The trade deadline chatter around the AFC East is starting to take shape, and the biggest names floating around the division are Breece Hall and Budda Baker.
For the Bills, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler linked Buffalo to Cardinals safety Budda Baker, but only if Arizona is willing to move him. That’s the kind of swing that would make sense for a team looking around for help, even if nothing is close yet.
In Miami, the Dolphins are not being framed as deadline buyers, given their record. ESPN’s Marcel Louis-Jacques also says they’re not locked into selling, either. If the Dolphins do move players, it will take strong offers to pry away defensive tackle Zach Sieler or offensive tackle Austin Jackson, both of whom are viewed as leaders in their position groups.
The Jets are where things get the most interesting. ESPN’s Adam Schefter mentioned Breece Hall as a possible surprise trade candidate, noting that several teams are looking for a high-end running back. He added that a team that misses out on Colts RB Jonathan Taylor could try to pry Hall out of New York.
Still, Fowler said he would be surprised if the Jets traded Hall or any other notable players. He pointed to the value New York places on a deep backfield, especially with injuries always a threat at running back. He also said the Jets believe they are much closer to contending than they were last year, and that the team wants to chase wins rather than picks in 2026.
Fowler also reported that the Jets do not plan to trade OLB Will McDonald IV at this time. Josina Anderson added that the Jets have maintained the stance that they aren’t looking to trade any players ahead of the upcoming deadline. Anderson also said “the perceived tone” is that the Jets want to give HC Aaron Glenn every chance to prove himself.
In New England, ESPN’s Mike Reiss says the Patriots are planning to be opportunistic. With nine picks in hand, they could make a smaller move for a cheap player who helps their depth at defensive tackle or outside linebacker.
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Jeff Hafley, in his first professional year as the defensive coach, is already dealing with the sort of questions that come with uneven week-to-week results. The defense has looked better in the second and fourth quarters, but the rough patches in the first and third have put a spotlight on preparation and in-game adjustments, two areas the Dolphins need to tighten up if they want the group to stop feeling so vulnerable at key moments. [Read more 🡒]