Who could be moved at the NFL trade deadline? Here are five players to watch originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
Trade season is here as theNFL seasonnears the halfway mark.
The deadline, set for Tuesday, Nov. 10, is less than two weeks away as teams must decide on their futures. The defending champion Seattle Seahawks kicked things off on Oct. 27, when they acquiredAll-Pro guard Quenton Nelson from the Indianapolis Colts. The San Francisco 49ers quickly responded by adding star defensive tackle DeForest Buckner in another deal with the rebuilding Colts.
Who else could go all-in and chase theSuper Bowl? Should some teams stand pat with what they have? And which franchises will set their sights on the future with a fire sale?
The most obvious potential sellers at the deadline includes the Los Angeles Chargers (0-6), Philadelphia Eagles (2-5) and Colts (2-5). Buyers could include any of the top teams in the standings with cap space , notably the 49ers (6-1), Chicago Bears (5-2) or Denver Broncos (5-2).
With that in mind, here are five players who could be potential trade candidates in 2026:
Any Colts player could realistically be added to this list, but let's limit it to the biggest one. Taylor is one of the league's best running backs, and it's unlikely he'll still be in his prime for the Colts' next playoff team. The 27-year-old star has two years left on his contract after 2026, so he could fetch a strong return for a rebuilding team that lacks draft capital.
After firinggeneral manager Chris Ballardon Oct. 19, owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon reiterated that she wanted to keep the team's goals the same despite the tough start. But another loss in Week 7 has clearly changed that tune, especially with a game against the division-leading Jacksonville Jaguars up next.
Smaller deals for the Colts, after sending out Nelson and Buckner in blockbusters, could include wide receiver Josh Downs or defensive tackle Grover Stewart.
Even with the Titans poised for a fifth straight losing season, this would be a surprising move. Simmons, 29, was a first-team All-Pro last season and has been one of the few bright spots in Tennessee for years. He has four sacks in seven games this year.
Simmons would undoubtedly be the most impactful traded player if he does get moved. He just signed a three-year extension in July worth a reported $105.8 million, keeping him under contract through 2030 . It would be a quick pivot by general manager Mike Borgonzi, but it would certainly be in exchange for a monster package.
Similar trade examples involving a player this caliber would beMyles Garrett(2026),Quinnen Williams(2025) orMicah Parsons(2025) — all of which included first-round picks and more in the deal.
Speaking of star defenders who have been traded in their prime, look no further than Mack. No, he's not in his prime anymore — but he was when the Bears acquired him in 2018. Nowadays, he's a steady veteran pass-rusher on a winless team with plenty of production left in the tank.
Mack, 35, has three sacks in six games this season. He's just a few years removed from a 17-sack season in 2023, and he was a Pro Bowler as recently as 2024. Mack is playing on an expiring deal and could easily be added to a team without much of a financial burden.
The Chargers, like the Colts, could be among the biggest sellers at the deadline. Upcoming games against the Los Angeles Rams , Houston Texans and Baltimore Ravens don't present great opportunities to get their season back on track. Linebacker Tuli Tuipulotu, wide receiver Quentin Johnston and running back Kimani Vidal are other possible trade candidates.
After losing theirfifth straight gameon Monday against the Dallas Cowboys , it's probably time for Howie Roseman to hit the phone lines.
Woolen came over from the defending champion Seattle Seahawks on a one-year deal last offseason . He hasn't been as effective since a breakout rookie season in 2022, but he's still a big-play cornerback with championship experience. Woolen has six passes defended and a forced fumble in seven games for Philly this season.
With Woolen on an expiring deal , this could be an easy decision for Roseman to add a late-round pick. The 2-5 Eagles won't be competing for a Super Bowl this season without Jalen Hurts, so it makes sense to move Woolen and free up some snaps for younger players who are in the future plans.
Unlike every other player on this list, Thomas isn't on a bottoming team. His team is leading the AFC South by 2.5 games and coming off a bye week. But given how the last two seasons have gone, the former first-round pick is an obvious trade candidate at the deadline.
Thomas is sixth on the Jaguars in receiving yards , and fourth among their wideouts. Parker Washington, Jakobi Meyers and Josh Cameron are clearly elevating above him, and that doesn't even include Travis Hunter, the two-way star coming off his best offensive performance.
It's been a stunning fall for Thomas, who shined with 1,282 yards and 10 touchdowns as a rookie in 2024. His fit in Liam Coen's offense just hasn't worked. Even though his value is at an all-time low, a trade feels more likely than ever. The Jaguars would likely jump at the chance to move him in a package similar to what the Arizona Cardinals got for Marvin Harrison Jr.earlier this month.
