NFL Teams Eye Deadline Moves as Week 9 Results Reset Expectations
With the trade deadline 48 hours away, the Bengals, Cowboys, and Giants face pressure to address defensive and offensive gaps after mixed results.
By Vincent Parker ·
The NFL trade deadline arrives in under two days, forcing franchises to decide which recent performances justify major roster changes. Week 9 results have created a clear divide between teams that feel confident in their current rosters and those scrambling to fill holes before the window closes.
The Cincinnati Bengals enter the deadline with a 6-2 record, tied with the Pittsburgh Steelers for the AFC North lead. Quarterback Joe Burrow completed 24 of 29 passes for 271 yards and three touchdowns in a 34-17 win over the Atlanta Falcons in Madrid. He also rushed for a score, marking his second consecutive multi-touchdown game. The Bengals previously traded the 10th pick in the 2026 draft for defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II. Analysts suggest the team could still benefit from additions at running back, offensive line, or safety, with Budda Baker and Jessie Bates III named as potential targets.
The Dallas Cowboys sit at 4-5, three games behind the New York Giants in the NFC East. They blew a double-digit second-half lead and fell behind the Indianapolis Colts 23-20 in the final two minutes of Sunday's game. Despite acquiring cornerback Joey Porter Jr. earlier this season, the defense continues to struggle late in games. The team has only four picks in next year's draft. Wide receiver George Pickens, who missed Sunday's game with an injury, is viewed as the most likely trade asset. A player-for-player swap involving Pickens could generate the capital needed for defensive upgrades.
The New York Giants improved to 5-2-1 by beating the Philadelphia Eagles, but their rushing offense averaged just 2.6 yards per carry. Quarterback J.J. McCarthy left the game temporarily for a hip check but returned. The only touchdown was thrown by Jameis Winston while McCarthy was being evaluated. Running back Cam Skattebo remains out with a hamstring injury. The Giants reportedly pulled an offer for Jonathan Taylor, a move described as prudent given the Indianapolis Colts asking price. The team is advised to avoid mortgaging future draft capital for a running back at this stage.
The Green Bay Packers defeated the New England Patriots 45-27 on the road, setting a record for points scored by an opponent at Gillette Stadium. Jordan Love threw for 372 yards and three touchdowns while also rushing for a score. The Packers ran for 129 yards on 32 carries, a notable improvement for a team that entered the game averaging a league-worst 60.6 rushing yards per game. Josh Jacobs injured his hand in the first quarter and did not return. The team has until 4 p.m. ET Tuesday to address its rushing issues, which remain its most pressing problem in a division where every team holds a winning record.
The wide receiver market is expected to be active in the next 48 hours. The Kansas City Chiefs, New England Patriots, San Francisco 49ers, Pittsburgh Steelers, Seattle Seahawks, and Los Angeles Rams are listed as teams needing receiving help. Players such as Brian Thomas Jr., Josh Downs, Keenan Allen, Calvin Ridley, Quentin Johnston, and Hollywood Brown are identified as candidates who could change teams. The deadline provides a final opportunity for contenders to make impactful pickups before the roster freezes.
