NFL Deadline: Eagles, Chargers, and Titans Face High-Stakes Trade Decisions
General managers evaluate 20 players, including Landon Dickerson and Khalil Mack, as teams buy or sell before the 2026 cutoff.
By Fatou Kim ·
The NFL trade deadline arrives this week, forcing front offices to decide whether to buy, sell, or hold firm. The Chicago Bears have already set a benchmark by trading two first-round picks for defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons. That move signals a willingness to pay a premium for immediate impact. Teams now weigh their own rosters against that standard. They must determine if their current lineup is sufficient for the remaining weeks or if they need to shift resources to future seasons.
The Philadelphia Eagles sit at 2-7 following a loss to the New York Giants. That record has prompted speculation about moving Pro Bowl guard Landon Dickerson. The 28-year-old has allowed a sack in each of his four games this season. His contract carries a cap number of $13.7 million for this year and $17.7 million for the final two years. Teams like the Packers, Patriots, and Broncos are potential landing spots. A new environment might help him recover from his current injury and production struggles.
Cornerback Riq Woolen is another Eagles player in play. He is on a one-year, $15 million deal and is due for free agency. Woolen has allowed a 51% completion rate to opponents and a career-high 99.9 passer rating this season. He allowed four touchdowns in the process. In Seattle last year, he held opponents to a 73.6 passer rating. The Lions, Bills, and Panthers are listed as possible destinations for the 27-year-old. A change of scenery could stabilize his performance for the stretch run.
The Cleveland Browns may part ways with wide receiver Jerry Jeudy. He is signed through 2027 for a base salary of just $1.5 million. Jeudy has been outshined by rookies Denzel Boston and KC Concepcion on the depth chart. His low cost makes him an attractive rental for teams like the Chiefs, Commanders, or Rams. He offers a cheap way to add depth without a large draft capital investment.
Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard has surged in form recently. Over his past two games, he rushed for 246 yards on a 5.3 yards-per-carry average. He also scored five rushing touchdowns. Pollard caught six of eight targets for 46 yards during that span. He is a free agent at the end of this season. The Vikings, Giants, and Broncos are potential buyers for the 29-year-old. His recent production makes him a value option for teams seeking a rushing boost.
The Los Angeles Chargers are considered sellers as they sit in last place in the AFC West. Edge defender Khalil Mack is a prime candidate for a trade. He is on a one-year deal and offers future Hall of Fame talent. The Chargers have reportedly been reluctant to trade, but Mack is more valuable as a chip than as a player on the field. The Bears, Bills, and Cowboys are listed as potential destinations. His ability to pressure the quarterback remains a key asset for any contender.
Amani Hooker is having a career year for the Titans. The safety has five interceptions through seven games, tying his career high. He allowed a 71.3 passer rating against opponents. Hooker is under team control through 2028, with cap hits of $13.1 million and $16.3 million over the next two seasons. His playmaking ability is a major draw for the Bills or Commanders. The contract terms may limit his market, but his on-field production is undeniable.
