With the NFL trade deadline fast approaching on November 10, teams in the playoff are weighing whether to make a move that could push them over the top. Big names like Quenton Nelson, DeForest Buckner and Jeffrey Simmons have already been dealt, and more could follow. For every current contender, here is one realistic trade and one pipe dream that could reshape their season.
AFC Contenders
Buffalo Bills
Buffalo’s defensive front has exceeded expectations, with Greg Rousseau playing at a DPOY level and Deone Walker emerging inside. But the secondary has allowed the fifth-most 20+ yard completions and lacks impact next to Cole Bishop at safety. A dream addition would be Atlanta’s Jessie Bates, a ball hawk with three pass breakups, one interception and three forced fumbles in 2026. A more realistic target is Tennessee’s Amani Hooker, a reliable post safety who complements Bishop’s skill set near the line of scrimmage.
Denver Broncos
The Broncos may stand pat, but if they swing big, Colts running back Jonathan Taylor would bring explosiveness to an offense ranked 26th in explosive play rate. Taylor has 78 explosive runs since 2023, fifth-most in the NFL. A more likely move addresses tight end, where Denver has the second-fewest receiving yards from the position. Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert, in the final year of his deal, would provide a reliable seam threat and competitive blocker.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh’s bullyball offense has led the AFC North, but it struggles against man coverage, ranking 25th in EPA per play and 30th in success rate. Colts receiver Josh Downs would be an ideal slot separator; since 2023, he ranks 13th among qualified players in first-down or touchdown catch rate against man coverage. A realistic move could be on defense for Commanders cornerback Amik Robertson, whose speed and inside-outside versatility fit DC Patrick Graham’s scheme.
Jacksonville Jaguars
The loss of Davon Hamilton for the season has made interior defensive line a priority. New England’s Christian Barmore would be a dream addition; his 11.8% pressure rate since 2025 would lead Jacksonville. A cheaper alternative is Miami’s Zach Sieler, a high-effort tackle with 16 pressures in seven games who could rotate with Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker.
Kansas City Chiefs
Kansas City’s receiver room remains a glaring need with Tyquan Thornton out. A pipe dream is Jets receiver Garrett Wilson, a true WR1 who would slide Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy into more natural roles. A realistic option is Jacksonville’s Brian Thomas Jr., a vertical threat who can win outside the numbers despite occasional focus drops.
Cincinnati Bengals
Cincinnati’s defense needs help at linebacker and cornerback. Chargers linebacker Daiyan Henley would be a dream fit, upgrading pass coverage and blitzing. A realistic target is Eagles cornerback Riq Woolen, whose big-play ability would allow Dax Hill to play nickel.
New England Patriots
New England could add speed to its pass rush. Steelers edge Alex Highsmith would be a dream, offering explosive upfield moves. A more realistic option is Jets edge Will McDonald IV, whose snap count has decreased and who could use a fresh start.
NFC Contenders
San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco’s receiver room is decimated by injuries. Colts slot receiver Josh Downs would be a dream, complementing Mike Evans against man coverage. A realistic fallback is Tennessee’s Calvin Ridley, a veteran who can still win underneath.
Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota’s run game ranks 25th in EPA per play and 28th in success rate. Jonathan Taylor would be the dream fit, combining explosiveness and tackle-breaking ability. A cheaper option is Tony Pollard, playing some of his best football and contributing as a receiver.
New York Giants
The Giants need running back help, ranking 30th in success rate on designed runs. Breece Hall would be a dream if the Jets sell. A realistic move is Colts defensive tackle Grover Stewart, who would shore up a run defense allowing 4.8 yards per carry between the tackles.
Carolina Panthers
Carolina’s defense has been hit hard by injuries. Chargers edge Khalil Mack would be a dream, providing a physical presence. A realistic target is Chargers cornerback Donte Jackson, a smart zone defender with inside-outside versatility.
Chicago Bears
Chicago could use another edge rusher. A Khalil Mack reunion would be a dream, rounding out the room. A more likely move is Commanders cornerback Amik Robertson, an aggressive outside corner who fits Dennis Allen’s scheme.
Detroit Lions
Detroit’s secondary remains a weakness. Colts cornerback Charvarius Ward would be a dream, adding man-coverage experience. A realistic reunion with Amik Robertson, who knows the defense and can play inside and out, makes sense.
Green Bay Packers
Green Bay’s run game ranks last in EPA per carry. Eagles guard Landon Dickerson would be a dream, bringing physicality to open lanes. A realistic addition is Titans running back Tyjae Spears, an explosive back who can contribute on third down.
Just Outside the
Seattle Seahawks
Seattle’s edge depth has been hit by injuries. Buccaneers edge Yaya Diaby would be a dream, fitting Mike Macdonald’s archetype. A realistic target is Colts receiver Josh Downs, another separator to ease the load on Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
Los Angeles Rams
The Rams’ explosive play rate has dropped significantly. Jaguars receiver Brian Thomas Jr. would be a dream, taking the top off defenses. A realistic move is Chargers cornerback Donte Jackson, a veteran presence for a banged-up secondary.
