NFL Trade Deadline Looms as Week 9 Results Shape Roster Moves

The National Football League trade deadline hits at 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday, less than 48 hours after Week 9 concludes. Franchises now face the decision of whether to buy for this season or sell for the 2027 draft. The results from the final weekend of games provided clear signals for both strategies.

In Los Angeles, the Rams secured a win as Myles Garrett recorded three sacks against the Commanders. This was Garrett's first fully healthy game of the year. The Rams traded much of their draft capital in the offseason to acquire Garrett, making another large addition unlikely. His return from injured reserve may serve as their primary deadline move, though they still need help at wide receiver and cornerback.

Cincinnati improved to 6-2 with a 34-17 victory over the Falcons in Madrid, tying Pittsburgh for the AFC North lead. Joe Burrow completed 24 of 29 passes for 271 yards and three touchdowns, adding a rushing score. Ja'Marr Chase accumulated 142 receiving yards before halftime. Having already traded the 10th pick in the 2026 draft for Dexter Lawrence II, the Bengals might still look to upgrade at running back, offensive line, or safety. Budda Baker and Jessie Bates III are among the names circulating.

Dallas fell to 4-5 after trailing the Colts 23-20 in the final two minutes of Sunday's game. The Cowboys sit three games behind the Giants in the NFC East. With only four draft picks next year, further defensive upgrades would be difficult. The team already acquired Joey Porter Jr. from Pittsburgh earlier this year. Wide receiver George Pickens, playing on the franchise tag and missed Sunday's game with an injury, may be their most valuable trade chip.

Wide receiver appears to be the busiest position for deadline trade talk. Jacksonville's Brian Thomas Jr. has drawn interest since the spring. Indianapolis is likely to move Josh Downs and Keenan Allen. Calvin Ridley could be acquired from Tennessee at a low cost. The Chargers insist they are not selling, but calls regarding Quentin Johnston and Ladd McConkey continue. The Eagles, who lost their seventh straight game, have little need for Hollywood Brown.

New York improved to 5-2-1 with a win over Philadelphia. J.J. McCarthy left briefly with a hip injury, and Jameis Winston threw the game's only touchdown. The Giants averaged just 2.6 yards per carry, but reports indicated they pulled an offer for Jonathan Taylor. This suggests restraint in John Harbaugh's first season as head coach.

Green Bay's Jordan Love threw for 372 yards and three touchdowns in a 45-27 win at New England. The Packers set a record for points by an opponent at Gillette Stadium. However, the run game remains a concern as the team entered averaging a league-worst 60.6 rushing yards per game. Josh Jacobs left the first quarter with a hand injury, leaving Kaleb Johnson and Pierre Strong Jr. to handle the load in a division where every team is at least three games over .500.

Fantasy analysts noted mixed signals from the week. Shedeur Sanders faces uncertainty about his starting status next week. Eagles rookie Makai Lemon emerged as a second-half difference maker. Denver's Jonah Coleman has become a weekly starter under Sean Payton until RJ Harvey returns. Kansas City's Kenneth Walker III has a strong case as the fantasy MVP of 2026.