As we roll into the last days before the November 5 NFL trade deadline, the clock is ticking for teams to shake things up, make moves that could boost their playoff chances, or, in some cases, hit reset on the whole season.
It’s definitely been a wild few weeks, with some teams bouncing back while others just seem to be falling deeper into a rut.
The Los Angeles Rams, for example, went from looking like potential sellers to maybe staying in the game after recent wins and the return of Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp.
At 3-4, they’re suddenly reconsidering their options, reminding us that in the NFL, everything can change in a week.
But not everyone is having a midseason revival.
With just days left, plenty of teams are facing some hard decisions.
Some have already started making moves—like the Vikings, who pulled off a trade with the Jaguars for offensive tackle Cam Robinson.
Still, there’s more action we’re dying to see before the deadline wraps up.
Let’s look at some NFL trades that would make a lot of sense (and drama) for both sides.
We’ll start with the New York Jets and their bold (or was it rash?) move to bring in Davante Adams.
As expected, it’s not really working out; the Jets are sitting at a bleak 2-6.
It seemed risky from the start, and now, with the team still struggling, it might be time for the Jets to part ways with Adams.
A trade to the San Francisco 49ers could give him a fresh start, especially after the 49ers lost Brandon Aiyuk.
Nonetheless, there’s a wrinkle—quarterback Aaron Rodgers might not be thrilled about losing Adams since they’re close friends.
But for the Jets, it might be smarter to look toward building for the future.
The Detroit Lions are another team with a big need, this time on defense.
For starters, losing Aidan Hutchinson has left them searching for an edge rusher who can bring the heat.
And Chase Young, currently with the New Orleans Saints, could be the perfect fit.
While Young hasn’t been at his absolute best lately, when healthy, he’s still got what it takes to help a team with serious playoff ambitions.
On the other hand, the Saints are in a rough spot themselves and could use the chance to rebuild with younger players and future picks.
They’d be wise to deal with Young and maybe even other veteran talents like Alvin Kamara or Demario Davis—although, with Kamara’s recent contract extension, the Saints might be holding him a little too close.
For a team in rebuild mode, holding onto pricey veterans doesn’t make a lot of sense.
Now, about that Vikings trade—bringing in Cam Robinson from the Jaguars was a smart move.
With their own left tackle Christian Darrisaw out for the season, the Vikings needed a solid replacement, and Robinson fits that bill.
Offensive linemen are hard to come by this time of year because even struggling teams know you can’t leave your quarterback unprotected.
Yet, the Jaguars, who have depth at the line, could still let go of another lineman like Brandon Scherff if a team like the Seahawks comes calling for reinforcements.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are looking for help in the passing game, specifically a receiver to support George Pickens.
Though an NFL rule prevents them from reacquiring Diontae Johnson (since they traded him away less than two years ago), a trade for Jets receiver Mike Williams could be just the ticket.
Williams hasn’t been thrilled with his role on the Jets, and since New York isn’t gaining much from holding onto him, sending him to Pittsburgh would be a win-win.
Baltimore Ravens fans know the pain of watching their team’s defense, particularly the pass defense, struggle this season.
As it stands, the Ravens currently allow the most passing yards in the league (291.4 per game).
With that stat hanging over them, they should be jumping at the chance to bring in cornerback Tre’Davious White from the Rams.
Although White’s past injuries have slowed him down, he could still give the Ravens’ secondary some much-needed stability without costing Baltimore too much in return.
Meanwhile, the Dallas Cowboys have been walking a tightrope in their backfield.
Jerry Jones keeps defending his decision not to bring in more running back help, specifically for passing on Derrick Henry, who wanted to come to Dallas but ended up with a stellar season elsewhere.
At 3-4, the Cowboys still have a shot at making something of their season, and Miami Dolphins veteran running back Raheem Mostert could be the affordable option they need.
The Dolphins, sitting at a disappointing 2-5, would be smart to give their younger back, Jaylen Wright, more time on the field while allowing Mostert to make an impact in Dallas.
Conversely, the Kansas City Chiefs could use some backup at cornerback, which is why a trade for Jonathan Jones from the Patriots would make a lot of sense.
Jones is in the last year of his contract, and with New England focused on rebuilding, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him let go.
The Chiefs, however, are on a mission to stay Super Bowl contenders, and Jones could help shore up a thin area in their secondary.
For the Atlanta Falcons, adding another defensive playmaker like Za’Darius Smith from the Browns could be the final touch to secure their NFC South title.
Despite trading for Matthew Judon earlier this year, they’re still in the bottom tier of the league for sacks, and Smith, who’s at five sacks this season, could bring a fresh boost.
The Browns aren’t having a good year, and trading Smith could provide them with future assets they could use to improve down the line.
In the meantime, the Chargers are in the thick of the playoff race and need more depth at wide receiver.
Rookie Ladd McConkey has shown potential, but the Chargers can’t rely solely on him.
And veteran receiver Adam Thielen from the Panthers could be the reliable target they need.
He’s been quieter this season, but his experience would help the Chargers’ offense and give Justin Herbert a solid target as they push for the playoffs.
However, a couple of rumored trades don’t seem likely to happen—namely, any deals involving Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton or linebacker Azeez Ojulari.
Despite their 2-6 record, the Giants reportedly have no plans to let them go.
Giants’ management thinks highly of both players and with each set to command a good compensatory draft pick if they leave in free agency, there’s not much incentive for the Giants to move them now.
As the deadline inches closer, all eyes are on these possible trades that could tip the scales for teams pushing for the playoffs or preparing for a rebuild.
This is where things get interesting, and with just days to go, we’ll soon see which teams make bold moves and which let the clock run out.