As the NFL trade deadline looms on November 4th, AFC contenders are making crucial calls to fortify their rosters for a push towards the postseason.
With several teams positioned squarely on the bubble, desperate moves at high-value positions, especially on the offensive line and the defensive backfield, are expected.
From the surprising resurgence in the AFC South to the perennial battles in the AFC West, every team has one glaring area they must address before the clock runs out.
AFC East
The division is tight, meaning moves here are likely to be about securing a competitive edge rather than a full rebuild.
Team Primary Need Suggested Trade Target Rationale
Buffalo Bills Wide Receiver Depth Chris Olave (NO) Need an elite WR to maximise Josh Allen’s window.
Miami Dolphins Edge Rusher Bradley Chubb (MIA) Need a proven veteran presence on the edge to boost a pass rush that has slipped.
New England Patriots Running Back Alvin Kamara (NO) The Patriots have a fumbling problem at running back; adding a stud like Kamara would be a great addition to Drake Maye's passing offence.
New York Jets Offensive Line Depth Kevin Zeitler (TEN) Protecting the QB and improving run lanes is essential for this struggling offence.
Mark Konezny-Imagn Images
AFC North
The division is proving scrappy, and the Browns, Bengals, and Ravens are all teams that could be tempted to sell or buy based on their win/loss records.
Team Primary Need Suggested Trade Target Rationale
Baltimore Ravens Interior Offensive Line Kevin Zeitler (TEN) Must improve the interior to prevent pressure on Lamar Jackson and aid the run game.
Cincinnati Bengals Defensive Line Calais Campbell (ARI) The Bengals are in desperate need of help on defence.
Cleveland Browns Offensive Tackle Kevin Zeitler (TEN) The Browns have one of the worst offensive lines in the NFL and need help to protect their young QB.
Pittsburgh Steelers Cornerback Trevon Diggs (DAL) A veteran ballhawk to inject playmaking into a secondary that has struggled with coverage.
AFC South
The Colts are leading, but the Texans and Jaguars are ascending, meaning any contender must look for upgrades.
Team Primary Need Suggested Trade Target Rationale
Houston Texans RB Depth/Versatility Breece Hall (NYJ) Adding a versatile back who catches passes would immediately upgrade the short passing game.
Indianapolis Colts Cornerback Roger McCreary (TEN) Need immediate help in coverage, especially with Charvarius Ward injured.
Jacksonville Jaguars Defensive Line Reinforcement Jermaine Johnson II (NYJ) Need to bolster the pass rush to support a defence that is often exposed late in games.
Tennessee Titans Corner Back Trevon Diggs (DAL) A veteran ballhawk to inject playmaking into a secondary that has struggled all season.
Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
AFC West
The Chiefs and Chargers are in the thick of the race, while the Raiders and Broncos look to address weaknesses to keep pace.
Team Primary Need Suggested Trade Target Rationale
Denver Broncos Interior Offensive Line Cesar Ruiz (NO) Need to replace injured starters and improve the run-blocking unit to aid Bo Nix.
Kansas City Chiefs Defensive Tackle/Edge Depth Calais Campbell (ARI) A veteran presence to provide interior depth and veteran pass-rushing juice, especially if Chris Jones is quiet.
Las Vegas Raiders Cornerback Trevon Diggs (DAL) They need an established playmaker in the secondary to support Maxx Crosby’s pass rush.
Los Angeles Chargers Running Back Depth Jerome Ford (CLE) Injuries to Najee Harris and Omarion Hampton have exposed their depth behind Hassan Haskins.
More NFL news: