The NFL trade deadline is quickly approaching, with teams having until 1 p.m. Nov. 4 to make roster moves. Last season, there were 18 trades near the deadline, including the Seahawks landing linebacker Ernest Jones IV and the Jets acquiring receiver Davante Adams. Below are potential trade targets for Super Bowl contenders still a few pieces away.
Los Angeles Rams: On Oct. 28, the Rams traded with the Titans for cornerback Roger McCreary. Head coach Sean McVay and general manager Les Snead have long dismissed the value of draft picks in 2021, after winning the Super Bowl, Snead wore a shirt that read “F— them picks.”
The Rams are a complete team with minimal weaknesses, most of which McVay masks schematically. If they make another move, it should be for a linebacker. Saints veteran Demario Davis is aging but remains productive, ranking tied for No. 11 among linebackers in tackles and forcing two fumbles. Rams linebacker Nate Landman does not rank top 20 in any major category. A Davis deal would mirror the 2021 trade for Von Miller, an older, but still highly impactful.
San Francisco 49ers: The 49ers are dealing with season-ending injuries to Nick Bosa and Fred Warner, both All-Pro and likely Hall of Fame players. Offensive injuries have also piled up: Brandon Aiyuk is still recovering from a torn ACL and MCL, Ricky Pearsall has been in and out of the lineup and Jauan Jennings has battled injuries all season. Quarterback Brock Purdy has played through turf toe since Week 1. At 5-3, San Francisco is still in contention, but the window is closing.
Top trade targets would be defensive, but going all in for Maxx Crosby or Myles Garrett would require multiple picks and players. Cheaper options such as Bradley Chubb or Jaelan Phillips from Miami may cost only a third- to fifth-round pick.
Seattle Seahawks: Despite injuries in the secondary, the Seahawks are 5-2 and lead the NFC West. Safety Julian Love re-aggravated a hamstring injury after the bye and was placed on injured reserve. Outside linebacker has also been unstable, with Tyrice Knight and Drake Thomas rotating snaps. Thomas has been winning the job recently but lacks consistency in coverage.
Possible additions include familiar names: Titans safety Quandre Diggs, who spent four seasons in Seattle, or linebacker Jordyn Brooks, who would be an upgrade over Knight and Thomas. On offense, guard Wyatt Teller could help stabilize the line, but the Browns’ asking price may be high.
Green Bay Packers: After opening the year by trading for Micah Parsons, the Packers’ loss to Carolina exposed more roster issues. Their secondary lacks a true top corner, making Seahawks corner Tariq Woolen a potential target. With Woolen in a contract year and Seattle thin at DB, the cost may be manageable. Green Bay may also need a tight end after Tucker Kraft’s possible ACL tear, leaving a void at the position.
Dallas Cowboys: Since trading Parsons, the Cowboys defense has collapsed. The defensive line generates little pressure, linebackers miss tackles and the secondary gives up big plays. Trade targets could include Maxx Crosby or Myles Garrett. If Jerry Jones is serious about contending, he should consider offering two of the first-round picks acquired from Green Bay.
Jacksonville Jaguars: With Travis Hunter on IR and several starters injured, the Jaguars are considering upgrades. Bears receiver DJ Moore would be a valuable addition for offensive coordinator Liam Coen, as Moore has not found a consistent role under the current staff. A cheaper option is Saints deep threat Rashid Shaheed, who could be available as New Orleans continues to struggle.
Los Angeles Chargers: The Chargers have been hit hard by injuries, losing offensive linemen Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater, running back Omarion Hampton and Najee Harris for the year. At 6-3, they cannot afford to waste the season. Jets running back Breece Hall is a possible target, as tension between Hall and the organization has grown. Another option is Jets tackle Max Mitchell, drafted by current Chargers assistant GM Chad Alexander in 2022, and likely available at a low cost.
Pittsburgh Steelers: After trading DK Metcalf in the offseason due to contract issues, the Steelers still lack a true deep-threat receiver. With the Saints struggling, wideout Chris Olave could become available and would immediately give the Steelers a dynamic playmaker. Aaron Rodgers has always thrived with two legitimate receiving threats, and Pittsburgh needs to replicate that model.
Philadelphia Eagles: As usual, GM Howie Roseman is aggressive at the deadline. Roseman is not afraid to pull the trigger on trade he believes will take the Eagles over the top, especially at positions of need. In the past week, the Eagles traded for edge rusher Jaelan Phillips, cornerback Michael Carter II and cornerback Jaire Alexander, who underperformed with the Ravens but should thrive in Vic Fangio’s defense, similar to his All-Pro form in Green Bay. Potential additional targets would be Dre’Mont Jones who is a good depth defensive linemen and would add to the top heavy Eagles defensive line.
