The NFL’s Nov. 10 trade deadline is approaching, and several blockbuster deals have already shaken up the league. The Chicago Bears acquired Jeffery Simmons, the Seattle Seahawks landed Quenton Nelson and the San Francisco 49ers reunited with DeForest Buckner. While some moves generate more headlines than others, every team has an opportunity to buy or sell before the deadline. In Part 1 of this four-part series, we explore one potential trade for each team in the NFC North and NFC South.
NFL Trade Deadline: One Trade for Every NFC North Team
Chicago Bears
*TRADE* Bears acquire Khalil Mack from the Los Angeles Chargers for a 2027 sixth-round pick
The Bears have already made a splash this week, acquiring the star defensive tackle Simmons from the Tennessee Titans in exchange for multiple first-round picks and a fourth-round selection. However, Chicago still needs help on the edge. Montez Sweat has yet to live up to expectations since arriving in Chicago, and a suspension has further limited his availability. If the Bears remain aggressive, a reunion with Mack could be an ideal move. The Chargers’ season has been a disaster, and Mack returned in 2026 with hopes of competing for a Super Bowl. With retirement potentially looming, the veteran pass rusher could be available at a reasonable price, allowing Chicago to bolster its defense for a playoff push.
Detroit Lions
*TRADE* Detroit Lions acquire Will McDonald IV from the New York Jets for a 2027 third-round pick
Kelvin Sheppard‘s defense has been among the NFL’s worst in 2026, allowing a league-high 391 yards per game. With Detroit struggling to generate consistent pressure, acquiring McDonald could provide a much-needed boost. McDonald has recorded 18.5 sacks over the past two seasons, establishing himself as a productive pass rusher. After trading Quinnen Williams and Sauce Gardner at last year’s deadline, the Jets could continue their defensive overhaul by moving McDonald. Detroit’s offense has kept the team competitive, but improving its struggling defense must be a priority. With McDonald approaching a potential extension and rookie David Bailey emerging in New York, the Jets could look to capitalize on his trade value before the deadline.
Green Bay Packers
*TRADE* Green Bay Packers acquire Josh Sweat from the Arizona Cardinals for a 2027 third-round pick
Green Bay’s defense has improved considerably since its slow start to 2026, and Micah Parsons‘ return could provide another boost in the coming weeks. However, acquiring Sweat would further strengthen the Packers’ defensive front. Despite a down year, Sweat is familiar with Jonathan Gannon’s scheme after enjoying a career-best season under him in 2025. With Detroit and Chicago boasting two of the NFL’s most explosive offenses, Green Bay could benefit from another proven pass rusher. A trio of Parsons, Sweat and Lukas Van Ness would give the Packers a formidable defensive front as they push for the NFC North title.
Minnesota Vikings
*TRADE* Minnesota Vikings acquire Tony Pollard from the Titans for a 2027 fifth-round pick
Minnesota’s backfield has been a revolving door in 2026. Jordan Mason was expected to take over as the lead back but landed on injured reserve early in the season. Aaron Jones subsequently reclaimed the every-down role before suffering a left MCL sprain, another concerning setback for the injury-prone veteran. Meanwhile, Pollard has quietly produced 528 scrimmage yards and four touchdowns this season, averaging 4.3 yards per carry. With Tennessee positioned as a potential seller, acquiring Pollard could provide the Vikings with a reliable option to stabilize their rushing attack.
One Trade for Every NFC South Team
Atlanta Falcons
*TRADE* Atlanta Falcons acquire Nahshon Wright from the Jets for a 2027 seventh-round pick
Wright is a familiar name to Falcons general manager Ian Cunningham after enjoying a breakout season with the Bears in 2025. Cunningham has already tapped into his former team’s roster, acquiring defensive tackle Gervon Dexter Sr. in an August trade. Wright has yet to play a snap for the Jets in 2026, making him a potential trade target for an Atlanta team seeking cornerback depth. With New York continuing its roster overhaul, the Jets could be a natural trade partner. While not a blockbuster acquisition, adding a capable depth piece could prove valuable for the Falcons down the stretch.
Carolina Panthers
*TRADE* Carolina Panthers acquire Daron Payne from the Washington Commanders for a 2027 sixth-round pick
The Panthers are allowing 140.7 rushing yards per game, a glaring weakness for a team looking to return to the playoffs. After reaching the postseason last year, Carolina sits atop the NFC South at 3-4, making improvements against the run a priority. Payne has been a reliable interior defender for nearly a decade and could provide a much-needed boost alongside Derrick Brown. While no longer playing at his peak, Payne remains a capable veteran who could strengthen Carolina’s defensive front. With Washington sitting at 1-4-1 and Payne approaching free agency, the Commanders should be willing to explore his trade value ahead of the deadline.
New Orleans Saints
*TRADE* New Orleans Saints send Carl Granderson to the Buffalo Bills for a 2027 third-round pick
Granderson has been a standout performer for New Orleans in 2026, recording 5.5 sacks through six games. Sitting at 2-5 and last in the NFC South, the Saints emerge as the first sellers in this series. Granderson will turn 30 before the season ends, making him a potential trade candidate as New Orleans looks toward the future. Meanwhile, Buffalo remains firmly in Super Bowl contention and could use another proven pass rusher. Pairing Granderson with Greg Rousseau and Bradley Chubb would give the Bills a formidable trio and provide a much-needed boost to their struggling defense. Expect Buffalo to be aggressive in addressing its defensive needs ahead of the deadline.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
*TRADE* Tampa Bay Buccaneers send Cody Mauch to the Packers for a 2027 fourth-round pick
Tampa Bay’s season took a disastrous turn when Baker Mayfield suffered a hand injury against the Vikings in Week 2. Since then, the Buccaneers have fallen to 2-5 and could emerge as sellers ahead of the trade deadline. Mauch is approaching the end of his rookie contract, with his long-term future under general manager Jason Licht uncertain. Meanwhile, Green Bay desperately needs offensive line reinforcements as injuries and questionable offseason decisions have exposed weaknesses up front. Acquiring Mauch would give the Packers a potential long-term starter to protect Jordan Love and help revive their struggling rushing attack.
The Last Word
Each proposed deal presents a realistic opportunity for teams to address roster needs or build toward the future. With division races heating up and the trade deadline approaching, expect the NFC North and NFC South to remain active in the coming weeks. In Part 2, we’ll shift our focus to the NFC East and NFC West, exploring one potential trade for each team.
Main Image: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
