Wouldn’t the 2025 NFL trade deadline be a lot more fun if all 32 teams had to make a deal to either trade away or acquire current active players and/or future draft picks?
Although only a handful of teams are rumored to be active to upgrade their team either now or later, with the deadline approaching on Tuesday, Nov. 4, the rumors are beginning to swirl.
Here’s looking at the ideal trade for every team, from also-rans to contenders:
MORE NFL WEEK 8:
Best NFL trade deadline deal for all 32 teams
Arizona Cardinals (2-5)
Best deal to make: Trade WR Michael Wilson to the Browns
The Cardinals don’t have a lot of great assets for contenders to target in terms of pending ree agents. But here’s moving one of their young wasted talents who’s had a limited role. He would fit well in the Browns’ offense as part of their youth movement at wideout, given OC Drew Petzing came from Cleveland.
Other players to watch: S Jalen Thompson, EDGE Calais Campbell
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Atlanta Falcons (3-3)
Best deal to make: Trade QB Kirk Cousins to the Jets
The Falcons can’t afford to keep sitting on Cousins even it means eating some of his salary to make this work. The Jets’ winless season doesn’t feel like it will come with an Arch Manning reward with the Texas top QB prospect leaning to staying in school for 2026. So they need a strong pocket passing solution to save face after the Justin Fields failure. Speaking of Fields, he can go the other way to back up Michael Penix Jr., along with some defensive help.
Other players to watch: Jets EDGE Jermaine Johnson, Jets LB Quincy Williams
MORE: Best fantasy waiver wire players to stash before NFL trade deadline
Baltimore Ravens (1-5)
Best deal to make: Trade for Dolphins EDGE Jaelen Phillips
The Ravens shook up their defensive front by dealing Odafe Oweh but they need something to add real impact for Zach Orr’s struggling unit. They can steal this star from former Ravens assistant Anthony Weaver in a devoid Dolphins defense.
Other players to watch: Cardinals EDGE Calais Campbell, Titans DT Jeffery Simmons
Buffalo Bills (4-2)
Best deal to make: Trade for Titans WR Calvin Ridley
Ridley is hurt for now (hamstring) but he’s being lost in the Titans’ youth movement passing game around No. 1 overall pick rookie QB Cam Ward. Ridley would make more sense attached to a QB in Josh Allen who can push the ball deep well to him and also make him a red zone priority, much like he was during his young heyday with the Falcons.
Other players to watch: Raiders WR Jakobi Meyers, Saints WRs Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed, Browns WR Jerry Jeudy
MORE: Ranking 7 best Bills WR trade options
Carolina Panthers (5-3)
Best deal to make: Trade RB Rico Dowdle to the Chargers
The Panthers need to move either Dowdle or Chuba Hubbard to clear up their force backfield committee. Given they paid Hubbard with a recent extension and Dowdle is a pending free agent with more appeal elsewhere, the latter is the better choice. The Chargers continue to fall apart in the backfield, down to relying on just Kimani Vidal, with Hassan Haskins now hurting with both Omarion Hampton and Najee Harris already on the shelf. Dowdle could clean that up for a strong AFC playoff contender.
Other players to watch: Browns TE David Njoku
Chicago Bears (4-2)
Best deal to make: Trade WR D.J. Moore to an AFC East team
Between the Bills (Joe Brady), Patriots (Thomas Brown) and Jets (Scott Turner) all with ties with Moore’s Panthers past, one team needs to free Moore out of Chicago so the team can move with a dynamic duo of youngsters Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III and also use its tight end sets more for Ben Johnson.
Other players to watch: Seahawks CB Riq Woolen, Saints CB Alontae Taylor
Cincinnati Bengals (3-4)
Best deal to make: Trade for Browns LG Joel Bitonio
The Trey Hendrickson deal looks unlikely to happen from the Bengals’ side unless they get a ridiculous offer from a team such as the Colts or Lions that they can’t refuse. They also might have become buyers, back in the mix to win the weak AFC North. The Bengals’ offensive line stinks as a whole, but the interior is rock bottom. Making a second deal with Cleveland to bring Bitonio in front of Joe Flacco and Chase Brown would be smart.
Other players to watch: EDGE Trey Hendrickson, CB Cam Taylor-Britt, Browns G Wyatt Teller, Titans G Kevin Zeitler, Giants EDGE Kayvon Thibodeaux
MORE: When can Bengals expect Joe Burrow back?
Cleveland Browns (2-5)
Best deal to make: Trade RG Wyatt Teller to the Eagles
The Eagles’ interior offensive line is also struggling in the running game. Tyler Steen is the weakest link at right guard and would make sense to get Teller vs. Bitonio for that upgrade purpose. The Browns need to sell this deal hart
Other players to watch: G Joel Bitonio, LB Devin Bush, RB Jerome Ford, WR Jerry Jeudy, TE David Njoku, DT Shelby Harris
Dallas Cowboys (3-3-1)
Best deal to make: Trade for Raiders EDGE Maxx Crosby
The Cowboys flipped the NFL upside down by dealing pass rusher Micah Parsons to the Packers right before the season and Jerry Jones could shock again by pulling off a blockbuster to get the more complete Crosby to replace Parsons. That would put Jones’ team right back in the strong NFC playoff hunt with a defensive game-changer.
Other players to watch: Browns DT Shelby Harris, Jets EDGE Jermaine Johnson
MORE: Making sense of the Maxx Crosby trade rumors to Cowboys
Denver Broncos (5-2)
Best deal to make: Trade for Browns LG Joel Bitonio
The Broncos are hoping Ben Powers will come back healthy in December, but it’s not a given and help is needed.
Other players to watch: Saints WRs Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed
Detroit Lions (5-2)
Best deal to make: Trade for Dolphins EDGE Jaelan Phillips
With Hendrickson unlikely to happen and the Lions may be being a bit reserved in giving the Bengals that great desired haul, they can take on shot on another very effective would be complement to Defensive Player of the Year candidate Aidan Hutchinson.
Other players to watch: Bengals EDGE Trey Hendrickson, Jets EDGE Jermaine Johnson, Giants EDGE Kayvon Thibodeaux, Dolphins EDGE Bradley Chubb
MORE: 11 best trade deadline deals for playoff contenders
Green Bay Packers (4-1-1)
Best deal to make: Trade for Seahawks CB Riq Woolen
The Packers’ pass rush has Parsons disrupting everything but they are vulnerable on the back end with Keesean Nixon and Carrington Valentine. The Seahawks need to move the corner with contract issues and he would be a good upgrade in Green Bay’s system under Jeff Hafley.
Other players to watch: Saints CB Alontae Taylor, Titans CB Roger McCreary, Saints TE Luke Musgrave
Houston Texans (2-4)
Best deal to make: Trade for Saints WR Chris Olave
The Texans are much like the Cardinals, not with much to give in terms of upgrade assets for other teams. Here’s looking at them bringing in a former Ohio State top target to help Nico Collins and C.J. Stroud with so much youth and injury concerns at the position.
Other players to watch: Texans WR Calvin Ridley, Saints WR Rashid Shaeed, Browns LG Joel Bitonio, Browns RG Wyatt Teller
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Indianapolis Colts (6-1)
Best deal to make: Trade for Bengals EDGE Trey Hendrickson
The Colts should swing for the fences with their current state to try to win the AFC and best the Chiefs. The only way to do that is add an impact pass rusher to help DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart up front. Hendrickson should prompt an aggressive offer from Indianapolis in attempt to reunite him with DC Lou Anarumo.
Other players to watch: Giants EDGE Kayvon Thibodeaux, Dolphins EDGE Jaelan Phillips, Dolphins EDGE Bradley Chubb, Saints CB Alontae Taylor, Seahawks CB Riq Woolen
MORE: Five stats that prove why Colts are best team in AFC
Jacksonville Jaguars (4-3)
Best deal to make: Trade for Browns RG Wyatt Teller
The Browns and Jaguars have already made a few deals this season involving future rookie cornerback Travis Hunter and veteran cornerback Tyson Campbell. What’s one more to upgrade the
Other players to watch: S Andrew Wingard, G Ezra Cleveland, Browns LG Joel Bitonio
Kansas City Chiefs (4-3)
Best deal to make: Trade for Browns DT Shelby Harris
The Chiefs already have a Super Bowl-winning roster when healthy, so there’s no need to make a move for an offensive skill position player such as a running back or wide receiver. But they could use some more beef on the defensive front to help Chris Jones inside.
Other players to watch: Browns DT Maliek Collins, Giants EDGE Kayvon Thibodeaux, Dolphins EDGE Bradley Chubb
MORE: How Rashee Rice makes Chiefs’ offense better than ever
Las Vegas Raiders (2-5)
Best deal to make: Trade WR Jakobi Meyers to the Patriots
The Raiders can’t let him stay on the roster after his desire to leave. Meyers did his best work for Josh McDaniels in both New England and Las Vegas so a reunion makes a ton of sense.
Other players to watch: EDGE Maxx Crosby, EDGE Malcolm Koonce
Los Angeles Chargers (4-3)
Best deal to make: Trade for Jets RB Breece Hall
The Chargers need to restore their running game and although Dowdle, Hubbard or another back can be had as a short-term fix with Hampton, Harris and now Haskins hurt, they might as well go for this game-changing back who cleans up all the “Ha” mess.
Other players to watch: Panthers RB Rico Dowdle, Ravens TE Mark Andrews
Los Angeles Rams (5-2)
Best deal to make: Trade for Ravens TE Mark Andrews
The Rams just got a big receiving game from Terrance Ferguson in London as they adjusted to more two-tight-end sets with Puka Nacua out with injury. But they need another difference maker to help play off a healthy Nacua and Adams through the end zone. This would be the latest big-name veteran swing for GM Les Snead.
Other players to watch: Titans TE Chigoziem Okonkwo
Miami Dolphins (1-6)
Best deal to make: Trade EDGE Jaelan Phillips to the Colts
The Dolphins to shake up their defense again after making the Jalen Ramsey trade to the Steelers for Minkah Fitzpatrick before the season. This time, it’s selling their best asset to upgrade their early draft pick haul for 2026. The Colts should be able to acquire Phillips more reasonably than Hendrickson.
Other players to watch: EDGE Bradley Chubb
MORE: Why Tua Tagovailoa may be benched by Dolphins
Minnesota Vikings (3-4)
Best deal to make: Trade TE T.J. Hockenson to the Rams
Let’s start by saying the Vikings, at .500, are unlikely to make a deal either way with little glaring need and limited pending free agent assets. But this would be interesting, given Hockenson keeps not producing as a key target for Kevin O’Connell but could turn out to be the missing third option in the adjacent Rams offense.
Other players to watch: Falcons QB Kirk Cousins
New England Patriots (5-2)
Best deal to make: Trade for Raiders WR Jakobi Meyers
The Patriots need Meyers to be their big slot to play off Stefon Diggs and. Kayshon Boutte, completing the dangerous level of their receiving corps for Drake Maye. Meyers would immediately thrive back with McDaniels.
Other players to watch: Saints WRs Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed, Seahawks CB Riq Woolen, Saints CB Alontae Taylor
MORE: Why Drake Maye has emerged as MVP candidate
New Orleans Saints (1-6)
Best deal to make: Trade CB Alontae Taylor to the Bears
The Saints need to make it easy and give old friend Dennis Allen key secondary help for his contending defense, becoming a big factor to complement Ben Johnson’s offense.
Other players to watch: WRs Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed, DE Cameron Jordan, TE Juwan Johnson
New York Giants
Best deal to make: Trade EDGE Kayvon Thibodeaux to the Ravens
The Giants need to move Thibodeaux with Brian Burns on fire and Abdul Carter waiting his turn for a big rookie first-round impact to join the fun youth movement. The Ravens should want an edge badly to upgrade from Oweh.
Other players to watch: OT/G Evan Neal, Saints CB Alontae Taylor
New York Jets (0-7)
Best deal to make: Trade RB Breece Hall to the Steelers
The Jets should be shopping Hall hard as they try to move their most appealing outside offensive asset. The Steelers can likely give them the best return with GM Omar Khan.
Other players to watch: EDGE Jermaine Johnson, LB Quincy Williams
MORE: Why Aaron Glenn is already on the hot seat in Year 1
Philadelphia Eagles (5-2)
Best deal to make: Trade for Browns RG Wyatt Teller
The Eagles need to replace Steen if they expect Saquon Barkley and Jalen Hurts to get going together at the same time in the running game. Teller and Zeitler need to be targeted.
Other players to watch: Browns LG Joel Bitonio, Titans RG Kevin Zetiler
Pittsburgh Steelers (4-2)
Best deal to make: Trade for Jets RB Breece Hall
The Steelers are forcing Jaylen Warren into too big of a role ahead of Kenneth Gainwell with rookie Kaleb Johnson being a disappointing non-factor. Warren should be more of a complementary reserve to a more explosive scrimmage threat, which Hall represents.
Other players to watch: CB Riq Woolen, CB Alontae Taylor, CB Roger McCreary
San Francisco 49ers (5-2)
Best deal to make: Trade for Dolphins EDGE Bradley Chubb
The 49ers need to add something to their pass rush with Nick Bosa down. Chubb would be a much better in-season move with real immediate impact vs. Chase Young a few years ago.
Other players to watch: Dolphins EDGE Jaelan Phillips, Giants EDGE Kayvon Thibodeaux
MORE: Fred Warner, Brock Purdy highlight string of 49ers injuries
Seattle Seahawks (5-2)
Best deal to make: Trade CB Riq Woolen to the Cowboys
The Seahawks need to convince Dallas it needs more help for DaRon Blend with Trevon Diggs struggling and now having a worrisome concussion issue. Of note, Seattle DC Aden Durde developed into a strong schemer while with the Cowboys.
Other players to watch: Browns TE David Njoku, Saints TE Juwan Johnson, Saints WR Rashid Shaheed
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-2)
Best deal to make: Trade for Titans WR Calvin Ridley
The Bills need wide receiver help with no much there. The Buccaneers are seeing injuries decimate their receiving corps with Mike Evans back on the shelf and both Chris Godwin and Jalen McMillan still hurting. Ridley would be a good replacement for a deep and red zone threat in their system.
Other players to watch: Ravens TE Mark Andrews, Titans RG Kevin Zeitler, Browns RG Wyatt Teller
MORE: Where Baker Mayfield, Patrick Mahomes rank among top quarterbacks in 2025
Tennessee Titans (1-6)
Best deal to make: Trade DT Jeffery Simmons to the Bears
The Bears’ defense needs a huge difference-maker to further boost Dennis Allen’s front and Simmons would be the right fit with Montez Sweat and others, should Chicago officials get aggressive enough to make this happen.
Other players to watch: RB Tony Pollard, WR Calvin Ridley, CB Roger McCreary, RG Kevin Zeitler
Washington Commanders (3-4)
Best deal to make: Trade for Jets QB Justin Fields
The Commanders can only make this deal for a young running backup with upside behind Jayden Daniels if the Jets agree to take on much of the salary burden but Fields would definitely be a good flyer to add behind Marcus Mariota as a future needed injury contingency for Daniels, fitting well with Kliff Kingsbury.
Other players to watch: Seahawks CB Riq Woolen
