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As the November 10 NFL trade deadline looms, league insiders, players and fans are glued to their devices for the latest news and transactions. Reporters have been buzzing about playoff-contending teams swinging for the fences, so blockbuster deals could be on the way.
The Indianapolis Colts are in the trade deadline spotlight, with star running back Jonathan Taylor and ascending wide receiver Josh Downs generating the most buzz. According to The Ringer's Tom Pelissero, the Colts informed quarterback Daniel Jones that they won't trade him.
Most teams in the thick of playoff races will likely be open to moves that fill roster holes and reinforce injury-riddled positions, but of course, it takes two teams to tango on the trade market.
Here are the latest trade rumors ahead of the 2026 deadline, and whether we're buying or selling them.
Chargers Won't Be Trade Deadline Sellers Due to Optics of Giving Up on the Season
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Before the Los Angeles Chargers fell to 0-8, ESPN's Adam Schefter provided the scoop on why they'll refuse to trade players before Tuesday's deadline.
"The Chargers don't like the message of giving up on the season," Schefter posted on X. "Calls from rival general managers on Justin Herbert, Ladd McConkey, Khalil Mack and others keep receiving hard nos."
The Chargers are either bluffing or being unreasonably stubborn. They're the worst team in the league and have no realistic shot at the playoffs. Moreover, quarterback Justin Herbert (finger) and wideout Ladd McConkey (back) are dealing with injuries. The latter didn't play in the previous outing.
Head coach Jim Harbaugh isn't used to losing this much early in a football season, but general manager Joe Hortiz needs to do his job and at least consider offers for players who won't be around beyond 2026.
Although trading players signals surrender in playoff contention this season, it also lets teams refresh the roster and develop young talent for the future.
Despite reports that the Chargers are turning down trade inquiries, it would still be surprising if they didn't move one or two older veterans who may want a change of scenery.
Verdict: Sell
Cowboys Are Not Trading WR George Pickens
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The Dallas Cowboys are a disappointing 4-5 team, though their high-powered passing attack gives them a sliver of hope to make a playoff push.
On the Pat McAfee Show, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport relayed a definitive statement on George Pickens' short-term future in Dallas.
"I was told the Dallas Cowboys aren't trading George Pickens," Rapoport said. "As of right now, there's nothing there."
Despite the Cowboys' inconsistencies, they shouldn't be in sell-now mode. They're still in the NFC playoff race—second place in the NFC East. In Week 17, Dallas will host the New York Giants in a game with potential postseason implications.
Even though Pickens isn't as productive as last year, he's still on pace for 78 catches for 1,065 receiving yards, which are numbers for a high-end No. 2 receiver, given that he's sharing targets with five-time Pro Bowler CeeDee Lamb.
If Dallas were to trade Pickens, it would send the wrong message to a team that's still in the thick of division and wild-card playoff races.
Verdict: Buy
Giants Are Serious Suitors for RB Jonathan Taylor
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Jonathan Taylor is the biggest known name on the trade market ahead of the deadline. Several teams have likely asked the Indianapolis Colts about the asking price for the two-time rushing-touchdown leader and 2021 rushing champion.
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler talked to executives who believe Taylor is worth a second-round pick and additional draft capital, though the NFL insider thinks the Colts might want the "equivalent of a first-round pick."
Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer narrowed the Taylor trade sweepstakes down to three teams, though he highlighted one as being more interested than the other two.
"The Giants, Broncos and Vikings have inquired, and discussed it, and it appears Denver and Minnesota might be a little less inclined to trade for Taylor now. Conversely, the indication I've gotten is that while the Giants aren't offering what Indy wants, they are a serious suitor."
The Giants could be an aggressive suitor for multiple reasons. They're in the driver's seat in the NFC East, and their lead ball-carrier, Cam Skattebo, missed the previous game with a hamstring injury.
Furthermore, this season, when healthy, Skattebo has had ball-security issues, and the Giants benched him in Week 6. He has four fumbles in seven outings (six starts).
Also, keep in mind that head coach John Harbaugh had workhorse running back Derrick Henry in his last two years with the Baltimore Ravens.
Taylor isn't the physically imposing ball-carrier that Henry is, but the three-time Pro Bowler is a trustworthy running back who can handle a big workload on the ground and help Big Blue establish a physical offensive identity.
Verdict: Buy
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Jaguars Are Reluctant to Trade WR Brian Thomas Jr.
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At 6-2, the Jacksonville Jaguars will likely be buyers ahead of the deadline, given their need at defensive tackle, with DaVon Hamilton likely out for the season after tearing his quad. The Jaguars also have a trade asset in Brian Thomas Jr., who has generated some buzz.
Head coach Liam Coen hasn't featured Thomas in his offense. He has one 12-yard touchdown catch over the last four weeks, recording just 10 receptions for 117 yards and two touchdowns for the season.
Despite Thomas' minimal role, Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer reported that Jacksonville is hesitant to trade the 2024 Pro Bowler.
"Kansas City had interest in Jacksonville's Brian Thomas Jr., but the Jaguars have been less inclined to sell on the former first-rounder. While he hasn't been statistically productive, and isn't the best fit for Liam Coen's scheme, Thomas brings a downfield element that's really important in keeping defenses honest against the run, and opening things up underneath for Jakobi Meyers and Parker Washington."
Jacksonville isn't utilizing Thomas, so it's hard to believe that opposing teams need to account for him as a downfield threat. The Jaguars may be holding out for the best offer, hoping to get a second-rounder or an early third-round pick.
General managers looking for wide receiver help will likely turn to Thomas if they can't acquire wideout Josh Downs, which may raise the demand for the Jaguars' receiver and spur a deal.
Verdict: Sell
Raiders Could Trade Kirk Cousins for a Third-Round Pick
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The Las Vegas Raiders dropped to 4-5 after a loss to the San Francisco 49ers, but they're still technically in the playoff hunt, and their passing attack has kept them in games. Kirk Cousins has thrown for 2,340 yards, 20 touchdowns and eight interceptions.
Las Vegas will face the Seattle Seahawks, who are only one game over .500, the struggling Cleveland Browns, who have lost back-to-back games, the winless Los Angeles Chargers, the Tennessee Titans and the Arizona Cardinals in five of their last eight games.
With those teams on the schedule, the Raiders still have a pathway to the postseason, so don't expect them to trade away key players before the deadline.
However, NFL insider Charles Robinson presented a counterargument with a strong offer for Cousins.
I think Cousins could be had for a price — regardless of a win or loss against the 49ers on Sunday. The price? I think a third-round pick would be too tempting to pass up for Las Vegas. Yes, it's rich. But the Raiders have been placing a lot of value on Cousins' bridge role as No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza patiently grows as an understudy.
Though, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Raiders haven't received inquiries for Cousins and don't want to trade him.
Even with rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza waiting to take over the offense, the Raiders know they have plenty of time to develop him, and they're still trying to win now. Las Vegas could still trade Cousins if it gets a strong offer, though his price may be higher than most expect.
Verdict: Sell
Ravens Aren't Expected to Trade RB Derrick Henry
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The Baltimore Ravens are in a downward spiral on a four-game losing streak. They've been outscored by 22 or more points in three of those losses.
To make matters worse, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport said quarterback Lamar Jackson is "likely out for the season." The Ravens started undrafted rookie Joe Fagnano in their Week 9 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars because second-string signal-caller Tyler Huntley is on injured reserve with turf toe.
With all the bad news at quarterback and the blowout losses, ESPN's Dan Graziano floated Derrick Henry's name as a player to watch ahead of the trade deadline.
"As running back names swirl, keep half an eye on Baltimore's Derrick Henry. As mentioned above, the Ravens are down to an injured, undrafted third-string rookie quarterback for Thursday night's game. They will be 4-5 if they lose, with no idea when Lamar Jackson could return."
The Ravens lost to the Jaguars, but they haven't given up on the season.
ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that Baltimore isn't expected to trade Henry, who is motivated to turn the Ravens' season around.
"I have not mentioned me going anywhere else," Henry said after last Thursday's game. "I'm saying, 'Let's go back to work. Let's try to get better and turn this thing around.'"
Also, Baltimore traded a 2027 fourth-round pick and a 2028 seventh-round pick to the Arizona Cardinals for a 2027 fifth-round pick and quarterback Jacoby Brissett, who lost his starting job last week.
The Ravens probably wouldn't make that move if they were going to pivot their focus toward the future. So it doesn't make sense for them to trade their best healthy player, a move that would hamper the offense with a new signal-caller under center.
Verdict: Buy
Titans Would Need a Fifth-Round Pick to Trade WR Calvin Ridley
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The Tennessee Titans offense showed signs of improvement in their last two outings, racking up 322 total yards against the Cleveland Browns and a season-high 440 yards against the Cincinnati Bengals. Quarterback Cam Ward threw for a career-high 304 yards in an overtime loss to the Bengals.
Yet Calvin Ridley hasn't contributed to the Titans' offensive strides. He's recorded one 10-yard reception since Week 6 and has just six catches for 91 yards this season. The 31-year-old wideout missed Week 7 with a hip injury.
Yet, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, the Titans want a fifth-round pick for Ridley, who hasn't produced much since Tennessee signed him in free agency two years ago.
"Calvin Ridley of the Titans is considered a backup option for teams that miss out on primary WR targets." Fowler speculated. "Word is Tennessee would need something like a fifth-round pick to part with Ridley."
Receiver-needy teams could be aggressive on the trade market as the deadline approaches, but Ridley is more of a desperation option given his lack of production, age and recent injuries. Last season, he missed 10 games and suffered a season-ending leg injury midway through the campaign.
The Titans may take a late-round draft pick if teams are willing to offer anything for Ridley.
Verdict: Sell
Vikings Might Explore QB Options, Pending Monday's Performance
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The Minnesota Vikings' Monday Night Football matchup with the Buffalo Bills may be more than a high-stakes game between one-loss teams.
According to NFL insider James Palmer, the game could influence the Vikings' decisions on their quarterback situation ahead of the trade deadline.
The Vikings will get a second look at Carson Wentz, who played in relief of Kyler Murray in the season opener and led the team to a comeback win over the Green Bay Packers, throwing three touchdown passes.
If Wentz performs well, the Vikings may consider him their starter going forward.
However, if Minnesota's aerial attack remains stagnant with Wentz under center, the Vikings should be aggressive in the quarterback trade market.
Regardless of Monday's outcome, the Vikings will be in a tight race for a division title. Every team in the NFC North has at least six wins. Minnesota could quickly fall behind its rivals.
The Vikings can't be complacent with mediocre quarterback play. Wentz has an injury history from early in his career and was banged up last season. Murray has missed extended stretches over the last two years.
Minnesota needs quarterback insurance, whether Murray or Wentz starts for the rest of the season.
Verdict: Buy
Maurice Moton covers the NFL for Bleacher Report. You can follow him on Twitter @MoeMoton.
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