With the NFL trade deadline set for Nov. 10, the first five weeks have begun to separate clubs chasing a postseason push from those that should be collecting future draft capital. Four notable deals have already reshaped depth charts, while several winless or one-win teams face decisions that could define the rest of the 2026 season.
Key takeaways
- Baltimore acquired offensive lineman Cam Jurgens from Philadelphia after injuries depleted its center depth.
- The Texans landed wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. from Arizona shortly after recording their first victory.
- The 0-5 Chargers could receive calls on veteran pass rusher Khalil Mack if their losing streak continues.
- San Francisco, Buffalo and Minnesota each own a 5-0 record but still have roster needs worth addressing.
- New York obtained quarterback J.J. McCarthy from Minnesota after Jaxson Dart suffered a season-ending injury.
Early trades and teams facing sell-off choices
Baltimore paid heavily to reinforce its battered offensive line, sending a 2027 fifth-round selection and a 2028 second-rounder to the Eagles for Jurgens and a 2027 seventh-round pick. The Ravens had lost three centers to injury before making the move.
Arizona, meanwhile, dealt Harrison despite selecting him fourth overall in the 2024 draft. Houston sent the Cardinals a 2027 second-round pick and a 2027 seventh-rounder, receiving Harrison along with a 2027 sixth-round choice. The Texans made the trade after ending their winless start on Sunday, but they remain 1-4.
Two other transactions preceded those moves. Dallas acquired Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. for a 2028 second-round pick and a 2027 sixth-rounder. The Giants addressed their quarterback emergency by giving Minnesota a 2027 fifth-rounder for McCarthy after Dart’s season was ended by injury.
The Chargers are the most conspicuous potential seller. Los Angeles entered the year with championship expectations after bringing in offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel, but a 23-17 home defeat against Denver dropped the team to 0-5. The Chargers next visit the 4-0 Chiefs, who are coming off their bye. A loss in Kansas City would send Los Angeles into its Week 7 bye without a win, followed by games against the Rams, Texans and Ravens. General manager Joe Hortiz may then have little choice but to entertain offers, with Mack an especially logical target as he plays on a one-year contract.
Tennessee is also 0-5 after a noncompetitive 26-3 loss to Houston in Robert Saleh’s first year as head coach. The Titans spent aggressively on defensive help in free agency, yet they stand 18th in defensive EPA per play. Brian Daboll’s offense has been equally troubling. Second-year quarterback Cam Ward has struggled, but the issues extend across the unit, including nine dropped passes, tied for the league’s fourth-highest total.
Jeffery Simmons remains Tennessee’s premier player, though a trade would be difficult after he signed a three-year extension in June and would create a substantial 2027 dead-money hit. Expiring contracts for running backs Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears could make them more attainable, while receiver Calvin Ridley has no guaranteed money remaining beyond this season.
Miami’s 0-5 start was expected to some extent as coach Jeff Hafley and general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan begin a full rebuild. The Dolphins have remained competitive at times, but their shortage of premium trade assets complicates any sell-off. Defensive lineman Zach Sieler and linebacker Jordyn Brooks are among their better veterans, but Sieler extended in 2025 and Brooks did so in 2026. Moving either player would leave Miami with major dead-cap consequences in 2027.
Tampa Bay presents a more complicated case at 1-4. Rookie backup Jalon Daniels started the past two games in place of Baker Mayfield and earned his first NFL win when the Buccaneers upset Dallas on Thursday night. The long-term case favors accumulating picks, but Todd Bowles also needs victories to protect his position. In his fifth year, Bowles has surpassed nine wins only once, and Tampa Bay missed last season’s playoffs at 8-9. His defense performed well against the Cowboys, yet the organization could have competing short- and long-term priorities once Mayfield returns from a dislocated thumb. Mayfield signed an extension worth an average of $55 million annually in September.
New Orleans has fallen to 1-4 after three consecutive losses, with quarterback Tyler Shough’s turnovers becoming a major concern. Among qualified passers, Shough ranks 30th in EPA lost through turnovers. He threw two interceptions against Minnesota in Week 5 as the Saints managed only seven offensive points against Brian Flores’ defense. The previous week, New Orleans’ defense collapsed in a lopsided loss to Atlanta.
In Kellen Moore’s second season as coach, the Saints have not made enough progress. Injuries to left tackle Kelvin Banks Jr., linebacker Kaden Elliss and running back Travis Etienne Jr. have hurt, but the roster’s direction still points toward selling.
Arizona has already begun that process with the Harrison trade. The Cardinals have lost four straight since beating the Chargers in Week 1 and surrendered 45 points to Detroit on Sunday. First-year coach Mike LaFleur has clear rebuilding work ahead. Edge rusher Baron Browning, on an expiring contract, could draw interest. Josh Sweat is less likely to move after signing a four-year free-agent deal in 2024, since a trade would trigger a considerable 2027 dead-money charge.
Undefeated contenders with needs to address
The 49ers have overcome injuries to reach 5-0 and may be the league’s most complete team. Brock Purdy is playing at an MVP level, Mike Evans has delivered one of free agency’s strongest returns, and Fred Warner has resumed elite form after his 2025 season-ending injury. San Francisco ranks inside the top five in EPA per play on both offense and defense, but injuries have thinned the roster at interior defensive line, edge rusher and wide receiver. Those spots could be targets before Nov. 10.
Buffalo survived the Rams 37-34 in overtime Monday night behind the NFL’s top offense and quarterback Josh Allen. The defensive front has also shown promise, led by edge rusher Gregory Rousseau and interior lineman Deone Walker. The secondary remains a clear vulnerability, however. Matthew Stafford marched the Rams downfield with relative ease for the tying score late in regulation, underscoring Buffalo’s need for help at cornerback, safety or both. If left unresolved, that issue could prove costly in bigger games later in the year.
Minnesota also stands at 5-0, driven by the league’s best defense. Kevin O’Connell could still seek offensive reinforcements as the Vikings try to develop greater consistency around quarterback Kyler Murray. Murray improved in Sunday’s 23-13 win over the Saints, though two red-zone fumbles by Minnesota skill players limited the offense’s output. Justin Jefferson delivered a breakout performance, and the Vikings posted their best rushing success rate of the season.
Tight end is the most immediate concern in Minnesota. Josh Oliver is on injured reserve, while T.J. Hockenson left Sunday’s game with a concussion. A healthy and more productive offense would make an already undefeated Vikings team even more formidable down the stretch.
