The NFL trade rumor mill is beginning to churn as teams prepare for the upcoming season. Typically, this period is calm, but as August 30 draws near, the pace quickens with General Managers looking to make final adjustments before Week 1 kickoff. The focus is on bolstering rosters, filling depth, and addressing player rotations that may have changed due to injuries or performance issues during the preseason. Let's take a look at potential trades every team in the NFL might consider in order to improve their lineup ahead of the season.
AFC East
Buffalo Bills: The Bills should consider trading a late 2027 pick for Baltimore Ravens NT John Jenkins. After moving Deone Walker to nose tackle, they risk overburdening the second-year pro. Jenkins, a hefty 360-pounder, has maintained a solid track record with at least 39 tackles in the last three seasons, and the new coaching staff in Baltimore may not have him in their plans.
Miami Dolphins: Trading a mid-round 2027 pick for Carolina Panthers WR Xavier Legette might be the right move for Miami. With the weakest wide receiver corps in the league, the Dolphins must enhance their pass-catching capabilities, especially to support newly appointed starter Malik Willis. Legette’s experience could be beneficial.
New England Patriots: The Patriots could target Houston Texans S M.J. Stewart in exchange for a late 2027 pick. With a recent loss at safety, they need a veteran presence to compete for impactful snaps.
New York Jets: The Jets may want to look into acquiring Tampa Bay Buccaneers LB SirVocea Dennis for a late 2027 pick. Dennis, having shown promise with 101 tackles last season, could solidify their linebacker unit’s future.
AFC North
Baltimore Ravens: A trade consideration for the Ravens might be Houston Texans IOL Jarrett Patterson for a late 2027 pick. With the center position vacant, acquiring a player who has started in 21 games would fill that gap effectively.
Cincinnati Bengals: The Bengals should look at trading for Los Angeles Chargers RB Kimani Vidal. This would provide them with a solid backup running back, especially as they seek reliable options behind a soon-to-be-31 Samaje Perine.
Cleveland Browns: The likely trade for QB Dillon Gabriel to another team for a late 2027 pick might be wise as he faces tough competition in the current QB lineup. He could draw interest from teams requiring quarterback depth.
Pittsburgh Steelers: The Steelers' options at left tackle could improve with a trade for Jacksonville Jaguars LT Walker Little for a mid-round 2027 pick. Given Broderick Jones’ recovery and Little’s experience, this could be a strategic move.
AFC South
Houston Texans: The Texans might want to give up a late 2027 pick for Miami Dolphins RB Jaylen Wright, aiming to supplement their rookie running back situation with another viable option.
Indianapolis Colts: Considering a trade for Washington Commanders RB Jerome Ford can help relieve the pressure on star running back Jonathan Taylor. This would ensure they have a competent backup on the sidelines.
Jacksonville Jaguars: A possible trade for Miami Dolphins LB Tyrel Dodson could bring much-needed competition at the linebacker position as they seek to solidify their defense.
Tennessee Titans: The Titans might trade LB Cody Barton for a mid-round pick. New acquisitions could push Barton down the depth chart and he could generate interest from other teams.
AFC West
Denver Broncos: Trading cornerback Riley Moss for a 2027 Day 2 pick could allow them to capitalize on his peak value while shifting focus to Jahdae Barron’s promotion.
Kansas City Chiefs: The Chiefs should explore trading CB Kristian Fulton for a late 2027 pick, as he could become surplus to requirements with stronger competition out of the squad.
Las Vegas Raiders: They could consider trading a late 2027 pick for Bengals DT Kris Jenkins Jr. to shore up their depth at the defensive line.
Los Angeles Chargers: Another trade to consider is sending RB Kimani Vidal out for a late 2027 pick, potentially freeing him to a team in need of a reliable backup.
NFC East
Dallas Cowboys: Trading edge Marist Liufau for a late 2027 pick can be a smart decision. With his recent switch to edge-rusher, there could still be potential value to be unlocked.
New York Giants: A trade for CB Deonte Banks for a late 2027 pick may be warranted due to recent changes in the secondary, offering the potential for a new start elsewhere.
Philadelphia Eagles: One of the most discussed potential moves is trading DT Jalen Carter for Arizona Cardinals EDGE Josh Sweat. This could meet both teams’ needs as Carter seeks a new extension.
Washington Commanders: They might look to trade a 2027 5th-round pick for Patriots WR Kayshon Boutte, addressing their need for a reliable No. 2 receiver.
NFC North
Chicago Bears: The Bears can strengthen their pass rush by trading for Kansas City Chiefs DE Felix Anudike-Uzomah. A low-risk option looking to gain footing could bring upside to the team.
Detroit Lions: Considering a trade for Colts CB Jaylon Jones can replenish their defensive backfield while benefiting from a solid player who has room to grow.
Green Bay Packers: They could explore a move for Steelers EDGE Alex Highsmith using a Day 2 2027 pick to fortify their defensive front.
Minnesota Vikings: Trading for Chiefs CB Kristian Fulton for a late 2027 pick would help bolster their cornerback depth ahead of the season.
NFC South
Atlanta Falcons: A late 2027 pick for WR Marvin Mims Jr. could remedy their No. 2 receiver dilemma and provide depth behind Drake London.
Carolina Panthers: Targeting Los Angeles Rams TE Colby Parkinson with a mid-round pick can offer a much-needed weapon for their developing quarterback, Bryce Young.
New Orleans Saints: The Saints should also consider a late 2027 pick for Bills WR Josh Palmer, enhancing their receiving core by bringing in a player familiar with the coaching staff's system.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Trading RB SirVocea Dennis for a late 2027 pick may be prudent given the new talent acquisition at linebacker.
NFC West
Arizona Cardinals: They might focus on trading edge Josh Sweat for a 2027 Day 2 pick as they look to accumulate valuable assets for their rebuilding phase.
Los Angeles Rams: Acquiring New England Patriots WR DeMario Douglas for a late 2027 pick would allow the Rams to strengthen their depth and maintain flexibility in their offense.
San Francisco 49ers: The 49ers should keep an eye on opportunities to move QB Mac Jones for a second-round pick, particularly if they think rookie Kurtis Rourke could back up Brock Purdy.
Seattle Seahawks: A trade for IOL Jackson Powers-Johnson could improve their offensive line depth, especially considering his position battle with the Raiders.
As the NFL prepares for another exciting season, teams will be eyeing these trades as a way to create more competitive rosters. Whether it’s a necessary reshuffle or a chance to pool resources, the upcoming days will be crucial as teams make their final adjustments before the season.
