NFL Trade Deadline 2015: Latest Rumors Heading into Deadline Day

The NFL trade deadline is Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET, and there are plenty of players linked to rumors that could yield possible moves. 

Will a hopeful contender look to bolster its roster with an outlying add that could help a playoff push? Will lower-tier teams hold onto pieces for fear of losing a compensatory draft pick?

With all answers coming this afternoon, here’s a look at the top storylines heading into the anticipated deadline.

Browns Shopping Two Top O-Linemen

The Cleveland Browns reportedly have two of their best linemen, left tackle Joe Thomas and center Alex Mack, on the trade block, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. 

Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports indicated Monday that no major talks have heated up regarding Thomas, an eight-time Pro Bowler: 

Thomas told reporters following Sunday’s 34-20 loss to the Arizona Cardinals, via Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain-Dealer, he doesn’t want to be traded:

"

I’m not a quitter. I’m not a guy that gives up on my goals and my goal from day one was to be part of the turnaround here and that hasn't changed.

The reality of it is we're right now a 2-6 team and the trade deadline is coming up. If you're a team that doesn't have a winning record I imagine it happens all the time where teams will call up your team and find out if you're available for a trade. It's happened in the past with me in my career. But it's out of my control. I want to be here. I want to finish my career here. I want to be part of the turnaround here. That's the way it is sometimes, you've got to control the things you can control.

"

Thomas is under contract through 2018 and will count a collective $29.5 million against the cap in that span, per Spotrac. He’s costly, but any team looking to strengthen its left side will benefit tremendously. 

The Browns are reportedly seeking a third-round pick for Mack, according to Mike Ortiz Jr. of DYSTNow.com, though the center released a statement Monday regarding his status, per Adam Schefter of ESPN:

"

I have a 'no trade' clause in my contract. It was included for a good reason: I'm not leaving my teammates, coaches and Browns fans while there is work this season to be finished.

"

Mack’s no-trade clause was implemented when he signed his current contract in 2014, which at the time made him the league's highest-paid center. He can opt out before 2016 and was speculated to do so for the chance at more money by Thomas in August, per Tony Grossi of ESPNCleveland.com. 

With both linemen firmly against a trade—and Mack able to block one—it seems unlikely either is on the move.

Bears LB Willie Young Wants Out of Chicago

Duane Burleson/Associated Press

Chicago Bears linebacker Willie Young requested to be traded before Tuesday’s deadline, according to La Canfora, citing desires to play in a 4-3 scheme.

Young shifted from defensive end to outside linebacker when the Bears traded Jared Allen in early October, and he hasn’t welcomed the change under new defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, per Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk.

As such, Young’s playing time has decreased—just seven snaps in the Bears’ 23-20 loss to the Vikings in Week 8, according to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune.

Art Stapleton of NorthJersey.com speculated the Giants—desperate to refind their identity as perennial pass-rushers—as possible suitors:

The 2-5 Bears have been linked to many trade rumors since the season started, and dealing Young, who has a base salary of $2.45 million, per Spotrac, seems more likely than not.