No one knows at the midseason point how each division race will play out across the NFL, but the NFL trade deadline could be a major determining factor.
Trades have become more common in the NFL these days, although the trade deadline itself has developed a (justified) reputation for being all talk and no substance. Teams around the league have already started heating things up this offseason with the Marvin Harrison Jr., Quenton Nelson, and DeForest Buckner trades.
Entering week 8, the Bills, Chiefs, Jaguars, and Browns all lead their respective divisions. This week will go a long way in determining what moves (if any) each of them is trying to make at the deadline. What are the ideal moves for each of them if they decide to be aggressive?
A big trade idea for each AFC division leader heading into Week 8
Buffalo Bills: Budda Baker, SAF, Cardinals
If the Arizona Cardinals are willing to make any trades at the deadline, contending teams should ask about safety Budda Baker. Baker is 30 going on 31 in January, and next year is the final year of his contract with the team.
Baker has been productive this season with 3.5 tackles for loss, one interception, 4 tackles for loss, and 5 QB hits on top of his 44 total tackles.
The Buffalo Bills had one of the worst defenses in the NFL this season under new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard, who could use a playmaker behind the defense like Baker, who could also serve as an invaluable veteran voice on the field for that unit.
Kansas City Chiefs: Brian Thomas Jr., WR, Jaguars
We are talking about perfect trade deadline targets, right?
Seems unlikely– to all– that the Jaguars will entertain the idea of trading wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. to Kansas City Chiefs. The Jaguars know firsthand the impact of an in-season receiver trade for a struggling team.
With that in mind, the idea of getting another 1st-round pick is appealing whatever general manager. If Kansas City gets aggressive enough to offer a 1st-round pick, the Jaguars might listen. I’m not sure Thomas is really worth a 1st-round pick at this point, but there would certainly be a “tax” for a team like the Chiefs if they were that desperate.
Even though Thomas hasn’t played at the level we saw him as a rookie in 2024, he’s the kind of field-stretching option at receiver that the Chiefs’ offense was sorely missing after the Tyquan Thornton injury.
Cleveland Browns: Tony Pollard, RB, Titans
No one is really talking about the Cleveland Browns as buyers at the NFL trade deadline, but maybe it’s time to start doing so.
The Browns’ running game didn’t make the strides it needed to after Quinshon Judkins’ promising rookie season was cut short by injury. They are 19th in total rushing yards this season and 19th in yards per carry. Judkins ranks 114th out of 120 backs this season in total EPA at the running back position (-17.81).
A player like Tony Pollard could help jumpstart the Browns’ running game. They haven’t found any other solutions yet, and if Pollard is available for a Day 3 pick, it might be worth it for a team actually competing for the division right now.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Khalil Mack, EDGE, Chargers
Any contending team needs to have a deep reservoir of pass rushers to make the playoffs.
The Jacksonville Jaguars have some studs on their defensive front in Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen, but a veteran like Khalil Mack could be the missing piece for them.
The Chargers are 0-6 entering Week 8 action, and while they haven’t indicated they’ll be in full “sell” mode, it doesn’t make much sense for them to keep holding Mack when he has actual trade value.
The Jaguars are currently tied for 26th in the NFL with just 1.8 sacks per game in 2026.
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