If we all could play GM for our favorite NFL team, then we would see plenty more action at the trade deadline. This year, all 32 teams have until Tuesday, Nov. 10, a day after Week 9 of the 2026 schedule, to make a midseason deal.
In previous years, few players were moved before the deadline. Now the NFL has become a more aggressive trading league with more teams looking to improve for the stretch run.
Although not all contenders are “sellers” and not all fading, losing teams are “buyers”, it would make more sense for teams with real playoff aspirations to follow through on impactful acquisitions.
In an ideal world, these dozen contenders would “win” the trade deadline if they made the following moves.
POWER RANKINGS: Bills the new No. 1; Patriots, Packers slide
Ranking the 12 best potential trade deadline deals
Vikings trade for Colts RB Jonathan Taylor
The Vikings saw Taylor firsthand in Week 7 at home, as their strong run defense gave up 95 rushing yards and a TD to the Colts workhorse. He averaged 5.3 yards per carry and added 15 receiving yards.
At the same time, the Vikings saw soon-to-be 32-year-old Aaron Jones Sr. suffer a left knee injury that has him day-to-day. That was timed with Jordan Mason (thumb) just returning from a stint on injured reserve.
The 6-0 Vikings need a reliable running game with a versatile three-down back to help their sputtering passing offense with Kyler Murray. Taylor would give them the needed complementary football to support the defense.
MORE: What Quenton Nelson deal means for Jonathan Taylor’s future
Bears trade for Chargers EDGE Khalil Mack
Mack, 35, can end his career by reuniting with his first coach in the league. Mack had four dominant seasons in Chicago, between Oakland and Los Angeles. He starred right away as a rookie in 2014 for the Raiders under Dennis Allen, who’s crushing it as the Bears‘ defensive coordinator.
The Bears are getting a pass-rush boost from Austin Booker, Kyler Gordon and others, but Mack could put their pressure packages over the top.
MORE: Bears, Titans get high marks in Jeffery Simmons deal
Bills trade for Chargers S Derwin James
The Chargers are sellers with Jim Harbaugh after starting 0-6 and needing to move some veteran players to reboot their roster. If Mack is the top candidate, then James would be a close second. The do-everything star safety has given the team many great seasons when healthy. He would thrive as the clean-up playmaker in Buffalo’s defensive scheme of Jim Leonhard, filling a huge positional need while playing for a former notable NFL safety.
Jaguars trade for Cardinals S Budda Baker
Speaking of safety help on the trade market, the Cardinals, at 2-5, have someone intriguing to offer teams. Baker, the 30-year-old 8-time Pro Bowler, would add an extra dimension to Jacksonville’s defense. Antonio Johnson’s star rose last year but isn’t having the same type of season and fellow starter Eric Murray is a much bigger liability. Baker would give them so much more big-play stability in Anthony Campanile’s scheme.
Dec 14, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) in the tunnel against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
Lions trade for Raiders EDGE Maxx Crosby
The Raiders and Crosby want to maintain their relationship after a trade to the Ravens didn’t go through in the offseason. But if there is one team that can convince them to make the move, it would be the team in Detroit the native Michigander loved as a kid. GM Brad Holmes and the Lions should make the calls and see what happens. At best, they have an awesome bookend for Defensive Player of the Year front-runner Aidan Hutchinson. At worst (see the next two guys) there are some more reasonable alternatives for outside pass-rush help.
MORE: When will Fernando Mendoza and other rookie QBs get the call?
Patriots trade for Chargers EDGE Tuli Tuipulotu
Tuipulotu would be on the Lions radar too. The Patriots need to further rev up their pass rush and the versatility of the productive Tuipulotu would mesh well in the defensive scheme of Zach Kuhr and Mike Vrabel.
Cowboys trade for Buccaneers EDGE YaYa Diaby
Jerry and Stephen Jones should channel their inner Rolling Stones and “Get Their YaYa Out” of Tampa and put him to work helping the pass rush. Diaby, a pending 27-year-old free agent, would fit well in the new 3-4 base scheme of Christian Parker after flashing of late for Todd Bowles.
Ravens trade for Chargers CB Donte Jackson
There’s talk about Jackson returning to the Panthers or Steelers, but it would make the most sense for him to reunite with former Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter. Minter and defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver need some help for Kyle Hamilton to shore up the back end with Nate Wiggins having a rough season in coverage.
Falcons trade for Jaguars WR Brian Thomas Jr.
Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. is quietly having a breakout season, just being named NFC offensive player of the week. The 3-4 Falcons are 3-2 when he starts after the early disaster with Cooper Rush. He is starting to feel it with Drake London and their other passing weapons in Kevin Stefanski and Tommy Rees’ offense. What’s missing is a big-time potential No. 2 to help stretch the field opposite the coverage attention London gets.
The Falcons are tied to some wide receivers early in 2027 mock drafts. They might need a jump on that to go after the NFC South title.
Chiefs trade for Colts WR Josh Downs
Downs is only 25 but Indianapolis wants to reshuffle more of its offense. He will also be a free agent next year and the team isn’t too interested in keeping him after giving Alec Pierce a big deal and trading Michael Pittman Jr. The Chiefs keep battling key injuries at wide receiver, now with Rashcee Rice and Tyquan Thornton hurting. Downs also would have long-term upside playing off Rice and Xavier Worthy.
MORE: NFL kicker Confidence Index | Chiefs add Justin Tucker to practice squad
Rams trade for Vikings WR Jauan Jennings
Jennings has had trouble producing when not in San Francisco and doesn’t have a real role in Minnesota’s struggling passing game. He also didn’t want to stay with the 49ers as they moved on without Mike Evans, Christian Kirk and others. Although they would be open for him returning, it would make more sense to land with the rival Rams, who need more help addressing the long-term absence of Davante Adams.
Broncos trade for Eagles RB Saquon Barkley
This is last on the list because Philadelphia might find it hard to move Barkley given his current back and hamstring injury. But it would be smart to trade such a valuable asset ahead of Barkley turning 30 as Barkley is under contract through 2028.
Sean Payton can’t find a reliable, versatile answer between JK Dobbins, RJ Harvey and rookie Jonah Coleman. He also could use a dynamic short-area receiver for Bo Nix. The Broncos have a lot in place to go after a Super Bowl and splurging on Barkley can be the missing piece.
