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2026 NFL Trade Deadline Preview: Jonathan Taylor, Brian Thomas Jr. headline top trade candidates
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- 2026 NFL Trade Deadline Preview: Jonathan Taylor, Brian Thomas Jr. headline top trade candidates
The NFL trade deadline is next Tuesday, and several big dominoes have already fallen. The Bears went all in on their current window by trading two first-round picks for Jeffery Simmons. The Colts, meanwhile, are calling it quits on 2026 and sent DeForest Buckner to San Francisco and Quenton Nelson to Seattle. I've listed some of the biggest names still on the trade block. The list is loosely ordered by how likely I think a player is to be moved.
Jonathan Taylor — RB, Colts
The Colts are tearing apart their roster and selling every scrap to the highest bidder. Quenton Nelsonand DeForest Bucknerhave already been moved. Taylor could be next. His numbers this year are universally down. He's averaging fewer rush yards over expected and yards after contact. His breakaway way is also down. I wouldn't really take those as indications of anything other than the sorry state of the Colts' offense. Taylor was sixth in the league in YAC per carry while comfortably leading the league in rush attempts when the offense was humming last year.
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The Seahawks and Broncos are two of the most common destinations for Taylor via recent rumors. Both teams could desperately use an infusion of run-game talent, but help is already on the way. Jonah Colemanreturned to the lineup in Week 7 and then broke out in Week 8 with 104 total yards and a touchdown. The Broncos have also invested heavily in the running back position with Coleman and RJ Harvey over the past two years. They even brought J.K. Dobbinsback on a two-year deal in the offseason. The Seahawks, on the other hand, spent a first-round pick on a running back six months ago. Jadarian Priceand Zach Charbonnetare both healthy after stints on injured reserve.
The Vikings are the holy grail of landing spots. To their own detriment, they have money-balled their backfield over the past few years, settling for another round of Aaron Jonesand Jordan Masonin 2026. The Kyler Murrayexperiment has failed, but Minnesota's defense has dragged the dilapidated offense to a 6-1 record. Taylor would round out the team's identity as an old-school, physical title contender. The 49ers paid second, third, fourth, and fifth-round picks to land Christian McCaffreyand the Colts are reportedly looking for a similar haul. Fortunately for Minnesota, they have an extra third-round pick and two extra picks in the fifth in next year's draft.
Josh Downs — WR, Colts
The Colts have not been able to get Downs going in the absence of Alec Pierceand he's set to hit free agency in the spring. As Jakob Sanderson points out, Downs would be a great fit for the Chiefs.
To his point about Downs' ability to beat man coverage, Xavier Worthyleads the Chiefs in PFF receiving grade versus man coverage at 72.1. Downs is 17th in the NFL at 83.4. After throwing in the towel on 2026, there's no reason for the Colts not to send Downs to a team that can make better use of his skills.
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Khalil Mack — EDGE, Chargers
Ian Rapoport has already implied that this deal might be in the works.
However, more recent reports out of LA suggest that the 0-7 Chargers are not selling, despite their season being the most over a season has ever been. Mack is several years removed from his prime. He posted 17 sacks in 2023 and has managed 14.5 sacks in 35 subsequent games. On the other hand, he's still a solid option, and the ceiling might be there for another team to rediscover. It's hard to believe the Chargers won't even listen to offers from a team like Chicago or Buffalo. The Bills have a penchant for splashy pass-rush acquisitions and their defense currently ranks 26th in EPA per dropback allowed
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Brian Thomas Jr. — WR, Jaguars
Thomas Jr. got back on the board with a touchdown in Week 8, but it was his only catch of the day. He has caught more than one pass in just three games this year and has yet to reach four receptions in a week. His route rate also sits at a paltry 54 percent. A former first-round pick with a 1,300-yard season on his resume is barely on the field for half of his offense's passing plays. It's time for both sides to part ways. Even though that breakout season was all the way back in 2024, GM James Gladstone's phone is going to blow up with BTJ inquiries this week. The Chiefs have already been linked to him, and if they can get the 2024 version of Thomas Jr., we might just see a return of the Patrick Mahomesdeep ball.
The Rams, 49ers, and Seahawks have all been rumored as potential landing spots. While all three need another starting wide receiver, they're also teams that care about run-blocking and winning hard-fought passes over the middle of the field, something BTJ has struggled with for years.
For my money, the Commanders are a far more interesting option. Since Brian Thomas Jr. entered the league, Terry McLaurinis one of his closest comparable players by several metrics.
| aDOT |
Targets rate |
Yards per route |
Outside alignment rate |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Terry McLaurin |
13.9 |
21.1% |
1.86 |
83.7% |
| Brian Thomas Jr. |
13.7 |
21.0% |
1.95 |
71.1% |
They are both boundary field-stretchers who have earned targets at a high clip despite their downfield roles. McLaurin is done for the year with a knee injury, but the Commanders are still in the playoff hunt. BTJ also caught passes from Jayden Danielsat LSU, hopefully creating more chemistry between the two than BTJ ever developed with Trevor Lawrence.
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Dallas Goedert — TE, Eagles
The Eagles have had a will-they-won't-they relationship with Goedert for years. It's time to pull the plug. He's on an expiring contract and the team spent a Day Two pick on Eli Stowersin April. Stowers recently returned to the lineup and popped for 53 yards on three catches in Week 8. The rookie needs more reps to develop as a pass-catcher and a blocker, while Goedert, at 31 years old, is likely playing in his final games as an Eagle. The Broncos and Bucs are contending teams that have gotten next to nothing from their veteran tight ends this year. Both could be on the shortlist of landing spots for Goedert.
Landon Dickerson — G, Eagles
Dickerson has missed most of the 2026 season while on injured reserve. He's nearing the end of his 21-day practice window, so he should be on the active roster and able to play in Week 9. It seems like he's ready to be done with the Eagles.
Philly restructured Dickerson's deal this offseason to make more of his money incentive-based. They also took off the final season of his four-year deal entirely. His contract is now more attractive to other teams, and the cap maneuvers certainly didn't strengthen the relationship between Dickerson and the front office. This is a move where the split is likely in the best interest of both parties. The Packers and Vikings have dealt with interior offensive line injuries and could use some more firepower in the trenches as they fight for NFC North supremacy.
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Riq Woolen — CB, Eagles
Cornerback Riq Woolen is the final name to watch for the Eagles. They signed him to a one-year, prove-it deal in the offseason. He has played solid football for the Birds, starting all seven games with six pass breakups and a forced fumble. There's simply no need for a 2-6 Eagles team to hold on to his expiring deal. The Panthers and Lions are among several contenders who should be in the market for a starting cornerback ahead of the deadline.
Tony Pollard — RB, Titans
Pollard is playing like a man who wants to get traded (complimentary). He has 46 carries for 146 yards and five touchdowns over his past two games. The breakout has been appreciated by Titans fans, but it shouldn't factor into the team's long-term plans. Pollard is 29 years old and is set to become a free agent at the end of the season. Even in his two breakout games, the Titans failed to bring home a win. Pollard isn't a game-changing back like Jonathan Taylor, but he brings an element of stability to a backfield that a few contenders might want. The most obvious landing spot is Green Bay. Josh Jacobs' availability is once again in question after more allegations of domestic violence were uncovered. The league is currently looking into them, though it's unclear if a suspension will come anytime soon. If the Packers want some insurance for the remainder of the year, Pollard could be had for a reasonable price.
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If the Titans want to keep their ground game intact to help Cam Ward's development, Tyjae Spearscould be on the block. Spears is also in a contract year and his role has dwindled in his fourth season. Rookie Nick Singleton could also be developed into Spears' replacement. Spears needs to get healthy before a team will scoop him up, but he is at least worth a look for a team that wants a third-down specialist.
Calvin Ridley — WR, Titans
This section is going to be a catch-all for veteran wideouts who are doing absolutely nothing right now but apparently have some interest on the trade market. That includes Ridley, Jerry Jeudy, and Hollywood Brown. Not a single one of them is averaging even one yard per route, which is already a pretty dismal mark. The Browns are somehow contenders, so even with their wealth of young pass-catchers, they may not be that inclined to trade away receiver depth.
The Titans just played in an overtime thriller with the Bengals that featured 79 total points and arguably the best performance of Cam Ward's career. Ridley caught one pass. He averaged 1.9 YPRR in 2025 and 2024 and posted back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons before missing most of last year with an injury. He's probably on his way out of the league, but maybe the 31-year-old has a little more in the tank and just needs to land in a better offensive environment.
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Like Ridley, Brown shouldn't cost much to acquire. He's little more than a depth option at this point in his career, but a team with injury issues at wideout like the Broncos could value his experience and straight-line speed.
Jauan Jenningswas originally a perfect fit for this section, but he nixxed a trade back to San Francisco, preferring to stay with the Vikings.
Barring a change of heart, he'll remain in Minnesota.
Jacoby Brissett — QB, Cardinals
The Cardinals have already signaled the end of their veteran quarterback. Brissett was benched for Gardner Minshewlast week and Day Two rookie Carson Beckis waiting for his turn to take the field. Brissett hasn't been awful this year. He's 24th in EPA per play and 21st in completion percent over expected, but it's not a profile most teams care to trade for. The Ravens, however, are in a unique spot. They're 4-4 and only two games back from the Steelers in the AFC North race. They're also down to their third-string quarterback after Lamar Jacksonand Tyler Huntleysuffered long-term injuries in Week 8. If they want any shot at pursuing a playoff bid, they need to make an addition at quarterback. Brissett is likely the best option available, and he shouldn't cost them much.
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The Ravens could also pursue one of the Bears' backups. Baltimore OC Declan Doyle coached both Case Keenumand Tyson Bagentlast year, meaning they have enough familiarity with his scheme to start as soon as Week 10.
Josh Sweat — EDGE, Cardinals
Sweat leaked to reporters throughout the offseason that he was unhappy with life in Arizona. The trade rumors then started to swirl and Sweat spent the entire training camp on the PUP list, likely hoping the Cardinals would move him before the start of the year. Arizona GM Monti Ossenfort was steadfast in his refusal to trade Sweat, but the rumor mill is churning once again now that the 3-5 Cardinals are in last place in the NFC West. Sweat has three sacks on 15 pressures in what looks like a down year, but it's understandable to expect his numbers to improve if he gets out of Arizona. With Sweat simply not wanting to play for the Cardinals anymore, moving him looks like a no-brainer.
Budda Baker — S, Cardinals
Things are totally normal for the Cardinals right now.
Baker reportedly hasn't requested a trade, though he hasn't told the Cardinals he would refuse a deal either. This move would be a tougher sell for the franchise. He has arguably been the face of their defense for the past decade and is still playing at a high level. Baker has one interception, one forced fumble, and 3.5 sacks through eight games. He's the only safety with more than two sacks.
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The Bills are again an interesting landing spot. Their secondary is arguably a bigger issue than their pass-rush, and Baker would give the team a dynamic safety at a time when that archetype has become extremely coveted.
Will McDonald — EDGE, Jets
The Jets would love to be sellers at the deadline, but their biggest names are largely on offense, and it's hard to justify getting rid of young weapons that a rookie quarterback will likely be throwing to next year. Instead, it makes more sense to see what they can get for players on the other side of the ball.
McDonald's role has plummeted with the addition of David Baileythis year. His snap share is below 50 percent for the first time since his rookie season and he has made just two starts in eight appearances. McDonald's 14.8 percent pass-rush win-rate, as charted by PFF, is the 27th-best mark among all EDGE defenders. McDonald isn't the splashiest move a contending team can make, but he's good enough to start for several teams and would make an excellent pass-rush specialist on deeper rosters. The Bengals and Bears could both use McDonald to round out their front seven.
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Kirk Cousins — QB, Raiders
Cousins has been the subject of trade rumors from the moment he took the field in Week 1, but he's playing too well to be moved in the next week. He's ninth in EPA and second in passing touchdowns. At 4-4, the Raiders are still very live in the hunt for a playoff spot. They're even still in the mix to win the AFC West. Maybe if Cousins implodes versus the 49ers and gets benched mid-game a move could be on the table, but that seems far-fetched at this point.
Saquon Barkley — RB, Eagles
Barkley told reporters that the team informed him he will not be traded, so this one is off the table unless someone shows up to Howie Roseman with an offer he can't refuse.
With Jonathan Taylorbeing made far more available by the Colts, it's hard to imagine a team going out of their way to pursue Barkley. Denver and Minnesota would both be interesting landing spots, but Barkley escaping the Eagles' fledgling offense is a pipe dream at this point.
