The concluding period for NFL team negotiations arrives on November 4, at 4 p.m. Eastern Time. Team leaders are in communication across the association, assessing potential player acquisitions to bolster team compositions and resolve identified deficiencies. Previously, noteworthy transactions occurred, such as Joe Flacco’s transfer to the Bengals. What developments can be anticipated in the upcoming trading period? A preview for each of the 32 teams is detailed here.
Initially, an overview of each team’s situation through the eighth week, using projections from ESPN’s Football Power Index. Subsequently, NFL experts Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano will employ their insights to forecast the likelihood of each team’s participation before the deadline, speculating on additions or trades. NFL analyst Aaron Schatz will define a crucial, immediate requirement that could be addressed for all 32 teams. Concluding, reporters from NFL Nation will identify a potential player transfer, while NFL analyst Ben Solak and analytics writer Seth Walder will pinpoint suitable matches — players for each team’s consideration.
Here’s a comprehensive look at each team as the deadline approaches.
Jump to:
ARI | ATL | BAL | BUF | CAR | CHI | CIN
CLE | DAL | DEN | DET | GB | HOU | IND
JAX | KC | LAC | LAR | LV | MIA | MIN
NE | NO | NYG | NYJ | PHI | PIT | SF
SEA | TB | TEN | WSH
Prospects for playoff inclusion: 4.8%
Anticipated first-round selection position: No. 7
Likelihood of addition, reduction, or inaction? More inclined to trade rather than acquire at present. The Cardinals aren’t surrendering, but they face a formidable division and have lost ground. Their Week 9 game against the Cowboys could greatly influence their strategic direction. Enhancements to the offensive line would be beneficial — a need widely shared. — Graziano
Primary positional requirement: Wide receiver. A youthful receiver could aid in the formation of Arizona’s offensive strategy for the years ahead, given Zay Jones’s limited long-term prospects. — Schatz
Potential candidates for relocation? Edge rusher Zaven Collins. Though a transfer is unlikely, the Cardinals might receive a substantial return for Collins due to their positional depth, should a team seek a pass rusher. Despite only one sack this season, he has eight QB pressures. Collins has height, agility, speed, and power. While he’s adjusted to playing on the edge, he also has interior experience, making him suitable for various defensive schemes. — Josh Weinfuss
Possible acquisition targets? Colts receiver Adonai Mitchell. Mitchell has been either sidelined or minimally used since a dropped pass against the Rams in Week 4. However, I believe in Mitchell’s capabilities. As a rookie, he posted an 82 open score, tied for eighth among players like Tyreek Hill and Zay Flowers, according to ESPN receiver metrics. This quality is rare and points to untapped potential. He could immediately assist Arizona while also holding promise for a future role. Mitchell is contracted until 2027. — Walder
Prospects for playoff inclusion: 12.4%
Anticipated first-round selection position: No pick
Likelihood of addition, reduction, or inaction? Moderate activity is possible, both inbound and outbound. Interest has been expressed in Atlanta’s pass rusher Arnold Ebiketie. Generating interest in quarterback Kirk Cousins could be challenging due to job scarcity. Could Atlanta seek a linebacker addition given Divine Deablo’s injury reserve status, or pursue a third receiver option? — Fowler
Primary positional requirement: Offensive tackle. Elijah Wilkinson, intended as a backup guard, is now strained as a starting tackle. His pass block win rate of 82.3% places him 65th out of 70 eligible tackles. — Schatz
Potential candidates for relocation? Cousins. His continued presence on the roster is unexpected. Cousins, who lost his starting role in Week 16 last season, sought a release or trade in the offseason. If the Falcons can find a team willing to assume part of his guaranteed $27.5 million (plus $10 million next season) and offers a starting opportunity (he has trade veto power), a swap remains possible. — Marc Raimondi
Possible acquisition targets? Chiefs receiver Tyquan Thornton. After filling in for absent receivers in September, he has since moved down the depth chart. Meanwhile, Atlanta released WR3 and return specialist Ray-Ray McCloud III. Given their reliance on three-receiver sets, this No. 3 role needs filling. Thornton possesses the necessary skills. — Solak
Prospects for playoff inclusion: 46.1%
Anticipated first-round selection position: No. 17
Likelihood of addition, reduction, or inaction? Despite completing a player-for-player exchange, trading Odafe Oweh to the Chargers for Alohi Gilman, additional defensive reinforcements remain possible. A victory against Miami on Thursday night could restore their playoff contention. The Ravens have average cap space and numerous tradable picks. — Graziano
Primary positional requirement: Edge rusher. The pertinent question is: “Which Ravens players are currently injured?” At the moment, the edge position is impacted by Tavius Robinson’s foot injury resulting in injured reserve status. — Schatz
Potential candidates for relocation? Tight end Mark Andrews. As the franchise’s touchdown leader with 53, he has been quarterback Lamar Jackson’s primary target for years. However, Andrews’ role has significantly diminished in his contract year, averaging career lows in receiving yards per game (29) and yards per catch (8.3) this season. He could be an appealing option for teams seeking a red-zone threat. The Ravens have ample tight end depth with Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar. — Jamison Hensley
1:08
Have the Ravens saved their season?
Rex Ryan and Adam Schefter discuss the Ravens’ season-saving win against the Bears and when Lamar Jackson might return to the field.
Possible acquisition targets? Cardinals defensive tackle Calais Campbell. Continuing his reunion tour, we suggest Campbell’s return to the Ravens to reinforce a defensive line lacking Nnamdi Madubuike (neck injury). At 39, Campbell remains productive, with a 15.4% pass rush win rate, ranking third among defensive tackles. His run stop win rate would rank among the top five interior defenders if he met eligibility criteria. Campbell offers a short-term solution without significant investment in draft assets or contracts, minimizing risk should the Ravens fail to recover this season. — Walder
Prospects for playoff inclusion: 88.3%
Anticipated first-round selection position: No. 25
Likelihood of addition, reduction, or inaction? Let’s assume they will make additions. The Bills are known to assess opportunities. The linebacker position is particularly noteworthy. Cincinnati’s Logan Wilson, having requested a trade, would be a logical fit. Last year’s acquisition of Amari Cooper yielded mixed outcomes. A similar high-profile receiver move is plausible but not guaranteed. — Fowler
Primary positional requirement: Safety. Taylor Rapp’s struggles and Jordan Poyer’s age (34) are concerning. Poor tackling angles contribute significantly to the Bills’ last-place ranking in run defense DVOA. — Schatz
Potential candidates for relocation? Receiver Curtis Samuel. His tenure has been challenging, marked by injuries and healthy scratches. In 17 games, Samuel has 34 receptions (only three this season), 288 yards, and two touchdowns, alongside five carries for 14 yards. Despite needing receiver assistance, Samuel has not demonstrated his potential to contribute. — Alaina Getzenberg
Possible acquisition targets? Cardinals safety Budda Baker. Rapp and Cole Bishop’s performance has made the Bills’ defense extremely vulnerable to third-level runs and intermediate passes. Coach Sean McDermott typically hesitates to introduce new players to his defense, but a bold move is necessary. As the Cardinals’ season declines, Baker, 29, may finally secure the trade he sought in 2023, complicated by a subsequent extension. — Solak
Prospects for playoff inclusion: 15.4%
Anticipated first-round selection position: No. 12
Likelihood of addition, reduction, or inaction? Carolina has $23.7 million in cap space, according to Roster Management System, and requires enhancements across its defense. They are a team capable of either direction, and their decision might depend on whether they are 5-4 or 4-5 following their Sunday game in Green Bay. — Graziano
Primary positional requirement: Inside linebacker. The Panthers rank last in DVOA against tight ends, and Christian Rozeboom’s broken tackle rate is the highest among regular off-ball linebackers, according to Sports Info Solutions. — Schatz
Potential candidates for relocation? Running back Chuba Hubbard. Despite minimal interest in trading Hubbard and the Panthers’ expected passivity, Rico Dowdle’s emergence, confidence in rookie Trevor Etienne, and Jonathon Brooks’s return next season might justify considering offers for Hubbard and his four-year, $33.2 million contract. — David Newton
Possible acquisition targets? Titans edge rusher Arden Key. The Panthers’ 31.1% pass rush win rate ranks 31st in the NFL, largely due to issues with the edge rushers. While Carolina is unlikely to spend future resources for short-term contracts, the Titans’ significant 2026 cap space ($113 million), per OverTheCap.com, might encourage free agency spending, negating any compensatory pick for Key. The Panthers could trade a pick for Key now and potentially recoup value via a compensatory pick, given their own $31 million in cap space next year, or they could re-sign Key if satisfied with his performance. His 22.5% pass rush win rate at edge would rank fifth if he qualified. — Walder
Prospects for playoff inclusion: 26.1%
Anticipated first-round selection position: No. 15
Likelihood of addition, reduction, or inaction? I expect additions. While mostly complete, the Bears could use pass-rush assistance. No edge rusher has exceeded 3.0 sacks in the first seven games. General manager Ryan Poles acquired Montez Sweat before the deadline two years ago. Another move is possible. — Fowler
Primary positional requirement: Edge rusher. The Bears rank 30th in pass rush win rate (31.3%), facing challenges both on the interior and the edge. Given greater depth on the interior, edge becomes a priority. — Schatz
Potential candidates for relocation? Wide receiver DJ Moore. While improbable, Moore is a more feasible trade candidate than players like left tackle Braxton Jones, who was benched after 44 starts and is on injured reserve until at least Week 12. The eight-year veteran ranks second on the Bears in targets (38), receptions (26), and yards (331). His contract (a $23.5 million cap hit annually through 2029) complicates a move, but if a playoff team becomes desperate, the Bears might consider parting with Moore to free up cap space in 2026 and redirect his targets to rookie Luther Burden III behind Rome Odunze. — Courtney Cronin
Possible acquisition targets? Commanders cornerback Marshon Lattimore. This would mark consecutive trade deadline relocations for Lattimore, who intercepted Patrick Mahomes on Monday but has struggled since Washington’s acquisition. He would return to Dennis Allen’s defense, where Jaylon Johnson’s absence has unsettled the outside cornerback position for the Bears. While not at his peak, Lattimore likely would outperform Tyrique Stevenson. — Solak
Prospects for playoff inclusion: 12.4%
Anticipated first-round selection position: No. 9
Likelihood of addition, reduction, or inaction? Had they defeated the Jets on Sunday, the Bengals would be at .500 and likely accelerating in the competitive AFC North. Their failure leaves them uncertain. I anticipate inactivity. Trading edge rusher Trey Hendrickson is rumored, but it doesn’t seem to be under consideration. (The Bengals already traded for quarterback Joe Flacco.) — Graziano
Primary positional requirement: Guard. Jalen Rivers, a fifth-round rookie at right guard, ranks second to last in pass block win rate (84.7%) among qualified players at his position. — Schatz
Potential candidates for relocation? Linebacker Logan Wilson. Following Cincinnati’s decision to feature rookies Barrett Carter and Demetrius Knight Jr., Wilson requested a trade. Finding a team to assume Wilson’s $8.8 million cap hit could be difficult. Overcoming this obstacle could provide Cincinnati with a valuable draft pick and offer Wilson an opportunity elsewhere. — Ben Baby
Possible acquisition targets? Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen. Last year, under defensive coordinator Al Golden (now with Cincinnati), Notre Dame utilized man coverage more than any other FBS team. The Bengals have leaned slightly towards zone coverage this season, but adding Woolen would enable Golden to employ more man coverage and form a strong cornerback pairing with DJ Turner. — Walder
Prospects for playoff inclusion: 0.4%
Anticipated first-round selection position: Nos. 4, 18
Likelihood of addition, reduction, or inaction? The Browns likely will be inclined to trade players, having been among the most active teams with three in-season trades. They remain open to at least one more deal, though talks have not progressed significantly. Jerome Ford is available if the running back market strengthens. Inquiries on key players with expiring deals, such as David Njoku and Wyatt Teller, are possible. — Fowler
Primary positional requirement: Offensive line. As the Browns rebuild and many O-line members approach free agency, a young lineman, no longer favored by his current team but contracted beyond this season, would be an ideal trade target. — Schatz
Potential candidates for relocation? Ford. Fowler suggested the Browns are “open to dealing” Ford, who splits snaps with Dylan Sampson behind rookie RB1 Quinshon Judkins. With Ford in the final year of his rookie contract and the Browns prioritizing youth at the position, Cleveland might seek to acquire future draft picks. — Daniel Oyefusi
Possible acquisition targets? Commanders tight end Ben Sinnott. The Tyson Campbell trade illustrates how the Browns should operate: securing affordable, playable contracts while managing cap constraints. Sinnott, a 2024 second-round pick, remains TE3 in Washington and has seven career receptions in 25 games. However, he can block alongside Harold Fannin Jr. and participate in 13 personnel, which is sufficient for now. — Solak
Prospects for playoff inclusion: 18.9%
Anticipated first-round selection position: Nos. 14, 31
Likelihood of addition, reduction, or inaction? The Cowboys have sought defensive assistance for weeks and likely will add someone before the deadline. It’s doubtful they’ll target a high-profile pass rusher. Dallas is more likely to add a linebacker or defensive back. — Graziano
Primary positional requirement: Edge rusher. The Cowboys surprisingly rank 19th in pass rush win rate (36.8%) but are last in DVOA on deep passes exceeding 15 air yards. An inadequate pass rush allows opposing quarterbacks ample time to accurately deliver the ball downfield. — Schatz
Potential candidates for relocation? Wide receiver Jalen Tolbert. He is in the final year of his contract, and his production has declined alongside CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens. KaVontae Turpin is taking more snaps as the No. 3 receiver, and the Cowboys are impressed with Ryan Flournoy, who had 114 yards against the Jets. Tolbert offers valuable insurance should the top two receivers be unavailable, but receiver-needy teams might offer a draft pick or defensive player for him. — Todd Archer
2:58
Stephen A. to Jerry Jones: ‘You’ve got to try something’ to fix the defense
Stephen A. Smith urges Jerry Jones to strengthen the Cowboys’ defense to go along with their strong offense.
Possible acquisition targets? Chiefs cornerback Joshua Williams. Except for Trevon Diggs, every Dallas cornerback has allowed more than 1.1 yards per coverage snap (average) this season, according to NFL Next Gen Stats. With Diggs now on IR due to a concussion, reinforcements are needed. Williams is in a contract year and is further down the depth chart in Kansas City. Despite only 775 career regular-season coverage snaps, he has produced an impressive 0.9 yards per coverage snap. Upon Diggs’s return, if Williams performs well, the team could field both with DaRon Bland in the slot. — Walder
Prospects for playoff inclusion: 82.2%
Anticipated first-round selection position: No. 24
Likelihood of addition, reduction, or inaction? More inclined to add. Denver seeks an additional skill player and possibly a guard. The roster is balanced, and the team is competing in the AFC West, aiming to unseat the Chiefs for the first time since 2015. An intriguing offensive player might become available. — Fowler
Primary positional requirement: Inside linebacker. The Broncos rank 30th in DVOA against running backs as pass catchers, and Alex Singleton has been frequently targeted in coverage. — Schatz
Potential candidates for relocation? Cornerback Ja’Quan McMillian. Coach Sean Payton expressed satisfaction with the roster last week, before Pat Surtain II’s shoulder injury in Sunday’s win. With rookie Jahdae Barron contributing in nickel and dime packages, some personnel executives might have viewed McMillian, a top nickel corner, as a surplus player. However, that’s currently not the case, so moving him would require a significant offer. — Jeff Legwold
Possible acquisition targets? Ravens guard Ben Cleveland. Following Ben Powers’s injury, the Broncos could seek guard depth. They would add Cleveland, who re-signed with the Ravens but lost the left guard competition. — Solak
Prospects for playoff inclusion: 85.8%
Anticipated first-round selection position: No. 28
Likelihood of addition, reduction, or inaction? Additions are possible. They must ensure adequate defensive depth, as demonstrated last season. Possessing considerable cap space (approximately $25 million, per Roster Management System), they could afford a high-profile acquisition but are more likely seeking depth options. — Graziano
Primary positional requirement: Edge rusher. The Lions rank last in pass rush win rate (26.3%) and require assistance opposite Aidan Hutchinson. Better pass rushers would reduce the need for blitzes. — Schatz
Potential candidates for relocation? Defensive tackle Roy Lopez. While unlikely given the Lions’ Super Bowl aspirations, Lopez could benefit from a better individual opportunity, as Detroit boasts significant defensive tackle talent (Alim McNeill, DJ Reader, and rookie Tyleik Williams). Despite starting in all 16 games for the Cardinals last season, Lopez has yet to start for Detroit. — Eric Woodyard
Possible acquisition targets? Dolphins edge rusher Jaelan Phillips. While Al-Quadin Muhammad has improved, the Lions could use a No. 2 edge rusher (and still utilize Muhammad rotationally). Phillips fits this role due to his pass rushing (his 17.1% pass rush win rate at edge is above average) and strength against the run, currently ranking sixth in run stop win rate at edge. — Walder
Prospects for playoff inclusion: 93.5%
Anticipated first-round selection position: No pick
Likelihood of addition, reduction, or inaction? Remaining inactive would not be surprising. The Packers rarely trade players at the deadline, and they already executed a significant move by trading for Micah Parsons. However, they may explore opportunities to trade for future assets. Green Bay possesses receiver depth, and pass rusher Kingsley Enagbare is less essential at his position. — Fowler
Primary positional requirement: Defensive tackle. This position requires better depth, particularly should Devonte Wyatt be sidelined again due to injury, as he missed two games with a knee injury before returning this past Sunday. — Schatz
1:19
Does the road to the Super Bowl go through the Packers?
Alex Smith, Adam Schefter and Rex Ryan discuss the Packers’ young roster and their chances of reaching the Super Bowl.
Potential candidates for relocation? Guard Sean Rhyan. The Packers are more likely to add players, possibly at cornerback. Rhyan, a third-round pick in 2022, is in the final year of his rookie contract. After losing his starting spot to 2024 first-round pick Jordan Morgan (though they alternated series in the most recent game), he seems aware that his time in Green Bay is limited. “Considering our current O-line, I probably won’t return,” Rhyan noted. For receiver assistance, the Packers might consider moving Romeo Doubs, who is in the final year of his contract but integral to their offense. Otherwise, Dontayvion Wicks is a possible candidate. — Rob Demovsky
Possible acquisition targets? Titans defensive tackle Sebastian Joseph-Day. Following Kenny Clark’s departure in the Parsons trade, the Packers have limited defensive interior depth, a weakness highlighted by Wyatt’s injury. Joseph-Day, a strong run defender on a one-year deal, would be ideal for addressing one of the team’s few remaining weaknesses as a Super Bowl contender. — Solak
Prospects for playoff inclusion: 26.8%
Anticipated first-round selection position: No. 16
Likelihood of addition, reduction, or inaction? Seeking to re-enter the division race before the Colts establish dominance, the Texans likely will seek additions, potentially in offensive line, running back, or tight end positions, to address offensive inconsistencies. —
