it totters on the edge of the playoff picture. Jerry Jones insists the loss to the Broncos doesn't change his trade-deadline mindset. But another defeat in Week 9 should.

BIGGEST NEED: Pass rush

Washington's defense could use aid at all three levels, but the pass rush is a particular problem right now. Dorance Armstrong's placement on IR highlighted the issues with the Commanders' edge depth. Jacob Martin was the only player to disrupt Patrick Mahomes in Week 8, netting two sacks and four QB pressures -- no one else on Washington's roster had more than two QBPs. If the Commanders can't affect the quarterback, their secondary will continue to get picked apart.

BIGGEST NEED: Cap space

Planning for the future while developing Jaxson Dart is the way to go for Big Blue, which is 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. Cam Skattebo's gruesome injury might cause the Giants to hang on to Devin Singletary, so that he can be the backup RB behind Tyrone Tracy Jr. Moving Russell Wilson could be an option if a team comes calling. The Giants have just seven draft picks in 2026, with no third-rounder. There has been little speculation about the potential of trading Kayvon Thibodeaux, but he'd be their best chip if he's not in the long-term plans.

BIGGEST NEED: Cornerback

Carrington Valentine stepped in well in place of a struggling Nate Hobbs on Sunday Night Football, quelling the concerns opposite Keisean Nixon, who had a rough game against the Steelers overall. Still, if GM Brian Gutekunst is looking to make a deadline trade, adding another boundary corner is a move to consider.

BIGGEST NEED: Cornerback

Detroit's no-name secondary played a massive game on Monday Night Football heading into a Week 8 bye. 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 at the moment. Adding another veteran for depth would provide insurance if injuries continue to mount.  

BIGGEST NEED: Cornerback

With Tyrique Stevenson and Jaylon Johnson out, Bears corners Nick McCloud and Nahshon Wright were beaten on key plays in the dismal loss to the Ravens. Depth at corner is an issue. The pass rush could also be an option after Chicago secured just seven QB pressures in Week 8. The Bears should be looking to make a splashy defensive addition ahead of the deadline if they want to keep alive the hope of a quick turnaround under Ben Johnson, with winnable games upcoming on the schedule. 

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 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, but coverage at the linebacker level remains a concern. Tampa has allowed a league-high 466 yards receiving to running backs this season. It didn't kill them on Sunday, but it's a place to bolster if Jason Licht decides to make a deadline move.

BIGGEST NEED: Pass rush

The run defense -- which had enjoyed a turnaround this season -- came crashing back to earth against Buffalo. However, the pass rush remains the biggest concern. The Panthers generated just eight QB pressures in Sunday's loss to the Bills, with a single quick pressure coming from inside linebacker Trevin Wallace. If the Panthers are to cling to waning playoff hopes, they need a running mate for rookie Nic Scourton.

BIGGEST NEED: Draft assets

A roller-coaster season in ATL has taken a stomach-churning dive. The high of beating the Bills in Week 6 was followed by dismal losses to San Francisco in Week 7 and a toothless Miami squad in Week 8. With games against the AFC East-leading Patriots and AFC South-leading Colts, both on the road, coming down the pike, the slide could get steep. Possessing just five draft picks in 2026, the Falcons should be thinking about selling. Perhaps a veteran pass rusher like Leonard Floyd could be moved. Making matters worse: Kirk Cousins didn't exactly help his trade value with a disappointing outing.

BIGGEST NEED: Draft assets

The Saints should be seeing what they have in their young players as they rebuild the roster. It remains to be seen whether Kellen Moore will stick with Spencer Rattler at quarterback or give second-round pick Tyler Shough a go. However, with just five draft picks in 2026, the Saints should be sellers, making most of their veterans available. We know Brandin Cooks is one option, but given his age (32 years old) and lack of production, he probably wouldn't net much of a return. Vets like Demario Davis and Carl Granderson could be moved. 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: Secondary depth

There aren't glaring holes on Mike Macdonald's club coming out of the Week 8 bye, 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: Offensive line depth

I've been suggesting for weeks that the Rams could add a corner, and Les Snead pulled the trigger, adding Roger McCreary to his crew. How Los Angeles sorts out the slot, which has been manned by Quentin Lake, will be something to track. On this well-rounded team, there aren't many holes to fill. Perhaps adding some O-line depth to ensure Matthew Stafford stays upright if injuries strike is a possibility.

ASSETS/PLAYERS ACQUIRED:

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

ASSETS/PLAYERS TRADED AWAY:

• Conditional 2026 5th-round pick

BIGGEST NEED: Edge

New acquisition Keion White was ineffective when in the lineup this season in New England. He can be another body in the rotation after Trevis Gipson (39 snaps in Week 8) was poached off the practice squad by Carolina, but the move for White doesn't change the Niners' need for an actual difference-maker on the edge. Injuries have sapped the 49ers' ability to rush the passer, especially without the blitz. Not affecting the QB has gotten San Francisco's defense destroyed. On Sunday, they made a previously punchless Texans offense look like a high-powered operation. The 49ers have nine sacks, tied for the second-fewest in the NFL through the first eight weeks. The only two clubs also outside double digits in that span were the Jags and Ravens, both of which played one game fewer. With his team currently sitting in the final playoff spot in the NFC, John Lynch needs to make a splash move before the season comes crashing down because of this weakness. 

ASSETS/PLAYERS ACQUIRED:

• DE Keion White
• 2026 7th-round pick

ASSETS/PLAYERS TRADED AWAY:

• 2026 6th-round pick

BIGGEST NEED: Draft assets

A fifth consecutive close loss dropped 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.