The 2024 NFL trade deadline is rapidly approaching. Teams have until 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Nov. 5, to complete any last-second deals before trading is prohibited for the remainder of the season.
Which NFL teams should be buyers at this year’s trade deadline? Let’s run through the top 15 clubs that should add talent over the next couple of weeks. As we move along, we’ll list each organization’s 2024 postseason chances (courtesy of PFN’s Playoff Predictor) and their primary needs heading into the deadline.
15) Buffalo Bills
- Record: 5-2
- Playoff chances: 97.8%
- Needs: LB, pass-rush depth
The Buffalo Bills already made a splashy acquisition by trading for Amari Cooper last week. Buffalo sent a third-round pick to Cleveland to land Cooper, who fills Josh Allen’s WR1 void and is extremely affordable for the cap-strapped Bills.
It’s hard to imagine Buffalo general manager Brandon Beane pursuing any other significant trades after grabbing Cooper. The Bills only have $2.4 million in remaining cap space. Most of their veteran contracts have already been restructured, so they don’t have financial avenues to create more breathing room.
That’s not to say Buffalo doesn’t have needs. Linebacker has been a potential concern since former All-Pro Matt Milano tore his biceps during the summer.
Terrel Bernard missed two games with a pectoral injury earlier this season and suffered multiple injuries against the Tennesee Titans in Week 7. Dorian Williams, a 2023 third-round pick, has played more LB snaps than any Bills defender. He’s also been targeted more than any NFL linebacker (while allowing the fourth-most receptions).
Meanwhile, Buffalo could try to add one more pass rusher. Von Miller has looked rejuvenated in his age-34 campaign and will return from suspension in Week 9, but it’s difficult to trust a defender who looked as done as Miller did last season. Even if Miller continues thriving, the Bills might need another option behind the legendary sack artist and Greg Rousseau.
14) Green Bay Packers
- Record: 5-2
- Playoff chances: 67.7%
- Need: CB
Since becoming the Green Bay Packers general manager in 2018, Brian Gutekunst has never made a deadline trade. He’s only executed a handful of non-draft pick trades, with his 2024 acquisition of QB2 Malik Willis standing above the fray.
While Gutekunst has been more willing to sign free agents than the Packers’ previous decision-makers, Green Bay remains a draft-and-develop organization. They were the NFL’s youngest team by snap-weighted age in 2023 and the league’s youngest roster heading into this season. Adding a veteran at midseason might not be the Packers’ speed.
Green Bay has $13.5 million in cap space; if Gutenkunst decides to bring in talent, he can afford it. The most logical area for improvement might be at corner, where the Packers have benched Eric Stokes and shifted ex-slot corner Keisean Nixon to the perimeter.
If Green Bay wants to keep Nixon on the boundary, it could target a slot replacement like pending free agent Raiders CB Nate Hobbs. If the Packers like Nixon in the slot, a perimeter corner such as Jonathan Jones (New England Patriots) could make sense.
13) Baltimore Ravens
- Record: 5-2
- Playoff chances: 98.9%
- Needs: Pass-rush depth, CB, iOL depth
After beginning the 2024 season with two straight losses, the Baltimore Ravens have reeled off five consecutive victories, scoring at least 28 points in each game.
Lamar Jackson and the Ravens’ offense is firing on all cylinders. Through seven weeks, Baltimore is tied for first in points per game (31.1) and second in points per drive (2.91).
On paper, it might seem that the Ravens need another wide receiver. However, Baltimore only uses three-WR personnel on 27.7% of its offensive plays, which is by far the lowest rate in the league (NFL average: 62.2%). With Derrick Henry and Zay Flowers amid outstanding campaigns and Mark Andrews and Rashod Bateman coming to life in Week 7, the Ravens are set at the skill positions.
If Baltimore wants to add a piece on the offensive side of the ball, it should probably be along the interior offensive line. While the Ravens have seemingly settled on left guard Patrick Mekari and right guard Daniel Faalele flanking center Tyler Linderbaum, they don’t have much depth.
On defense, Baltimore has already gotten seven sacks from veteran pass rusher Kyle Van Noy. Odafe Oweh has generated pressure at roughly a league-average rate, and the Ravens recently signed journeyman edge defender Yannick Ngakoue.
Both Van Noy and Ngakoue are 29 or older, so Baltimore might want another rotational piece if those aging options break down as the season progresses. How about a reunion with former Ravens and current Carolina Panthers EDGE Jadeveon Clowney?
Meanwhile, cornerback Marlon Humphrey (knee) was banged up in Week 7, while first-round rookie CB Nate Wiggins has been up and down. If Humphrey isn’t seriously injured, Baltimore might be able to get by with corners like Arthur Maulet and Jalyn Armour-Davis posted to return from injured lists. If not, a trade for a versatile CB could be on the table.
12) Houston Texans
- Record: 5-2
- Playoff chances: 95%
- Needs: OL, defensive back-seven depth
The Houston Texans might cruise to an AFC South title in 2024, but the club’s offense hasn’t been anywhere near as productive as we might’ve guessed coming into the season. In fact, Houston’s offense has technically been below average. Through seven weeks, C.J. Stroud and Co. rank 17th in EPA per play.
Early-down play-calling has been an issue, but the Texans’ offensive line is the primary culprit. Stroud is being pressured on 38.5% of his dropbacks, the seventh-highest rate in the NFL, while Houston ranks bottom-seven in pass- and run-block win rates.
Replacing left guard Kenyon Green and his 6.5% pressure rate (NFL average: 4.6%) could make sense for Texans GM Nick Caserio, but there aren’t a ton of guards available on the trade block.
The Panthers aren’t giving up Robert Hunt or Damien Lewis, whom they just signed this offseason. The Cowboys aren’t trading future Hall of Famer Zack Martin. Houston could probably locate a veteran like the Jaguars’ Brandon Scherff, the Raiders’ Cody Whitehair, or the Giants’ Greg Van Roten, but none would be guaranteed improvements.
Unlike most other clubs on this list, the Texans might be willing to deal with a positional surplus. Even with Nico Collins (hamstring) on IR, Houston has enough WR depth that it could afford to trade Robert Woods, John Metchie III, or Xavier Hutchinson in the right deal.
11) Seattle Seahawks
- Record: 4-3
- Playoff chances: 51.3%
- Needs: OL, S
How aggressive will the Seattle Seahawks be at the trade deadline?
Seattle was 5-2 and atop the NFC West in 2023 when it traded a second-round pick for Giants defensive tackle Leonard Williams. The Seahawks have a worse record this season, but because the 49ers are just 3-4 and have suffered significant injuries, they are arguably in a better position.
Admittedly, Seattle has new decision-makers in place this year. While Pete Carroll was calling the personnel shots in 2023, general manager John Schneider is now making moves in tandem with first-year head coach Mike Macdonald.
While Schneider and Macdonald certainly have an eye toward the future, the Seahawks have a legitimate shot of winning their first division title since 2020. Seattle has already made one trade this year, sending a 2026 sixth-round pick to the Jaguars for DT Roy Robertson-Harris. If the Seahawks finalize another trade this year, it will likely be a similarly modest transaction.
The offensive line remains Seattle’s biggest need, but finding O-line talent in-season can be challenging. Right tackle has been the club’s most pressing concern. The Seahawks hope veteran RT George Fant can return from injured reserve as early as this week, while 2024 third-rounder Abraham Lucas could come back later this year.
A trade for a defensive back could be more realistic, especially if Seattle wants more depth with Rayshawn Jenkins on IR. Pending free agents like Tre’von Moehrig (Raiders) or Xavier Woods (Panthers) could make sense, while the Dolphins could be open to trading Jevon Holland if they keep losing.
10) Washington Commanders
- Record: 5-2
- Playoff chances: 83.7%
- Needs: WR, almost any position on defense
No one expected Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commanders to be leading the NFC East after seven weeks, but here we are. General manager Adam Peters has roughly $25 million in cap space to work with, but it’s unclear if Washington will make a move before this year’s deadline.
Before the season, the Commanders were linked to a trade for 49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk. However, that trade would have brought them a young receiver they would’ve extended.
Washington may not want to sacrifice draft capital for a veteran rental in what was never supposed to be a contending season. While it’s outstanding that the Commanders have played this well to begin the year, Peters and the rest of the club’s front office have to take the long view.
A trade for a pending free agent wideout like the Panthers’ Diontae Johnson could make sense, but it’s worth wondering if the Commanders could get outbid by other WR-needy teams.
Washington’s defense remains problematic and could use additional bodies at nearly any position. That’s especially true along the defensive line, where the Commanders are light after trading EDGEs Montez Sweat and Chase Young in 2023 and losing DT Jonathan Allen to a season-ending pectoral injury this year.
9) Philadelphia Eagles
- Record: 5-2
- Playoff chances: 79.8%
- Needs: DL depth
Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman is arguably the NFL’s most trade-happy executive and is usually active around the deadline. In 2022, he sent a fourth-round pick to the Bears at midseason for edge rusher Robert Quinn. The following year, Roseman acquired Titans safety Kevin Byard in a deadline deal.
While the Eagles might want to make another move this season, they don’t have many obvious holes. Left tackle Jordan Mailata’s IR stint creates a void along Philadelphia’s offensive line, but Roseman won’t be able to find a realistic blindside upgrade via trade.
While Philadelphia had trouble getting after quarterbacks early in the year, it sacked Giants QB Daniel Jones seven times in Week 7 and now ranks fifth in pressure rate (37.8%) when not blitzing. Still, the Eagles could always go after another rotational pass rusher, such as Za’Darius Smith (Browns) or Josh Uche (Patriots).
8) New York Jets
- Record: 2-5
- Playoff chances: 36.5%
- Needs: Secondary, defensive line
The New York Jets completed the most unsurprising trade of the 2024 NFL season when they reunited wide receiver Davante Adams with quarterback Aaron Rodgers last week. But if Gang Green hoped Adams was a panacea for their offensive woes, they might have to think again.
The Jets suffered a 22-point loss to the Steelers in Week 7, dropping their fourth straight defeat and falling to 2-5 in the process. Still, there are plenty of reasons to think general manager Joe Douglas might not be done making moves before the NFL trade deadline.
For one, New York’s decision-makers have nothing to lose. It’s playoffs or bust for Douglas and interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich. As long as ownership approves acquisitions, Douglas has no reason to stop adding talent.
Moreover, the Jets’ 2-5 record hasn’t necessarily eliminated them from playoff contention. The AFC postseason picture is relatively weathered down; the Broncos and Chargers are the only teams with more than a game lead on New York. Rodgers and Co. will face the NFL’s second-easiest schedule to finish the year, giving them a realistic chance to close the Wild Card gap.
If New York makes another move, it should be on the defensive side of the ball. Injuries have ravaged the Jets’ secondary. Safety Chuck Clark is on injured reserve, CBs D.J. Reed Jr. and Michael Carter II were out in Week 7, and defensive backs Tony Adams and Ashtyn Davis went down against the Steelers.
Jaguars safety Andre Cisco is a pending free agent and could make sense for the Jets if Jacksonville is willing to move him. New York might also be intrigued by fellow Jaguars defensive back Darnell Savage, who’s versatile enough to handle safety and slot cornerback.
7) Minnesota Vikings
- Record: 5-1
- Playoff chances: 92.6%
- Needs: DL, OL depth, CB depth
Having jumped out to a 5-0 start before losing to the Lions in Week 7, the Minnesota Vikings are one of this season’s most surprising contenders. They’re virtually assured of a playoff spot, while the NFC North is still well within reach. Will general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah make a splash before the trade deadline?
On one hand, the Vikings stand out as potential suitors for high-profile defensive linemen like the Giants’ Dexter Lawrence II or the Titans’ Jeffery Simmons. Minnesota DT Harrison Phillips is an outstanding run defender, but DC Brian Flores would love to have a genuine pass rusher in the middle of his line.
The Vikings have $75+ million in projected 2025 cap space, so they can afford to take on an expensive contract. However, Minnesota only has three choices — one first-rounder and two fifths — in next year’s draft.
6) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Record: 4-3
- Playoff chances: 67.2%
- Needs: WR, CB, EDGE
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers offense had been one of the NFL’s most exciting units through six weeks, but Week 7 turned into a nightmare.
Mike Evans suffered a hamstring injury during the first half that’s initially expected to sideline him through Tampa Bay’s Week 11 bye. Fellow wideout Chris Godwin went down with an even more serious injury, a dislocated ankle that will end the pending free agent’s season.
Baker Mayfield is starting a three-WR set comprised of Sterling Shepard, Jalen McMillan, and Trey Palmer. Given how jarring Evans and Godwins’ losses must be, it won’t be surprising if Tampa Bay holds at the deadline instead of actively pursuing additions.
On the other hand, the Bucs have won three consecutive NFC South titles and are still tied for the division lead. If they think they can compete until Evans returns, a trade for wide-receiving help could make sense.
The Rams are reportedly listening to offers for WR Cooper Kupp, who could be an interesting replacement for Godwin. Both receivers thrive from the slot, while Kupp worked with current Buccaneers offensive coordinator Liam Coen in Los Angeles.
5) Atlanta Falcons
- Record: 4-3
- Playoff chances: 40.1%
- Needs: EDGE, WR depth, OL depth
Tampa Bay’s injury concerns could make the Atlanta Falcons even more likely to buy at this year’s trade deadline. With a clear path toward the NFC South title, general manager Terry Fontenot might try to add additional talent over the next two weeks.
Atlanta already bolstered its EDGE group when it acquired Matthew Judon from the Patriots in September. However, the Falcons rank dead last in the NFL with just six — yes, six! — sacks through seven games. The underlying metrics aren’t much better. When not blitzing, Atlanta ranks 20th in pressure rate (29.4%).
Another New England pass rusher — Uche — could fit as a pass-rush specialist for the Falcons. The Titans’ Arden Key has a 17% pass-rush win rate this season, tied for 17th-best among edge rushers. Chase Young would work in Atlanta’s defense if the Saints and Falcons can agree on an interdivisional trade.
4) San Francisco 49ers
- Record: 3-4
- Playoff chances: 50.7%
- Needs: WR, EDGE, DT
Close losses and devastating injury issues have the San Francisco 49ers at their lowest point of the Brock Purdy era. Still, this team has too much remaining talent to simply give up on the season — and enough obvious roster spots ripe for improvement.
That begins at wide receiver, where the 49ers lost 2023 second-team All-Pro Aiyuk to a torn ACL/MCL in Week 7. Replacing Aiyuk represented a significant challenge, especially given that fellow 49ers wideouts Deebo Samuel Sr. (illness) and Jauan Jennings (hip) are battling their own concerns.
San Francisco will face competition for receivers on the trade market, but Patriots WR Kendrick Bourne stands out as an ideal fit for the 49ers.
We already know the 49ers like Bourne. They signed him as an undrafted free agent out of Eastern Washington, watched him develop into a legitimate contributor, and reportedly wanted him included in any Patriots offer for Aiyuk earlier this year.
Bourne hauled in 49 catches for 667 yards and two touchdowns for San Francisco in 2019. He wouldn’t require additional time to get up to speed on the 49ers’ offense, while he was generally considered a solid run blocker during his time in the NFC West.
On defense, the 49ers have struggled to stop the run and could use another defensive tackle after losing Javon Hargrave to a season-ending triceps injury in Week 3. San Francisco needs more EDGE experience behind starters Nick Bosa and Leonard Floyd.
3) Pittsburgh Steelers
- Record: 5-2
- Playoff chances: 86.4%
- Needs: WR, OL, CB depth
The Pittsburgh Steelers were involved in ultimately unfruitful trade talks for Aiyuk earlier this year and are still searching for a wide receiver to complement George Pickens. The Steelers inquired about Jets WR Mike Williams last week but decided to table discussions until after the teams played on “Sunday Night Football.”
If the Steelers can’t find a young wideout who could profile as a long-term asset, a pure rental like Wiliams might be the next best bet. His game is built on contested catches and jump balls, and Russell Wilson proved on SNF that he can still throw a deep shot.
Interior offensive line depth could be a consideration for Pittsburgh, especially now that rookie center Zach Frazier is missing time with an ankle injury. The Steelers are also staring fourth-round rookie Mason McCormick at right guard. A versatile center/guard like the Titans’ Daniel Brunskill could have a role in Pittsburgh.
2) Detroit Lions
- Record: 5-1
- Playoff chances: 95.6%
- Need: EDGE
The Detroit Lions have one of the NFL’s best rosters, so much so that their only genuine need heading into the 2024 trade deadline was created by an unprecedented string of injuries.
Aidan Hutchinson, the league’s leading contender for Defensive Player of the Year honors, fractured his tibia and fibula in Detroit’s Week 6 win against the Cowboys.
Hutchinson was hurt while reaching 7.5 sacks, the most in the NFL at the time. Entering Week 6, he ranked first among edge defenders in pass-rush win rate (34%). Hutchinson had generated pressure on a league-league 23.6% of his pass rushes, nearly five percentage points better than second-place Micah Parsons and more than double the league-average rate.
Hutchinson isn’t the only Detroit edge rusher who’s suffered a severe injury this season. Marcus Davenport, whom the Lions inked to a one-year deal worth $6.5 million in March, went down with a season-ending triceps injury in Week 3.
General manager Brad Holmes checked in on holdout Jets pass rusher Haason Reddick, but the veteran is returning to New York’s roster after agreeing to a revised contract. Reporting has also linked Detroit to Browns EDGE Smith, who’s making just $1.21 million in 2024 and is under contract through 2025.
If the Lions want to take a bigger swing, two of the NFL’s best pass rushers happen to play on teams whose 2024 seasons are essentially over.
Could Detroit realistically go after the Browns’ EDGE Myles Garrett or Raiders’ EDGE Maxx Crosby? Financially, trades could work for all parties involved.
By trading Garrett, Cleveland would absorb roughly $45 million in dead money over the next two seasons. Las Vegas would take on $15 million by moving Crosby. Meanwhile, the Lions have $27 million in cap space, the fourth-most in the NFL; Holmes could make essentially any contract work on Detroit’s books.
The Browns and Raiders might be within their rights to ask for two first-round picks for their premier pass rushers. The Lions are squarely within their Super Bowl window. Is it worth it?
1) Kansas City Chiefs
- Record: 6-0
- Playoff chances: 99.9%
- Needs: WR, CB
The undefeated Kansas City Chiefs recently traded a conditional fourth-round pick to the Titans for veteran wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins. This move makes sense since injuries have devastated Patrick Mahomes’ offensive skill-position weapons.
Rashee Rice was leading the NFL in receptions and yards per route run when he suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 4. Fellow wide receiver Hollywood Brown won’t play a snap as a Chief this season after undergoing shoulder surgery in September. Running back Isiah Pacheco’s in-season return is up in the air after he fractured his fibula in Week 2.
JuJu Smith-Schuster had become Mahomes’ default WR1, but he injured his hamstring in Week 7 and has already been ruled out for Week 8. While K.C. still has future Hall of Fame tight end Travis Kelce and first-round rookie Xavier Worthy, it’s clear that the team needed another pass-catcher.
While Hopkins fills their biggest need, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Kansas City makes another move prior to the deadline.
Chiefs starting cornerback Jaylen Watson fractured his ankle and will likely miss the rest of the season. Watson had been tasked with replacing L’Jarius Sneed, whom Kansas City traded to the Titans during the offseason.
The Chiefs’ defense ranked fourth in EPA per pass (-0.21) but is just 15th (-0.11) through seven weeks of the 2024 campaign. Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo might trust backups Nazeeh Johnson and Joshua Williams to replace Watson — if not, a veteran CB might make sense in Kansas City.
