Buying or Selling Biggest NFL Rumors After Week 6

As we near the midpoint of the 2026 NFL season, rumors are swirling about potential trade moves, a prominent free agent, contract negotiations and a head coach under heavy criticism. 

Teams often use the bye week to re-evaluate the roster and coaching strategies, which can spur change. The Buffalo Bills, Jacksonville Jaguars, Los Angeles Chargers and Washington Commanders have a Week 7 bye. 

There's some buzz around the winless Chargers and Commanders, who mismanaged the clock in a Week 5 game against the New York Giants.

Here's a six-pack of the biggest league rumors following Week 6, with a verdict on whether to buy or sell the report.

Browns Are Open to Re-Signing QB Deshaun Watson

AP Photo/Adam Hunger

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson

One of this season's biggest surprises, the Cleveland Browns lead the AFC North with a 4-2 record, thanks in part to Deshaun Watson's play.

Cleveland.com's Mary Kay Cabot wrote about the possibility that Cleveland re-signs Watson, who's in the final year of his fully guaranteed contract.

"…If he continues to play well — he's currently No. 8 in the NFL with a 101.2 rating — the Browns will consider re-signing him after the season. The season is still young and a lot can happen, but Watson has demonstrated that he's got plenty left in the tank and is flourishing under Todd Monken. 

For context, Watson has thrown for multiple touchdowns in two of six games but for fewer than 165 yards in three of those outings. Compared to previous years, he's playing at a high level, but that's a low bar for him.

The Browns have two 2027 first-round picks: their own and one from the 2-4 Los Angeles Rams. They may prefer drafting a quarterback on a rookie deal over re-signing Watson, who's solid but still less than the three-time Pro Bowl player from his Houston Texans years.

Watson will need to significantly increase his passing production and lead the Browns to a playoff win to earn serious consideration for a new deal in Cleveland, which seems like an improbable task.

Verdict: Sell

Chargers Won't Hold Fire Sale at Trade Deadline

AP Photo/Scott Strazzante

Los Angeles Chargers edge-rusher Khalil Mack

The Los Angeles Chargers are one of three winless teams following Week 6, but according to The Ringer's NFL insider Tom Pelissero, they're not giving up on the season or their players.

"Teams are calling Chargers GM Joe Hortiz, who has told multiple GMs the same thing about any potential trade offers: We're not interested," Pelissero wrote in his Substack, The Sweep. 

Pelissero sourced this before the Chargers' Week 6 22-6 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. If Los Angeles had won that game or come close to pulling off an upset, you could argue the Chargers may be on the verge of a turnaround, but that's not the case.

Los Angeles has a Week 7 bye, and Hortiz should have tough discussions about the team's direction and short-term future. The Chargers are headed nowhere with double-digit losses in four out of six games.

Hortiz should take calls on any player on an expiring contract, like edge-rusher Khalil Mack, cornerback Donte Jackson, defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson and inside linebacker Daiyan Henley. They need a reset that includes a change at offensive coordinator. The Jim Harbaugh-Mike McDaniel football marriage isn't working out.

Verdict: Sell

Chiefs Reunion with WR Tyreek Hill Isn't Imminent

AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell, File

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill

After the Kansas City Chiefs lost wideout Tyquan Thornton for the season, many expected them to reunite with free agent wide receiver Tyreek Hill.

But that might not happen for a few reasons. The Athletic's Jonathan Jones outlined three factors complicating Hill's situation.

"The health of Hill's knee is one factor," Jones wrote. "The money will be another, as no one expects him to sign a veteran minimum deal. And then there's the potential NFL discipline. Put those in whatever order you'd like, but nothing seems imminent." 

A Miami jury found Hill liable for two counts of battery against his estranged wife in a civil trial.

With those factors in mind, Kansas City could develop second-year pro Jalen Royals or rookie fifth-rounder Cyrus Allen while Rashee Rice works his way back to action from a hamstring injury.

By the way, the Chiefs are 5-0, so they don't need help right now.

Verdict: Buy

Jaguars Won't Trade WR Brian Thomas Jr. Until It's Close to the Deadline

AP Photo/Kin Cheung

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr.

After the Arizona Cardinals traded wideout Marvin Harrison Jr. to the Houston Texans, Jacksonville Jaguars receiver Brian Thomas Jr. has been in the trade rumor mill.

Yet The Athletic's Jonathan Jones doesn't believe the Jaguars will budge on any offers for Thomas as of now.

"Jacksonville hasn't been in a rush to deal Thomas, and I suspect that will remain the case until we get closer to the trade deadline," Jones wrote.

Thomas' role in the Jaguars' offense has completely evaporated. He hasn't caught a pass in two weeks and saw only five targets in the team's back-to-back games in London.

Meanwhile, rookie sixth-rounder Josh Cameron's role has grown, and two-way player Travis Hunter caught four passes for 59 yards and a touchdown and played cornerback in the Jaguars' last outing.

In Jacksonville, Thomas is expendable, and teams will give him a chance to rediscover his 2024 Pro Bowl form, when he caught 87 passes for 1,282 yards and 10 touchdowns. 

The Jaguars have a Week 7 bye; don't be surprised if Thomas is the next trade domino to fall before November.

Verdict: Sell

Vikings Will Be Active Ahead of Trade Deadline

AP Photo/Peter Joneleit

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jauan Jennings

At 5-0, the Minnesota Vikings may not be complacent. Typically, teams pushing for the playoffs are most active, while clubs atop the standings stand pat.

According to The Athletic's Alec Lewis, Vikings general manager Nolan Teasley is open to making moves before the trade deadline.

"Team sources, who requested anonymity so they could share details of the team's plans without facing repercussions from management, suggest he is open to pursuing a bevy of ideas at the trade deadline.

"Player availability, asking price and salary-cap dynamics will determine the extent to which the Vikings supplement their roster before Nov. 10. And even though most NFL teams remain committed to winning, it's worth assessing the areas that could solidify the team's floor and raise its ceiling."

Minnesota is the least likely unbeaten team because of inconsistent quarterback play. Kyler Murray missed a game while in concussion protocol, and even when healthy, he's posted modest numbers in two of three full starts.

The Vikings could shake up their wide receiver room by adding and/or subtracting players to help Murray improve.

According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Jauan Jennings could be on the move. Mostly ineffective in the Vikings offense, he has just two catches for nine yards in four games.

Keep in mind that Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison have missed games due to injuries. To add insurance at wide receiver, Minnesota could trade Jennings and acquire another veteran to complement Jefferson and Addison.

Verdict: Buy

HC Dan Quinn Could Be Fired If Commanders Lose in Monday Night Blowout

AP Photo/Nick Wass

Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn

After the Washington Commanders' head-scratching Week 5 tie with the New York Giants, Dan Quinn is under a microscope. 

NFL Network's Mike Garafolo said, "Anything is on the table" if Washington lacks effort or has a lopsided loss to the San Francisco 49ers Monday night.

Quarterback Jayden Daniels took accountability for the late-game clock-management debacle, but ultimately the head coach, who runs the operation, must accept blame as well.

The Commanders could cool the temperature on Quinn's hot seat with a signature win, or they must be competitive in a loss.

With Washington on a Week 7 bye to digest everything from the last two weeks, there's legitimate buzz about Quinn's job security.

Verdict: Buy

Maurice Moton covers the NFL for Bleacher Report. You can follow him on Twitter @MoeMoton.