With the NFL trade deadline two weeks away, front offices are evaluating roster needs as the league's only undefeated team, the Minnesota Vikings, and other contenders look to strengthen for the stretch run. CBS Sports has outlined hypothetical trade scenarios for several teams based on Week 7 performances.
Minnesota Vikings: Targeting Jonathan Taylor
The 6-0 Vikings have scored just 10 touchdowns this season, the fewest by any 6-0 team since the 1934 Detroit Lions. Quarterback Kyler Murray ranks 27th in sack rate, 29th in passing success rate, and 31st in touchdown rate. While Minnesota scores on 41.5% of drives (12th in NFL), many are field goals. Running back Aaron Jones aggravated a knee injury in Week 7. Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor, who totaled 110 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown against the Vikings, is proposed as a solution to add explosiveness.
Cincinnati Bengals: Pursuing Saquon Barkley
At 4-2 after beating the Baltimore Ravens, the Bengals average only 3.6 yards per carry. Chase Brown has -0.6 yards per attempt over expected. New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley is producing 1.15 yards per rush over expected, fifth-best in the NFL. The Bengals previously acquired Dexter Lawrence in a blockbuster move.
Buffalo Bills: Eyeing Jeffery Simmons
Despite leaps from defensive tackle Deone Walker and edge rusher Greg Rousseau, Buffalo ranks 24th in defensive rushing success rate. Ed Oliver's injury issues have left the interior shaky. Tennessee Titans defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons, described as one of the best defenders regardless of position, could pair with Walker. The Bills are 30th in defensive EPA per play and last in defensive success rate when quarterbacks aren't pressured.
Kansas City Chiefs: Seeking Downfield Threat Adonai Mitchell
After a 20-3 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, the Chiefs' downfield passing game has vanished since Tyquan Thornton's injury. Patrick Mahomes attempted three passes 20+ yards downfield with zero completions, his most such attempts without a completion since Week 16, 2024. Thornton has four of Mahomes' completions 20+ yards downfield despite not playing since Week 4. Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Adonai Mitchell, off to a strong start before a finger injury, played only 44% of snaps in Week 7.
Green Bay Packers: Targeting DeForest Buckner
The 4-3 Packers could be legitimate contenders, especially with Micah Parsons' return. Defensive lineman DeForest Buckner has indicated he wants to play for a winner, and the Colts don't appear to be one. Buckner, 32 and in the final year of his contract, wouldn't be prohibitively expensive despite Green Bay's reduced draft capital from the Parsons trade.
Detroit Lions: Considering Tariq Woolen
Cornerback Tariq Woolen, on a one-year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles, has held opponents to under 50% completion rate and 6.2 yards per attempt when targeted. The Lions previously pursued Joey Porter Jr. The Eagles may become sellers due to offensive injuries.
Chicago Bears: Reunion with Khalil Mack
Chicago ranks seventh in pressure rate and third in sack rate but 18th in pressure rate without blitzing. Los Angeles Chargers edge rusher Khalil Mack has three sacks and seven quick pressures, more than any current Bears edge rusher.
San Francisco 49ers: Adding Daron Payne
The 49ers rank 29th in percentage of opponent plays gaining zero or negative yards. Washington Commanders defensive lineman Daron Payne ranks 21st in PFF run defense grade among 136 interior linemen and is in the final year of his deal. Commanders GM Adam Peters previously worked in San Francisco's front office.
New England Patriots: Kevin Zeitler as Buy-Low Option
Offensive lineman Kevin Zeitler signed with the Packers less than a month ago but has yet to play an offensive snap and was a healthy scratch in Week 7. New England, with injuries to Alijah Vera-Tucker (hamstring, IR), Ben Brown (knee), Mike Onwenu (ankle, out for season), and Greg Van Roten (thigh, IR), could pursue Zeitler as a low-cost acquisition.
