NFL Trade Deadline Preview: 32 Teams, Goals, and Moves to Watch

The 2026 NFL trade deadline arrives on Tuesday, November 4, at 4 p.m. ET. With the season in full swing, teams are assessing their rosters and considering whether to make significant moves. The league has already seen a fair number of transactions this year, but questions remain about which franchises will push for more. Notable narratives include the Indianapolis Colts continuing to trade veterans like Jonathan Taylor for draft capital and the Kansas City Chiefs seeking a reliable wide receiver for quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

To provide a comprehensive overview, ESPN's Football Power Index projections were used to evaluate each team's standing through Week 8. NFL Nation reporters identified the primary trade deadline goal for all 32 franchises, while insiders Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano predicted which players might be on the move. Additionally, analysts Aaron Schatz and Seth Walder selected one player each team should attempt to acquire.

The Arizona Cardinals, currently 3-5 with a 1.1% chance of making the playoffs, are focused on building for the future. General Manager Monti Ossenfort is in the fourth year of a three-year rebuild that has yet to yield major results. After trading Marvin Harrison Jr. to the Texans, the team may look to move unhappy players or veterans for draft capital. Edge rusher Josh Sweat is a key name to watch, as the Cardinals have received trade interest, though a new contract could be a hurdle. Analysts suggest the Cardinals target Vikings wide receiver Tai Felton to add young receiving depth.

The Atlanta Falcons, also at 3-5, aim to protect their future assets. New GM Ian Cunningham has vowed to avoid having fewer than five draft picks in a year, a situation that occurred in 2026. Consequently, the team is unlikely to gamble away picks unless the offer is exceptional. While safety Jessie Bates III is a candidate for trade interest due to being in the final year of his contract, a substantial offer would be required. Analysts recommend the Falcons target Texans wide receiver Kayshon Boutte as a cost-effective addition to their offense.

The Baltimore Ravens face a critical decision with quarterback Lamar Jackson out for at least four games due to a right thumb injury. Sitting at 4-4, the team must choose between acquiring a quarterback to keep their season alive or trading players for capital. Running back Derrick Henry is a potential asset for contenders, but wide receiver Rashod Bateman also holds trade value. Analysts suggest the Ravens look at Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett, who offers more experience than rookie Joe Fagnano.

The Buffalo Bills, leading the league with a 6-1 record, are looking to strengthen their defense. Despite a strong offensive performance, the team has limited salary cap space, with less than $4 million available. They are expected to seek additional help at safety or nickel cornerback. While wide receiver Keon Coleman is a potential trade candidate, speculation suggests the Bills will hold onto their core. Analysts point to Buccaneers edge rusher Yaya Diaby as a target to boost a pass rush that currently ranks 26th in the league.

The Carolina Panthers, at 3-4, are in an awkward position after firing defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero and losing two straight games. Still leading the NFC South, they need help at cornerback and offensive line but have less than $1 million in cap space. Tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders, recently a healthy scratch, is a likely candidate for a trade. Analysts suggest the Panthers target Jets safety Andre Cisco to improve their pass defense and allow rookie Zakee Wheatley to develop.

The Chicago Bears are going all in, having already traded two first-round picks for All-Pro defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons. With just under $4 million in cap space, they may look for edge rushers in a Day 3 pick range. Quarterback Case Keenum is a potential trade option, though the team is unlikely to move many players. Analysts recommend the Bears target Dolphins edge rusher Josh Uche to complement their existing defensive rotation.

The Cincinnati Bengals, with a 5-2 record, are looking to add depth at linebacker or cornerback. They have $7.4 million in cap space available. Edge rusher Shemar Stewart is a trade candidate, though coach Zac Taylor has downplayed the likelihood. Analysts suggest the Bengals target Saints linebacker Pete Werner, a prime-aged player who excels on blitzes and against the run.

The Cleveland Browns, at 5-3, are supplementing their young core while maintaining their draft capital. With 11 selections in the 2027 draft, they may make less flashy moves at tight end or defensive line. Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy is a potential trade candidate as the team moves younger at the position. Analysts suggest the Browns consider Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins as a temporary solution to improve their playoff odds over Deshaun Watson.

The Dallas Cowboys, at 3-5, are weighing their options with owner Jerry Jones open to trades. The team has only four picks in the 2027 draft, limiting their assets. They recently acquired cornerback Joey Porter Jr., but the biggest decision involves whether to keep George Pickens. Tight end Luke Schoonmaker is a trade candidate, while analysts suggest the Cowboys target Jets edge rusher Kingsley Enagbare to improve their pass rush, which currently ranks 31st.

The Denver Broncos, at 6-2, are balancing immediate needs with future flexibility. They have a long list of free agents coming up in March, including three starters in their secondary. Wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. is a potential trade candidate due to his speed and return ability. Analysts recommend the Broncos target Eagles guard Landon Dickerson to support quarterback Bo Nix, whose early success was aided by a strong offensive line.