NFL Contenders Target Roster Upgrades Before Trade Deadline

Several NFL contenders could pursue roster upgrades before the league's trade deadline on Tuesday, Nov. 10, at 4 p.m. ET, according to an analysis published by NFL.com on Oct. 22, 2026. The Cincinnati Bengals, Buffalo Bills, Jacksonville Jaguars, Kansas City Chiefs, Las Vegas Raiders and Carolina Panthers are among the teams identified as having needs that could affect their postseason prospects.

The analysis identifies 10 roster needs across both conferences, with five from each conference and at least one team represented from every division. Defensive backs, wide receivers and running backs feature prominently among the positions requiring attention.

NFL.com noted that several prominent players changed teams shortly before the 2025 trade deadline, including Quinnen Williams, Jaelan Phillips, Sauce Gardner, Rashid Shaheed, Jakobi Meyers and Dre'Mont Jones. Trades earlier in the 2026 season have also involved Marvin Harrison Jr., Cam Jurgens, Joey Porter Jr. and J.J. McCarthy.

For the Bengals, running back Chase Brown's declining production has raised concerns about the team's rushing attack. After exceeding 1,000 rushing yards in 2025, Brown is averaging 3.5 yards per carry this season and has scored one touchdown, according to the analysis. Samaje Perine has also begun receiving carries.

Cincinnati previously relied on Joe Mixon to provide balance during its run to the Super Bowl in the 2021 season. Mixon earned Pro Bowl honors after recording 1,205 rushing yards and 13 rushing touchdowns. Quarterback Joe Burrow called for a more pass-oriented approach after the Bengals' 22-17 loss to Jacksonville, a game in which he attempted 54 passes.

Buffalo's secondary is another area of concern despite Christian Benford's strong performances. The former sixth-round pick has demonstrated versatility in coverage, including against tight end Brock Bowers during the Bills' Week 6 victory over Las Vegas. NFL.com identified an additional playmaking safety or reliable cornerback as a potential upgrade for a defense facing several strong AFC passing attacks.

Jacksonville also needs greater consistency at cornerback, according to the analysis. Jarrian Jones has allowed 379 passing yards, the second-highest total in the league according to Next Gen Stats, while Montaric Brown has dealt with injuries and performance struggles. The Jaguars' previous postseason ended on Wild Card Weekend in 2025, when Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen completed 80 percent of his passes against Jacksonville and went 5-for-5 for 53 yards on the game-winning drive.

Kansas City's receiving corps could also need reinforcement following Tyquan Thornton's ankle dislocation. Thornton recorded 30 receptions for 657 yards and five touchdowns across 18 games with the Chiefs over the previous two years, averaging 21.9 yards per catch. His absence could reduce the offense's ability to stretch opposing defenses vertically, placing additional pressure on the running game led by Kenneth Walker III.

Las Vegas faces a separate challenge at wide receiver. Jalen Nailor signed a three-year, $35.03 million contract in March but recorded only six receptions through his first five games with the Raiders. Tight ends Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer have emerged as the team's leading pass catchers, while Tre Tucker has supplied explosive plays from multiple alignments.

The Raiders have maintained a top-10 passing attack under head coach Klint Kubiak, according to NFL.com, but the analysis questions whether that production can continue without a more established outside receiver. Such an addition could support Kirk Cousins in the short term and first overall pick Fernando Mendoza in the longer term.

Carolina's cornerback depth has also become a concern. With Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson on injured reserve, fourth-round rookie Will Lee III and special teams contributor Akayleb Evans have taken starting roles. The Panthers limited Philadelphia to 187 net passing yards and 14 points in Week 6, but upcoming matchups against quarterbacks Jordan Love and Lamar Jackson present different challenges.

Jackson is scheduled to become a free agent in March, while he turns 30 in January. Those circumstances add a longer-term roster consideration to Carolina's immediate need for experienced coverage options, according to the NFL.com analysis.