In Part 1, we explored potential trades for every team in the NFC North and NFC South before the NFL trade deadline. Now, the focus shifts to the NFC East and NFC West. The NFC East has been defined by quarterback uncertainty, from Jaxson Dart‘s season-ending Week 2 injury and J.J. McCarthy‘s arrival in New York to Jalen Hurts‘ season-ending blood clot diagnosis and Jayden Daniels‘ return from a dislocated elbow. Meanwhile, the Dallas Cowboys continue to struggle to find consistency.
Out West, the Seattle Seahawks, Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers have emerged as legitimate Super Bowl contenders, battling for the division title and potentially the NFC’s No. 1 seed. Meanwhile, the Arizona Cardinals continue into their rebuild as they try to remain competitive in 2026. With the trade deadline approaching, here’s one potential move for each team in the NFC East and NFC West.
NFL Trade Deadline: One Trade for Every NFC East Team
Dallas Cowboys
*TRADE* Dallas Cowboys acquire Justin Reid from the New Orleans Saints for a 2028 sixth-round pick
The Cowboys’ defense has been among the NFL’s worst for two consecutive seasons, ranking 29th in yards allowed per game in 2026. Entering Week 8 at 3-4, Dallas should be an aggressive buyer ahead of the trade deadline. The New York Giants currently lead the NFC East at 4-2-1, but uncertainty at quarterback could leave the division wide open. With Dallas boasting the division’s most stable quarterback situation, strengthening the secondary should be a priority. Justin Reid has struggled to find his footing in New Orleans, but a change of scenery could help the veteran safety regain his form and provide much-needed stability to the Cowboys’ defense.
New York Giants
*TRADE* New York Giants acquire Vita Vea from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for 2027 third-round pick
Despite losing Dart to a season-ending injury in Week 2, the Giants have managed to maintain their lead in the NFC East. Jameis Winston kept New York afloat before McCarthy took over under center, winning his first start. With the division battling injuries and inconsistency, the Giants have a legitimate opportunity to make a playoff push if McCarthy continues to develop.
However, New York desperately needs help along the interior defensive line, making Vita Vea an intriguing trade target after his name surfaced in offseason discussions. Before the 2026 NFL draft, the Giants traded Dexter Lawrence to the Cincinnati Bengals for the No. 10 overall pick, which they used to select Francis Mauigoa. Acquiring Vea would help fill the void left by Lawrence and provide a much-needed boost to New York’s run defense.
Philadelphia Eagles
*TRADE* Philadelphia Eagles send Cooper DeJean to the Cincinnati Bengals for 2027 first-round pick
The Eagles find themselves in a difficult position in 2026. Despite boasting a talented roster, injuries have derailed their season. Hurts is out for the year, Lane Johnson has retired and Saquon Barkley has battled injuries throughout the campaign. Philadelphia selected Cooper DeJean and Quinyon Mitchell in the same draft class, but Mitchell could take priority when it comes to long-term extensions.
With significant money already committed across the roster, DeJean could become expendable. Despite a down year, his talent and upside could still command a first-round pick as Philadelphia evaluates its uncertain future. Meanwhile, Cincinnati demonstrated its win-now mentality by acquiring Lawrence this offseason. If the Bengals remain aggressive, targeting DeJean would address a glaring weakness at nickel cornerback and provide a long-term solution in the secondary.
Washington Commanders
*TRADE* Washington Commanders send Chris Paul to the Las Vegas Raiders for a 2027 sixth-round pick
Washington could emerge as a seller at the trade deadline after a disappointing start to the season. Daniels has missed time, Terry McLaurin is out for the year and the Commanders have managed just one win. With Paul set to become an unrestricted free agent, moving the veteran guard for additional draft capital makes sense.
Meanwhile, the Raiders have shown signs of life in 2026 and remain within striking distance of an AFC Wild Card spot. Even if Las Vegas falls out of contention, improving the offensive line ahead of Fernando Mendoza‘s eventual arrival should be a priority. Caleb Rogers and Spencer Burford have formed arguably the NFL’s worst starting guard tandem, making Paul a substantial upgrade, particularly in pass protection.
One Trade for Every NFC West Team
Arizona Cardinals
*TRADE* Arizona Cardinals send Budda Baker to the Buffalo Bills for a 2027 fifth-round pick
Budda Baker has experienced a steep decline from the All-Pro level he displayed in the early 2020s. His 54.8 Pro Football Focus grade this season reflects those struggles, significantly diminishing his trade value. Still, his reputation and experience could warrant a fifth-round pick from a Bills team pursuing a Super Bowl. Buffalo ranks 31st in passing yards allowed per game, with Damar Hamlin and Cole Bishop forming one of the NFL’s weakest safety tandems. If the safety market remains thin, Buffalo could emerge as a potential suitor while Arizona looks to accumulate additional draft capital.
Los Angeles Rams
*TRADE* Los Angeles Rams acquire Roy Lopez from the Arizona Cardinals for a 2027 fifth-round selection
A rare intradivision trade could emerge between the Rams and Cardinals, with Arizona coach Mike LaFleur’s previous relationship with Sean McVay potentially helping facilitate a deal. Los Angeles desperately needs interior defensive line help after losing Poona Ford for the season and Kobie Turner for four to six weeks. Roy Lopez has emerged as one of the NFL’s better run defenders in 2026, but at 29, he doesn’t necessarily fit Arizona’s rebuilding timeline. Signed this past offseason, Lopez could provide an immediate boost to the Rams’ depleted defensive front while allowing the Cardinals to recoup draft capital.
San Francisco 49ers
*TRADE* San Francisco 49ers acquire Keenan Allen from the Indianapolis Colts for a 2027 seventh-round pick
The 49ers have been decimated by injuries at wide receiver this season. De’Zhaun Stribling suffered a significant injury in Week 1, Christian Kirk made his debut in Week 7 in a limited role, Deebo Samuel recently sustained a hamstring injury and Mike Evans missed Week 7 with an Achilles issue. Indianapolis initially brought in Allen as an insurance option for Daniel Jones, but injuries quickly elevated his role in the offense. With the Colts beginning to sell off veteran talent, San Francisco could emerge as a potential suitor for Allen as it looks to stabilize its depleted receiving corps.
Seattle Seahawks
*TRADE* Seattle Seahawks acquire Marquise Brown from the Philadelphia Eagles for a 2027 seventh-round pick
The Eagles have reportedly expressed interest in moving Brown this season, and with Philadelphia struggling, his departure appears increasingly likely. Brown has yet to make a significant impact with the Eagles, making him a potential trade target for Seattle. Rashid Shaheed suffered an injury in Week 7, while Jaxon Smith-Njigba‘s massive target share may be difficult to sustain. Adding another deep threat with a skill set similar to Shaheed’s would provide valuable depth and help Seattle strengthen its passing attack.
The Last Word
Whether it’s a blockbuster deal for DeJean or a depth addition like Brown, teams across the NFC will look to strengthen their rosters ahead of the trade deadline. The NFC East remains wide open, while the NFC West‘s top contenders could make aggressive moves to bolster their Super Bowl aspirations. In Part 3, we’ll shift our focus to the AFC North and AFC South, exploring one potential trade for each team ahead of the deadline.
Main Image: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
