Buyers or Sellers for the NFL's Most Surprising Teams 1 Month From Trade Deadline

Typically, the NFL trade deadline serves as a pivotal point in the season. Teams either push for the playoffs or plan for the future with an eye on the upcoming draft. 

So, it's a good time to focus on the most surprising teams—those with either disappointing or encouraging starts to the 2026 season—and decide whether those clubs should be buyers or sellers a month before the November 10 trade deadline.

In some cases, struggling teams can be buyers if there's a slight chance of a turnaround. Also, young winning teams may be willing to trade veterans who no longer fit in long-term plans.

With that said, here's the buy-or-sell verdict for eight teams off to shocking starts to the campaign. 

Cleveland Browns: Buyers

AP Photo/Peter Joneleit

Mason Graham

The Cleveland Browns are off to a strong start under first-year head coach Todd Monken, who led his team to three consecutive wins after a 34-10 blowout loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Aside from starting quarterback Deshaun Watson, cornerback Denzel Ward, and safety Grant Delpit, the Browns have a mostly young starting lineup. 

Wideout Jerry Jeudy has fallen out of the starting rotation, as rookies KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston have taken on bigger roles. He's a prime trade candidate. 

Overall, the Browns should look to add veterans who can help fuel a surprise run at a division title or wild-card playoff berth.

General manager Andrew Berry could add a veteran pass-rusher to fill a void while standout second-year defensive tackle Mason Graham is out with MCL and ankle sprains. Mike Hall Jr. is also dealing with an ankle sprain.

Graham leads the Browns with four sacks. Without him, Cleveland needs a defender who can complement defensive end Jared Verse as an interior disruptor.

Houston Texans: Buyers

AP Photo/Zach Bolinger

Woody Marks and David Montgomery

The Houston Texans started the 2018 and 2025 seasons 0-3 and made the playoffs, but they have a tougher challenge in trying to be the first team since the 1992 San Diego Chargers to make the postseason after an 0-4 start.

The Texans have the talent to pull it off. With two-time Pro Bowl wideout Nico Collins back from a hamstring injury and a defense that's capable of playing at a high level, though it hasn't shown that so far this season, Houston can still go on a run.

That being said, the Texans must balance their offense with a decent ground game. 

Despite acquiring running back David Montgomery from the Detroit Lions and adding interior offensive linemen Keylan Rutledge through the draft and Evan Brown through free agency, Houston still lacks a physical identity on offense and ranks 30th in rushing.

Last week, right guard Wyatt Teller missed his second game of the season. The Texans should look for more help at guard and consider shifting Rutledge to center over Brown. 

They should also add another running back to build a full-blown backfield committee with Montgomery and Woody Marks, which would allow them to feed the hot hand.

Las Vegas Raiders: Buyers

AP Photo/David Becker

Tre Tucker

Even in defeat last Sunday, the Las Vegas Raiders showed they can compete with the league's top teams. While there's a lot to like about the 3-1 Raiders, they have a couple of glaring holes to fill on both sides of the ball.

The Raiders desperately need a lead wide receiver. Behind All-Pro tight end Brock Bowers, backup tight end Michael Mayer and running back Ashton Jeanty are the team's most reliable targets. Wide receiver Tre Tucker racked up 119 of his 233 yards in Week 2 against the Los Angeles Chargers.

Defensively, the Raiders have been susceptible to the run since the preseason. They've only signed 31-year-old defensive tackle Folorunso Fatukasi to address that issue.

Las Vegas has given up 127-plus rushing yards in three consecutive games and just allowed Kenneth Walker III to rack up a career-high 177 yards on the ground. 

If the Raiders want to sustain their momentum, they need a perimeter target in the passing game and another interior defender to beef up their defensive front.

Los Angeles Chargers: Sellers

AP Photo/William Liang

Khalil Mack

The winless Los Angeles Chargers are a broken mess, and there's no easy fix. 

Despite quarterback Justin Herbert's shocking regression, head coach Jim Harbaugh told reporters that offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel's job isn't in jeopardy. So it would make sense to trade skill players who don't fit McDaniel's system, along with older veterans on expiring contracts.

Without much improvement in the first four weeks of the season, the Chargers need to look ahead to 2027 and rebuild the foundation of this team.

Quentin Johnston is having an underwhelming start to his fourth season, catching seven passes for 108 yards. He could draw trade interest from teams looking for a young wideout. The Chargers should also deal third-string running back Kimani Vidal, who has fallen behind Keaton Mitchell for the primary backup role.

Los Angeles can unload several defensive players who will be free agents next year, including edge-rusher Khalil Mack, cornerback Donte Jackson, defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson (when healthy) and inside linebacker Daiyan Henley.

The Chargers may have to rebuild their defense next year. That unit doesn't look the same after former defensive coordinator Jesse Minter left to become the Baltimore Ravens head coach. His replacement, Chris O'Leary, will have his work cut out for him if he keeps the job.

Minnesota Vikings: Buyers

AP Photo/Peter Joneleit

Kyler Murray

Despite below-average quarterback play out of Kyler Murray, the Minnesota Vikings are one of three undefeated teams. 

Murray exited early in the Vikings' season opener with a concussion, but since returning in Week 3, he's thrown for just one touchdown and two interceptions. Clearly, the 29-year-old, who played seven seasons with the Arizona Cardinals, is still learning head coach Kevin O'Connell's offense.

Then again, Murray may not be a good fit for O'Connell's system, but the Vikings don't have the most reliable backup quarterbacks, either. 

Last year, Carson Wentz dealt with injuries, which plagued him early in his career. Minnesota traded third-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy to the New York Giants. In seven games, including two starts, Max Brosmer has thrown four interceptions without a touchdown.

To cover their bases at the most important position, the Vikings should add a veteran quarterback. O'Connell may have to bench Murray, and if he does, Minnesota will need a backup for Wentz.

New York Giants: Buyers

AP Photo/Seth Wenig

J.J. McCarthy and Jameis Winston

With quarterback Jaxson Dart on season-ending injured reserve, the New York Giants are going through the Jameis Winston experience and still winning games. 

Currently atop the NFC East, Big Blue should bring in a veteran quarterback in case Winston implodes with turnovers.

Keep in mind that J.J. McCarthy struggled in his second season, which was his first year as a starter with the Minnesota Vikings. He may not be equipped to take over on short notice in New York. 

Because of Brian Burns' season-ending knee injury, the Giants should also look to add an edge-rusher, which is ironic given all the trade buzz around Kayvon Thibodeaux this past offseason. Versatile rookie first-rounder Arvell Reese has pass-rushing ability, but he's a starting inside linebacker alongside Tremaine Edmunds.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Sellers

AP Photo/Peter Joneleit

Yaya Diaby

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' 2026 season is over. They're 0-4, with undrafted rookie quarterback Jalon Daniels starting at least a couple more games.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Buccaneers starting QB Baker Mayfield, who dislocated his thumb in Week 3, will miss "anywhere between three to six weeks."

The Buccaneers can turn the page on this season and trade veteran assets for 2027 draft capital. Chris Godwin, a savvy 10th-year veteran whose contract includes a team option for 2027, could draw interest from receiver-needy teams.

Fourth-year edge-rusher Yaya Diaby is off to a slow start, but he registered 78 pressures and 19 sacks in his first three seasons. The Buccaneers may be able to trade him for a middle-round 2027 pick. Teams could show strong interest in the 27-year-old before he hits the free-agent market next offseason.

Tennessee Titans: Sellers

AP Photo/Terrance Williams

Tony Pollard

The Tennessee Titans are a rebuilding squad, but they haven't made any strides after back-to-back three-win seasons. Second-year quarterback Cam Ward has drawn criticism for his poor play and isn't progressing under offensive coordinator Brian Daboll.

Just as the Titans revamped their coaching staff, they may have to do the same with the roster.

Obviously, head coach Robert Saleh had a say in the team bringing in several veterans who played under him at previous spots. Daboll is working with players who followed him from the New York Giants, like wideout Wan'Dale Robinson, tight end Daniel Bellinger and center Austin Schlottmann. 

Tennessee could still trade roster holdovers. Running backs Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears are on expiring contracts. With young linebackers Anthony Hill Jr. (21) and Cedric Gray (23) on the roster, 29-year-old Cody Barton could also generate trade buzz. The Titans aren't rich with veteran talent, but keep an eye on those three names closer to the trade deadline.

Maurice Moton covers the NFL for Bleacher Report. You can follow him on Twitter @MoeMoton.