The entire league has already witnessed a wild series of events transpire in the previous months and the 2020 NFL trade deadline is not expected to be any different. Several teams are being projected to be either sellers or buyers come November 3. However, not all of them should get too busy at the deadline and opt to stick with what they have right now as they head to the latter stages of the season.
This list is composed of three playoff AFC teams and a powerhouse squad in the NFC division. Here are four teams who should stand pat at the NFL trade deadline:
4. Indianapolis Colts
After going through struggles in recent years, the revamped Indianapolis Colts are currently looking good with a 5-2 record to start the season. Although veteran quarterback Philip Rivers had his fair share of struggles this season along with his advancing age, it is not going to be worth it for the Colts to bring in another playmaker at the helm.
Historically speaking, the Colts haven't been very active at the NFL trade deadline in the first three seasons under team general manager Chris Ballard. In fact, the Colts have only made one trade mid-season this decade involving former running back Trent Richardson who didn't saw much success with the Indy-based franchise.
Outside of their quarterback situation, the rest of their lineup seems complete and are on their way to snagging one of the playoff seats in the AFC division. It will be best for Ballard and the Colts' front office to keep their cards to themselves for the meantime and focus on riding their momentum for the remainder of their playoff push.
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers ushered in many new faces during the offseason to return to relevance once again. With high expectations set on their A-list acquisitions, the Bruce Arians-led team has gotten near to meeting those and has lived up to the hype surrounding the players thus far. However, the front office still wasn't satisfied with the arrival of quarterback Tom Brady, tight end Rob Gronkowski, and veteran ball-carrier LeSean McCoy. They added another reliable contributor in running back Leonard Fournette who sought greener pastures after a tumultuous stint with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The wheeling and dealing still weren't done for the Florida-based squad as they took a chance on then-free agent receiver Antonio Brown and signed him to a veteran minimum deal similar to that of Fournette's. With their recent acquisitions, the Bucs have already done their due diligence in adding the necessary pieces to counter the offense of division rival New Orleans Saints. Participation during the NFL trade deadline wouldn't be necessary for the already-stacked roster and can only lead to chemistry issues heading to a crucial stretch in their campaign this season.
2. Pittsburgh Steelers
The return of the majority of the Pittsburgh Steelers players this season have turned the tides and flipped their fates around. Remaining as the only undefeated team in the league with a 6-0 record as of writing time, the Pittsburgh Steelers are looking like their old selves as a stifling contender in the postseason picture.
Despite encountering a roadblock in the torn ACL injury of linebacker Devin Bush, former undrafted third-year player Robert Spillane has been able to fill in well in the position. They can do away with him holding the fort for the time being since a replacement for Bush will come at a hefty price especially with many teams looking for an upgrade in their defensive rotations. It is wise for them not to make it their top priority as of the moment since it could lead them to have to trade away a piece from their championship-caliber roster.
1. Kansas City Chiefs
The reigning Super Bowl champions in the Kansas City Chiefs are once again imposing their dominance against the rest of the league this season. With an intact roster from last year's campaign along with a handful of prolific additions, the Chiefs are looking complete from top to bottom.
The team's front office even managed to add another pivotal piece to their arsenal in running back Le'Veon Bell signed to a veteran minimum deal. With the lucrative deals of Patrick Mahomes, Chris Jones, and Travis Kelce all already on the table, the Chiefs don't have much fluidity to shoulder another paycheck for the coming seasons.
With an almost complete roster on paper, the Chiefs are looking well on their way towards competing against the best teams in the league and ultimately defending their Super Bowl LIV title. There's no need to tinker with greatness at the NFL trade deadline.
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