Nobody knows at the midseason point how every division race is going to turn out across the NFL, but the NFL trade deadline can be a major determining factor.
Trades have become a lot more common in the NFL these days, although the trade deadline itself had grown a (justified) reputation for being all talk and no substance. Teams around the league have already started heating things up this season with the Marvin Harrison Jr., Quenton Nelson, and DeForest Buckner trades.
Entering week 8, the Bills, Chiefs, Jaguars, and Browns are all leading their respective divisions. This week could go a long way in determining what moves (if any) each of them tries to make at the deadline. What are the ideal moves for each of them if they decide to get aggressive?
One big trade idea for every AFC division leader entering Week 8
Buffalo Bills: Budda Baker, SAF, Cardinals
If the Arizona Cardinals are willing to do any selling at the deadline, contending teams should be asking about safety Budda Baker. Baker is 30 going on 31 in January, and next year will be the last year of his contract with the team.
Baker has been really productive already this season with 3.5 tackles for loss, an interception, 4 tackles for loss, and 5 QB hits on top of his 44 total tackles.
The Buffalo Bills have had one of the worst defenses in the NFL this season under new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard, who could use a playmaker on the back end of the defense like Baker, who can also function as an extremely important veteran voice on the field for that unit.
Kansas City Chiefs: Brian Thomas Jr., WR, Jaguars
We're talking about the ideal trade deadline targets, right?
It doesn't feel likely -- at all -- that the Jaguars would entertain the idea of trading wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. to the Kansas City Chiefs. The Jaguars know firsthand the impact an in-season receiver trade can make for a contending team.
With that in mind, the idea of acquiring another 1st-round pick is going to entice any general manager. If Kansas City gets aggressive enough to offer a 1st-round pick, the Jaguars might listen. I'm not sure Thomas is actually worth a 1st-round pick at this point, but there would certainly be a "tax" for a team like the Chiefs if they were desperate enough.
Even though Thomas hasn't been playing at the level we saw when he was a rookie in 2024, he's the type of field-stretching option at receiver the Chiefs' offense is badly missing after the injury to Tyquan Thornton.
Cleveland Browns: Tony Pollard, RB, Titans
Nobody really talks about the Cleveland Browns being buyers at the NFL trade deadline, but maybe it's time to start doing so.
The Browns' running game has not taken the step forward they needed to after Quinshon Judkins' promising rookie season was cut short by injury. They rank 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 been able to find any other solutions, and if Pollard is available for a Day 3 pick, it might be worth it for a team that's 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 go deep in the playoffs.
The Jacksonville Jaguars have a couple of 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 are going to be in full-blown "sell" mode, it doesn't make much sense for them to keep holding onto 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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