2026 NFL trade deadline: One realistic, one pipe dream trade scenario for every playoff contender - CBS Sports

By Google News Sports · 2026-11-06T12:00:57+01:00

The NFL trade deadline is less than a week away, and every team is in position to either put themselves over the top in hopes of a playoff push, or to completely reset their franchise and move on to NFL Draft season.

We've already seen big names like LG Quenton Nelson and DTs DeForest Buckner and Jeffrey Simmons getting dealt before the deadline. And I get the feeling that more big names will be on the move once we get to November 10.

For every team in the current playoff picture, we'll break down one realistic trade and one pipe dream trade they can make to put themselves over the top, in addition to a few interesting ones outside of the playoff mix.

Pipe Dream Trade: Jessie Bates, S, Atlanta Falcons

Realistic Trade: Amani Hooker, S, Tennessee Titans

The Bills have gotten more than enough from their defensive front, a unit that I thought would come along slowly in the beginning of the season. EDGE Greg Rousseau is playing at a DPOY-caliber level, and the emergence of DT Deone Walker has helped their defensive line gain some teeth. However, the Bills have given up the fifth-most completions of 20+ yards in the NFL this season and lack impact play from their secondary.

Cornerback is a spot where they could improve, but they have a lot of faith in rookie CB Davison Igbinosun opposite Christian Benford. However, the safety spot opposite Cole Bishop could use some improvement. While most people will point to Arizona Cardinals' safety Budda Baker as the top target, he and Bishop's skillsets overlap.

Bates is entering the final year of his contract with the Falcons, and he has been an impact player when the ball is in the air and when separating the ball from the player (three PBUs, one INT and three forced fumbles in 2026). Bates is the perfect complement to Bishop…

Originally published by Google News Sports