An Early Look at Most Pressing Trade Needs for NFL Contenders

The NFL trade deadline isn’t as eventful as its NBA or MLB counterparts, yet teams can still make key additions to improve their Super Bowl chances.

Activity at the deadline is a factor to consider when making NFL picks down the stretch.

Here are the biggest needs for each of the contending teams.

Bills: Slot Corner

The Bills are generating pressure. Their numbers against the run aren’t too bad. It’s the passing game that’s been a real problem for Buffalo’s defense, with poor numbers in coverage, particularly to slot receivers.

Dee Alford has had a torrid time in coverage this year. If the Bills are going to finally take advantage of Josh Allen’s prime, they need to improve their secondary. Donte Jackson could be a low-cost option.

Patriots: Second Tight End

Only nine teams run less two tight end sets than the Patriots. Part of that’s down to schematic preference, but running more 12 personnel might help to improve New England’s poor run blocking and mix up the offense to avoid the kind of shaky performances Drake Maye delivered earlier this season. Hunter Long could be a target.

Mike Vrabel may also look at bolstering the run defense – New England is dead last in run stuff rate.

Ravens: Defensive Line

Baltimore has already tried to improve its offensive line with Cam Jurgens. Vega Ioane has struggled as a pass blocker at guard, but the Ravens’ pressure issues are not limited to one side of the ball.

These Ravens are in the bottom 10 in pressure rate on opposing quarterbacks, despite being above average in blitz rate. There’s a lot of talent on this defense, but another defensive lineman might be necessary if the Ravens are to go on a deep run.

Bengals: Linebacker

Only four teams have missed more tackles than Cincinnati, and their defense was revamped in the offseason, so much of their improvement needs to come from their current players improving.

With the second-lowest blitz rate, they are in the top 10 in pressures. A linebacker improved could be the answer given how effective opposing tight ends and running backs have been as pass catchers.

Jaguars: Edge Rusher

The Jags have an elite defense. Blocking has been mediocre and the pass rush could be a bit more formidable. The sign of a true contender, though, is that there are no glaring issues for Jacksonville to address.

Do the Jags want to pay the premium for a new guard or tackle? Look at how much Jurgens cost. Alternatively, they could look to add to their pass rush or running game with Josh Uche and/or Tony Pollard, respectively.

Chiefs: High-Upside Receiver

Yes, the Chiefs once again make sense as a destination for a high-upside, buy-low receiver like Brian Thomas Jr.

Kansas City is an elite defense, ranking in the top 10 in EPA per play against the pass and run. There’s no dire need in the receiving room with Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy, and the rejuvenated Travis Kelce, but Thomas would be a fascinating fit.

Broncos: Two-Way Tight End

Tied with the Bills for the most missed tackles, Denver’s defense is better than it has shown so far. Maybe a new linebacker could help Alex Singleton out on passing downs, but the focus has to be the offense.

Massive draft capital was already thrown to Miami for Jaylen Waddle. Trades can only help so much if Bo Nix remains one of the least accurate quarterbacks in the NFL, and another wide receiver would be unnecessary.

Instead, a tight end like Dallas Goedert could make sense, seeing as Denver is 28th in success rate when they have two tight ends on the field.

Raiders: Pass Blocking

Kolton Miller has struggled on his return from injury, conceding four sacks and eight quarterback hits through five games. Las Vegas’ pass blocking has been poor over the last three weeks.

It’s early to say whether the Raiders will be buyers or not. Even if they aren’t, it might be worth adding a veteran tackle to give them options when Fernando Mendoza takes over.

Vikings: Wide Receiver

A hellacious defense – third in opponent rush success and first in opponent pass success – shouldn’t be tinkered with. The offensive line is keeping the pocket clean, too.

The biggest weakness for Minnesota has actually been its pass catching. The Vikings have the fourth-highest drop rate. Jordan Addison only had 11 catches in four games and Jauan Jennings has two receptions this season.

Minnesota can improve Kyler Murray’s chances of succeeding by bolstering their receiver corps. Thomas, Jerry Jeudy, and Keenan Allen are potential fits.

Lions: At Least One Upgrade in the Secondary

It’s surprising PFF only has Detroit as the 10th-worst team in pass coverage. The Lions’ secondary has been poor, with Terrion Arnold sorely missed and both of last year’s safeties on the shelf.

Brad Holmes has to be aggressive. Draft picks should be on the table, plus Detroit has the second-most cap space to play with. This defense – which ranks 29th in points allowed despite a favorable schedule – is not sustainable for a contender.

Bears: Pass Rush

Chicago is middling in pressure rate, despite being eighth in blitz rate. Austin Booker and Montez Sweat grade as middling pass rushers this year.

A reunion with Khalil Mack could be appealing for both parties. Dennis Allen clearly trusts his secondary in man coverage, but they can be less aggressive defensively if they can generate more non-blitz pressure.

Falcons: WR2

The Falcons have almost $30 million in cap space to play with. A case can be made for improving the secondary, with Billy Bowman Jr. enduring a difficult start to the year, but Atlanta can afford to give their defense some time.

An already stacked offense could benefit from a WR2 to accompany Drake London. Much like the Vikings, they should be thinking about how to make Michael Penix Jr.’s life easier – Chris Godwin, Stefon Diggs, or Allen would make sense.

49ers: Wide Receiver

Mike Evans is doing his thing as the lead receiver, despite a rib problem. San Francisco’s receiving corps has been decimated by injuries, though, so more depth at the position would be a welcome addition for Kyle Shanahan.

It doesn’t need to be a big name to make sense for the Niners. Just another body with experience as an NFL experience would be a bonus, particularly with Deebo Samuel out for a few weeks.

Seahawks: Veteran Running Back

Seattle has the second-worst running game in the NFL, according to PFF. Kenneth Walker III has been sorely missed. Jadarian Price is on injured reserve, Zach Charbonnet is yet to return, and the George Holani/Emanuel Wilson duo has been ineffective.

Sitting 19th in yards before contact per run, Seattle’s run blocking has been far from perfect. Still, this offense would benefit from a serviceable veteran in the backfield. Pollard is probably the premier name on the market. Rachaad White, also an upcoming free agent, has been in a similar outside-zone scheme with Washington.

Rams: WR3/Linebacker

The Rams have the least cap space in the league and have sent a haul of picks out in other blockbuster deals. Les Snead needs to get creative to make any kind of notable addition at the deadline.

Jeudy could be a low-cost way to improve at WR3 and his $1.5 million salary would require minimal salary cap gymnastics. An upgrade at linebacker would make sense, though Snead would need to create significant space for a big name like Frankie Luvu. Christian Rozeboom and Cedric Gray are more fiscally responsible options.