NFL Trade Deadline: Roster Moves and Financial Limits

The 2026 NFL trade deadline arrives Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET, forcing 32 teams to evaluate their rosters and financial positions. The league has seen numerous transactions this season, but uncertainty remains regarding which franchises will pursue major changes.

ESPN’s Football Power Index evaluated each team’s standing through Week 8 to determine trade priorities. NFL Nation reporters identified the primary goal for every franchise, while insiders Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano predicted player movements. Analysts Aaron Schatz and Seth Walder also selected one target for each team.

The Indianapolis Colts continue a strategy of trading veterans for draft capital, a move that included sending Jonathan Taylor out of the organization. Meanwhile, the Kansas City Chiefs are seeking a reliable wide receiver to support quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

The Arizona Cardinals sit at 3-5 with a 1.1% playoff probability. General Manager Monti Ossenfort is in the fourth year of a three-year rebuild. After trading Marvin Harrison Jr. to the Texans, the team may move unhappy veterans for future picks. Edge rusher Josh Sweat has drawn interest, though contract negotiations could complicate a deal.

The Atlanta Falcons, also 3-5, aim to protect their draft capital. New general manager Ian Cunningham vowed to avoid ending a year with fewer than five picks, a situation that occurred in 2026. The team is unlikely to trade unless the offer is exceptional. Safety Jessie Bates III, who is in the final year of his contract, is a candidate for a trade.

The Baltimore Ravens face a critical decision with quarterback Lamar Jackson out for at least four games due to a right thumb injury. At 4-4, the team must choose between acquiring a starter or trading assets for capital. Running back Derrick Henry and wide receiver Rashod Bateman hold trade value. Analysts suggest the Ravens look at Jacoby Brissett for more experience than rookie Joe Fagnano.

The Buffalo Bills lead the league with a 6-1 record but have less than $4 million in salary cap space. They are expected to seek help at safety or nickel cornerback. Wide receiver Keon Coleman is a potential candidate, though the team may hold its core. Analysts point to edge rusher Yaya Diaby to boost a pass rush that ranks 26th.

The Carolina Panthers, at 3-4, are in an awkward position after firing defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero. Leading the NFC South, they need help at cornerback and offensive line but have less than $1 million in cap space. Tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders is a likely trade candidate. Analysts suggest targeting safety Andre Cisco to improve pass defense and allow rookie Zakee Wheatley to develop.

The Chicago Bears have already traded two first-round picks for defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons. With just under $4 million in cap space, they may look for edge rushers in a late-round pick range. Quarterback Case Keenum is a potential trade option. Analysts recommend targeting edge rusher Josh Uche to complement the defensive rotation.

The Cincinnati Bengals, at 5-2, are looking to add depth at linebacker or cornerback with $7.4 million in cap space available. Edge rusher Shemar Stewart is a trade candidate, though coach Zac Taylor has downplayed the likelihood. Analysts suggest targeting linebacker Pete Werner, a prime-aged player who excels on blitzes.

The Cleveland Browns, at 5-3, are supplementing their young core while maintaining 11 selections in the 2027 draft. They may make moves at tight end or defensive line. Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy is a potential candidate as the team moves younger at the position. Analysts suggest considering quarterback Kirk Cousins as a temporary solution over Deshaun Watson to improve playoff odds.

The Dallas Cowboys, at 3-5, are weighing options with owner Jerry Jones open to trades. The team has only four picks in the 2027 draft. They recently acquired cornerback Joey Porter Jr., but the biggest decision involves whether to keep George Pickens. Tight end Luke Schoonmaker is a trade candidate. Analysts suggest targeting edge rusher Kingsley Enagbare to improve a pass rush that ranks 31st.