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NFL trade deadline best fits: Where could Riq Woolen, other CBs and LBs end up?

  //health-fitness.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. e-could-riq-woolen-other-cbs-and-lbs-end-up.html
  Published in Health and Fitness on Thursday, October 30th 2025 at 17:24 GMT by USA Today
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The Defensive Back Puzzle

At the heart of the trade frenzy lies the defensive back corps. With the league’s spread offenses growing increasingly reliant on deep passes, teams are looking for players who can deliver solid coverage, create turnovers, and play the run. The article notes that the Denver Broncos, who are sitting 4–4, are actively seeking a cornerback with experience in both man and zone schemes to pair with rookie defensive back Jayden White. Sources within the Broncos’ coaching staff hint that they are targeting veteran corners such as Tyrone Brown of the Buffalo Bills or Keon Coleman from the New England Patriots, both of whom have demonstrated a knack for shutting down top receivers in high‑pressure situations.

Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Rams, holding a 6–2 record, are hoping to add depth to their secondary to compensate for the injury to starting cornerback Derek Stokes. The Rams have expressed interest in former Saints safety Kevin Johnson, who posted 7 interceptions in the 2024 season. Johnson’s ability to read the ball and make aggressive plays makes him an attractive candidate for the Rams’ defensive scheme under defensive coordinator Brandon Staley.

Linebacker Needs Across the League

Linebacker shortages are another area of focus for the trade deadline. The Miami Dolphins, who trail the league’s best defenses, are looking to acquire a versatile inside linebacker who can anchor both the run and the pass rush. Reports suggest that the Dolphins have reached out to the Baltimore Ravens, where inside linebacker Akeem Johnson has been a stalwart for the Ravens since 2018. Johnson’s consistent tackling numbers and ability to drop into coverage would address the Dolphins’ defensive shortcomings.

The Minnesota Vikings, who have been praised for their “Mikell” defense, are hoping to bring in a veteran outside linebacker to support defensive coordinator Jeremy O'Neal’s hybrid defense. The Vikings have turned their attention to free agent Michael Thompson of the Washington Commanders, a player known for his athleticism and ability to generate pressure on the quarterback. Thompson’s recent performance in the 2024 season—recording 10 sacks and 2 forced fumbles—makes him an enticing option for the Vikings.

Salary Cap Considerations

Salary cap constraints have played a pivotal role in the trade negotiations. Several teams with high cap space, such as the New York Giants and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, have used the deadline to clear cap room by moving higher‑priced veterans. The Giants’ management has reportedly offered a trade package that includes a 2026 first‑round pick and a 2027 sixth‑round pick to teams willing to take on the remaining salary of veteran safety Eric Davis. This move would free up roughly $12 million in cap space, allowing the Giants to sign a top‑tier defensive back in the upcoming offseason.

On the other side of the market, teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Indianapolis Colts have been keen on retaining their star linebackers despite the high salaries. The Steelers have been negotiating a trade with the Atlanta Falcons, who are willing to offer a second‑round pick in exchange for the Steelers’ linebacker, who is due for a $20 million contract in 2026. The Colts, meanwhile, have pursued a trade with the Cleveland Browns, offering a combination of draft picks to acquire a defensive end with linebacker responsibilities.

The Impact on Team Strategies

The trade deadline has also forced teams to reassess their long‑term strategies. For instance, the Kansas City Chiefs, who are considered a top contender for the Super Bowl, have chosen to preserve their roster stability rather than chase a trade. Chiefs’ head coach Andy Reid emphasized the importance of developing younger talent over making late‑season acquisitions. As a result, the Chiefs have focused on drafting high‑potential defensive backs in the 2026 draft, hoping to fill the depth gap from within the organization.

In contrast, the Buffalo Bills have adopted a more aggressive stance. Bills’ defensive coordinator Sean McDermott has been in talks with the Dallas Cowboys to acquire veteran cornerback Chris Johnson. Johnson’s experience and ability to mentor younger players would provide the Bills with both immediate depth and a long‑term leadership presence in the secondary.

Looking Ahead

With the trade deadline just a day away, the NFL landscape remains fluid. Teams continue to negotiate and assess the feasibility of moving players, while players themselves weigh the benefits of remaining with their current teams versus the potential for a better fit elsewhere. Analysts predict that the next few hours will see a flurry of trade offers, particularly in the defensive back and linebacker categories, as franchises aim to secure a competitive advantage heading into the final stretch of the season.

The trade deadline underscores the importance of depth, versatility, and cap management in modern NFL roster construction. Whether teams can capitalize on the current market will likely shape the outcomes of this season’s playoff picture, and the defensive units that come together now will be critical to a team’s success in the weeks to follow.