2025 NFL trade needs tracker: Every team's top priority entering Week 6

BIGGEST NEED: Help in run defense

Buffalo's defense has been stampeded thus far, missing far too many tackles. If this continues, teams will play keep-away from Josh Allen. Health has not worked in the Bills' favor: The return of Matt Milano in Week 5 was short-lived, as he aggravated the pectoral injury that had kept him out. Fellow linebacker Dorian Williams (knee) is also banged up.  

BIGGEST NEED: Edge

Safety and corner depth stood out previously as glaring needs, and the Pats could still use help there, but the edge spot opposite Harold Landry has been an issue. Against Buffalo in Week 5, New England generated 12 QB pressures, per Next Gen Stats -- and of those, seven came from the defensive interior, with Landry (2) and Elijah Ponder (1) being the only contributors from the edge. The Pats got next to nothing from Keion White, with K'Lavon Chaisson (knee) injured.

BIGGEST NEED: Cap space

Tyreek Hill's devastating knee injury wiped one potential trade chip off the board. Still, the Dolphins spent the offseason attempting to get their future financials in order, and their latest collapse against Carolina underscores the need for that reset to continue. Future free agents, like Jaelan Phillips, could be trade bait to help build up draft capital, as well.

BIGGEST NEED: Draft assets

Another dismal loss showed just how much earlier the Jets are in their rebuild than some impatient New York fans might want to believe. Gang Green is projected to have a good chunk of cap space for next year ($74.8 million, per Over The Cap). They're currently set to have six draft picks, four of which will come on Day 3. The Jets should be clear sellers. Then again, outside of Breece Hall, there aren't obvious free-agents-to-be to put on the block.

BIGGEST NEED: Linebacker

Aside from Payton Wilson's stellar appearance in Dublin, he has struggled in coverage. We’re not yet at the panic point with the Steelers defense, but as of now, I lean toward Pittsburgh adding a defender over continuing to seek WR2s.

BIGGEST NEED: Offensive line

Even after the Bengals' surprise acquisition of Joe Flacco, the same need that has existed in perpetuity in Cincinnati remains: The entire offensive line has struggled in 2025, with youngsters Amarius Mims and Dylan Fairchild in particular having a rough go. If the 40-year-old Flacco is to have any hope of doing anything in place of Joe Burrow and Jake Browning, he'll need a functioning unit in front of him.

ASSETS/PLAYERS ACQUIRED:

• QB Joe Flacco 
• 2026 6th-round pick (from Detroit)

ASSETS/PLAYERS TRADED AWAY:

• 2026 5th-round pick

BIGGEST NEED: Defensive line

Baltimore's performance without Lamar Jackson on Sunday underscored his importance when it comes to masking over flaws. The injury-ravaged D, with Kyle Hamilton being the latest playmaker to hit the trainer's table, continues to be the biggest issue. Even Kyle Van Noy's return did little to help the Ravens slow a Texans offense that had otherwise been stuck in the mud most of the season. John Harbaugh suggested a week ago that he trusted the rest of the roster to step up after the slew of injuries. That hope appears to be running on empty, a fact belied by the acquisition of safety Alohi Gilman in exchange for Odafe Oweh, who has yet to log a single sack this season. The defense needs more help, and barring additional moves, that will be true when Jackson eventually returns.  

ASSETS/PLAYERS ACQUIRED:

• S Alohi Gilman
• 2026 5th-round pick

ASSETS/PLAYERS TRADED AWAY:

• OLB Odafe Oweh
• Future 7th-round pick

BIGGEST NEED: Building for the future

Yes, Dillon Gabriel avoided committing a turnover in his debut, but we need to see more of the rookie QB for the balance of the season after his dink-and-dunk first outing. The Browns are currently set to have 10 picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, including two first-rounders, but adding even more can’t hurt a team that is 1-3 after finishing 3-14 last season. Shipping out veterans not in the long-term plans -- like QB Joe Flacco, headed to yet another AFC North squad -- makes sense. David Njoku (in a contract year) could be on the move, thanks to the emergence of rookie tight end Harold Fannin Jr. Cleveland can't stop at stockpiling picks, though; the biggest future concern is the lack of cap space, with Deshaun Watson's contract boondoggle continuing to hover. Sending free-agent-to-be Greg Newsome II to the Jags in exchange for the cost-controlled Tyson Campbell -- whose cap hit will not rise above $5 million in either of the next two seasons -- reflects that reality.

ASSETS/PLAYERS ACQUIRED:

• CB Tyson Campbell
• 2026 5th-round pick
• 2026 7th-round pick

ASSETS/PLAYERS TRADED AWAY:

• QB Joe Flacco
• CB Greg Newsome II
• 2026 6th-round pick
• 2026 6th-round pick (from Detroit)

BIGGEST NEED: Cornerback

Following a blowout win, there isn’t a ton to nitpick with Shane Steichen’s club. Corner depth remains a concern after Xavien Howard's retirement. Chris Lammons stepped in after Mike Hilton (shoulder) went down and played solidly in the slot in his first defensive appearance in Indy. But with injuries to Hilton and the continued absence of Kenny Moore, this crew could use bodies.

BIGGEST NEED: Edge depth

The Jags' first game this season sans Travon Walker (wrist) underscored their lack of pass rush, with no Jacksonville player generating more than 2 QBPs on Patrick Mahomes and the team relying on blitzes to get the QB off his spot in Week 5. An added rotational edge could boost a physical defense that has feasted on turnovers.

ASSETS/PLAYERS ACQUIRED:

• CB Greg Newsome II
• 2026 6th-round pick

ASSETS/PLAYERS TRADED AWAY:

• CB Tyson Campbell
• 2026 7th-round pick

BIGGEST NEED: Offensive line

Sunday's blowout of the depleted Ravens provided a needed breath of fresh air for a Texans offense that previously felt like it was suffocating. However, the game did little to answer lingering questions about the offensive line's long-term play. Coming out of the Week 6 bye, Houston has games at the Seahawks and vs. the 49ers and Broncos, which will give us a better idea of whether this unit has turned a corner, or if Sunday's positive showing was just a one-off against an injury-ravaged opponent.

BIGGEST NEED: Draft assets

The dramatic comeback that resulted in the Titans' first win of the season finally brought a ray of sunshine to Nashville, but it doesn’t change the calculus. This remains a team that should be building for the future. Anyone not named Cam Ward should be considered a trade option. Jeffery Simmons continues to be a game-wrecker. While teams rarely trade their best players, if the Titans want significant draft picks in return, he could be one to move, as a 28-year-old in his prime who can destroy backfields and rattle QBs, and who is under contract through 2027. If I were a team looking for defensive help, I’d already have put in a call to general manager Mike Borgonzi. 

BIGGEST NEED: Offensive line

The hits keep coming for L.A. The Chargers were already down Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt -- and then Mekhi Becton (hand) and Trey Pipkins (knee) missed significant time in Sunday’s dismal defeat. Becton is already suggesting he might play with the hand in a cast, although it's a sad state of affairs when rolling with a bandaged Becton is by far the team's best option. The injury issues underscore a depth problem that wasn’t addressed in the offseason, and which remains even after the move to add pass-rush help via Odafe Oweh. The question is how long Justin Herbert can survive behind this line.

ASSETS/PLAYERS ACQUIRED:

• OLB Odafe Oweh
• Future 7th-round pick

ASSETS/PLAYERS TRADED AWAY:

• S Alohi Gilman
• 2026 5th-round pick

BIGGEST NEED: Linebacker

Big-ticket free-agent addition Dre Greenlaw hasn't been able to play this season. Coming off an ACL injury, Alex Singleton has been on a roller-coaster season, particularly in coverage -- he gave up a whopping seven catches for 90 yards and two TDs against Philly, per Pro Football Focus. Some insurance wouldn't be bad. Another situation to monitor: Guard Ben Powers isn't making the trip to London after suffering a biceps injury. If the replacements -- Matt Peart or Alex Palczewski -- struggle, it could be a concern moving forward.

BIGGEST NEED: Pass rush

It's been the Chris Jones and George Karlaftis show thus far in Kansas City, where no other lineman has more than seven QB pressures in 2025. The Week 5 loss to Jacksonville highlighted the depth concerns for K.C., with Jones and Karlaftis combining for nine QB pressures and the rest of the D-line combining for three.

BIGGEST NEED: Defense ... everywhere

Giving up a 40-burger in their fourth straight loss highlighted the Raiders' defensive shortcomings. Aside from Maxx Crosby, it’s a group that could use help at every level. The Germaine Pratt release underscored the reality that Pete Carroll wasn't going to engineer a quick fix. The secondary remains an issue, with corner Kyu Blu Kelly getting relentlessly picked on -- in five starts, the fifth-round rookie has allowed 20 catches on 27 targets for 346 yards and a touchdown.

BIGGEST NEED: Cornerback

Philadelphia's corner concerns existed before starter Quinyon Mitchell went down with a hamstring injury in Week 6. His loss magnified the problems. Adoree' Jackson continues to struggle. Kelee Ringo gets picked on. The Giants worked them over with a second-string receiver corps. Imagine what Justin Jefferson could do in Week 7. The Eagles' defense needs aid. The pass rush is also a concern -- particularly when Jalen Carter is out -- but Howie Roseman must add a corner to his beleaguered unit if it is to survive the season.

BIGGEST NEED: Secondary

Washington's bounce-back victory over L.A. showed improvement from the defense, which won at the line of scrimmage. That pressure aided a secondary that had been picked on early in the year, and Marshon Lattimore had his best coverage game of the season, allowing just 8.5 yards per catch on two grabs, per Pro Football Focus. That said, the secondary could still use some help on the outside and at free safety.

BIGGEST NEED: Safety

A blowout win over the hapless Jets covered some ills, but the defense still needs aid. The front generated its best pass rush of the season, but the secondary still allowed chunk gains to a lesser-than passing offense. Malik Hooker's placement on injured reserve highlights a need on the back end, with Juanyeh Thomas forced into the starting lineup. Linebacking coverage is also a concern, with Shemar James getting picked on (he allowed 11 catches on 11 targets in Week 5, per PFF).

BIGGEST NEED: Wide receiver

The Giants' big win over Philly highlighted the extreme upside for rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart. Imagine what the first-rounder could do with a legit receiver corps. Injuries to Malik Nabers and Darius Slayton have sapped the Big Blue depth chart, leaving Wan'Dale Robinson as the go-to target. Lil'Jordan Humphrey offers a big body, but this receiver room remains wanting. If the Giants decide against being sellers at the deadline, adding a veteran receiver would allow Dart's development to take the next step.

BIGGEST NEED: Cornerback

Terrion Arnold will be out "for a long time," according to Dan Campbell, which puts the Lions' corner crew in a tough spot. A potential season-ending injury is a massive blow to a secondary that wants to play physically. Fellow starter D.J. Reed is already on IR. Backup corner Khalil Dorsey (wrist) is also injured. That leaves Rock Ya-Sin, Avonte Maddox and, potentially, recent practice squad signee Tre Flowers playing significant roles alongside nickel Amik Robertson. This group needs help.

BIGGEST NEED: Beef inside

The loss of Devonte Wyatt to a knee injury highlighted some depth issues on the interior. The Packers have given up 213 rushing yards combined over their past two games after a studly opening to the season. We know general manager Brian Gutekunst doesn't love trading assets, particularly for stopgap solutions, but he's already all-in after acquiring Micah Parsons. Why not push more into the middle to plug a hole?

BIGGEST NEED: Offensive line

Minnesota got the job done in London, but it wasn't always pretty, with Carson Wentz getting swarmed at times, taking three sacks. Already down three starters on the O-line, the Vikings eased Christian Darrisaw back into action (he played just 41 offensive snaps) and turned to their fourth OT this season, Walter Rouse. The interior is in a rough spot, with Blake Brandel forced into his first career start at center.

BIGGEST NEED: Help with run defense

Running back is an option, given D'Andre Swift's ineffective play (3.3 yards per carry) so far. At this point, however, the run defense is the bigger concern. The Bears have allowed 120-plus rushing yards each week, including a whopping 240 against the Raiders in Week 4. The interior has been blown off the ball. And the offseason addition of Grady Jarrett -- who missed Week 4 with a knee injury -- hasn't provided much of a boost in either the run game (four total tackles) or the pass rush (three QB pressures).

BIGGEST NEED: Offensive line

Baker Mayfield continues to be unperturbed by pressure. The QB completed an impressive 88.9 percent of his passes under pressure on Sunday for 130 yards and a TD, per Next Gen Stats -- there is no one handling the heat at a higher level right now. That said, it would be better if Mayfield weren't consistently under siege. Can he survive with Charlie Heck (21 QBPs allowed) at right tackle until Luke Goedeke's potential return from IR?  

BIGGEST NEED: Draft assets

With A.J. Terrell in line to potentially rejoin the Falcons' young secondary, restocking the pick coffers ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft -- with Atlanta currently set to have just five selections -- becomes the team's biggest need. The obvious name to watch, in terms of someone to move, is Kirk Cousins, even if the Falcons have previously insisted they are happy to keep him around.

BIGGEST NEED: Defensive front

A stirring win over Miami showed upside for Dave Canales' crew in Carolina. It's been a Jekyll and Hyde few weeks for the Panthers' defense, which has pitched a shutout, allowed 42 points, then slowed Miami for long stretches. Still, this team is off to its best start since 2021. If the Panthers want to remain in go-for-it mode ahead of the deadline, they still need help at linebacker and pass rusher. The next couple of weeks will determine whether they should begin selling, or if they've turned a corner.

BIGGEST NEED: Draft assets

Spencer Rattler finally got that elusive first career victory, dicing up the Giants, while the defense generated four turnovers. Still, this is a team that continues to be a rebuilding operation. New Orleans has just five draft picks in 2026, which is not nearly enough. Better play in the next few weeks could make some of their assets more desirable as the trade deadline approaches.

BIGGEST NEED: Edge

So far, so not good for the 49ers' pass rush sans the injured Nick Bosa. San Francisco pressured QBs on at least 30 percent of dropbacks through the first three weeks, but in the two full games without Bosa, they haven't reached even 21 percent. The injury-ravaged Niners have shown a ton of resilience thus far, but they'll have a difficult time staying atop the division without affecting the quarterback more effectively the rest of the way.

BIGGEST NEED: Defensive depth

The injuries are mounting for Mike Macdonald's defense. On Sunday, the Seahawks were without defensive end Demarcus Lawrence, safety Julian Love and cornerback Devon Witherspoon. Then they lost Derick Hall (oblique) and Riq Woolen (concussion). Going down three starters in the secondary highlighted Seattle's depth concerns moving forward. Few teams can withstand such attrition.

BIGGEST NEED: Cornerback

Losing Ahkello Witherspoon to a broken clavicle in Week 2 put the Rams' secondary in a bind. Former Washington Commanders castoff Emmanuel Forbes has been picked on repeatedly, and his snap count hit a season low in Thursday night's loss to the Niners. For a team that loves to use extra DBs, L.A. could use another quality piece in its secondary.

BIGGEST NEED: Offensive line

Sunday's collapse against the Titans illustrated concerns on both sides of the ball, but the offensive line problems were magnified. The members of Arizona's O-line allowed 19 combined QB pressures, per Next Gen Stats, while the run-blocking opened very few holes as the Cards tried to grind out the clock. The interior looms as an especially weak spot, with Will Hernandez playing just 23 offensive snaps in his return to action after suffering a torn ACL last year.