The 2026 NFL trade deadline arrives Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET, with teams across the league evaluating roster needs, salary cap flexibility, and playoff odds after eight weeks.
The Buffalo Bills (6-1) hold a 99.1% chance to make the playoffs and project to pick No. 31 in the first round. With less than $4 million in available cap space, their deadline goal is to add secondary depth—specifically a safety or nickel corner—to address injuries and early-season defensive lapses. Though not expected to trade, wide receiver Keon Coleman is cited as a speculative asset who could draw interest from receiver-needy teams. Analyst Seth Walder recommends the Bills target Buccaneers edge rusher Yaya Diaby, who ranks in the 97th percentile in pass rush win rate and has 3.0 sacks this season.
TOP NEWS
The Chicago Bears (6-2) are all-in on contention after acquiring All-Pro defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons from the Tennessee Titans on October 29 for two first-round picks and a fourth-rounder. They absorbed $7.9 million of Simmons’ remaining 2026 cap charge and retain approximately $4 million in flexibility. Analyst Walder suggests they pursue Dolphins edge rusher Josh Uche—a bargain option—who ranks 60th percentile in pass rush win rate and 35th percentile in pressure rate this season.
The Cincinnati Bengals (5-2) have a 96.1% playoff probability and $7.4 million in cap space. Their stated goal is adding depth at linebacker or cornerback—needs dating back to last offseason. Defensive end Shemar Stewart is named as a possible trade candidate, but head coach Zac Taylor dismissed such talk as “made up.” Analyst Aaron Schatz recommends Saints linebacker Pete Werner, a 27-year-old in his prime with a 70% run stop rate last season.
The Carolina Panthers (3-4) lead the NFC South entering Week 9 but have just 23.6% playoff odds and less than $1 million in cap space. After firing defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero last week, they seek cost-effective help at cornerback and offensive line. Tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders was a healthy scratch in Green Bay and is identified as a potential trade piece, possibly for a Day 3 draft pick swap. Schatz recommends Jets safety Andre Cisco to bolster their pass defense, which ranks 21st in DVOA against deep passes.
The Cleveland Browns (5-3) have 17.3% playoff odds and the second-youngest roster in the NFL. General manager Andrew Berry is open to trades but prioritizes depth additions at tight end or defensive line. Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy, 27, is noted as a player the Browns would listen on given their youth-focused direction at receiver. Walder proposes acquiring Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins, who ranks 16th in QBR—well ahead of Deshaun Watson’s 28th-place mark.
The Dallas Cowboys (3-5) hold 43.1% playoff odds and just four 2027 draft picks. Owner Jerry Jones has signaled openness to trades, but no specific deadline goal, movable player, or acquisition target is detailed in the excerpt.
Photo: WuTang94 / Wikimedia Commons, CC0
More: NFL · Buffalo Bills · Chicago Bears · Cincinnati Bengals
