5 surprising NFL teams who could be buyers at trade deadline ft. Kansas City Chiefs and more

The trade deadline is around the corner, and the rumor mill is in full flow. Teams are looking to make slight alterations that could improve their playoff chances or boost their rosters enough to potentially make a run for the Super Bowl.

Let's look at five surprising teams that could be buyers at the deadline.

5 surprising NFL teams who could be buyers at the trade deadline

1. Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs started the season looking a shell of their perennial Super Bowl contending selves. They mustered a 3-3 record after their first six games, and it seemed like the Andy Reid era had peaked.

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However, the Chiefs have since turned up the heat, and they're now one of the most in-form sides in the AFC. Patrick Mahomes and Co. are looking primed for another deep postseason run, and potentially yet another Super Bowl appearance.

That's why the Chiefs could surprisingly be a buyer at the trade deadline. They could use some additions as they look to fortify their squad for a gruelling postseason season in the AFC.

The Chiefs could be in the market for an elite defensive tackle. An upgrade on Derrick Nnadi could provide steel on the unit and sort out one of the few weak spots on the roster.

2. Pittsburgh Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers are 4-3 entering Week 9. Mike Tomlin's side has been thoroughly inconsistent this season, and they've failed to build on a strong start to the campaign.

Furthermore, this is likely Aaron Rodgers' last season in the NFL. It makes this season a Super Bowl-or-bust campaign, especially given the age of their defensive stars.

The Steelers could be buyers to watch this trade deadline as they look to improve their roster ahead of the second half of the regular season. The team could use a new wide receiver to partner with DK Metcalf. Roman Wilson and Calvin Austin III are decent players, but they seem better suited to WR3 roles on a Super Bowl-chasing franchise.

3. Minnesota Vikings

The Minnesota Vikings are rooted to the bottom of the NFC North. The division is arguably the strongest in the league, but it's highly unlikely that the last-place team will sneak into the wildcard round.

The Vikings have well-documented issues at quarterback. J.J. McCarthy missed the entirety of his rookie season because of injury, and his second year has been plagued by similar issues. Backup shot caller Carson Wentz has been ruled out for the foreseeable future.

That means the 3-4 Vikings could surprisingly be buyers ahead at the trade deadline. They need a solid quarterback that'll handle the position for the rest of the season and potentially steer them into playoff contention.

The Vikings could make an offer for promising Browns QB Shedeur Sanders, bring in former star QB Kirk Cousins, or go for a lesser-known household name at the deadline. Getting a solution at the position could either make or break their playoff hopes.

4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will make the playoffs barring a stunning collapse in the coming weeks. The Baker Mayfield-led side is 6-2 and is one of the most fun teams to watch in football.

However, making the playoffs seems second nature for the Buccaneers these days. They've made the playoffs for the past five seasons, and making a real push for the Super Bowl should be the priority.

That's why the Tampa Bay Buccaneers could be a surprising buyer at the trade deadline. They could do with some reinforcements that'll give them a better chance of reaching the Super Bowl for the first time in the post-Tom Brady era.

The Buccaneers should be the market for offensive line depth due to their numerous injuries in the department. Also, they could use a new wide receiver if the opportunity is presented.

5. San Francisco 49ers

The San Francisco 49ers' injury issues are well-documented. Kyle Shanahan's side has dealt with injuries all season, and they've hardly played at full strength in the campaign.

However, that hasn't stopped the 49ers from winning five games and being firmly in the playoff picture. They're currently just behind the Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams in the NFC West.

The 49ers could be buyers at the trade deadline to improve their depth. One position of need is guard, especially with Brock Purdy and Mac Jones playing banged up for most of the season.

The 49ers need a run of consecutive wins to potentially break away in their division. Getting quality trade deadline reinforcements is the way to go.

Edited by Nick Igbokwe