Four roster needs NFL teams could address before the 2026 deadline

Buffalo and Jacksonville face questions in coverage

For Buffalo, the NFL’s analysis singled out the secondary. It praised Christian Benford’s versatility, including his recent coverage of tight end Brock Bowers in the Bills’ Week 6 win at Las Vegas, but said the team could use another playmaking safety or cornerback.

Jacksonville’s identified need was cornerback. The article described Travis Hunter as developing into a defensive stopper while raising concerns about the form or health of other members of the Jaguars’ coverage group.

Cincinnati could seek a stronger running-game balance

The analysis pointed to a bell-cow running back as a possible Bengals need. It noted that Chase Brown surpassed 1,000 rushing yards in 2025, but said he had averaged 3.5 yards per carry in the current season covered by the article and had scored once.

Samaje Perine was also receiving carries, according to the NFL. The piece argued that a more productive ground game could help balance Cincinnati’s offense, without reporting that the team was pursuing a particular player.

Kansas City’s need: a deep threat

For the Chiefs, the NFL identified a field-stretching receiver as a potential need following Tyquan Thornton’s ankle dislocation. The article said Thornton had played a critical role as Patrick Mahomes’ deep threat; the available excerpt ends before giving further detail.

Needs are not confirmed trade plans

The NFL framed the roster gaps as possible areas for contenders to address before the deadline. The supplied information does not confirm that Buffalo, Cincinnati, Jacksonville or Kansas City made or completed a trade to fill any of them.