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 NFC. Now I’m taking a different approach, not just the needs for contenders to address, but the needs of all teams.
NFC 2025 NFL Trade Deadline Needs
NFC East
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Dallas Cowboys
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As I look through the different news outlets surrounding the team, edge rusher seems to be the popular position to target for the team. I’d argue you could look for some cornerback help as well, and it may be easier to get a corner on the trade market versus getting an edge rusher (as a Lions fan, I understand how hard it is to trade for one). I’d think any of the hot names on the trade market would be in play, but until a team like Cincinnati thinks they’re out of playoff contention, someone like Trey Hendrickson is not getting moved.
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New York Giants
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They may look to add a wideout, but I think Daboll and Co. have bought themselves another year to build with how Dart’s looked, plus all the injuries that have happened. That being said, they could sell a piece or two that they don’t see in their long-term plans, but Thibodeaux being traded seems wild to me. He looks like a nice edge rusher and shouldn’t be so quick to trade him.
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Philadelphia Eagles
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What do you do when you have one of the strongest rosters? Trade a wideout who is disgruntled? Doesn’t seem likely to me, but I could see them target some back-seven help, maybe a cornerback? That feels more like something they’d do before trading away one of their stars. NOTE: Trading for Ravens corner Jaire Alexander wasn’t what I expected, but it tracks with my thinking. They may not do more by Tuesday.
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Washington Commanders
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I see this team standing pat at the deadline. I know it’s not gone the way they’d hoped this season, but with the injuries racking up, outside of trading a player or two with an expiring contract that they won’t bring back, I think they just stay the course and hope 2026 brings some healthier times for the commanders.
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NFC North
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Chicago Bears
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Ryan Poles has no problem trading for big names at the deadline, though I don’t know if there is a trade of the Montez Sweat magnitude to be made this year. They could use more edge rushers, but I would be more intrigued by seeing them trade DJ Moore to a contender that is looking for reinforcements.
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Detroit Lions
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Another year, another chance for them to target some pass-rushing help to go opposite Aidan Hutchinson. Z’Darius Smith came in at the perfect time to help keep the ship afloat last year, and with a healthy Hutch, bringing in a pass rusher to help would be huge for a team with Super Bowl aspirations. I’d expect them to target edge or corner help, and a team like the Jets or Dolphins seems like a likely candidate to target players from.
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Green Bay Packers
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I’d be extremely surprised if they made any moves at the deadline. If they do, it’s adding some interior defensive line help. ESPN mentions going after the Titans Joseph-Day, which would be intriguing!
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Minnesota Vikings
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Another team that I’d be surprised to see make a move, but also another team that needs edge-rushing help. With the injury to Wentz and JJ just coming back from injury, it makes sense that they look to trade for a QB. I’d go out on a limb and wonder if they target someone like a Spencer Rattler or a Jameis Winston. One name wouldn’t be for this year, but what about getting a guy like Will Levis? Had a ton of tools coming into the league, but needs a QB whisperer, which I feel safe to say Kevin O’Connell is that guy.
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NFC South
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Atlanta Falcons
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You’d think they’d want to trade Cousins. I’ve seen Ebiketie’s name thrown around, but I’d look for them to try to add trench help, more so on the offensive line, and probably tackle if there’s one available. They still have a chance to turn it around, but they need to stay healthy and add a piece or two if they want to seal the deal.
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Carolina Panthers
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At .500, this team feels like it could go either way, but needs linebacker help if they want to keep pushing for a playoff spot. I think they could add a piece and trade a piece with their stockpile of running backs and need on the defensive side.
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New Orleans Saints
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SELL SELL SELL! This is a team that really needs to get draft picks to help Kellen Moore build a team in his image. We’ll find out if rookie Tyler Shough has what it takes to be their QB of the future, but if I’m the Saints, I’d sell any player aged 26 up at this point.
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Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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They could use some wide receiver help, but otherwise, I think this team is probably a big-time stand-pat candidate at this point. They are strong on both sides of the ball, just need to stay healthy and keep grinding.
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NFC West
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Arizona Cardinals
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I’d be a seller here, honestly. Anyone should be available if the price is right. I’d be ok hearing offers on Kyler, and if you can flip a piece that you don’t plan to build around for a pick swap and a young player with some upside, I’d be all over that. Target anyone under 25 that fits the direction you’re molding this roster in and move on from any vets above 25.
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Los Angeles Rams
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Having multiple firsts puts you in a position where you could make a splash, though they’ve only added a corner so far ahead of the deadline. I could still see them target the offensive line and maybe even some wide receiver depth? If they didn’t do anything else, I wouldn’t be surprised either. They’re 5-2 as it stands and look to be in a good position to make the playoffs today at least.
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San Francisco 49ers
- It’s crazy to think about all the injuries this team has had, and they are still just 5-3 and probably buyers at the deadline. I’d expect them to target offensive line and maybe even a wideout or someone in the secondary, maybe even another pass rusher to go with the player they added last week (Pats Keion White).
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Seattle Seahawks
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Offensive line and corner seem to be their biggest areas of need. I’d look for them to call the teams at the bottom for some help (Browns, Jets, etc). I’d be surprised if they were sellers. I know Woolen’s name has been thrown around, but playoff teams don’t normally trade starting-level players, but anything’s possible!
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