Five NFL Trade Candidates Who Could Find New Homes at the Deadline

WHO:

ESPN - The Chargers are winless heading into Week 8, according to the New York Post.

ESPN - Buccaneers edge rusher Yaya Diaby was identified by Jeremy Fowler as a possible player for Tampa Bay to trade.

ESPN - The Lions could consider trading for Bengals defensive end Shemar Stewart, a former first-round pick who was inactive in Week 7, with a Day 3 pick proposed as possible compensation.

ESPN - The Giants are seeking a running back and defensive tackle, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz.

ESPN - Giants general manager Joe Schoen said he had spoken with teams that had begun making trades and had a “pretty good idea who may or may not be available.”

ESPN - Chiefs coach Andy Reid’s team is expected to explore adding a wide receiver, offensive lineman, or both, according to Dan Graziano.

ESPN - ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler said the Browns could seek defensive-line help or a versatile blocker at tight end or H-back, such as a player like Patrick Ricard.

ESPN - Fowler said the Rams could be interested in a speedy wide receiver and the Jaguars could pursue another defensive-front player.

ESPN - Fowler said the Cardinals’ Budda Baker leads the team with 3.5 sacks and could be a trade candidate.

ESPN - ESPN’s Dan Graziano said veteran Eagles cornerback Riq Woolen, receiver Hollywood Brown and tight end Dallas Goedert could interest contenders because their contracts are expiring.

newyorkjets.com - Jets coach Aaron Glenn said Breece Hall and Braelon Allen’s roles would not change when Hall returns.

newyorkjets.com - Glenn said Kirk Cousins “always had a chance of winning” and praised his processing as “really elite.”

colts.com - Colts left tackle Bernhard Raimann said, “Seeing it is definitely tough,” after DeForest Buckner and Quenton Nelson were traded.

colts.com - Colts tight end Tyler Warren said, “Our mentality is still the same,” and said players must step up to fill the traded players’ roles.

ESPN - The Las Vegas Raiders had not seriously discussed benching veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins for rookie Fernando Mendoza; ESPN reported the organization, including part-owner Tom Brady, wanted Mendoza to develop from the sideline.

ESPN - Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell had contacted free-agent running back Kareem Hunt, a former rushing champion who visited the team in the preseason.

Heavy NFL - The Cincinnati Bengals were urged by John Sheeran of A to Z Sports to pursue Colts wide receiver Josh Downs after a trade request.

Heavy NFL - A trade pitch suggested the Buffalo Bills pursue an unnamed Indianapolis Colts receiver described as disgruntled, having requested a trade, and having 4,447 career receiving yards.

Heavy NFL - The Cleveland Browns were named as a potential suitor for an unnamed 270-pound pass rusher.

Heavy NFL - The Minnesota Vikings were reported to be considering Eagles guard Landon Dickerson as a trade target.

Heavy NFL - ESPN identified the Dallas Cowboys as a “Top Trade Fit” for a $41 million All-Pro linebacker; the excerpt did not name the player.

Heavy NFL - The Pittsburgh Steelers were predicted to pursue a former 1,200-yard wide receiver; the excerpt did not identify the player.

Heavy NFL - The Buffalo Bills were named as a potential destination for defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons, described as having a $105.8 million contract.

Heavy NFL - ESPN identified the Buffalo Bills as a “Top Trade Fit” for an unnamed two-time Pro Bowl inside linebacker.

Heavy NFL - ESPN identified an unnamed Ravens wide receiver as a “Top Trade Fit” for the Kansas City Chiefs.

Heavy NFL - The Chicago Bears reportedly lost a $46 million pass-rusher trade target to an NFC rival; the excerpt did not name the player or rival.

Heavy NFL - CBS Sports’ Jared Dubin urged the Arizona Cardinals to trade starting quarterback Jacoby Brissett and change starters.

Heavy NFL - CBS Sports’ Zachary Pereles urged the New England Patriots to trade for Green Bay Packers right guard Kevin Zeitler, described as a 213-game starter.

Heavy NFL - The Kansas City Chiefs were reported to be considering a wide receiver trade, with Josh Downs, Brian Thomas Jr. and Jauan Jennings listed as possible targets.

Heavy NFL - The Green Bay Packers were described as monitoring the trade market and potentially seeking help at offensive line, defensive line or running back.

ESPN - Lions had contacted free-agent running back Kareem Hunt, a former rushing champion, about possibly joining Detroit.

ESPN - The Cardinals were described as a team to watch, and league sources raised safety Budda Baker as a possible trade candidate after 10 seasons in Arizona.

ESPN - The New York Giants and Cleveland Browns were identified as possible buyers at the deadline; Dan Graziano said the Giants might trade picks for a win-now player, while Jeremy Fowler said Cleveland could seek defensive-line help or a versatile tight end or H-back.

ESPN - The Los Angeles Rams could consider adding a speedy wide receiver, according to Dan Graziano.

ESPN - Philadelphia Eagles veterans Riq Woolen, Hollywood Brown and Dallas Goedert were identified as possible trade candidates because they are on expiring contracts.

ESPN - Bengals defensive end Shemar Stewart had a 35% chance of being traded, according to Jeremy Fowler.

ESPN - Insiders Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano reported that Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. is a leading trade candidate; several executives said his diminished role in Jacksonville has put his future there in doubt.

ESPN - Fowler reported that Colts wide receiver Josh Downs has drawn interest from multiple teams seeking receiver help.

ESPN - Graziano identified Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard as more likely to be traded than Jonathan Taylor or Saquon Barkley.

ESPN - Fowler reported that Cardinals edge rusher Josh Sweat could interest trade-seeking teams, with some league sources linking him to the Cowboys.

ESPN - Fowler said the Cardinals could be sellers and raised Budda Baker as a possible trade candidate.

ESPN - Fowler reported that veteran Colts wide receivers Keenan Allen and Laquon Treadwell, defensive tackle Grover Stewart and Josh Downs were potential trade options.

Yahoo Sports - Contributors Frank Schwab, Jay Busbee, Jori Epstein and Eric Edholm described trades they would like to see before the NFL deadline.

Yahoo Sports - Schwab proposed that the Indianapolis Colts trade running back Jonathan Taylor to the Seattle Seahawks.

Yahoo Sports - Busbee identified Saquon Barkley, coming off an injury, as a possible target for a team seeking immediate ground offense, and suggested the Minnesota Vikings as a destination.

Yahoo Sports - Epstein proposed that the Vikings trade wide receiver Jauan Jennings back to the San Francisco 49ers.

Yahoo Sports - Edholm suggested the Chicago Bears pursue a reunion with pass rusher Khalil Mack.

Sportskeeda - Jonathan Taylor, Brian Thomas Jr., DeForest Buckner and Maxx Crosby were identified as prominent names in the deadline rumor cycle.

Heavy NFL - Separate headlines described possible trade fits involving the Dallas Cowboys, Pittsburgh Steelers, Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs; the articles’ supplied excerpts do not identify several of the players involved.

WHAT:

ESPN - Aaron Glenn is expected to coach the Jets through the end of the season before the team evaluates whether to retain him for a third year, Dan Graziano reported. Jeremy Fowler said the Jets’ hot-seat discussion is real, though major changes might be limited to the coaching staff.

ESPN - The Jets were outscored 107-6 in the final two minutes of the second quarter under Glenn; the team’s offense ranked 27th, according to Rich Cimini and Fowler.

ESPN - Giants receiver Malachi Fields had a 19% target share in consecutive games after J.J. McCarthy took over at quarterback, including a Week 7 WR20 fantasy finish, according to NBC Sports.

ESPN - Shemar Stewart was assessed a 35% chance of being traded, and the Lions were named as a possible destination.

ESPN - The expected asking price for Colts running back Jonathan Taylor was “a second-round pick and possibly more,” according to ESPN’s Jordan Raanan.

ESPN - Joe Schoen said Giants trades must make sense “short-term and long-term.”

ESPN - The Giants released running back Najee Harris after he received no carries in Week 6; before his release, Harris had expressed frustration about sharing touches with three other running backs.

ESPN - Giants coach John Harbaugh said he would “love” to have a running back in “a Derrick Henry circumstance or a Saquon Barkley circumstance,” but added, “Our run game hasn't earned that yet, and none of those guys have.”

ESPN - The Giants turned to J.J. McCarthy over Jameis Winston partly to compensate for Jaxson Dart’s absence from the run game, The Athletic’s Dan Duggan reported.

ESPN - The Seahawks’ Quenton Nelson trade package included third- and fifth-round picks; Nelson was excited about the destination and was slated to become a 2027 free agent.

ESPN - The Chargers had resisted trade offers, but teams believed their position could change.

ESPN - The Eagles had five consecutive losses; rival teams expected the club might make at least a mild sell-off, though it was not desperate for draft picks.

ESPN - The Buccaneers were 2-5 and remained in the NFC South race; Fowler said a loss that would have dropped them to 1-6 could have prompted active trade discussions.

ESPN - Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs had 166 touches through seven games, a 470-touch pace over 17 games; his career high was 320 touches. Backup Sione Vaki had 16 carries, and Detroit had contacted free-agent Kareem Hunt.

ESPN - The Packers had eight roughing-the-passer penalties; safety Javon Bullard said coach Matt LaFleur told players the Lions game was “over.”

ESPN - The Giants’ Cam Skattebo rushed for 124 yards against Houston, including a 42-yard overtime run that set up Devin Singletary’s winning touchdown. Coach John Harbaugh said the offense had no procedural penalties in J.J. McCarthy’s first start.

newyorkjets.com - Braelon Allen rushed for 357 yards at 4.95 yards per carry and a touchdown over the four games Breece Hall missed.

newyorkjets.com - Kirk Cousins had 16 touchdown passes and five interceptions during the Raiders’ 3-4 start; he was the only quarterback with at least two touchdown passes in six games.

newyorkjets.com - Mason Taylor caught six passes for 62 yards and two touchdowns against Miami and added a two-point conversion; his Pro Football Focus offensive grade of 93.3 was the week’s highest among tight ends.

colts.com - DeForest Buckner and Quenton Nelson had each been voted a Colts captain for six consecutive seasons.

Heavy NFL - A proposed Packers trade would add an unnamed $64 million defensive lineman as a replacement for Javon Hargrave.

ESPN - Jahmyr Gibbs had 166 touches through seven games, a 470-touch pace over a 17-game season; his previous career high was 320 touches, and backup Sione Vaki had 16 carries.

ESPN - The Raiders were averaging fewer rushing yards per game than every NFL team except the Green Bay Packers.

ESPN - The Packers had eight roughing-the-passer penalties this season; safety Javon Bullard said coach Matt LaFleur told the team the Lions game was “over.”

ESPN - The Eagles had extra first- and second-round picks in the 2028 draft from trades involving A.J. Brown and Cam Jurgens; they traded their 2027 third-round pick for Jonathan Greenard and were projected to receive a compensatory third-round pick after Jaelan Phillips left in free agency.

ESPN - The Seahawks’ offense ranked 17th in rushing; adding Quenton Nelson was intended to improve the running game, alongside the anticipated returns of running backs Jadarian Price and Zach Charbonnet.

ESPN - The Colts were transparent with Quenton Nelson during trade discussions, told him they wanted to send him to a good situation, and considered his preferences. Nelson was excited about the Seattle trade.

ESPN - The Chargers had resisted trade offers, but teams believed their position could change.

ESPN - The Tampa Bay Buccaneers remained in the NFC South race despite a 2-5 record; Jeremy Fowler said a loss that dropped them to 1-6 would have prompted active trade discussions.

ESPN - The Green Bay Packers had eight roughing-the-passer penalties this season, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.

ESPN - The Giants’ Cam Skattebo rushed for 124 yards against the Texans, including a 42-yard overtime run that set up Devin Singletary’s game-winning touchdown.

ESPN - Giants coach John Harbaugh said there were no procedural penalties with the offense in J.J. McCarthy’s first start.

ESPN - The New York Jets were 2-5, while the Giants were in first place heading into their bye week.

ESPN - The New York Giants had three first-round picks in the upcoming draft, projected as three top-12 picks.

ESPN - The Cleveland Browns were 5-2; the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were 2-5 and remained in contention for the NFC South.

ESPN - The Raiders were 3-4; Kirk Cousins led the league in touchdown passes and ranked third in passing yards through seven weeks.

ESPN - The Eagles had lost five consecutive games.

ESPN - Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs had 166 touches through seven games, equivalent to a 470-touch pace over 17 games; his previous high was 320 touches.

ESPN - The Lions had contacted free-agent Kareem Hunt about joining the team.

Heavy NFL - A proposed Packers trade would acquire an unnamed $64 million defensive lineman to replace Javon Hargrave.

Pro Football Network - NFL analyst Daniel Jeremiah said the Seahawks could make additional trades after acquiring Quenton Nelson.

ESPN - The Jets had been outscored 107-6 in the final two minutes of the second quarter under coach Aaron Glenn, according to ESPN reporter Rich Cimini.

ESPN - The Colts’ interest in trading Quenton Nelson included the Packers, Bears and Eagles; Seattle’s offer included third- and fifth-round picks.

neworleanssaints.com - Saints rookie Barion Brown caught all three targets for 57 yards, including a 49-yard reception, against the Steelers in Paris.

neworleanssaints.com - Saints coach Kellen Moore said, “It’s self-scout week,” and said the team would “evaluate everything.”

Heavy NFL - The Bengals’ Shemar Stewart was inactive in Week 7; ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler assessed his chance of being traded at 35%.

ESPN - Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs had 166 touches through seven games, a pace of 470 over 17 games; his previous career high was 320 touches in 2025. Backup Sione Vaki had 16 carries.

ESPN - The Colts told Quenton Nelson they wanted to send him to a good situation and considered his preferences; Seattle’s offer included third- and fifth-round picks. Nelson was slated to become a 2027 free agent.

ESPN - Eagles trade plans were uncertain, with rival teams expecting at least a mild sell-off. The Buccaneers, despite a 2-5 record, were still in contention for the NFC South; Jeremy Fowler said a loss the prior week that dropped them to 1-6 would have prompted active trade discussions.

ESPN - A possible trade of Jonathan Taylor could open the Colts’ backfield for Seth McGowan; Tennessee might consider trading Tony Pollard if it received a strong offer.

ESPN - The Eagles have extra first- and second-round picks in the 2028 draft from trades involving A.J. Brown and Cam Jurgens; they traded their 2027 third-round pick for Jonathan Greenard and are projected to receive a compensatory third-round pick after losing Jaelan Phillips in free agency.

ESPN - Dan Graziano reported that Saquon Barkley is due $16 million in 2027 and $19.2 million in 2028, with only $2.5 million of the future money guaranteed.

ESPN - The Lions contacted free-agent running back Kareem Hunt, a former rushing champion, about potentially joining Detroit.

ESPN - Quenton Nelson’s trade to Seattle involved third- and fifth-round picks; teams that had shown interest included Green Bay, Chicago and Philadelphia.

ESPN - The Chargers had resisted making a trade, but teams believed their position could change.

ESPN - Brian Thomas Jr. had not caught a pass in his previous two games and was essentially benched in London in Week 6, according to Fowler. Graziano said Thomas was drafted in the first round in 2024, is two months younger than Marvin Harrison Jr. and has not publicly asked to leave Jacksonville.

ESPN - Graziano said a team acquiring Jonathan Taylor would take on the remaining prorated portion of his $8 million salary plus bonus compensation for the season. Taylor is scheduled to earn $16.02 million next year; that salary is currently non-guaranteed but becomes fully guaranteed five days after the Super Bowl. The Colts would absorb $10 million in dead money next year.

ESPN - Fowler reported that Josh Downs was not opposed to a change of scenery, but trading him would further thin the Colts’ receiving corps.

ESPN - Graziano said the Chiefs could pursue Josh Downs or Jerry Jeudy; Cleveland was not inclined to trade Jeudy absent a significant offer.

ESPN - Fowler reported that the Seahawks could monitor edge rusher and running back positions after acquiring Quenton Nelson.

Yahoo Sports - The article reported that the Dallas Cowboys acquired Joey Porter Jr., the Houston Texans acquired Marvin Harrison Jr., and the New York Giants acquired J.J. McCarthy.

Yahoo Sports - Schwab said the Colts probably would not receive a first-round pick for Taylor but could recoup draft capital; he argued Taylor could strengthen Seattle’s offense and avoid spending another season on what he called a “horrendous Colts team.”

Yahoo Sports - Busbee said Barkley could provide instant ground offense and noted Minnesota had four picks in the first three rounds of its 2027 draft capital.

Yahoo Sports - Epstein said Jennings averaged six targets per game with San Francisco the previous season but 1.6 per game with Minnesota. His Vikings contract was for one year, worth up to $8 million, including $6.13 million guaranteed.

Yahoo Sports - Epstein said Minnesota could receive a Day 3 pick and salary-cap space for Jennings; the Vikings’ offense ranked 29th.

Yahoo Sports - Edholm said a 2027 fourth- or fifth-round pick could be enough to acquire Mack, citing his age and expiring contract.

Yahoo Sports - The article reported that Seattle had dealt for Quenton Nelson and San Francisco had reunited with defensive tackle DeForest Buckner.

Yahoo Sports - San Francisco drafted De’Zhaun Stribling and signed Mike Evans, but both were unavailable because of injuries, according to Epstein.

Heavy NFL - Headlines reported trade speculation involving Jeffery Simmons, a $105.8 million defensive tackle; a $41 million All-Pro linebacker; a two-time Pro Bowl inside linebacker; a former 1,200-yard receiver; Josh Sweat; and a $54 million All-Pro. The supplied text does not give all of their names.

Heavy NFL - Headlines said the Chiefs might pursue a wide receiver rather than Tyreek Hill, the Chiefs faced Cowboys competition for Josh Sweat, and the Bears lost a potential pass-rusher target to an NFC rival.

Heavy NFL - A headline said the Saints were weighing Alvin Kamara’s trade status.

WHERE:

Yahoo Sports - Suggested destinations included Seattle for Taylor, Minnesota for Barkley, San Francisco for Jennings and Chicago for Mack.

Heavy NFL - The supplied headlines named the Cowboys, Steelers, Bills, Chiefs, Saints and Bears in connection with trade speculation.

WHEN:

Yahoo Sports - The NFL trade deadline was listed as Nov. 10.

Sportskeeda - The deadline was listed as Tuesday, Nov. 10, at 4 p.m. ET.

Heavy NFL - The deadline was described as Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2026.

Yahoo Sports - The proposed draft compensation for Mack concerned 2027 fourth- or fifth-round picks; Minnesota’s cited draft capital was for 2027.

WHY:

ESPN - Fowler said the Jets’ clock management and offensive performance under coordinator Frank Reich are concerns for Glenn’s job security; ownership wants a foundation of winning culture for a future quarterback.

ESPN - Chiefs receiver injuries to Rashee Rice and Tyquan Thornton created holes in the passing game, Fowler said.

ESPN - Graziano said the Seahawks’ offense ranked 17th in rushing and Nelson’s arrival could help improve it, alongside the anticipated returns of Jadarian Price and Zach Charbonnet.

ESPN - Fowler said the Lions could add a second running back because Gibbs’ projected workload was not sustainable and Vaki had limited carries.

colts.com - Coach Shane Steichen described the Buckner and Nelson trades as difficult franchise decisions, saying, “we’re in a business, and this is a business.”

newyorkjets.com - Glenn said the Jets had full confidence in Hall and Allen to carry the rushing workload.

ESPN - The Raiders wanted to wait until Mendoza was ready before making him their starter; ESPN’s Dan Graziano said he would be surprised if Mendoza started any of the team’s next five games.

ESPN - Detroit was considering adding a second running back because Gibbs’ projected 470-touch workload was viewed as unsustainable, while Vaki had received limited carries.

ESPN - The Eagles were open to offers for players outside their future plans but were not desperate to replenish draft picks because of their existing selections and projected compensatory pick.

ESPN - The Jaguars could seek another piece for their defensive front; Dan Graziano noted they acquired Jakobi Meyers at the previous season’s trade deadline, helping fuel their second-half run.

ESPN - Dan Graziano said the Eagles could trade veterans on expiring contracts to obtain draft picks, but their existing draft assets meant they were not desperate to replenish them.

ESPN - Graziano said the Eagles were not looking to give Saquon Barkley away, citing his injury and future salaries of $16 million in 2027 and $19.2 million in 2028; $2.5 million of the future money was guaranteed.

ESPN - Jeremy Fowler said Gibbs’ projected workload was not sustainable and noted backup Sione Vaki had 16 carries, prompting the possibility of Detroit adding a second running back.

Heavy NFL - The Bills were linked to Jeffery Simmons as a trade target in a pitch intended to address their secondary.

Heavy NFL - The Patriots were urged to pursue Kevin Zeitler to add experience on the offensive line.

ESPN - Fowler said Gibbs’ workload pace was not sustainable, while Detroit’s limited backup carries made adding a second running back a possibility.

ESPN - Fowler said the Jaguars could use another piece on the defensive front.

ESPN - The Eagles could listen to offers for players outside their future plans, while their stockpile of draft picks means they are not desperate to replenish their picks.

ESPN - Fowler and Graziano said Thomas’ reduced role in Jacksonville could prompt a trade, while his rookie-season promise and perceived high-end talent could attract teams.

ESPN - Fowler said injuries to Chiefs receivers Rashee Rice and Tyquan Thornton had created holes in Kansas City’s passing game.

Heavy NFL - CBS Sports’ Jared Dubin argued that the Arizona Cardinals should trade starting quarterback Jacoby Brissett and change starters.

Heavy NFL - CBS Sports’ Zachary Pereles argued that the New England Patriots should trade for Green Bay Packers right guard Kevin Zeitler, described as a 213-game starter.

Yahoo Sports - Schwab said Seattle remained a Super Bowl contender and needed another star on offense; he described the Colts as struggling and said they had already traded away their 2027 first-round pick in the Sauce Gardner deal.

Yahoo Sports - Busbee cited Minnesota’s Super Bowl-caliber defense as a reason Barkley could fit.

Yahoo Sports - Epstein said Minnesota was not getting sufficient value from Jennings and that San Francisco needed injury insurance at receiver.

Yahoo Sports - Edholm said Chicago could use a pass-rush boost and Mack’s age and expiring contract could make him attainable.

HOW:

colts.com - Colts safety Cam Bynum said players would focus on practice, walkthroughs and film sessions despite having no control over the team’s trade-deadline decisions.

Heavy NFL - A trade pitch proposed that the Bills acquire Jeffery Simmons to address their secondary.

Heavy NFL - A trade pitch proposed that the Buffalo Bills acquire a $54 million All-Pro to address their secondary; the article excerpt did not identify the player.

Yahoo Sports - The proposed deals involved draft-pick compensation: a possible Day 3 pick for Jennings and a 2027 fourth- or fifth-round pick for Mack.

NFL trade rumors are swirling, with the Giants seeking a running back and defensive tackle, the Chiefs expected to explore adding a receiver or offensive lineman, and the Browns looking for defensive-line help or a versatile blocker. Jacksonville receiver Brian Thomas Jr. and Colts receiver Josh Downs have drawn trade interest, while Cardinals safety Budda Baker and edge rusher Josh Sweat are also possible targets; Detroit has contacted free-agent running back Kareem Hunt. The Eagles’ Riq Woolen, Hollywood Brown and Dallas Goedert could attract contenders as their contracts expire, and the Lions could consider Bengals defensive end Shemar Stewart, while the winless Chargers head into Week 8.