6 NFL Teams That Should Be the Biggest Buyers at the 2026 Trade Deadline

Every year, before the NFL trade deadline, playoff-contending teams make moves to shore up roster weaknesses or keep pace in division races. While some clubs will stand pat, expect some activity in the coming days, with notable names in the rumor mill.

The Seattle Seahawks acquired three-time first-team All-Pro guard Quenton Nelson from the Indianapolis Colts. Days later, the Chicago Bears traded two first-round picks to the Tennessee Titans for 2025 All-Pro defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons. These teams may have set the tone for a busy trade deadline.

So, let's look at six teams that should be the biggest buyers in the days leading up to November 10, and whom they could target to improve their playoff chances.

The Cincinnati Bengals field the league's second-ranked scoring offense with the No. 1 passing attack in total yards, but they need balance on that side of the ball.

Cincinnati is averaging the third-fewest rushing yards per game while logging 3.7 yards per carry, which ranks 28th in the league.

According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz , the Bengals are one of several teams aggressively pursuing three-time Pro Bowler and 2021 rushing champion Jonathan Taylor.

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler spoke to executives who think Taylor is worth a second-rounder and additional picks, but he believes the Indianapolis Colts could demand the "equivalent of a first-round pick."

If the Bengals aren't willing to meet the Colts' asking price for Taylor, ESPN's Adam Schefter suggested they could shift their attention to New York Jets running back Breece Hall.

Hall signed a three-year, $43.5 million extension this past offseason, but general manager Darren Mougey traded two-time All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner almost four months after signing him to a new deal. If Cincinnati proposes a deal he can't refuse, Hall could be a trade option.

The Bengals should also pursue a cornerback who can join Dax Hill and DJ Turner II in shoring up their 26th-ranked pass defense.

Potential trade targets: RB Jonathan Taylor, RB Breece Hall, CB Donte Jackson

The Detroit Lions could soon have their All-Pro/Pro Bowl safety duo back together. In Week 7, Brian Branch returned to action from a torn Achilles. Kerby Joseph hasn't played a snap since October of last year because of a knee injury, but he's back at practice.

Still, the Lions need to strengthen their perimeter pass coverage with an experienced veteran who can play opposite D.J. Reed.

In his age-30 season, Rock Ya-Sin is a rotational cornerback. Third-year pro Ennis Rakestraw Jr. has only played 157 defensive snaps in 13 career games (two starts). Roger McCreary has taken most of his snaps in the slot, and he's allowed three touchdowns and a 104.3 passer rating in coverage.

Furthermore, Detroit lost Jack Campbell to a neck injury that hospitalized him last week. Fortunately, head coach Dan Campbell received positive news about the All-Pro linebacker's condition.

The Lions won't rush Campbell back. So, depending on how the linebacker corps performs against the Miami Dolphins in Week 9, they could be in the market for help at that position.

The Lions have a balanced offense, with passing and rushing attacks that rank in the top seven in total yards, but they need to bolster their defense.

Potential trade targets: CB Riq Woolen, CB Kristian Fulton, LB Cedric Gray

For the past few years, the Kansas City Chiefs have needed a reliable pass-catcher to spark their passing game, and that hasn't changed this season.

Rashee Rice has missed 24 games since the 2024 campaign. Xavier Worthy, a 2024 first-rounder, hasn't taken a third-year leap to become a well-rounded receiver. The speedy wideout is averaging a career-low 8.5 yards per catch.

Tight end Travis Kelce leads the Chiefs in multiple receiving categories with 29 receptions for 410 yards and two touchdowns, but relying heavily on a 37-year-old in his 14th season is risky.

In Week 4, deep-threat wide receiver Tyquan Thornton dislocated his ankle and tore ligaments. Without his big-play ability, Kansas City's aerial attack will lack explosive plays.

Rice is on an expiring contract, so the Chiefs should pursue a young wideout who can take on a big role as one of Patrick Mahomes' primary targets. General manager Brett Veach should have Brian Thomas Jr. and Josh Downs at the top of his trade-acquisition list. Rashod Bateman and Jerry Jeudy are alternative options still in their prime.

Potential trade targets: WR Brian Thomas Jr., WR Josh Downs, WR Jerry Jeudy

Minnesota Vikings backup quarterback Carson Wentz may start on Monday against the Buffalo Bills.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter , "it is trending towards" Wentz starting over Kyler Murray, who's dealing with a hamstring injury.

The Vikings will host the Bills in a battle between two one-loss teams, a good spot for Wentz to show he's a better option than Murray to lead the Vikings' offense. The 33-year-old journeyman led Minnesota in a comeback win over the Green Bay Packers in Week 1, throwing three touchdown passes.

In six games, Murray has thrown for 1,022 yards, five touchdowns and three interceptions. Excluding the season opener, when he exited with a concussion, the eight-year pro has completed less than 59 percent of his passes in three of his five starts.

The Athletic's Ted Nguyen pointed out that Murray is "constantly late" on his reads, which has hurt his accuracy. The Vikings could bench him in favor of Wentz going forward and pursue a younger veteran signal-caller, like San Francisco 49ers backup quarterback Mac Jones.

If the Vikings move forward with Murray or Wentz, they should upgrade their 17th-ranked rushing attack to ease pressure on the quarterback. Aaron Jones Sr. and Jordan Mason are serviceable, but the former turns 32 in December, and the latter currently averages 3.9 yards per carry.

Like several other teams, the Vikings should look at available top-tier running backs, though it also makes sense to add veteran quarterback insurance, since Murray is inefficient when healthy and is now nursing an injury.

Potential trade targets: RB Jonathan Taylor, RB Breece Hall, QB Mac Jones

Head coach John Harbaugh is leading an immediate turnaround in his first year with the New York Giants, though Big Blue shouldn't be complacent. The Giants have a plus-two point differential, showing the need to improve across the roster as they find consistency.

According to Jonathan Jones of The Athletic, Harbaugh reached out directly to Tennessee Titans owner Amy Adams Strunk about trading for Jeffery Simmons.

"Multiple sources tell The Athletic the Giants' head coach called Titans owner Amy Adams Strunk directly in an attempt to trade for the All-Pro defensive tackle, breaking with traditional NFL trade-talk norms," Jones wrote.

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler still believes the Giants will bolster their defensive front and have two-time Pro Bowler Vita Vea in mind. This past offseason, the Buccaneers signed Vea to a one-year, $30 million extension, so it may take an aggressive offer to pry him away, though the Giants clearly want defensive help.

NFL insider Jordan Schultz also mentioned Big Blue among teams showing strong interest in Jonathan Taylor, which makes sense given Cam Skattebo's ball-security issues this season and Tyrone Tracy Jr.'s stint on short-term injured reserve.

Potential trade targets: RB Jonathan Taylor, RB Tony Pollard, NT Vita Vea

The Pittsburgh Steelers have strung together four consecutive wins, but their offense is mediocre, ranking 18th in scoring, 19th in total yards and tied for 19th in yards per play.

As in recent years, the Steelers are stout defensively, but they need an offensive spark. Jaylen Warren and Rico Dowdle have become an effective running back duo over the previous few weeks. The tandem racked up 199 rushing yards against the Cleveland Browns in Pittsburgh's last outing.

However, the Steelers won't be able to sustain offensive momentum without better balance and more help alongside lead receiver DK Metcalf. He's been inconsistent, with a career-low 51.6 percent catch rate and four drops.

Meanwhile, wideouts Michael Pittman Jr. and Roman Wilson are on short-term injured reserve. Rookie second-rounder Germie Bernard has shown promising flashes, catching 32 passes for 284 yards and a touchdown, but he racked up just 57 receiving yards over Pittsburgh's last two outings.

Looking ahead to potential playoff matchups, the Steelers need another healthy wide receiver who can threaten opposing defenses to compete against the Buffalo Bills and Jacksonville Jaguars, who field top-five scoring offenses.

Pittsburgh should make calls on several wide receivers up until Tuesday's deadline. Keep in mind that Aaron Rodgers said this will be his last season . The Steelers should go for all the glory with a big trade that gives them a chance to make a deep run before they have to address quarterback uncertainty.

Potential trade targets: WR Brian Thomas Jr., WR Josh Downs, WR Quentin Johnston

Maurice Moton covers the NFL for Bleacher Report. You can follow him on Twitter @MoeMoton.