As the November 4th NFL trade deadline fast approaches, I wanted to touch on the needs of every NFL team, and this week, I’ll talk through the AFC. Now I’m taking a different approach, not just the needs for contenders to address, but the needs of all teams.
AFC 2025 NFL Trade Deadline Needs
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Baltimore Ravens – Lamar Jackson will return, but there seems to be something wrong with this squad. If they can land a defensive linemen to help improve their rushing defense, otherwise I think they need to be more sellers than buyers and look towards 2026.
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Buffalo Bills – Somehow, they still need wide receiver help even though they’ve invested resources into that unit. I’d also say a solid coverage corner or linebacker could very well be on the table as they get ready for a playoff push.
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Cincinnati Bengals – They need to make sure they protect Flacco, so I’d say interior offensive linemen is the biggest need, but it’s more a vet that can help show their young guys the way.
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Cleveland Browns – Sell, sell, sell! Anyone 26ish and older should be available. I know they are going to be hamstrung with the Watson deal for another year or so, but I think you stick with Stefanski until that time comes, and just go young. If someone wants to pay a king’s ransom, I’d even go as far as saying Garrett’s available (though I doubt that happens). You need draft capital to rebuild, and any aging player on either side of the ball should be expendable to get it.
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Denver Broncos – I think you stand pat, they are building in the right direction and just need another strong offseason to really make themselves a true contender. If you want to target someone, depth wideout maybe? Another interior linebacker? I like what this team’s been doing, so I’d hate to mess up the momentum.
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Houston Texans – Offensive linemen (probably plural), as this team is still struggling up front, but it’s hard to see them being much of a player at the deadline.
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Indianapolis Colts – If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. This team has finally got their trigger man and is making noise in the AFC. If you can land some secondary depth, sure; otherwise, stand pat.
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Jacksonville Jaguars – Secondary help is probably the area that I’d say could use some attention, depth more than starters at this point, and maybe linebacker depth, but otherwise I think we just have to keep grinding!
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Kansas City Chiefs – How can the rich get richer? Running back seems like the easiest target, but they have backs that they like (3 of them, to be honest), so I’d say, can we get some defensive help? Another team that could go cornerback depth or defensive line. I wouldn’t be shocked if they looked at the tackle market, if possible.
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Las Vegas Raiders – Quarterback, though I think they’ll stick with Geno (and you really use the draft for that typically anyways), I just don’t know how you can get a true feel for what you have when your QB is struggling like this. They need help on defense, but it almost feels like we just ride it out this year and keep letting Pete rebuild this team in his image.
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Los Angeles Chargers – Getting some offensive linemen healthy will be a huge help for this team, but otherwise, secondary help, corners, really could be the play here.
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Miami Dolphins – This team needs to be a seller at the deadline. I typically lean into it if you’re a seller, 26to 27-year-olds are on the block. Get draft capital for whoever the next head coach is, and let’s get this thing right!
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New England Patriots – For a team that’s far surpassing what people thought it could be, try to add talent if possible. Is it wide receiver talent, or linebacker? defensive line? Just keep adding pieces that fit Vrabel’s mold!
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New York Jets – Another team that should sell more than buy, get Aaron Glenn some draft picks, and let him keep building this team in his image as well.
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Pittsburgh Steelers – I have nothing here; this team really is fairly well-rounded and shouldn’t look to do anything unless you can add some depth for a playoff push. They don’t grade the best in coverage, so I could see them look for depth there, but otherwise stand pat.
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Tennessee Titans – Sell aging vets, get draft capital for the next staff to work with. That should be the goal: Calvin Ridley, Dan Moore, Kevin Zeitler, Tony Pollard, and anyone else over that 26/27 age range should be available if a team is looking.
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