2024 NFL trade deadline: Players to watch, team needs, rumors

The 2024 NFL trade deadline is Tuesday, Nov. 5, at 4 p.m. ET — just under two weeks away. We’ve already seen a few moves, including big wide receiver acquisitions for the Jets (Davante Adams), Bills (Amari Cooper) and Chiefs (DeAndre Hopkins). But what’s coming next in the trade market? We’re previewing the deadline for all 32 teams.

First, we took a quick look at where each team stands through Week 7, via ESPN’s Football Power Index projections. NFL analyst Aaron Schatz named one key short-term need that could be addressed for all 32 rosters. Then NFL insiders Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano leaned on their reporting to predict whether each team will be active before the deadline, and if so, whether it will be adding to the roster or trading away players. Our NFL Nation reporters picked out one candidate to be moved, and NFL analyst Ben Solak and analytics writer Seth Walder found possible fits — players each team should pursue.

Here’s everything you need to know for each team heading into the deadline.

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

Chance to make playoffs: 29.6%
Projected first-round draft slot: 14
Schatz’s key position of need: Cornerback

Adding, subtracting or sitting it out? Subtracting, with the chance to sit it out. The Cardinals are trying to win in 2024 while planning for the future. That’s a balance that breeds patience, which is why I expect GM Monti Ossenfort to hold onto his picks. Safety Budda Baker would elicit trade interest if Ossenfort wants to give the free-agent-to-be a chance to earn a new contract elsewhere. — Fowler

Who could be on the move? Baker. The six-time Pro Bowl safety wanted a new deal during the 2023 offseason, and when he didn’t get it, he asked for a trade. He didn’t get that either, but he did get extra money added to his current deal — a Band-Aid of sorts. Teams know this and will come calling to see if they can convince the Cardinals to part ways with him to get something in return now. But he has 67 tackles this season and is the heart of Arizona’s defense, so moving him at this point would be a blow to the growth of that unit. — Josh Weinfuss

Which player should they target? Browns cornerback Greg Newsome II. I’m not sure the Browns would really part with Newsome, but the Cardinals should be first on the phone if so. Newsome has inside-outside versatility and strength in both zone and man coverage. He would immediately slot in as the desperately needed CB1 in Arizona, while the rest of the young players on the depth chart fight for the remaining spots. — Solak

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Chance to make playoffs: 56.4%
Projected first-round draft slot: 21
Schatz’s key position of need: Edge rusher

Adding, subtracting or sitting it out? Sitting it out. The Falcons are primed for a run and would look to add, but remember, they already jumped the gun on the trade deadline right before the season with the signing of safety Justin Simmons and the trade for edge rusher Matthew Judon. The Judon trade cost them their 2025 third-round pick, which of course makes it tougher for them to do deals this month. — Graziano

Who could be on the move? Safety Richie Grant. After starting 32 games the past two seasons, he was primed to start again in 2024, alongside Jessie Bates III, until the team traded for Simmons on the eve of the season. Coach Raheem Morris has discussed the desire to get Grant, a 2021 second-round pick, on the field at the same time with Bates and Simmons, which Atlanta has done sparingly. The Falcons likely won’t move him because they could use that depth at safety, but if they were so inclined, he would provide value as a potential starter elsewhere. — Marc Raimondi

Which player should they target? Jaguars wide receiver Christian Kirk. Defense might look like the logical spot for Atlanta to upgrade, but if you’re going to go on a deep run with Kirk Cousins — and presumably that was the point of bringing him in — you’re going to need to surround his side of the ball with talent, too. Kirk, who is boasting a 65 open score via ESPN’s receiver scores, would be an upgrade over Ray-Ray McCloud III in the slot for the Falcons. They would suddenly have a pretty impressive set of playmakers. — Walder

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Chance to make playoffs: 96.4%
Projected first-round draft slot: 30
Schatz’s key position of need: Wide receiver

Adding, subtracting or sitting it out? Sitting it out. Baltimore is primed for a playoff run and has a stable roster for the most part. It doesn’t feel like GM Eric DeCosta wants to ship off players, but he’s always prudent with opportunities. (Remember Roquan Smith?) Davante Adams in Baltimore would have been an intriguing pairing, but the team seems comfortable with its current receiver setup. — Fowler

Who could be on the move? Safety Eddie Jackson. The Ravens likely won’t be dealing away players at the trade deadline, but Jackson would potentially be available if teams are looking for experienced safety help. Jackson hasn’t made the expected impact as the Ravens’ No. 3 safety, recording 20 tackles and no interceptions or pass breakups. Jackson’s playing time has decreased recently because Baltimore has used Ar’Darius Washington more at deep safety. — Jamison Hensley

Which player should they target? Panthers edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney. Clowney totaled 9.5 sacks rushing opposite Kyle Van Noy in Baltimore last season, and now he’s twiddling his thumbs in Carolina on a one-year deal. With Yannick Ngakoue already back in the fold, why not continue the run on Ravens reunions at pass rusher? Clowney can be a rotational player, helping to keep both himself and Van Noy fresh — and once he gets healthy from a shoulder injury, he should pick up right where he left off. — Solak

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Chance to make playoffs: 97.5%
Projected first-round draft slot: 29
Schatz’s key position of need: Edge rusher

Adding, subtracting or sitting it out? Adding. In fact, they already made one move, trading for veteran wide receiver Amari Cooper. The Bills still need reinforcements on defense. But part of the reason they targeted Cooper (and not, say, Davante Adams) was because Cooper is making a veteran minimum salary this season after the Browns restructured his deal and the Bills are right up against the salary cap. Any further moves would have to fit a similar financial profile. — Graziano

Who could be on the move? Cornerback Kaiir Elam. The 2022 first-round pick is a backup outside cornerback behind starters Christian Benford and Rasul Douglas, as well as a special teams contributor. In his three years in Buffalo, he has been unable to cement a starting role despite his early-pick status and the fact that the Bills traded up to draft him. A fresh start on a cornerback-needy team could be best for Elam and supply the Bills with more draft capital. — Alaina Getzenberg

Which player should they target? Titans kicker Nick Folk. After they traded for Cooper, I suspect the Bills won’t do any more big business at the deadline. But kicker Tyler Bass has missed three field goal attempts and two PATs this season and now ranks 51st out of the 56 kickers who have attempted a field goal in the past three seasons in the Football Power Index’s predicted kicker rating. Folk ranks fourth, is on a noncontender in Tennessee and is in the last year of his contract. — Walder

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Chance to make playoffs: 0.1%
Projected first-round draft slot: 2
Schatz’s key position of need: 5-technique defensive end

Adding, subtracting or sitting it out? Subtracting. Teams are openly wondering if Carolina will blow it all up once again, and the deadline could spur action. Receiver Diontae Johnson will garner interest. The team’s top two picks from 2023, QB Bryce Young and WR Jonathan Mingo, do not appear part of the Panthers’ long-term plans and can be placed on any trade candidate list. Also, RB Miles Sanders is a player a few teams have brought up to me as an option, with rookie Jonathon Brooks soon joining a backfield that already features Chuba Hubbard. — Fowler

Who could be on the move? Sanders. Coach Dave Canales has said he doesn’t see Carolina trading Johnson, even though he can become an unrestricted free agent during the offseason. That could change if the losing continues and the right offer comes along, but it doesn’t seem likely. A source close to the situation told ESPN that Hubbard would not be traded even though Brooks (knee) will be ready to play soon. That leaves Sanders, who has two years left on his contract (though Carolina has an out in 2025). He’s a proven back who could help a team in need. — David Newton

Which player should they target? Jaguars offensive tackle Walker Little. The Jags should look into trading one of their two left tackle options between Little and Cam Robinson, and the Panthers should be interested in both. Left tackle has been a huge issue for the Panthers over the past few seasons, given the struggles of Ikem Ekwonu. They are 27th in pass block win rate (52.4%). And no potential rebuild of the offense can get off the ground without an improvement in blindside protection. — Solak

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Chance to make playoffs: 40.0%
Projected first-round draft slot: 19
Schatz’s key position of need: Run-stuffing defensive tackle

Adding, subtracting or sitting it out? Adding. Based on GM Ryan Poles’ history of adding at the deadline, you have to believe the Bears will be active if they find someone who can help them on the defensive or offensive lines. Hilariously, they still have an extra 2025 second-round pick from Carolina out of the Bryce Young deal. — Graziano

Who could be on the move? Guard Nate Davis. The veteran hasn’t lived up to the $30 million contract he signed with the Bears in 2023 and needs a change of scenery after being replaced as Chicago’s starting right guard in Week 3. He was thrust back into the lineup for 49 snaps in Week 4 after injuries forced his replacement, Matt Pryor, to slide over to left guard. But Davis was a healthy scratch two games later against the Jaguars.

It’s hard to envision another team giving the Bears much value in trade for Davis, and while it never hurts to have depth along the offensive line, Davis’ role could become even more obsolete when Ryan Bates (shoulder/elbow) comes off injured reserve. — Courtney Cronin

Which player should they target? Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard. He’s playing well and averaging 5.2 yards per carry, but the Panthers are noncontenders, Hubbard is in the final year of his deal and Carolina drafted Jonathon Brooks in the second round to be its future at running back. Chicago signed D’Andre Swift this offseason, but he’s averaging just 3.6 YPC and has minus-55 rush yards over expectation, per NFL Next Gen Stats. — Walder

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Chance to make playoffs: 37.7%
Projected first-round draft slot: 13
Schatz’s key position of need: Cornerback

Adding, subtracting or sitting it out? Sitting it out. The Bengals aren’t on my bingo card for a splash move at the deadline. The offense is stabilized, the offensive line is capable and the defense appears to have what it needs. Teams have had interest in Tee Higgins, but with Cincy still a playoff contender, shipping him out is questionable — especially with his free agency contract destined to net the Bengals a decent midround compensatory pick. — Fowler

Who could be on the move? Higgins. Valid points from Jeremy, but the Bengals haven’t been able to sign Higgins during each of the past two offseasons and put the franchise tag on him for 2024. After sitting out the first two games of the season because of a hamstring injury, he now has 341 receiving yards, three touchdowns and zero drops on 44 targets. Cincinnati can’t afford to pay him and Ja’Marr Chase, so it makes sense to get something of value for Higgins if the Bengals aren’t going to be a championship contender this season. — Ben Baby

Which player should they target? Raiders defensive tackle Adam Butler. If the Bengals are indeed adding at the trade deadline, it must mean they’re making a playoff push … which must mean their run defense needs immediate reinforcements. Enter Butler, who is on a cheap one-year deal and is good for 40 or so snaps per game with some splashy run defense. Exactly what the doctor ordered. — Solak

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Chance to make playoffs: 3.9%
Projected first-round draft slot: 5
Schatz’s key position of need: Wide receiver

Adding, subtracting or sitting it out? Subtracting. The Browns have the cap space and draft capital to add just about anyone they want. The problem is they are 1-6, their quarterback is done for the season, and they might be closer to rebuilding than to contending. Amari Cooper may not be the last Browns veteran on his way out the door. — Graziano

Who could be on the move? Defensive end Za’Darius Smith. The Browns already made one midseason trade, sending Cooper to the Bills. And while the team insists its sole focus is on turning around from a 1-6 start, it could continue to look to flip veterans for picks who can replenish an aging roster. The 32-year-old Smith is a proven pass rusher — he is tied for first on the Browns with four sacks — and signed a two-year, $23 million deal last offseason. But only $12 million is guaranteed, all in 2024. — Daniel Oyefusi

Which player should they target? Seahawks center Olu Oluwatimi. The only trades the Browns ought to be making are those that help in 2025 and beyond — like one for a young center. Oluwatimi, a 2023 fifth-round pick, has mostly been an inactive third-stringer behind Connor Williams and UDFA Jalen Sundell in Seattle this season. The idea here is for Cleveland to bring him in and hope to develop him for the future, especially since current Browns center Ethan Pocic has been disappointing in 2024, with a 91.1% pass block win rate (24th out of 30 centers). Backup Nick Harris is on IR. — Walder

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Chance to make playoffs: 17.3%
Projected first-round draft slot: 12
Schatz’s key position of need: Wide receiver

Adding, subtracting or sitting it out? Sitting it out. I’ll call the proposition to add flimsy, since Dallas has not been aggressive throughout the calendar year. But pass rush has been so badly depleted that help is needed. We could say the same for running back, too. And linebacker Damone Clark plays behind DeMarvion Overshown and Eric Kendricks; do the Cowboys field calls there? — Fowler

Who could be on the move? Defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa. If the Cowboys are out of playoff contention by the trade deadline, then maybe Trevon Diggs could make sense to some teams. The two-time Pro Bowl cornerback is making $11 million this season, and his $9 million salary next season does not become fully guaranteed until the fifth day of the 2025 league year. But Odighizuwa is entering the final year of his deal, and it just might be time to move on for both sides. He has not been as productive this season as he was in his first three, and a team might want to take a chance on him finding his form with free agency looming. — Todd Archer

Which player should they target? Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. If we assume that a return to health on defense will also bring a return to form for the entire team, then the biggest need in Dallas is at running back, where the Cowboys are totally lacking juice. Etienne is far from a perfect runner and has arguably now lost his job to Tank Bigsby, but he still has big-play potential and can catch the ball out of the backfield. He’d bring more explosiveness to Rico Dowdle’s role. — Solak

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Chance to make playoffs: 37.9%
Projected first-round draft slot: 15
Schatz’s key position of need: Wide receiver

Adding, subtracting or sitting it out? Sitting it out. The Broncos aren’t loaded with cap space, and they’re kind of in a no-man’s-land between contender and pretender status. It’s more likely they wait until the offseason to continue building as needed around quarterback Bo Nix. Maybe they listen on Javonte Williams if someone asks? — Graziano

Who could be on the move? Quarterbacks Jarrett Stidham or Zach Wilson. Stidham lost the training camp competition with Nix, so he has been QB2 on game days this season. But the Broncos are still intrigued by Wilson’s physical skills and arm strength, both of which he displayed often in camp practices and preseason games. One of those passers could be moved. Given their ultra tight salary cap this year and next (thanks to their decision to release Russell Wilson earlier this year), the Broncos need draft capital and would listen to any and all offers. — Jeff Legwold

Which player should they target? Saints tight end Juwan Johnson. Denver has been playing Adam Trautman and Lucas Krull at tight end, with Greg Dulcich being a healthy scratch the past few games. Johnson, who is in the last year of his contract, would be an upgrade. He has averaged 1.3 yards per route run over the past three seasons and had a 65 open score last season in ESPN’s receiver scores, fourth best among tight ends. (He hasn’t played enough to qualify so far this season.) — Walder

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Chance to make playoffs: 93.1%
Projected first-round draft slot: 31
Schatz’s key position of need: Edge rusher

Adding, subtracting or sitting it out? Adding. A week ago, I would have said the Lions would sit this one out. They have one of the league’s best rosters. But GM Brad Holmes is doing his homework on the pass-rush market after Aidan Hutchinson’s injury. Holmes isn’t afraid to be aggressive. Cleveland’s Za’Darius Smith would be a fit. If Detroit’s looking for a speedy sub-rusher, New England’s Joshua Uche makes sense. — Fowler

Who could be on the move? Defensive lineman James Houston. After a spectacular rookie season in 2022, when he registered eight sacks (second among all NFL rookies behind only Hutchinson), he missed most of 2023. He narrowly made the 53-man roster on a revamped Lions defense this season and was inactive for three of their first six games. A sixth-round pick out of Jackson State, Houston could benefit from a change of scenery. — Eric Woodyard

Which player should they target? Bengals edge rusher Trey Hendrickson. He requested a trade from the Bengals during the offseason, and I think Cincinnati would move him for the right (steep) price. He isn’t exactly the big, long body that Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn typically prefers at edge rusher, but his body of work as a pass rusher is undeniable. He’s one of the few, if not the only player, who might be available at the deadline who can actually plug the void that Hutchinson’s injury leaves. Hendrickson has seven sacks (tied for fourth in the NFL) and a 27.5% pass rush win rate this season (third). — Solak

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Chance to make playoffs: 76.7%
Projected first-round draft slot: 28
Schatz’s key position of need: Cornerback

Adding, subtracting or sitting it out? Sitting it out. C’mon, this is the Packers. I think they could add a kicker, even after signing Brandon McManus, but they like their roster and believe it’s ready to compete for a championship. The Packers are deep and young and not the kind of team that’s looking to make any major splashes from the outside. — Graziano

Who could be on the move? Defensive end Preston Smith. There have already been some reports that the Packers are shopping Smith, the second-oldest player on the team at 31, and are looking to add someone at his position to boost the pass rush. Smith has a big salary ($12 million this season, $12.6 million next), and his production has waned. He looks like a candidate to be released after the season, so perhaps the Packers can get something for him now. — Rob Demovsky

Which player should they target? Panthers edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney. The Packers rank 30th in pass rush win rate, and Rashan Gary and Smith rank 39th and 43rd out of 50 qualifiers at edge. I’m sure Green Bay would like to rely more on 2023 first-round pick Lukas Van Ness, but if he qualified for that same list, he’d be tied for 47th.

Bringing in a 31-year-old Clowney might not sound ideal at first, but he’s still disruptive. Though he has one sack, he has a 22.2% pass rush win rate at edge that would rank 10th if he qualified. Green Bay has the chance to make a Super Bowl run in 2024, but it’s likely going to need more of a pass rush to get there. — Walder

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Chance to make playoffs: 89.5%
Projected first-round draft slot: 26
Schatz’s key position of need: Cornerback

Adding, subtracting or sitting it out? Subtracting. Houston won’t be pressed to make any major moves, but its receiver depth could make a trade enticing, assuming Nico Collins (hamstring) can return in the first half of November. Veteran receiver Robert Woods can help another team if the Texans are willing to cover part of his $1.5 million salary guarantee in 2024. And trading running back Cam Akers to Minnesota reminds that GM Nick Caserio’s phone line is open. Does he add offensive line reinforcements? — Fowler

Who could be on the move? Wide receiver John Metchie III. He still has value as a 2022 second-round pick, but in Houston, he can’t get on the field. He has been active for only four games, and that was due to injuries in the receiver room. For the season, Metchie has played 61 snaps and run 21 routes. — DJ Bien-Aime

Which player should they target? Bengals linebacker Germaine Pratt. The Texans’ defense has been hiding a lot of warts with the strength of its pass rush — namely, coverage over the middle of the field. Pratt is a solid veteran on an inexpensive deal, and if the Bengals start trading assets as they punt on this season, Pratt is worth the call for the Texans. He’d pair nicely as a thumper besides Azeez Al-Shaair. — Solak

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Chance to make playoffs: 57.7%
Projected first-round draft slot: 18
Schatz’s key position of need: Cornerback

Adding, subtracting or sitting it out? Sitting it out. It’s tough to get a read on this situation, as they’re kind of an in-between team and could benefit from adding. And they might! But GM Chris Ballard largely sat out the player acquisition part of the offseason because he believes in this roster. If the Colts can keep quarterback Anthony Richardson healthy — and if he can put together some consistent performances — they might be OK as they are. — Graziano

Who could be on the move? Defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo. The Colts rarely let former draft picks walk, but it’s a contract year for Odeyingbo, and he might not be cheap to re-sign for a team that has already invested significantly in its defensive line. If he hits the market in the spring, a 25-year-old proven pass rusher (eight sacks in 2023) will draw legitimate interest, and that will drive the price up. Could a trade suitor make a play for him knowing those realities might entice the Colts? — Stephen Holder

Which player should they target? Patriots cornerback Jonathan Jones. The postseason is in play for Indy, so it’s feasible the Colts try to strengthen their team via trade before the deadline. Jones would be a short-term solution as a 31-year-old player on an expiring contract, but the Colts are a little thin at cornerback, and Jaylon Jones has allowed 1.6 yards per coverage snap this season. On paper, the Colts’ pass rush looks like it could turn into something dangerous, so if that improvement happens and they strengthen their secondary at the same time, Indy could be tough down the stretch. — Walder

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Chance to make playoffs: 7.4%
Projected first-round draft slot: 8
Schatz’s key position of need: Cornerback

Adding, subtracting or sitting it out? Subtracting. The Jaguars’ underachieving roster will elicit trade inquiries. Rookie-scale players like safety Andre Cisco, running back Travis Etienne Jr. and linebacker Devin Lloyd could be tempting. I’m not saying the Jags completely start over, but we’ve seen this script before with struggling teams. Jacksonville also has three starting-caliber offensive tackles, with Walker Little the odd man out. Teams are always looking for OT help. — Fowler

Who could be on the move? Offensive tackle Cam Robinson. He is a solid veteran (81.7% pass block win rate) in the final year of a three-year, $52.75 million contract, and the Jaguars are unlikely to re-sign him. He could be a short-term rental for a team with an injured left tackle with the potential to sign to a new deal. As a swing tackle, Little (90.0% pass block win rate) has been reliable when he has started games for Robinson in the past, so he could slide into the starting spot without a drop-off. — Mike DiRocco

Which player should they target? Falcons edge rusher Zach Harrison. The Jaguars likely won’t be acquiring anybody at this year’s trade deadline, but I suppose Harrison is a fine target. A 2023 third-round selection, Harrison fit in the Ryan Nielsen defense in Atlanta. But now that Nielsen is in Jacksonville, Harrison has fallen to 12th in front-seven snaps (85) for Raheem Morris’ defense. I imagine he’d cost little for the Jaguars, who have worryingly thin edge rusher depth behind Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen. — Solak

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Chance to make playoffs: 99.6%
Projected first-round draft slot: 32
Schatz’s key position of need: Slot receiver

Adding, subtracting or sitting it out? Adding. They always do, and they already started with the DeAndre Hopkins deal. It may not be any bigger than, say, the Kadarius Toney acquisition in 2022 or the Mecole Hardman acquisition in 2023, but the Chiefs have plenty of places on their roster where they can tinker — and they’ve shown at past deadlines that they think it’s a good idea. They have an extra 2025 third-round pick they got from the Titans in the L’Jarius Sneed deal, too. — Graziano

Who could be on the move? Defensive end Cameron Thomas. The Chiefs don’t have anyone of high value who fits into this category. A wide receiver like Hardman would have been expendable at one point, but injuries have robbed them of their depth at the position. With edge rusher Charles Omenihu expected back from a knee injury later in the season, the Chiefs could look to flip Thomas, a former third-round pick of the Cardinals. — Adam Teicher

Which player should they target? Patriots edge rusher Joshua Uche. Kansas City could use Uche to sub in for Mike Danna in passing situations and ought to get a lot more disruption as a result. Danna has a 4.4% pass rush win rate at edge, while Uche is off to a scorching start with a 24.1% pass rush win rate. Back in 2022, Uche had a 18.5% pressure rate — the highest for any player in an entire season in ESPN’s dataset (back to 2017). Uche is also cheap, which helps a lot in this case because Kansas City is tight against the salary cap. — Walder

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Chance to make playoffs: 4.2%
Projected first-round draft slot: 6
Schatz’s key position of need: Wide receiver

Adding, subtracting or sitting it out? Subtracting. The Raiders already did the heavy lifting with the Davante Adams deal. He was the most obvious trade candidate on the roster. It feels like the defense is so beat up that it needs all of its players, though. This isn’t a team with much of a surplus at any position, and it isn’t good enough to enter one-move-away mode. — Fowler

Who could be on the move? Defensive end Maxx Crosby. It all depends on whether the Raiders are in full rebuild mode after trading Adams to the Jets and what they could get for the three-time Pro Bowl edge rusher (and unquestioned face of the franchise). Moving Crosby would be wildly unpopular for the fan base, and Crosby has sent mixed signals about what he wants. After the Week 5 loss at Denver, he said, “You know where I want to be.” After the Adams trade, he said, “I’m not here to rebuild.” Stay tuned. — Paul Gutierrez

Which player should they target? Titans wide receiver Treylon Burks. With the departure of Adams and absence of tight end Michael Mayer, the Raiders have a lot of targets available. Burks never hit for the Titans as an A.J. Brown replacement, but I’m still interested in the designed-touch and shot-play potential of a highly-explosive 225-pound receiver. Burks would slide into the WR3 role behind Jakobi Meyers and Tre Tucker, but he could also continue to get looks on special teams as a returner. But first, he’d need to get healthy; he is out with a knee injury. — Solak

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Chance to make playoffs: 47.9%
Projected first-round draft slot: 17
Schatz’s key position of need: Interior offensive line

Adding, subtracting or sitting it out? Sitting it out. It’s going better under new coach Jim Harbaugh and GM Joe Hortiz than a lot of people thought it would in Year 1, but the Chargers’ braintrust has a plan. And part of that plan is to use this season to determine who is and isn’t part of the long-term future. Hortiz also comes from the Ravens, where they’ve long had a strong aversion to trading draft picks for players. — Graziano

Who could be on the move? Outside linebacker Khalil Mack. The Chargers aren’t looking to trade Mack, but he is one of their best assets to move at this point. Mack leads the team in sacks (2.5) and has the most pass rush wins (13). Mack, 33, took a pay cut ahead of this season to return to the Chargers, with the hopes of competing for a title. But there are other teams, at least on paper, better positioned to contend this season. Mack’s base salary ($1.3 million) would make him attractive for a team looking for an effective edge rusher. — Kris Rhim

Which player should they target? Panthers wide receiver Diontae Johnson. Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston have been better than expected, but now that the Chargers are firmly in the AFC playoff mix, why not add a strong route runner in Johnson to give Justin Herbert an open target? The investment wouldn’t be significant because Johnson is in the last year of his deal, and if it works out, the Chargers can have the first shot at signing him in free agency, too. — Walder

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Chance to make playoffs: 12.3%
Projected first-round draft slot: 10
Schatz’s key position of need: Center

Adding, subtracting or sitting it out? Sitting it out. Anything feels possible here, especially if the losing persists and a quarterback-hungry team makes an aggressive play for Matthew Stafford. But if the offense can get healthy by the end of the month and keep the record respectable, the playoff window remains open. Coach Sean McVay is known for doing more with less. — Fowler

Who could be on the move? Wide receiver Tutu Atwell. He is in the final season of his rookie contract and isn’t likely to sign an extension. The 2021 second-rounder has played an increased snap count this season due to injuries to Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua, but that is expected to change once both return. The Rams were in a similar situation last season with wide receiver Van Jefferson and traded him to the Falcons in the final season of his rookie deal. — Sarah Barshop

Which player should they target? Eagles cornerback Avonte Maddox. The Rams desperately need cover men if they have any hope of turning around their season. Maddox is a veteran nickel defender who has been ousted by rookie Cooper DeJean in the Eagles’ starting lineup. And while his best football is probably behind him, he’s one of the better slot defenders you can find on the trade market. Just play him in zone and give him some safety reps, and this could pay off. — Solak

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Chance to make playoffs: 5.3%
Projected first-round draft slot: 4
Schatz’s key position of need: Edge rusher

Adding, subtracting or sitting it out? Sitting it out. So much in Miami has been geared around the question of when Tua Tagovailoa would come back. Now that he appears set to return in Week 8, the Dolphins have a couple of weeks to figure out how they want to play this. It’s possible they could add, but sitting it out seems more likely for a team that was active in addressing its needs in the offseason.

It’s also worth noting that the Dolphins don’t have a third-round pick in 2025 as a result of trading up in the 2024 draft for running back Jaylen Wright. They could pick up a compensatory third-rounder for losing Christian Wilkins, but those picks aren’t awarded until after the season (and therefore can’t be traded now). — Graziano

Who could be on the move? Running back Jeff Wilson Jr. Miami traded for Wilson two seasons ago, and his familiarity with Mike McDaniel dates back to 2018, when the coach worked him out as a potential undrafted free agent. However, he plays one of the precious few positions where the Dolphins have quality depth and youth. Wilson brings a uniquely physical element to the team’s running back room, but he’s also the player most likely to be traded from that group. — Marcel Louis-Jacques

Which player should they target? Panthers quarterback Bryce Young. I’m hardly the first person to suggest this one, but it makes sense: The Dolphins could land Young at his lowest value and slot him behind Tagovailoa, in hopes that McDaniel can rehabilitate the 2023 first overall pick’s career. If Tagovailoa misses any more time, Miami would be able to look to Young; the Dolphins’ backups this season have combined for a 15.3 QBR, so what’s the harm in making a move here?

If Young can regain his form, he could still be useful to Miami going forward for depth (or the Dolphins could even deal him again for a profit). If not, the original trade price surely wouldn’t be steep, so the risk is minimal. — Walder

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Chance to make playoffs: 78.4%
Projected first-round draft slot: 27
Schatz’s key position of need: Defensive line

Adding, subtracting or sitting it out? Sitting it out. Not many teams are better positioned than the Vikings, who have a winning formula and key players everywhere. The depth chart does not feature many obvious trade candidates. Adding running back Cam Akers from Houston fortified running back depth. To say they have another move in them doesn’t feel like a slam dunk. Linebacker Brian Asamoah II is a former Day 2 pick who’s not in the defensive rotation, so perhaps a team that loved him in the 2022 draft makes a call. — Fowler

Who could be on the move? Cornerback Akayleb Evans. Evans started two games as a rookie in 2022 and 15 last season, but he is now buried on the depth chart behind veterans Stephon Gilmore, Byron Murphy Jr. and Shaquill Griffin. At 6-foot-2 and 198 pounds, he has the kind of size that teams covet at the position. The Vikings aren’t necessarily looking to move him, and he could be elevated based on injuries, but at the moment there isn’t a clear path for him to get on the field. — Kevin Seifert

Which player should they target? Broncos defensive tackle D.J. Jones. Jones has been a handy player for a quality Broncos defense, so I’m not sure how gettable he is right now — but he is a veteran in the last year of his deal, so it’s worth making the call. Vikings fans are hoping for Jeffery Simmons or Dexter Lawrence II, but Jones would give them the stout and reliable nose tackle play they need at a fraction of the cost. — Solak

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Chance to make playoffs: 0.4%
Projected first-round draft slot: 1
Schatz’s key position of need: Offensive tackle

Adding, subtracting or sitting it out? Subtracting. Anything the Patriots can do to build for the future around Drake Maye is a good idea. If someone wants to offer something of value for someone like Joshua Uche or Kendrick Bourne, the Pats are bound to listen. They need help everywhere. — Graziano

Who could be on the move? Wide receiver K.J. Osborn. The Patriots signed Osborn to a one-year, $4 million deal as a free agent after he started 12 games last season for the Vikings and totaled 48 receptions for 540 yards and three touchdowns. Osborn hasn’t broken through in New England, however, with five catches for 31 yards. Coach Jerod Mayo noted the team’s WR depth chart by saying: “When I look at the film, it’s [Kayshon] Boutte, [DeMario Douglas] and [Kendrick] Bourne. We need the rest of those guys to step up and make plays.” — Mike Reiss

Which player should they target? Giants offensive tackle Evan Neal. The former top-10 pick has fallen far out of favor in New York, and he is no longer a starter. And after Andrew Thomas suffered a season-ending Lisfranc injury, the team turned to Joshua Ezeudu to start in Thomas’ stead. The Patriots, meanwhile, are in rough shape on the offensive line due to both poor play and injuries; they have the league’s worst pass block win rate (44.8%). They can take a chance on Neal, hoping a change in environment and coaching helps unlock his upside. — Walder

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Chance to make playoffs: 7.0%
Projected first-round draft slot: 9
Schatz’s key position of need: Interior offensive line

Adding, subtracting or sitting it out? Subtracting. Two weeks ago, I had the Saints adding — either Davante Adams or offensive line help. But New Orleans is coming off three straight blowout losses, giving up a combined 110 points during that stretch. Injuries have crushed the roster. With several bloated contracts on the books, it might be time to float them to the market. — Fowler

Who could be on the move? Cornerback Marshon Lattimore. Paulson Adebo would’ve been a good candidate here until his leg injury, and Lattimore could still be a candidate if the Saints are willing to live with diminished cornerback depth this season. Lattimore was the subject of trade rumors all offsesason until the team decided to move forward with him this summer. He’s scheduled to count for $31 million against the salary cap next season, meaning his contract will have to be reworked again if he stays on the team in 2025. — Katherine Terrell

Which player should they target? Bears guard Nate Davis. Davis lost his starting job in Chicago, where he has struggled since joining the Bears in free agency before the 2023 season. A clean split is probably best for both parties, and the Saints need help on the interior right now. Davis was at his best in Tennessee as a road-grading run-blocking guard, and that’s what the Saints ask of their offensive linemen in the Klint Kubiak system. — Solak

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Chance to make playoffs: 0.8%
Projected first-round draft slot: 7
Schatz’s key position of need: Off-ball linebacker

Adding, subtracting or sitting it out? Subtracting. The Giants’ defensive line is playing great, and quarterback Daniel Jones is showing the kind of toughness they want to see from him. But the Giants are 2-5, and the two teams they play between now and the deadline (Steelers, Commanders) both have winning records. They’re not likely to wake up on Nov. 5 feeling like NFC contenders. Edge rusher Azeez Ojulari could be a very desirable trade target for teams. — Graziano

Who could be on the move? Wide receiver Darius Slayton. He’s a quality receiver in the final year of his deal who wasn’t particularly happy with his contract earlier this season. The Giants again tried to replace him in the starting lineup this summer with second-year receiver Jalin Hyatt, so Slayton probably wouldn’t be disappointed if he gets a shot elsewhere to reach the playoffs for just the second time in his career. He can help a team as a complementary pass catcher with his ability to make big plays, as he has averaged a healthy 12.5 yards per reception this season. — Jordan Raanan

Which player should they target? Bills cornerback Kaiir Elam. This is the only kind of acquisition the Giants should make — a flier on a player who showed promise in the past in hopes of realizing some upside for the future. Elam has struggled to get on the field since being drafted in the first round in 2022. He’d be a lottery ticket for the Giants, but they might as well use the rest of this season to try to find players who can help them going forward. — Walder

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Chance to make playoffs: 29.0%
Projected first-round draft slot: 11
Schatz’s key position of need: Edge rusher

Adding, subtracting or sitting it out? Subtracting. The Jets lost a third-round pick in the Davante Adams trade, and that’s on top of the third-rounder relinquished in the Haason Reddick trade in the offseason. So GM Joe Douglas surely would like to recoup some capital. Receiver Mike Williams is the odd man out at receiver right now, with Pittsburgh a potential destination there. — Fowler

Who could be on the move? Williams. Adams’ arrival means someone is left out, and that someone could be Williams, who incurred the wrath of Aaron Rodgers for running the wrong route on a late-game interception in Week 6. Williams, who signed a one-year, $10 million contract, has been an afterthought in the passing game. The Jets are rolling with Adams, Garrett Wilson and Allen Lazard, so Williams could be deemed expendable. — Rich Cimini

Which player should they target? Cardinals safety Budda Baker. If you’re all-in, you’re all-in. Baker is a six-time Pro Bowler in the final year of his deal, and the Cardinals are clearly willing to listen to offers on him. Baker is the aggressive safety with slot coverage ability that is perfect for the Jeff Ulbrich defense. And with Chuck Clark on injured reserve (ankle), there are snaps to be had in the Jets’ defensive backfield. — Solak

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Chance to make playoffs: 73.8%
Projected first-round draft slot: 25
Schatz’s key position of need: Edge rusher

Adding, subtracting or sitting it out? Adding. Is Howie Roseman still the GM there or what? You know he’s always looking to add. Roseman was making player-for-player trades before all the cool kids were doing it, and he never shies away from pursuing the big names on the market. — Graziano

Who could be on the move? Cornerback Eli Ricks. Ricks showed some promise his rookie season in 2023, holding quarterbacks to a completion rate of 48.3% (per NFL Next Gen Stats) with four pass breakups as a part-time player. The Eagles’ corner room is pretty deep this season, though, which has kept Ricks largely on the sideline. Given the Eagles’ surplus at the position, cornerback-needy teams could look to Philadelphia for help. — Tim McManus

Which player should they target? Patriots wide receiver Kendrick Bourne. The Eagles traded for Jahan Dotson before the season to be their third receiver, but that move has not panned out. Dotson has an almost impressively poor 0.2 yards per route run this season.

Bourne, who recently returned from an ACL tear sustained last season, could be an upgrade. Though he has never rekindled the level of play he showed during a strong 2021 season (when he recorded 800 receiving yards with 2.1 yards per route run), ESPN’s receiver scores have always liked him. His overall score has been at least 50 in every season, including and since that 2021 season (and at least 60 in all but one). — Walder

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Chance to make playoffs: 82.3%
Projected first-round draft slot: 23
Schatz’s key position of need: Cornerback

Adding, subtracting or sitting it out? Adding. Since the summer, the Steelers have scoured the Earth for wide receiver help. I have to think they come away with something by the deadline. Former Browns wideout Amari Cooper, now with Buffalo, was off-limits to Pittsburgh while in the AFC North, but others could be in play. Pittsburgh has had injury issues along the offensive line and could look for reinforcements there, too. — Fowler

Who could be on the move? Wide receiver Calvin Austin III. Let’s be clear: Because of injuries creating a lack of depth at previously flush positions, the Steelers don’t have a legitimate trade candidate on their roster right now. Sidelined by a calf injury while Justin Fields went 4-2, Russell Wilson was a trendy pick before he threw three touchdowns in his Steelers debut. Now, though, the team certainly won’t part with him — or Fields.

The only scenario that makes Austin, or any other player, a tradeable asset is if trading him away gains a more established player at the position. Could Pittsburgh package Austin with a late-round pick to acquire a solid veteran No. 2 receiver? — Brooke Pryor

Which player should they target? Jets wide receiver Mike Williams. I don’t believe Williams will ever be as good as he was on his rookie deal for the Chargers, before all of his injuries accumulated. But I also don’t think he’s nearly as bad as his Jets film would imply. Williams needs a quarterback who will throw him contested balls on the sideline, which Wilson is happy to do. And the Steelers need anyone who can play wide receiver. It would work. — Solak

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Chance to make playoffs: 44.5%
Projected first-round draft slot: 20
Schatz’s key position of need: Edge rusher

Adding, subtracting or sitting it out? Adding. This team just has to be aggressive. The 49ers caught a break in that no one in their division has run away from them, and whenever running back Christian McCaffrey (Achilles) returns, that’ll make them much better. But this is a team with the highest of goals, and it knows it is short in some key spots on defense. — Graziano

Who could be on the move? Quarterback Joshua Dobbs. The banged-up 49ers are dealing with so many injuries they can’t afford to trade any of the contributors on the roster. But if a quarterback-needy team came calling about Dobbs, they would at least have to listen. Having Dobbs as the third option behind Brock Purdy and Brandon Allen is a luxury the Niners enjoy, but if they could turn him into an asset while giving him a chance to have a larger role elsewhere, it’s something to consider. — Nick Wagoner

Which player should they target? Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp. The plethora of playmakers the 49ers appeared to have in August is suddenly thin. Brandon Aiyuk is out for the season (torn ACL/MCL), McCaffrey is still out and Deebo Samuel Sr. is dealing with a form of pneumonia. Kupp, who is expected to return soon from an ankle injury, has managed 2.0 yards per route run since the start of 2023 and has long had success under coach Sean McVay, so one would think Kyle Shanahan could get the most out of him, too. If the Rams are up for dealing Kupp, San Francisco should be the first place they look; it’s better to take draft capital from your rival than anyone else. — Walder

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Chance to make playoffs: 30.3%
Projected first-round draft slot: 16
Schatz’s key position of need: Right tackle

Adding, subtracting or sitting it out? Sitting it out. I might regret this stance since GM John Schneider is a dealmaker. But the Seahawks already acquired defensive lineman Roy Robertson-Harris in a trade this month with Jacksonville. And Seattle’s issues largely stem from execution more than personnel. The right tackle outlook is sticky. Abraham Lucas (knee) is still out and multiple players have filled his spot. Does Schneider call teams with a surplus at the position to help protect Geno Smith? — Fowler

Who could be on the move? Center Olu Oluwatimi. He was in line to start at center over the offseason until the Seahawks upgraded that spot by signing Connor Williams. Since then, Oluwatimi has been a healthy scratch in four of six games, as Seattle has kept undrafted rookie Jalen Sundell on the active list instead. However, Oluwatimi would likely have minimal trade value as a 2023 fifth-round pick with one career start, and thus might be more valuable to the Seahawks as an inexpensive depth guy with control of his contract for the next two-plus years. — Brady Henderson

Which player should they target? Jaguars linebacker Devin Lloyd. The Seahawks turned over their linebacker room this offseason to disastrous results, as run defense and play-action pass defense have both hurt the team mightily in the past few weeks. Lloyd is far from a perfect player, but many of his problems remind me of those Patrick Queen endured in Baltimore — that is, before now-Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald took over the Ravens’ defense and put Queen’s career back on track. Lloyd would be an immediate upgrade with a high ceiling for improvement. — Solak

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Chance to make playoffs: 65.5%
Projected first-round draft slot: 22
Schatz’s key position of need: Wide receiver

Adding, subtracting or sitting it out? Adding. The Bucs are three-time defending division champs who are determined to try to keep Atlanta from breaking that streak. They need help at every level of the defense, and I would expect GM Jason Licht to be very attentive to who’s available at the deadline on that side of the ball. The injuries to receivers Chris Godwin (ankle) and Mike Evans (hamstring) on Monday also mean the Bucs probably will keep an eye on the receiver market over the next few weeks. — Graziano

Who could be on the move? Running back Rachaad White. With the breakout success of Bucky Irving and Sean Tucker, it’s fair to think there might be outside interest in acquiring one of the Bucs’ three running backs. Trading White might be unlikely, though, because he still brings a lot of value in the passing game, and offensive coordinator Liam Coen has said the team would go with the hot hand in the backfield. Plus, it’s a long season at a position where there’s a high degree of contact. — Jenna Laine

Which player should they target? Raiders guard Cody Whitehair. Bucs guards Ben Bredeson and Cody Mauch rank 58th and 61st out of 64 qualifiers at guard in pass block win rate, respectively, and the team could use Whitehair to sub in for one of them to shore up the pass protection. After starting at the beginning of the season, Whitehair is now a reserve in Las Vegas. But the win rates have always loved the 32-year-old guard; he finished top 10 in pass block win rate at guard in both 2022 and 2023.

Clearly the NFL doesn’t view him that way given he was signed to a cheap (and easily tradable) contract, but he might just be a useful player for Tampa Bay. — Walder

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Chance to make playoffs: 3.6%
Projected first-round draft slot: 3
Schatz’s key position of need: Right tackle

Adding, subtracting or sitting it out? Subtracting. The Treylon Burks experiment hasn’t worked, and he probably could use a fresh start elsewhere. He’s on injured reserve (knee) right now, but players are still tradeable in that scenario, assuming his health is a short-term issue. — Fowler

Who could be on the move? Hopkins. He hasn’t overstayed his welcome and doesn’t need a change of scenery. But he is probably the most tradable player the Titans have considering how the wide receiver market has dwindled. Hopkins’ veteran presence would immediately improve whatever receiver room he’d join. He has 15 catches for 173 yards and a touchdown this season. (This was published prior to the Titans agreeing to trade Hopkins to the Chiefs Wednesday morning.) — Turron Davenport

Which player should they target? Commanders offensive tackle Cornelius Lucas. The Commanders are currently rotating left tackles, as Lucas splits series with rookie Brandon Coleman. Both have looked good, and if the Commanders feel solid in Coleman’s play, they may look to flip Lucas, a 33-year-old vet on a cheap deal. The Titans, meanwhile, have the worst right tackle situation imaginable. Lucas would immediately start and could earn a nice late-career payday with solid play. — Solak

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Chance to make playoffs: 74.3%
Projected first-round draft slot: 24
Schatz’s key position of need: Defensive tackle

Adding, subtracting or sitting it out? Adding. They owe it to their surprise first-place roster to deal a pick or two for help on defense. The Commanders might have come into this season thinking about a long-term build around rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, but Daniels is already playing like one of the best quarterbacks in the league, this offense is humming and the Commanders need help on the other side of the ball. Go for it. — Graziano

Who could be on the move? Cornerback Emmanuel Forbes Jr. In the past three months, Washington’s new regime has parted ways with two of the organization’s recent first-round picks: receiver Jahan Dotson (2022, traded to Philadelphia) and defensive end/linebacker Jamin Davis (2021, cut). Forbes, the 16th pick in 2023, has had a rocky two seasons in the pros, from injuries to benchings. Based on that, he could be moved. But Washington also lacks depth at this position, and Forbes has been one of its top four corners. — John Keim

Which player should they target? Dolphins cornerback Kendall Fuller. How does a second reunion with Fuller sound for Washington? The Commanders need help at corner; they rank 31st in the NFL in defensive open score against wide receivers (via ESPN’s receiver scores). Benjamin St-Juste has given up 2.0 yards per coverage snap — fifth most among corners with at least 100 coverage snaps this season, per NFL Next Gen Stats. With Daniels at the helm, Washington has no time to waste. It has a chance to make a real playoff run, and having a more palatable defense would really help. Fuller would help stabilize a weak position for Washington. — Walder