As the 2025 NFL season barrels toward the halfway point, teams are beginning to assess their strengths and weaknesses. Week 6 serves as a critical juncture, providing a substantial sample size to identify areas where upgrades are needed. With the trade deadline looming, general managers are undoubtedly burning the midnight oil, evaluating potential acquisitions to bolster their rosters for a playoff push or to salvage a disappointing season.
This article breaks down the most pressing trade needs for each NFL team as they head into Week 6. We’ll analyze team performance, injuries, and positional vulnerabilities to pinpoint the areas where a strategic trade could make a significant impact.
AFC Trade Needs
AFC East
Buffalo Bills
The Bills’ offense, while still potent, has shown occasional inconsistencies. Josh Allen needs more reliable targets beyond Stefon Diggs. A possession receiver who can consistently move the chains would be a valuable addition.
Buffalo’s Super Bowl aspirations hinge on maximizing Allen’s prime. Finding a dependable receiver should be their top priority before the trade deadline.
Miami Dolphins
Miami’s high-octane offense is already a nightmare for opposing defenses, but their defense needs some help to match. Specifically, they could use a more consistent pass rush to complement their explosive offense.
Adding a veteran edge rusher would significantly improve their chances of containing opposing quarterbacks and making a deep playoff run.
New England Patriots
The Patriots are in desperate need of offensive playmakers. Their quarterback situation is uncertain, and their receiving corps lacks a true number-one option. They need to find a true WR1 to help develop their young quarterback.
Acquiring a top-tier wide receiver would provide a much-needed boost to their struggling offense and offer a reliable target for whoever is under center.
New York Jets
The Jets’ offensive line has been a major concern, struggling to protect their quarterback and open up running lanes. After losing multiple starters to injury, they are in dire need of reinforcements.
Trading for a veteran offensive lineman would provide stability and improve their ability to control the line of scrimmage, a crucial element for any successful offense.
AFC North
Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens’ secondary has been plagued by injuries and inconsistent play. Adding a reliable cornerback would provide much-needed depth and stability to their pass defense.
A shutdown corner would allow them to match up better against the high-powered passing attacks in the AFC and improve their overall defensive performance.
Cincinnati Bengals
Despite having a talented quarterback in Joe Burrow, the Bengals’ offensive line has struggled to provide adequate protection. Upgrading their offensive line is a must to keep Burrow upright.
Protecting Burrow is paramount to their success. A trade for a proven offensive lineman would be a wise investment in their long-term future.
Cleveland Browns
The Browns’ defense is already formidable, but they could use another playmaker at linebacker. Adding a versatile linebacker who can excel in both run defense and pass coverage would elevate their defense to an even higher level.
A dynamic linebacker would provide a significant boost to their already strong defense and make them even more difficult to score against.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers’ offense has struggled to generate consistent production, particularly in the running game. Adding a powerful running back would provide a spark and take some pressure off their passing attack.
Establishing a more effective running game would make their offense more balanced and unpredictable, improving their overall offensive efficiency.
AFC South
Houston Texans
The Texans are a young team on the rise, but they lack experience at several key positions. Adding a veteran leader on defense would provide invaluable guidance and stability.
A seasoned defensive player would not only improve their on-field performance but also serve as a mentor for their younger players, accelerating their development.
Indianapolis Colts
The Colts’ defense has struggled to consistently pressure opposing quarterbacks. Adding an explosive pass rusher would significantly improve their ability to disrupt opposing offenses.
An impactful edge rusher would make their defense more aggressive and create more opportunities for turnovers, bolstering their chances of winning close games.
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars’ receiving corps lacks a true deep threat. Adding a speedy wide receiver who can stretch the field would open up their offense and create more opportunities for their other receivers.
A legitimate deep threat would force defenses to respect their passing game and prevent them from crowding the box against the run.
Tennessee Titans
The Titans’ offensive line has struggled to protect their quarterback and create running lanes. Adding a reliable offensive lineman would provide much-needed stability and improve their offensive efficiency.
Improving their offensive line is crucial for their offensive success. A trade for a proven lineman would be a significant step in the right direction.
AFC West
Denver Broncos
The Broncos need help at the cornerback position. Ronald Darby tore his ACL and is out for the season. They should look to add a veteran presence to help bolster their defense.
Without a solid secondary, the Broncos will struggle against the high-powered passing offenses in the AFC West. Adding a veteran cornerback is a must.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs’ offense, while still dangerous, lacks a consistent number-two receiving option behind Travis Kelce. Adding a reliable wide receiver would make their offense even more difficult to defend.
A dependable receiver would provide Patrick Mahomes with another reliable target and prevent defenses from focusing solely on Kelce.
Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders’ defense has struggled to generate consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Adding a disruptive pass rusher would significantly improve their ability to disrupt opposing offenses.
An impactful edge rusher would make their defense more aggressive and create more opportunities for turnovers, giving their offense more chances to score.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers need to find a reliable tight end. Gerald Everett has been injured for weeks and they need a reliable backup.
Finding a tight end is crucial for their offense. A trade for a proven player would be a significant step in the right direction.
NFC Trade Needs
NFC East
Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys’ offensive line, once a strength, has shown signs of vulnerability. Adding a veteran offensive lineman would provide depth and stability to their front five.
Protecting Dak Prescott is essential for their offensive success. A trade for a proven lineman would be a wise investment in their long-term future.
New York Giants
The Giants’ receiving corps lacks a true number-one option. Adding a top-tier wide receiver would provide a much-needed boost to their passing game.
A legitimate WR1 would give their quarterback a reliable target and make their offense more dynamic and unpredictable.
Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles’ defense, while still talented, could use another playmaker at linebacker. Adding a versatile linebacker who can excel in both run defense and pass coverage would elevate their defense to an even higher level.
A dynamic linebacker would provide a significant boost to their already strong defense and make them even more difficult to score against.
Washington Commanders
The Commanders’ offensive line has struggled to protect their quarterback. Adding a reliable offensive lineman would provide much-needed stability and improve their offensive efficiency.
Improving their offensive line is crucial for their offensive success. A trade for a proven lineman would be a significant step in the right direction.
NFC North
Chicago Bears
The Bears are still in rebuilding mode, but they could use a veteran presence at wide receiver to help develop their young quarterback. Adding a reliable target would accelerate his growth and improve their passing game.
A seasoned receiver would provide invaluable guidance and stability for their young quarterback, helping him to reach his full potential.
Detroit Lions
The Lions’ secondary has been inconsistent, particularly at the cornerback position. Adding a reliable cornerback would provide much-needed depth and stability to their pass defense.
A shutdown corner would allow them to match up better against the high-powered passing attacks in the NFC and improve their overall defensive performance.
Green Bay Packers
The Packers need another tight end after Luke Musgrave went down with a season ending knee injury. They have lacked consistency at the position.
Finding a tight end is crucial for their offense. A trade for a proven player would be a significant step in the right direction.
Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings’ defense has struggled to generate consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Adding a disruptive pass rusher would significantly improve their ability to disrupt opposing offenses.
An impactful edge rusher would make their defense more aggressive and create more opportunities for turnovers, giving their offense more chances to score.
NFC South
Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons need to improve their pass rush. They have struggled to get to the quarterback this season, and that has put a strain on their secondary. They should look to add a veteran defensive end.
Without a consistent pass rush, the Falcons will struggle against the high-powered passing offenses in the NFC South. Adding a veteran defensive end is a must.
Carolina Panthers
The Panthers’ offense has struggled to find a rhythm, particularly in the passing game. Adding a reliable wide receiver would provide a much-needed boost and give their quarterback a dependable target.
A consistent receiver would help them to move the chains and score more points, improving their overall offensive efficiency.
New Orleans Saints
The Saints’ offensive line has shown signs of decline. Adding a veteran offensive lineman would provide depth and stability to their front five.
Protecting their quarterback is essential for their offensive success. A trade for a proven lineman would be a wise investment in their long-term future.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Buccaneers could use another running back to spell Rachaad White. They need a reliable backup.
A consistent running back would help them to move the chains and score more points, improving their overall offensive efficiency.
NFC West
Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals are in rebuilding mode and could use help at several positions. However, their most pressing need is at cornerback. They have struggled to cover opposing receivers.
Adding a reliable cornerback would provide much-needed depth and stability to their pass defense.
Los Angeles Rams
The Rams need to find a reliable pass rusher. With Aaron Donald getting older, the Rams need to find someone to take some of the pressure off of him.
An impactful edge rusher would make their defense more aggressive and create more opportunities for turnovers, giving their offense more chances to score.
San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers’ defense could use another cornerback. With injuries plaguing the secondary, they need to add depth at the position. According to related coverage, Nick Bosa may need season ending surgery, meaning the 49ers may need to add more defensive help.
Adding a reliable cornerback would provide much-needed depth and stability to their pass defense.
Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks’ offensive line has struggled to protect their quarterback consistently. Adding a reliable offensive lineman would provide much-needed stability and improve their offensive efficiency.
Improving their offensive line is crucial for their offensive success. A trade for a proven lineman would be a significant step in the right direction.
A chart displaying NFL draft capital by pick, illustrating the value teams place on acquiring high draft selections, which are often used in trades to address roster needs entering Week 6 of the 2025 NFL season.
Key Takeaways
- Offensive line improvements are a common need across the league, with several teams struggling to protect their quarterbacks and establish a running game.
- Many teams are seeking to bolster their pass rush, recognizing the importance of disrupting opposing quarterbacks.
- Wide receiver is another position of need for several teams, both for those seeking a true number-one option and those looking for more depth and consistency.
- Injuries are already playing a significant role in shaping team needs, forcing teams to consider adding depth at key positions.
FAQ
What is the NFL trade deadline?
The NFL trade deadline is the last day that teams can trade players to other teams during the season. After the deadline, teams can no longer trade players until the following offseason.
When is the NFL trade deadline in 2025?
The exact date of the 2025 NFL trade deadline will be determined closer to the season, but it typically falls on a Tuesday in late October or early November, around Week 8 or 9 of the regular season.
What types of players are typically traded at the deadline?
Teams may trade for players who can fill immediate needs due to injuries or poor performance. They may also trade for players who are not a good fit for their current team but could be valuable to another team. Sometimes, teams will trade away players to acquire draft picks for the future.
What factors do teams consider when making trades?
Teams consider a variety of factors when making trades, including their current record, their salary cap situation, the player’s contract, and the potential impact the player could have on their team. They also weigh the value of draft picks they might receive in return.
How do bye weeks affect trade strategy?
Bye weeks, like the ones scheduled throughout the 2025 season, can influence trade strategy. Teams heading into a bye week might be more inclined to make a trade to address a need before their next game. Knowing a team’s bye week, as detailed in bye week schedules, can provide insight into their potential trade activity.
As Week 6 approaches, NFL teams face critical decisions regarding their roster composition. Addressing key needs through strategic trades could be the difference between a playoff berth and an early offseason. Keep an eye on team activities as the trade deadline approaches. The moves made in the coming weeks will undoubtedly shape the landscape of the 2025 NFL season.
