NFL Trade Deadline 2016: Date, Top Rumors and Latest Predictions

The eighth week of the 2016 NFL season is almost complete. This means that the 2016 NFL trade deadline is almost upon us.

Unlike in other sports, the trade deadline doesn't typically lead to a flurry of significant activity in the NFL. In-season trades are comparatively rare, though they certainly do occur. For example, the Denver Broncos recently traded for tight end A.J. Derby.

Just because there aren't a lot of blockbuster moves doesn't mean speculation of such doesn't exist. The rumor mill finds itself churning this time of year, and this season has brought no exceptions.

We're going to take a look ahead to the looming trade deadline. We'll examine some of the latest rumors that have surfaced and make our predictions as to their eventual outcomes.

2016 NFL Trade Deadline

What: Official end of the 2016 NFL trading period

When: Tuesday, November 1

Time: 4 p.m. ET

Latest Trade Rumors

Sheldon Richardson, DL, New York Jets

George Gojkovich/Getty Images

The New York Jets technically managed to save their season with a win over the Cleveland Browns on Sunday. At 3-5, however, it doesn't seem likely the team is headed toward a significant postseason run.

This is why it could make some sense for the team to sell off some pieces before the trade deadline. One piece the team could consider moving is defensive lineman Sheldon Richardson. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, teams have been inquiring about him:

Richardson is part of a talented defensive line rotation that also includes Muhammad Wilkerson and 2015 first-round pick Leonard Williams. Due to the depth on New York's line, Richardson could be seen as expendable for the right price.

He could certainly be enticing for potential contenders looking for line help. Pro Football Focus rated him 14th overall among all 4-3 defensive ends this season.

The problem with acquiring Richardson is the risk involved. He has twice been suspended by the NFL—once for violating the personal conduct policy, and once for violating the substance-abuse policy. Any future suspensions could be quite lengthy.

"He is a two-strike guy, so [the Jets] won't get what they want," one unnamed source said, per Kimberley A. Martin of Newsday.

Of course, the risk involved with Richardson is another reason for the Jets to move him.

Prediction: The Jets move Richardson if offered a second-round pick or more.

Joe Thomas, OT, Cleveland Browns

The 0-8 Browns aren't going anywhere this season and are clearly building for their future beyond it. This is why it makes a lot of sense for the team to consider moving some of its older talented players. One such player is nine-year veteran tackle Joe Thomas.

Thomas is as proven a tackle as you're going to find in the NFL. He has been to the Pro Bowl in each of his nine NFL seasons and is rated fourth overall among tackles by Pro Football Focus this season. Teams in need of line help would love to get their hands on Thomas.

However, Thomas has repeatedly said he would like to remain in Cleveland, and Browns head coach Hue Jackson has said he doesn't want to see Thomas go.

This doesn't mean Thomas won't be traded, of course. The decision on whether or not to move him will be made by executive vice president of football operations Sashi Brown, not Jackson. Bleacher Report NFL Insider Jason Cole has reported that Brown could indeed move Thomas before the deadline:

Actually trading Thomas wouldn't make a ton of sense for Cleveland, though. Undertaking this massive rebuilding effort is going to be difficult enough with him anchoring the line. Trying to do it without him would be foolish.

Prediction: Thomas remains in Cleveland.

Joe Haden, CB, Cleveland Browns

Another guy the Browns could move is cornerback Joe Haden. Rapoport has also reported that Haden could be a popular trade target before the deadline:

Trading Haden would make more sense for Cleveland than trading Thomas. While the cornerback can play at a Pro Bowl level when healthy, he has struggled to actually stay healthy in recent seasons. In fact, he has missed a total of 14 games over the past two years alone.

Haden also has three years remaining after 2016 on a five-year, $67.5 million contract. This means the Browns could free up quite a bit of cap space, but it also makes it difficult for a team interested in acquiring Haden to financially pull off the move.

Still, we'd expect a number of teams to be interested in dealing for the defensive back. Haden, who is rated 27th overall among all cornerbacks by Pro Football Focus this season, could definitely provide a boost to a subpar secondary.

Any potential move could be dependent on Cleveland's willingness to absorb some of Haden's current salary.

Prediction: Haden is traded if Cleveland absorbs part of his 2016 cap hit.

Torrey Smith, WR, San Francisco 49ers

Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images

The trade rumors surrounding underachieving San Francisco 49ers receiver Torrey Smith have been interesting. The Philadelphia Eagles were linked to him early on, but the team later denied it had any interest in acquiring a receiver at all.

Eagles executive Howie Roseman said last week "there's no legitimacy" to reports that the team hopes to obtain a receiver, according to Les Bowen of Philly.com.

However, it's beginning to look like the Eagles weren't being entirely truthful about their interest.

Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk reported on Sunday that the Eagles are still looking for a receiver before the trade deadline. Per Florio, talks with the 49ers regarding Smith are "still not dead."

Not only does this mean the Eagles really do want to add some receiving help, but it seems to indicate that the 49ers are willing to move Smith after all. If this is the case, then the Eagles might not be the only team with a chance to wind up with Smith by Tuesday's deadline.

Prediction: Smith is traded for a future draft pick or picks.