JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 1: Tight end Nate Boerkircher #87 of the Jacksonville Jaguars celebrates a touchdown in the second quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at EverBank Stadium on November 1, 2026 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Parker S. Freedman/Getty Images) | Getty Images Aaron Leming Tue, November 3, 2026 at 4:30 PM UTC · 17 min read About Our Ads Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement November is here, and the trade deadline is just six days away. With the playoff picture finally unfolding and the contenders separating themselves from the pretenders, things are expected to ramp up throughout the week. Even though we've already had multiple big trades, the reshaping of the league is far from over. Before we turn the page on Week 8, let's take a look at each team's deadline status and what fans can expect to happen in Week 9's WCG NFL Power Rankings.
Reports suggest the 49ers will be one of the more aggressive teams at the deadline, which makes sense given their hot start, previous injuries, and the window they're in due to their roster age. They've already added DeForest Buckner, but a receiver is a sneaky need, especially considering the injuries, but don't be surprised to see them add an interior offensive lineman. With Quenton Nelson heading to Seattle, Buckner was a great counter. Still, considering the age of their roster, they might want to add another impact player to be safe.
The Bills are contenders not only to win the division and make the playoffs but also to compete for a Super Bowl. Injuries at receiver have made that position look a little worse than expected, but with D.J. Moore back in the mix, that should improve. To get over the hump, the Bills need to add defensive talent, especially in the secondary. Either a cornerback or safety makes the most sense. Either way, they need to make a move.
The Jaguars are in good shape to win the division and make it back to the playoffs, but some holes on this team could be filled through deadline acquisitions after a quiet offseason. Additions at receiver, cornerback, or along the offensive line would make sense, but we'll see how much second-year general manager James Gladstone wants to spend. This is already a well-rounded team, but it's fair to wonder whether it has enough to compete for a Super Bowl as is.
The two years of dominance that we saw from the Lions with Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn as star coordinators are gone. This offense is still damn good, but the defense has kept them from being truly elite. Detroit has a few key players to pay next offseason, but there should still be enough flexibility to add if needed. Cornerback stands out as a primary need, but depth at running back or on the defensive line could also make sense.
Unfortunately for Denver, no quarterback upgrades will be available. Ok, I'm only (kind of) joking. That said, they need to figure out how to improve the offense. Jonathan Taylor has been a "big swing" type of name to come up at running back, but maybe another tight end could also make sense? The biggest issue is that few, if any, impact names are expected to be available. That, of course, assumes that the Lions don't cut bait with Sam LaPorta early like they did with T.J. Hockenson a few years ago.
Through seven weeks, the Vikings have been the surprise of the league. Although many believed they were better than their record last season, a 6-0 start wasn't on anybody's radar. They've been aggressive at the deadline, but who or what they target is the bigger question. They could use help on the interior offensive line, and some have speculated that running back Jonathan Taylor would make sense as a big splash. Never rule out a defensive addition with this group either. We'll see what shakes out over the next week.
Defense was a need going into the offseason, and it remained a need heading into the season. Despite playing better than expected, it made sense that Chicago was still an impact piece (or two) away from being considered a legitimate Super Bowl contender. Even after adding Jeffery Simmons, additional defensive line help or a starting-caliber cornerback should still be a priority. Another sneaky need: tight end depth, following the season-ending injury to Cole Kmet.
Despite their hot start, the Chiefs have clear holes, especially on offense, that they'll need to address if they expect a successful postseason run. Receiving is front and center as their biggest need, but don't rule out a move along the offensive line, especially with Josh Simmons going to Injured Reserve and reportedly being kicked out of a meeting. General manager Brett Veach must be aggressive over the next week-plus.
I've been saying this for years, but I'm not really sure what the long-term goals are for the Steelers; for now, they are a playoff contender. That said, they have one of the older rosters in the league, and not many gaping holes. In theory, they could stand to add a receiver, but Michael Pittman Jr. should be back soon. Considering this is the last year of Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers don't look like a Super Bowl contender, I'm not sure trading away a valuable asset for a receiver makes sense.
Green Bay is in an interesting spot as we inch toward the deadline. Clearly, they have the talent to get back to the playoffs, but they are in a deep division, and most of their issues aren't magically going to go away without action. The offensive line and interior defensive line need upgrades, and linebacker is another sneaky need because of the season-ending injury to Edgerrin Cooper. It's hard to see them making a splash move as they are still recouping draft picks from the Micah Parsons deal, but parting with a Day 3 pick for some help is surely on the table.
The Bengals could easily make a move at the deadline, and nobody will bat an eye, but on the surface, there's no one spot on the depth chart that stands out as a "must-add". That said, don't be surprised if they ship out last year's first-round pick Shemar Stewart. He was a healthy scratch, and things have not gone well for him since arriving in Cincinnati. If they do add, another edge rusher could make sense.
Deadline Status (and needs): Buyers (Responsibly)
General manager Les Snead has long been a proponent of "F them picks", but every GM has their limits, and the Rams would be wise to play it safe this deadline. Despite a slow start, they have a favorable upcoming schedule, and most of their key injuries should be back over the next month. That said, a value addition at either receiver or defensive tackle could make some sense.
Considering their injuries on the interior, could the Patriots take a swing for a rental offensive lineman? Even without Romeo Doubs, their pass-catchers feel "good enough". Defensively, they are in a good spot, but another body on the defensive line is always a need for Super Bowl-caliber teams. Overall, the Patriots are in a good spot if they can get healthy, but the interior offensive line feels like a spot where they could make a move, even if it's just a rental.
Deadline Status (and needs): Stand Pat (Following the addition of Quenton Nelson)
In theory, the Seahawks have plenty of compensatory picks coming their way after losing multiple players to free agency. Still, they just dealt a third- and future fifth-round pick away to land Nelson. More than likely, they'll settle with what they have, but if they do make a move, some additional tackle depth or another tight end could make sense.
All things considered, the Giants have had a great year. Starting quarterback Jaxson Dart went down in Week 2, and despite a 2-0 start, it felt like it was just a matter of time before the bottom fell out. Instead, they've maintained their pace in the NFC East and have a legitimate shot to win the division. With that in mind, this is not the year to trade away valuable picks. Even if they can win the division, the chances of doing much in a loaded NFC are not great. Make this season a strong building block for 2027.
In theory, the Browns could make a move or two, especially since they are far better than expected. That said, even if they make the playoffs, the chances of them making some noise are slim to none. Ultimately, they should stay the course and build this team through the draft or trades for players they control longer than half a season. Cleveland has been a great story, but there's no need to start going all-in quite yet.
Things have been tough following a 3-0 start to open the season. Even so, there's plenty to like about where the Raiders are headed, and we haven't even seen No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza get his first NFL start yet. Barring a hard course-correction, the Raiders are unlikely to challenge for a playoff spot, but that's OK. Most teams with rookie quarterbacks drafted this high rarely do. They could look to unload a piece or two; heck, maybe a good offensive lineman comes available that makes sense. Outside of that, they are probably better off standing pat and seeing how the rest of the season plays out.
Deadline Status (and needs): Buyers (Even If They Shouldn't Be)
Owner Jerry Jones has proven to be more reckless the older he gets, and why should this deadline be any different? At some point, you have to trust that the offense will stabilize, but the defense is still in need of more help. An edge rusher would make the most sense, but even some defensive tackle depth could add some value. The NFC East is still winnable, but the Cowboys should tread carefully over the next week.
As long as quarterback Lamar Jackson is healthy, the Ravens will be playoff contenders. The issue is that Jackson has been healthy, and now, with his thumb injury and a .500 record, this season feels all but lost. Baltimore could sell off some veteran pieces if they want to, or they could wait until the offseason before making any rash decisions. Either way, the outlook of their season changed drastically with Lamar's thumb injury.
Injuries are catching up to the Panthers, and without an offense scoring 30 points per game, they'll struggle to win games. That said, an improved secondary should help leave a little more margin for error. The trick here is that they must be confident quarterback Bryce Young can get back on track, along with the offense. If so, making a move for a rental cornerback would make plenty of sense.
Deadline Status (and needs): Could Go Either Way
In theory, the Texans should be pushing for a playoff spot, but following a slow start, it's worth wondering how much of their future they should mortgage for a chance to get back to the playoffs. Because of how their roster is constructed, adding makes more sense than subtracting, but even then, what's the overall upside for this season? After the Marvin Harrison Jr. trade, this feels like a deadline they should sit out.
Winners of two in a row, the Bucs are somehow right back in the divisional race, despite quarterback Baker Mayfield not completing a pass on Sunday. That said, this team isn't destined for much success, even if they win a bad NFC South. At this point, they should probably sell, but after two straight wins, standing pat and watching it play out seems like the kind of approach a team on thin ice would take. They'd have some pieces to sell if they choose to, but I have a feeling they'll stick with what they have and see how it goes.
With the Panthers' recent struggles, the Falcons are right back in the divisional race, and I might even argue that they should be the favorites heading into Week 8. That, of course, is assuming that quarterback Michael Penix can stay healthy. Adding a more effective WR2 should be a top priority, even if it's a rental. Atlanta is better than expected, and they can make a move or two without breaking the bank.
Deadline Status (and needs): Could Go Either Way
Even with a similar record to the Buccaneers, the Saints find themselves in a different position. On the surface, this team doesn't look good enough to buy, but it is a young group with upside that a team like Tampa Bay doesn't. Continued development at quarterback is key, but if they can make an affordable move or two for longer-term pieces, it might be worth it. After all, general manager Mickey Loomis isn't known for being conservative, even when he should be.
Similar to Miami, the Cardinals are in a spot where they are at the start of their rebuild, but don't have many valuable pieces to sell off. Landing a second-round pick for Marvin Harrison Jr. was a great move, but additional picks would be ideal. Veteran running back Tyler Allgeier should draw some interest, but dealing veteran defensive linemen makes the most sense, and they have plenty to offer. Josh Sweat is the marquee name, but both Roy Lopez and Andrew Billings could make sense for late-round picks too. A few other names could shake out, but again, Arizona doesn't have a ton to offer without trading away from their core.
Technically, the Commanders still aren't out of it in the NFC East. Even so, the chances of them figuring things out and making enough of a run to push for a playoff spot feel highly unlikely. The Commanders will have plenty of tough decisions to make in the offseason, but unloading some veteran names for mid-to-late-round draft capital feels like the play. Stefon Diggs and Daron Payne felt like their best pieces, but Payne's season-ending injury kills one of those targets. Instead, don't rule out moving other defensive veterans like Tim Settle or even Rasul Douglas.
The Jets are a better team than last year, but their loss to the Dolphins in Week 7 shows how far they have to go. Although nobody should expect them to sell off to the level that they did last season, offloading some veteran pieces could make sense, even if it's for future draft capital in 2028 or beyond. A reunion with Nahshon Wright and Chicago could make sense, and it's worth wondering if they'll take other players like Kingsley Enagbare, Minkah Fitzpatrick, or maybe even T'Vondre Sweat for the right price. They already have plenty of draft capital, but why not add more if it makes sense?
Nobody knows what the future holds for the Eagles, but at this point, 2026 is a lost cause. Quarterback Tanner McKey isn't going to win many ballgames, and the Eagles have a few rentals that could earn them additional draft capital for next season. I'd keep an eye on players like Riq Woolen, Landon Dickerson, and Dallas Goedert. Maybe even upside players like Moro Ojomo and a surprise like Saquon Barkley (if he's healthy). General manager Howie Roseman has never been shy about making bold decisions.
The Colts kicked off a crazy week by trading both Nelson and Buckner in the matter of hours. Both players were cornerstone pieces, and although neither brought back hefty returns, it's a sign that they are tearing this roster down to the studs. Interim general manager Ed Dodds shouldn't stop there, especially with players like Josh Downs and Grover Stewart among others who are set to hit free agency in March. Jonathan Taylor is another player who could be dealt in the next week. Like the Jets last year, the Colts have picked a direction and should keep committing to it.
There's no other way to put this: through eight games, 2026 has been a complete disaster for the Titans. Cam Ward has not developed as planned, and despite being big players in free agency, this first-year coaching staff isn't getting enough out of this roster. Following the trade of Simmons for a pair of first-round picks, offloading more veteran pieces, especially on defense, feels almost necessary. Jermaine Johnson, Solomon Thomas, and Alontae Taylor are all defenders to keep an eye on, and maybe even Calvin Ridley on the offensive side of the ball. The teardown shouldn't stop at Simmons.
Reports out of Los Angeles have been less than ideal, especially after such a poor start. Although the word is that they aren't ready to offload aging veterans or valuable pieces, I find that almost impossible to believe. At worst, moving on from players like Khalil Mack, Dalvin Tomlinson, and maybe even Donte Jackson makes too much sense not to do. The one "surprise" name that could move for the right price is edge rusher Tuli Tuipulotu.
When a team is in the early stages of an extensive rebuild, selling off additional pieces makes the most sense. Miami lacks talent in most areas, but they have a few defenders that could be on the move for the right price. Zach Sieler and Josh Uche make the most sense as aging veterans, but Chop Robinson could be traded too for the right price. We'll see what the Dolphins do, but a move or two for additional draft capital makes plenty of sense.
Source: Sports
