NFL trade deadline looms after Week 9 results

The National Football League trade deadline hits at 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday. That gives general managers less than two days to act after the Week 9 slate concludes. The results this weekend sharpened the lines between contenders and contenders-in-waiting. Every roster move will now signal a franchise's timeline.

The Los Angeles Rams gained a major defensive boost with the return of Myles Garrett. He recorded three sacks against the Washington Commanders in his first fully healthy game of the season. The Rams traded much of their draft capital to acquire Garrett in the offseason. A second major addition seems unlikely. Wide receiver and cornerback remain open needs for the team.

Cincinnati entered the deadline with a 6-2 record after a 34-17 victory over the Atlanta Falcons in Madrid. The win tied the Bengals with Pittsburgh at the top of the AFC North. The Steelers hold the head-to-head tiebreaker before a rematch next Sunday night. Joe Burrow completed 24 of 29 passes for 271 yards and three touchdowns. Ja'Marr Chase had 142 receiving yards before halftime. Cincinnati could still target upgrades at running back, offensive line, or safety. Budda Baker and Jessie Bates III are among the names being discussed.

The Dallas Cowboys dropped a 23-20 decision to the Indianapolis Colts despite a double-digit second-half lead. They trail the New York Giants by three games in the NFC East. With only four picks in next year's draft, adding defensive pieces is difficult. The Cowboys already acquired Joey Porter Jr. from Pittsburgh earlier this year. Wide receiver George Pickens is their most valuable trade chip. He is playing on the franchise tag and missed Sunday's game with an injury.

Wide receiver is shaping up as the most active position at the deadline. Jacksonville's Brian Thomas Jr. has drawn interest since spring. Indianapolis likely will move Josh Downs and Keenan Allen. Tennessee may sell Calvin Ridley for a modest price. The Los Angeles Chargers claim they are not selling, but calls continue regarding Quentin Johnston and Ladd McConkey. The Philadelphia Eagles have little use for Hollywood Brown after losing seven straight. Teams such as the Chiefs, Patriots, 49ers, Steelers, Seahawks, and Rams all need receiver help.

The New York Giants improved to 5-2-1 with a win over the Eagles in Philadelphia. J.J. McCarthy left briefly with a hip injury, and Jameis Winston threw the only touchdown. The Giants averaged just 2.6 yards per carry. Reports indicated they passed on an offer for Jonathan Taylor. This suggests restraint in head coach John Harbaugh's first season.

Green Bay's Jordan Love threw for 372 yards and three touchdowns in a 45-27 win at New England. The Packers also ran for a score. They set a record for points allowed at Gillette Stadium. The run game remains a concern as the team averages a league-worst 60.6 rushing yards per game. Josh Jacobs left in the first quarter with a hand injury.