ONE TRADE EVERY NFL TEAM NEEDS TO MAKE BEFORE THE 2026 TRADE DEADLINE

November 10, 2026

The NFL trade deadline is here, and teams across the league have some important decisions to make.

We've already seen Jacksonville make an aggressive move for Jessie Bates III, Baltimore acquire veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett, and several organizations begin turning established players into future draft capital.

But there's still work to be done.

The biggest mistake a front office can make at the deadline is misunderstanding where its franchise stands. A legitimate contender should be willing to sacrifice some future assets to improve its chances of winning a championship. A rebuilding team, on the other hand, needs to recognize when it's time to turn valuable players into draft picks.

The AFC East offers four completely different situations. Buffalo has a championship-caliber quarterback who needs more defensive help. Miami should be looking toward the future. New England has an opportunity to surround its young quarterback with even more talent. And the Jets need to stop delaying the inevitable.

Here's what I believe each team should do before the deadline.

BUFFALO BILLS

Trade for a Veteran Safety — Take a Page Out of Jacksonville's Playbook

TOP TRADE TARGETS

1. Budda Baker — Arizona Cardinals
2. Camryn Bynum — Indianapolis Colts
3. Amani Hooker — Tennessee Titans

How many more seasons are the Buffalo Bills going to ask Josh Allen to carry this franchise?

Buffalo has one of the most talented quarterbacks in football, and its offense remains capable of putting up points against just about anyone. Yet every year, the same question seems to come up when the playoffs arrive: Can the defense make the stops necessary to win a championship?

The Bills don't need another offensive weapon. They need a difference-maker in the secondary.

That's why I believe Buffalo should take a page out of Jacksonville's playbook.

The Jaguars recognized an opportunity to improve their defense and made an aggressive move to acquire Jessie Bates III from Atlanta, reportedly surrendering a 2027 second-round pick and a 2028 fifth-round selection.

Buffalo should be willing to make a similar investment.

This isn't a rebuilding team that needs to protect every future draft pick. The Bills are trying to win a Super Bowl while Allen is in his prime, and that means being aggressive when the right player becomes available.

TARGET 1: BUDDA BAKER — ARIZONA CARDINALS

If I'm running Buffalo's front office, my first phone call is to Arizona.

Budda Baker brings everything I'd want in a veteran safety: physicality, versatility, leadership, and the ability to make plays all over the field.

He's the kind of defender who can immediately change the attitude of a secondary.

Arizona might not be interested in moving him, but the Cardinals' struggles should at least prompt Buffalo to ask the question.

Would a second-round pick get the conversation started? Would Buffalo need to include another selection?

I'd be willing to find out.

When you're trying to win a championship, acquiring an established defensive leader is worth sacrificing some future draft capital.

TARGET 2: CAMRYN BYNUM — INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

If Baker isn't available, Camryn Bynum would be my next choice.

Bynum offers a slightly different skill set, with his greatest value coming from his instincts, coverage ability, and ball skills.

Buffalo needs defenders who can help prevent explosive passing plays, particularly against the elite quarterbacks it could face in January.

Bynum could provide exactly that.

Indianapolis has been making significant roster decisions, so Buffalo should explore whether the Colts would consider moving him.

I'd start negotiations with a third-round pick and see whether an additional late-round selection would be enough to complete a deal.

TARGET 3: AMANI HOOKER — TENNESSEE TITANS

Amani Hooker would be another strong option.

He's a versatile defensive back who can contribute in different alignments and provide experienced help in coverage.

For Buffalo, the appeal is simple: Add another reliable player to a secondary that needs to perform better when the competition gets tougher.

Tennessee is building toward the future, and the Bills should see whether a package of draft picks could convince the Titans to make a deal.

MY VERDICT

Buffalo has spent enough years coming up short.

Josh Allen gives the Bills a legitimate chance to win a Super Bowl every season, but the organization needs to do more to support him on the defensive side of the ball.

My first choice is Budda Baker. If Arizona refuses to move him, Buffalo should turn its attention to Camryn Bynum or Amani Hooker.

The Bills should be buyers, and they should be aggressive.

MIAMI DOLPHINS

Trade Zach Sieler — It's Time to Start Building for the Future

PLAYER TO TRADE: ZACH SIELER, DEFENSIVE TACKLE

POTENTIAL TRADE PARTNERS

1. Green Bay Packers
2. Dallas Cowboys
3. New York Giants

At some point, an organization has to recognize when a season is lost.

For the Miami Dolphins, that time has arrived.

Miami's offense has struggled, the team is nowhere near where it needs to be in the AFC standings, and there's little reason to believe one or two deadline acquisitions would suddenly turn this roster into a contender.

Instead of chasing short-term improvements, the Dolphins should focus on acquiring assets that can help them rebuild.

That brings me to defensive tackle Zach Sieler.

Sieler has been a valuable player for Miami, recording 27.5 sacks between 2023 and 2025. He's been one of the team's more productive defensive linemen, but he's also 31 years old.

By the time the Dolphins are ready to compete again, Sieler could be approaching the end of his most productive years.

His 2026 performance hasn't been as strong as previous seasons, particularly against the run. But experienced interior pass rushers still have value around the NFL, especially to teams preparing for a playoff run.

Miami should take advantage of that market while it can.

DESTINATION 1: GREEN BAY PACKERS

Green Bay makes the most sense to me.

The Packers have the talent to make a serious postseason run, but adding another experienced interior defender could make their defensive front even more dangerous.

Sieler would give Green Bay another player capable of creating pressure from the middle, forcing opposing quarterbacks off their spots and making life easier for the edge rushers.

He wouldn't need to carry the defensive line. He'd simply need to contribute as part of an established rotation.

MY PROPOSED TRADE: Green Bay sends Miami a 2027 third-round pick.

For the Packers, it's an investment in a potential championship run.

For Miami, it's another valuable draft pick to help rebuild the roster.

DESTINATION 2: DALLAS COWBOYS

Dallas should also be making a phone call.

The Cowboys have invested in their defensive line, but consistency remains a concern. Adding Sieler could give them another veteran presence capable of generating interior pressure.

He wouldn't solve every problem, particularly given his struggles defending the run this season. However, he could still help in passing situations and provide useful depth.

MY PROPOSED TRADE: Dallas sends Miami a 2028 fourth-round pick and a conditional 2029 selection.

It's a smaller return than I'd want from Green Bay, but it would still give the Dolphins additional draft capital.

DESTINATION 3: NEW YORK GIANTS

The Giants are another team worth considering.

Following significant changes to their defensive front, including the departure of Dexter Lawrence, New York could benefit from an experienced interior lineman.

Sieler could provide some stability while the Giants continue developing younger defensive talent.

This wouldn't necessarily be an all-in championship move. It would be an attempt to strengthen the roster with a proven veteran.

MY PROPOSED TRADE: New York sends Miami a 2027 fourth-round pick.

MY VERDICT

The Dolphins need to stop looking for ways to save the 2026 season and start planning for 2027 and beyond.

Sieler's contract and the financial implications of moving him would need to be considered, but those shouldn't prevent Miami from exploring the market.

If a contender is willing to offer a third-round pick, I'd be ready to make the deal.

Miami needs young talent and draft capital more than it needs to hold onto an aging defensive tackle.

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

Give Drake Maye Another Weapon — Make a Run at Brian Thomas Jr.

TOP TRADE TARGETS

1. Brian Thomas Jr. — Jacksonville Jaguars
2. Josh Downs — Indianapolis Colts
3. Jerry Jeudy — Cleveland Browns

The New England Patriots have already made one thing clear: They're committed to surrounding Drake Maye with talent.

Acquiring A.J. Brown was a major step toward giving their young quarterback the weapons he needs to succeed.

But I don't think New England should stop there.

The Patriots have an opportunity to compete in the AFC, and adding another quality receiver could take their offense to another level.

Brown gives Maye an established star. What New England needs now is another receiver who can consistently create separation, stretch the field, and prevent defenses from concentrating all their attention on one player.

There are three receivers I'd be calling about before the deadline.

TARGET 1: BRIAN THOMAS JR. — JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

This would be my dream move for New England.

Brian Thomas Jr. showed tremendous potential during his rookie season, establishing himself as one of the NFL's most exciting young receivers.

Things haven't gone as smoothly in Jacksonville since then, and his reduced role has fueled speculation about his future.

If the Jaguars are even willing to entertain offers, New England needs to get involved.

Thomas has the size, speed, and explosiveness to become a true number-one receiver. More importantly, he could be a major part of the Patriots' offense for years.

Now imagine defenses trying to account for A.J. Brown on one side of the field and Brian Thomas Jr. on the other.

Maye would have two dangerous outside receivers capable of winning downfield, creating mismatches, and opening up opportunities for everyone else.

The Patriots wouldn't just be improving their offense for this season. They'd be investing in Maye's long-term development.

The biggest challenge would be the price.

Jacksonville isn't going to give away a young receiver with Thomas' upside. New England would likely have to offer premium draft capital.

But if there's a legitimate opportunity to acquire him, I believe the Patriots should be aggressive.

TARGET 2: JOSH DOWNS — INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

Josh Downs might actually be the easiest player on this list to fit into New England's offense.

Why?

Because Drake Maye already knows him.

The two played together at North Carolina, giving them an established relationship and familiarity that could make the transition easier.

Downs is an excellent route runner who creates separation and gives his quarterback a dependable target in the short and intermediate passing game.

He might not have Thomas' big-play potential, but he could become an extremely valuable possession receiver for Maye.

And with Brown drawing attention outside, Downs could find plenty of opportunities working underneath.

I'd start with a third-round pick, although Indianapolis might demand more.

If the Patriots can't land Thomas, Downs would be a very attractive alternative.

TARGET 3: JERRY JEUDY — CLEVELAND BROWNS

Jerry Jeudy is my third choice, but he still deserves consideration.

Jeudy has the route-running ability to create separation against NFL defensive backs, even if his production hasn't always matched his talent.

A move to New England could give him an opportunity to regain some consistency while playing alongside A.J. Brown.

He'd also likely cost significantly less in draft capital than Thomas.

For a team that wants to strengthen its receiving corps without sacrificing a premium pick, Jeudy could make sense.

I'd explore a fourth-round pick with additional conditional compensation.

MY VERDICT

New England has found its quarterback.

Now the Patriots need to give him every opportunity to succeed.

A.J. Brown was a major acquisition, but adding Brian Thomas Jr. could create one of the most exciting young passing attacks in football.

Thomas is my first choice, Josh Downs is my second, and Jerry Jeudy provides a more affordable fallback option.

If New England is serious about building around Maye, this is the kind of move it should consider.

NEW YORK JETS

Trade Everybody — Stop Delaying the Rebuild

PLAYERS THEY SHOULD THINK ABOUT TRADING

1. Garrett Wilson — Wide Receiver
2. Breece Hall — Running Back
3. Demario Davis — Linebacker
4. Minkah Fitzpatrick — Safety

The New York Jets need to stop pretending they're close to competing.

They're not.

This organization doesn't need another quick fix, another expensive veteran, or another attempt to convince its fans that next season will somehow be different.

It needs a complete rebuild.

And the smartest thing the Jets can do before the trade deadline is turn as many valuable players as possible into future draft picks.

New York already has three first-round selections in the 2027 NFL Draft following its previous blockbuster trades.

That's an outstanding foundation.

But if I'm running the Jets, I'm not stopping there.

I'd be calling every contender in the league and finding out what they're willing to offer for the veterans currently on my roster.

There are four players I'd be actively shopping.

TRADE 1: GARRETT WILSON

This is probably going to be the most controversial move on my list.

Garrett Wilson is an extremely talented receiver. Under normal circumstances, he'd be the kind of young player a franchise should build around.

But the Jets aren't operating under normal circumstances.

They're a rebuilding team with major questions at several positions, including quarterback.

Wilson could command a significant return from a contender looking for another offensive weapon.

And New York already has younger receivers worth evaluating.

Adonai Mitchell and Omar Cooper Jr. should be given opportunities to show what they can become.

I'm not suggesting either player is currently better than Wilson. I'm saying the Jets need to find out what they have while accumulating the assets necessary to rebuild the entire roster.

If another team offers a first-round pick plus additional compensation, I'd seriously consider accepting it.

That could give New York even more flexibility in the 2027 draft.

TRADE 2: BREECE HALL

Breece Hall is another player I'd move.

Hall is a talented running back who could help a contender immediately, but I question the value of keeping him on a team that's several pieces away from competing.

Running backs generally have shorter windows of peak production than many other positions.

By the time the Jets rebuild their roster, Hall could be further removed from his best years.

Meanwhile, New York already has Braelon Allen.

Allen is a younger running back who deserves an opportunity to handle a larger workload.

Trading Hall would allow the Jets to evaluate Allen while adding another valuable draft pick.

I'd start negotiations by asking for a second-round selection.

If the best offer is a third-round pick with additional compensation, I'd still consider making the move.

TRADE 3: DEMARIO DAVIS

This one should be an easy decision.

Demario Davis is an experienced linebacker who can still contribute at a high level.

But what exactly does New York gain by keeping him for the remainder of a losing season?

There are contenders around the NFL dealing with injuries at linebacker, and Davis could provide an immediate upgrade for a team preparing for the playoffs.

He brings leadership, intelligence, physicality, and years of experience.

Those qualities have real value to a championship contender.

I'd be contacting teams that have recently lost important linebackers and seeing what they're willing to offer.

Even a fourth- or fifth-round pick would help New York build toward the future.

And from Davis' perspective, it would give a respected veteran an opportunity to compete for a championship.

That's a move that makes sense for everyone involved.

TRADE 4: MINKAH FITZPATRICK

Minkah Fitzpatrick is another player the Jets should be willing to trade.

He's an experienced defensive playmaker who could immediately help a team looking to improve its secondary.

The Pittsburgh Steelers would be an interesting destination, particularly because of his history with the franchise.

Other playoff contenders needing safety help should also be making calls.

I'd begin by asking for a third-round pick.

For a rebuilding team, another draft selection is more valuable than holding onto an expensive veteran safety who might not fit the organization's long-term timeline.

HOW MUCH DRAFT CAPITAL COULD NEW YORK ADD?

The Jets already have three first-round picks in 2027.

Now consider what they might add if they moved all four players.

Garrett Wilson: First-round pick plus additional compensation.

Breece Hall: Second-round pick.

Demario Davis: Fourth- or fifth-round pick.

Minkah Fitzpatrick: Third-round pick.

Those returns aren't guaranteed, but they illustrate just how much additional draft capital New York could potentially acquire.

Imagine entering the offseason with three existing first-round picks and the possibility of adding another.

The Jets could have the flexibility to target a franchise quarterback, rebuild their offensive line, add young defensive talent, or move selections into future drafts.

That's how you build a sustainable contender.

Not by holding onto veterans simply because they're recognizable names.

Not by trying to win six or seven games instead of four.

And certainly not by pretending you're one offseason away from competing for a Super Bowl.

MY VERDICT

The Jets need to commit to a complete rebuild, and the trade deadline is the perfect opportunity to accelerate that process.

I'd trade Garrett Wilson, Breece Hall, Demario Davis, and Minkah Fitzpatrick if the right draft-pick packages were available.

New York already has a significant collection of future assets.

Now it needs to turn that advantage into the foundation of a competitive football team.

AFC EAST: THE FINAL VERDICT

Four teams. Four completely different situations.

Buffalo Bills: Go all-in on a veteran safety, preferably Budda Baker, and give Josh Allen a defense capable of helping him win a championship.

Miami Dolphins: Trade Zach Sieler, collect draft capital, and start planning for the future.

New England Patriots: Make an aggressive offer for Brian Thomas Jr. and continue building around Drake Maye.

New York Jets: Sell valuable veterans, stockpile draft picks, and commit to a complete rebuild.

The NFL trade deadline isn't simply about acquiring talent.

It's about understanding where your franchise stands.

For some teams, that means sacrificing future draft picks to improve their chances of winning today. For others, it means accepting that the current roster isn't good enough and making the difficult decisions necessary to build something better.

In the AFC East, the right move couldn't be more different from one team to the next.