As the NFL trade deadline approaches in two days, the league is already experiencing significant roster changes. The Seattle Seahawks strengthened their offensive line by acquiring Quenton Nelson, while the San Francisco 49ers re-signed DeForest Buckner. The Chicago Bears have emerged as strong Super Bowl contenders after adding Jeffery Simmons, and the Baltimore Ravens secured a new quarterback in Jacoby Brissett. With the deadline looming, speculation is high regarding which teams will make further moves to improve their playoff odds.
Last season set a recent record with 27 in-season trades, the highest total in the past 25 years, including 12 deals on the final day. This year, analysts predict a similarly active period. While much attention is on Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor and the Minnesota Vikings' quarterback search, CBS Sports has identified ten specific trades that could benefit both parties involved. These proposals range from veteran reunions to addressing urgent defensive needs.
One prominent suggestion involves sending Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins to the Vikings in exchange for a conditional fifth-round pick. Cousins spent six seasons in Minnesota, where he threw for over 4,000 yards in four separate campaigns. Despite turning 38, he remains statistically relevant, ranking second in the NFL with 19 passing touchdowns. A return to Minnesota could provide a familiar presence for a struggling passing attack currently led by Kyler Murray, potentially aiding a run to the Super Bowl.
The Buffalo Bills could bolster their defense by acquiring Cardinals safety Budda Baker for a third-round pick. Buffalo’s defense currently ranks in the bottom ten in both yards and points allowed. Baker, an eight-time Pro Bowler, has recorded 51 tackles and a career-high 3.5 sacks in eight games this season. He is one of only eight players in history to reach 1,000 career tackles before age 30, a distinction shared with legends like Ray Lewis and Fred Warner.
Another notable potential move is the trade of Ravens running back Derrick Henry to the New England Patriots for a third-round pick. Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel previously coached Henry in Tennessee and already has former Titans A.J. Brown and Kevin Byard on his roster. Henry is averaging 76.6 rushing yards per game, and the Patriots, who rank 12th in rushing offense, could benefit from his experience. This move would allow Baltimore to focus on other roster needs while giving New England a proven bell cow.
The Las Vegas Raiders are also linked to Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens in a trade for a second-round pick. Pickens, who is playing on the franchise tag, saw his production dip this season. The Cowboys face cap constraints with high salaries for Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and others. For the Raiders, adding Pickens would provide a true perimeter threat for quarterback Fernando Mendoza, addressing one of the league’s weaker wide receiver rooms.
The Denver Broncos could upgrade their rushing attack by acquiring Jets running back Breece Hall for a third-round pick. Hall, who signed a three-year deal this offseason, has been sidelined by a quad injury, allowing Braelon Allen to step in. The Broncos’ rushing offense ranks seventh-worst in the NFL, and Hall’s addition would offer an immediate boost to a team with serious Super Bowl aspirations.
Kansas City Chiefs fans may see a move for Colts wide receiver Josh Downs in exchange for a conditional fourth-round pick. Downs has recorded the second-most receiving yards from the slot since entering the league. The Chiefs have struggled at wide receiver, with Rashee Rice averaging just 48.6 yards per game. Downs, who had a career-high 803 yards in 2024, could provide a reliable target for Patrick Mahomes.
The Pittsburgh Steelers might acquire Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey alongside a fifth-round pick, sending back Roman Wilson and a second-round pick. This trade would reunite former Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh with Wilson while giving Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers a solid slot option. McConkey has had a slower start this season compared to his rookie year, but his presence would help a passing offense that has averaged 26.2 points per game over its last six games.
Finally, the New York Giants could look to sign Titans running back Tony Pollard for a fourth-round pick. Pollard is averaging a career-high 74.4 rushing yards per game and has had two recent games with over 100 yards. He and Derrick Henry are the only players to rush for 1,000 yards in each of the last four seasons. This move would strengthen New York’s backfield as they aim to win their division, while the Jacksonville Jaguars might target Eagles defensive tackle Moro Ojomo to replace the injured DaVon Hamilton, and the 49ers could seek Chargers edge rusher Khalil Mack to address their defensive line injury woes.
