NFL trade deadline: All 32 teams tiered as buyers, sellers or do nothings, including Cowboys-Quinnen Williams deal

https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/article/nfl-trade-deadline-all-32-teams-tiered-as-buyers-sellers-or-do-nothings-including-cowboys-quinnen-williams-deal-191407925.html

The 2025 NFL trade deadline is at 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT on Tuesday, and a pair of blockbuster landed late.

The New York Jets traded All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner to the Indianapolis Colts for two first-round picks in 2026 and 2027, plus wide receiver AD Mitchell, and a couple hours later, the Dallas Cowboys traded a 2026 second, a 2027 first and defensive tackle Mazi Smith to the Jets for DT Quinnen Williams.

We tiered the NFL team by team as buyers, sellers an do nothings, and we had the Colts as buyers and the Jets as sellers. Here’s a deeper look at where each team stands, determined by a combination of what makes the most sense given needs/resources and the nature of how the teams are run, their 2026 salary cap projections via Overthecap.com and their draft capital via an assist from Tankathon.com.

(Jump to a team)

NFC East: Dallas Cowboys | New York Giants | Philadelphia Eagles | Washington Commanders

NFC North: Chicago Bears | Detroit Lions | Green Bay Packers | Minnesota Vikings

NFC South: Atlanta Falcons | Carolina Panthers | New Orleans Saints | Tampa Bay Buccaneers

NFC West: Arizona Cardinals | Los Angeles Rams | San Francisco 49ers | Seattle Seahawks

AFC East: Buffalo Bills | Miami Dolphins | New England Patriots | New York Jets

AFC North: Baltimore Ravens | Cincinnati Bengals | Cleveland Browns | Pittsburgh Steelers

AFC South: Houston Texans | Indianapolis Colts | Jacksonville Jaguars | Tennessee Titans

AFC West: Denver Broncos | Kansas City Chiefs | Las Vegas Raiders | Los Angeles Chargers

NFL trade deadline buyers

Key need: Edge rusher
Early salary cap space projection: -$9.72 million
Projected 2026 NFL Draft capital: 4 total picks by round (1, 4, 5, 5)

Jerry Jones was not shy about admitting the Cowboys were looking to be buyers at the trade deadline, and boy did they buy. Dallas reportedly traded a 2026 second-round pick, a 2027 first-round pick and DT Mazi Smith to the Jets for defensive tackle Quinnen Williams, a three-time Pro Bowler under contract through 2027, and also added Bengals linebacker Logan Wilson for a seventh-round pick. At 3-5-1, the Cowboys are no guarantee to make the playoffs this season. But they at least addressed their porous defense with a blockbuster addition. Wow.

Key need: Depth on defense
Early salary cap space projection: $23,815,820
Projected 2026 NFL Draft capital: 10 total picks by round (1, 2, 3, 3, 4, 4, 5, 5, 5, 6)

The Eagles have been inconsistent on offense, but have as talented a roster on that side of the ball as anyone in the NFL. They’ve brought in three defenders via in-season trade already: Jaire Alexander from the Ravens and Michael Carter II from the Jets in the elusive pursuit of a solid CB2 across from Quinyon Mitchell, as well as edge rusher Jaelan Phillips from the Dolphins in a smart, decent-cost move. But this is Howie Roseman’s team. The Eagles are not going to stop looking for deals. Are you new here?

Key need: Cornerback, edge rusher
Early salary cap space projection: $2,860,944
Projected 2026 NFL Draft capital: 8 total picks by round (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 7, 7)

Head coach Ben Johnson’s first year is going about as well as can be reasonably expected. Caleb Williams is taking steps forward, the run game is getting better and overall Chicago is shirking its penchant for blowing games it shouldn’t. The Bears are right in the mix of the hyper competitive NFC North, and are seeking help on defense, reportedly adding edge rusher Joe Tryon-Shoyinka from the Browns.

Key need: Interior offensive line
Early salary cap space projection: $12,280,937
Projected 2026 NFL Draft capital: 8 total picks by round (1, 2, 3, 4, 4, 5, 6, 7)

As detailed by Yahoo Sports’ Charles Robinson, the Lions have multiple big contracts coming up to retain their core talent, even after all the spending they’ve already done. But head coach Dan Campbell and GM Brad Holmes are always looking at ways to get closer to the franchise’s first Super Bowl, and help on the interior offensive line could be a cost-effective move that puts them over the top.

Key need: Tight end, cornerback
Early salary cap space projection: $10,776,363
Projected 2026 NFL Draft capital: 7 total picks by round (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 7)

Are Luke Musgrave and John FitzPatrick enough cover at tight end now that star Tucker Kraft is out for the season with a torn ACL? If the Packers don’t think so, they might want to call Cleveland and see what it would take to land David Njoku. They should also be looking for help at cornerback (return to the Cowboys well for Trevon Diggs?) defensive tackle, even if it’s just a depth piece.

Key need: Backup QB, edge rusher
Early salary cap space projection: -$36,269,628
Projected 2026 NFL Draft capital: 7 total picks by round (1, 2, 3, 3, 5, 6, 7)

Sunday’s win at Detroit gives Minnesota two road victories in the NFC North, which could be big down the stretch. J.J. McCarthy did enough to help the Vikings win, which might cool the Kirk Cousins talk for good given the trade price he’d probably command. But with Carson Wentz out for the season and undrafted rookie Max Brosmer as the backup, head coach Kevin O’Connell and the Vikings would be wise to add insurance at QB in case of another McCarthy injury. Brian Flores’ defense, meanwhile, doesn’t need a ton of help, but some extra depth at edge rusher wouldn’t hurt.

Key need: Offensive line
Early salary cap space projection: $90,036,413
Projected 2026 NFL Draft capital: 10 total picks by round (1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 5, 6, 6, 7, 7)

The Rams have solid young pieces on defense and no shortage of weapons, so barring a major splash for one of the premium front seven guys on the market, this should be all about keeping Matthew Stafford upright in what might be his final season playing at an elite level. As such, offensive line help is the priority.

Key need: Cornerback, edge rusher
Early salary cap space projection: $38,141,087
Projected 2026 NFL Draft capital: 8 total picks by round (1, 2, 3, 4, 4, 4, 4, 6)

Nobody’s had worse injury luck than the 49ers, and normally that would mean cutting losses. But this is an expensive, aging roster full of stars whose impacts could regress significantly as soon as next season, and at 6-3 near the top of the NFC West, San Francisco should be looking for ways to fill gaps on defense to complement Brock Purdy’s eventual return on offense. The 49ers already traded for pass rusher Keion White and have four fourth-round picks next spring, which they could dangle some for help.

Key need: Depth on offensive line and at cornerback
Early salary cap space projection: $79,017,908
Projected 2026 NFL Draft capital: 4 total picks by round (1, 2, 3, 6)

The Seahawks made a big move for Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed, adding more speed to their pass catching room. Head coach Mike Macdonald’s team is really good, and doesn’t have any glaring holes. Injuries have piled up in the secondary, and with the NFC West looking to go down to the wire, some depth there could make the difference, as well as keeping Sam Darnold upright as his career renaissance continues.

Key need: Pass rush
Early salary cap space projection: -$3,344,449
Projected 2026 NFL Draft capital: 7 total picks by round (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 7)

With reigning MVP Josh Allen and the offense putting up points galore, the defense needs to be only decent to have a shot at returning to the Super Bowl. Those hopes took a hit with recent injuries to Ed Oliver and Michael Hoecht along the defensive line, so the Bills should prioritize pass rush help if the opportunity presents itself.

Key need: Running back, wide receiver, pass rush
Early salary cap space projection: $52,381,307
Projected 2026 NFL Draft capital: 10 total picks by round (1, 2, 3, 4, 4, 5, 6, 6, 7, 7)

QB Drake Maye is looking like an MVP candidate in his second season, and the Patriots are arriving ahead of schedule because of it. That means lots of options are on the table here. New England has only traded away pieces so far, which suggests it’s accumulating picks for 2026 (currently at 10), but with an easy schedule remaining and sitting atop the AFC East, why not strike now? Especially when depth pieces at the offensive skill positions are the main need, and figure to cost less than other additions might.

Key need: Wide receiver, defensive depth
Early salary cap space projection: $43,557,634
Projected 2026 NFL Draft capital: 12 total picks by round (1, 2, 3, 3, 3, 4, 4, 5, 6, 6, 6, 7)

The offense has been surprisingly effective this season, but the glaring lack of production outside of DK Metcalf indicates reinforcements in the wide receiver room would go a long way for Aaron Rodgers. Plus, apart from Week 9’s turnover fest against the Colts, the defense has struggled much of the season, so adding more depth pieces there (or even a big swing?) could mean the difference between another wild-card flameout and a deeper run in a season when Pittsburgh has pushed a lot of chips to the center of the table. The Steelers have three picks each in the third and sixth rounds next spring. Watch this spot.

Key need: Cornerback, pass rusher
Early salary cap space projection: $57,076,823
Projected 2026 NFL Draft capital: 7 total picks by round (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 7)

The Colts made the biggest in-season move thus far, and for many years, by sending two first-round picks to the Jets for All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner. There aren’t many holes on Indianapolis’ team, but they had a weakness at cornerback, and they filled it in a big way.

Key need: Offensive line, defensive line, pass catcher
Early salary cap space projection: $8,285,482
Projected 2026 NFL Draft capital: 11 total picks by round (2, 3, 3, 3, 4, 5, 5, 6, 7, 7, 7)

Does last spring’s trade up for Travis Hunter (currently on injured reserve) suggest an expedited timeline in Jacksonville? You might not be wrong if you say yes. The Jaguars’ multiple picks in the fourth and sixth rounds were reportedly put to use in giving an ancillary receiving target for Trevor Lawrence behind Brian Thomas Jr. and Hunter when healthy. Welcome to Duval County, Jakobi Meyers.

Key need: Running back, defensive line
Early salary cap space projection: -$42,802,095
Projected 2026 NFL Draft capital: 6 total picks by round (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 5)

The Chiefs would fit into the do nothing category as well, and a blockbuster move isn’t likely with this front office. Still, Steve Spagnuolo’s defense could use some reinforcements in the middle and at pass rush, while it’s easy to wishcast a Breece Hall into this run game, which has been improving in recent weeks.

NFL trade deadline sellers

What they might have to offer: Backup quarterback, pass rusher, offensive line
Early salary cap space projection: $14,558,996
Projected 2026 NFL Draft capital: 7 total picks by round (1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 6, 6)

The tension in New York is between the clear need for draft capital and a head coach (Brian Daboll) and GM (Joe Schoen) pairing that might not get to make the picks. Still, it would behoove the Giants to listen to offers for quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston, pass rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux and guard Evan Neal.

What they might have to offer: Cornerback, running back, pass catchers
Early salary cap space projection: $84,145,261
Projected 2026 NFL Draft capital: 6 total picks by round (1, 3, 5, 6, 6, 7)

Jayden Daniels’ injury laid bare the reality that this Commanders team is still very much in its building phase, and as such it should look to accumulate draft capital with its older roster. Deebo Samuel, Zach Ertz, Jeremy McNichols and others are free agents after this season, and so is cornerback Noah Igbinoghene, who looks to be the odd man out in the cornerback room. GM Adam Peters won’t do deals just to do them, but it’s a smart front office and at 3-6 in an ultra-competitive NFC, the Commanders might be more open for business than we could have predicted before the season.

What they might have to offer: Quarterback, pass rusher
Early salary cap space projection: $4,658,820
Projected 2026 NFL Draft capital: 5 total picks by round (2, 3, 4, 6, 7)

The Falcons are in more of a win-now mode than most people realize. Since they’re not exactly doing that at 3-5, GM Terry Fontenot would be wise to accrue draft capital (just five picks next spring currently, and no first-rounder) in the hopes of seeing a Year 6 in Atlanta. Pass rushers Leonard Floyd and Arnold Ebiketie are two trade candidates, and Kirk Cousins will always find his name in the chatter until he’s no longer a Falcon (and so long as his miserable outing against the Dolphins didn’t hurt his stock too much).

What they might have to offer: Wide receiver, running back, front seven
Early salary cap space projection: -$14,163,559
Projected 2026 NFL Draft capital: 6 total picks by round (1, 2, 3, 4, 4, 5, 5, 6)

This is a seller, through and through. Head coach Kellen Moore has shown promise in his first year despite the losses, so now the assignment should be continuing to gather draft picks. Wide receiver Rashid Shaheed is on his way to the Seahawks for a pair of 2026 mid-round picks, while fellow wideouts Brandin Cooks and Chris Olave’s names have been floated as trade candidates. Linebacker Pete Werner is perhaps the most likely to go among a pool of front seven pieces that could be available. Alvin Kamara makes sense to deal as well, though Kamara’s market inside the league might be much cooler than outside.

What they might have to offer: Wide receiver, front seven
Early salary cap space projection: -$11,891,407
Projected 2026 NFL Draft capital: 8 total picks by round (1, 2, 3, 3, 3, 4, 5, 7)

The Dolphins need cap space more than anything, and at 2-7 and having just fired GM Chris Grier they’re already looking toward next season. They’ve already parted ways with edge rusher Jaelan Phillips, and can free up even more by dealing edge rusher Bradley Chubb and linebacker Matthew Judon. Could wide receiver Jaylen Waddle also be on the move? Probably not, but don’t entirely rule it out.

What they might have to offer: Front seven, running back
Early salary cap space projection: $80,287,173
Projected 2026 NFL Draft capital: 13 total picks by round (1, 1, 1, 2, 2, 4, 5, 6, 6, 6, 7, 7, 7)

New head coach Aaron Glenn has the support of team owner Woody Johnson, which means this trade deadline will be about finding out who’s going to be around for the rebuild. Sauce Gardner won’t be, as the Jets traded him to the Colts for two first-round picks, and neither will Quinnen Williams, who’s headed to the Cowboys for a 2026 second-round pick and 2027 first, as well as DT Mazi Smith. Other defenders, including edge Jermaine Johnson, linebacker Quincy Williams and pass rusher Will McDonald IV, could be available, while running back Breece Hall is conceivably on the market too.

What they might have to offer: Edge rusher, linebacker
Early salary cap space projection: $64,341,690
Projected 2026 NFL Draft capital: 8 total picks by round (1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 6, 7, 7)

Trey Hendrickson’s name is the big one to watch here, especially after linebacker Logan Wilson was traded to the Cowboys early Tuesday. The Bengals should just take the cap savings and the best package they can get for Hendrickson, whom they chose not to extend this past offseason, and continue adding picks to revamp a defense that’s so bad it’s openly splintering the locker room.

What they might have to offer: Tight end, running back, defensive line
Early salary cap space projection: -$12,782,886
Projected 2026 NFL Draft capital: 10 total picks by round (1, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 5, 5, 6, 7)

It’s been another tough year for the Browns, but their promising rookie class means it makes more sense to move players. They’re reportedly sending edge rusher Joe Tryon-Shoyinka and a 2026 seventh-round pick to the Bears for a sixth, and there are more candidates to be moved, like tight end David Njoku, running back Jerome Ford and defensive lineman Shelby Harris — though not Myles Garrett. Sorry, everyone.

What they might have to offer: Defensive tackle, wide receiver, tight end
Early salary cap space projection: $108,571,489
Projected 2026 NFL Draft capital: 8 total picks by round (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 7)

Linebacker Dre’Mont Jones is on his way to Baltimore in a trade completed early Tuesday. Jeffery Simmons is one of the biggest names to surface as a potential trade candidate this deadline, and the Titans might get a strong offer or two for the two-time All-Pro. Wide receiver Calvin Ridley and tight end Chig Okonkwo could be available for the right price, too, as Tennessee looks to accumulate draft picks and build around No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward and whatever head coach they hire.

What they might have to offer: Wide receiver, front seven
Early salary cap space projection: $103,210,199
Projected 2026 NFL Draft capital: 10 total picks by round (1, 2, 3, 4, 4, 4, 5, 6, 6, 7)

Everyone wants Maxx Crosby, but Crosby doesn’t appear to want out, which would likely end any conversation before it starts. Jakobi Meyers, however, did want out, and he got his wish as the Jaguars traded for him, giving up 2026 fourth- and sixth-round draft picks for him. Linebacker Devin White is signed for only this season, too, and he could bolster a defense.

NFL trade deadline do nothings

Early salary cap space projection: $31,100,374
Projected 2026 NFL Draft capital: 8 total picks by round (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 5, 6, 7)

Why they should stand pat: Bryce Young’s future is looking brighter than it did to start his NFL career. But enough to justify the draft capital it took to get him? The Panthers should be wary on that note, and hang on to all eight of their picks this coming spring to help improve things like the pass rush, despite sitting at a surprising 5-4. They still need a lot of pieces.

Early salary cap space projection: $35,974,510
Projected 2026 NFL Draft capital: 7 total picks by round (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)

Why they should stand pat: The Bucs aren’t usually active at the trade deadline, and there’s little reason to be this season, when they’re both contending (6-2, atop NFC South) and getting back a bunch of key players from injury in the second half of the season. Stay the course here.

Early salary cap space projection: $34,278,689
Projected 2026 NFL Draft capital: 7 total picks by round (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)

Why they should stand pat: The biggest question, by far, is figuring out if Kyler Murray is the franchise quarterback going forward. So far, it seems like the answer is no. Jonathan Gannon appears to be the right head coach, even if the wins aren’t there yet. The roster has talent, and the coaching staff is getting creative with it. The Cardinals need to keep their picks and add to it — and figure out the biggest position of all in what projects to be a good quarterback draft.

Early salary cap space projection: $41,005,528
Projected 2026 NFL Draft capital: 10 total picks by round (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 5, 5, 5, 7, 7)

Why they should stand pat: Lamar Jackson’s return, plus a fairly light schedule coming up, has everyone thinking the Ravens are still going to challenge for the AFC North title and a playoff spot. Baltimore, like every team, has holes it could fill, and has already traded for safety Alohi Gilman as well as linebacker Dre’Mont Jones. But talent deficiency is not an issue with this franchise, it’s mainly a matter of finding the best ways to deploy it.

Early salary cap space projection: $17,721,263
Projected 2026 NFL Draft capital: 9 total picks by round (1, 2, 2, 3, 4, 4, 5, 7, 7)

Why they should stand pat: The most important thing for the Texans is protecting C.J. Stroud, who’s shown he’s a top-10 quarterback when healthy and given time to operate. Houston’s offensive line has been worryingly bad, and it’s a notoriously tricky position group to get right, so best to hold on to their draft capital (including multiple picks in the second and fourth rounds) to throw darts at the problem.

Early salary cap space projection: $49,563,669
Projected 2026 NFL Draft capital: 10 total picks by round (1, 2, 3, 4, 4, 5, 7, 7, 7, 7)

Why they should stand pat: This might be a surprise, considering they’re 7-2 and two games clear of the Chiefs in the AFC West. It’s still early in Sean Payton’s project in Denver, and the price for the most impactful moves (like perhaps Garrett Wilson from the Jets) would likely be too steep to want to pay at this stage. Don’t mess with what’s already working, and also has a bright future ahead of it.

Early salary cap space projection: $111,125,710
Projected 2026 NFL Draft capital: 5 total picks by round (1, 2, 3, 4, 6)

Why they should stand pat: Injuries have ransacked the Chargers (stop us if you’ve heard that before), and they’re still not that far removed from being a team that was bad enough to pick in the top five of the draft in 2024. More depth is needed, and you don’t get that by parting ways with what limited 2026 draft capital (five picks total) you already have.

https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/article/nfl-trade-deadline-all-32-teams-tiered-as-buyers-sellers-or-do-nothings-including-cowboys-quinnen-williams-deal-191407925.html