New NFL Trade Rumors on Jaguars' Pursuit of Defensive 'Playmaker' Ahead of 2026 Deadline

The Jacksonville Jaguars have made calls around the league to inquire about adding a playmaker to their defense, ESPN's Adam Schefter and Ian Rapoport reported on Saturday.

The Jaguars lost nose tackle DaVon Hamilton and safety Eric Murray to season-ending injuries. Both players have played key roles on Jacksonville's defense, but losing Hamilton could be significant for a unit that has allowed the second-fewest points per game (15.1) and the fifth-fewest rushing yards per game (89.3) through the first half of the 2026 season.

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported that Jacksonville was already looking for interior defensive line help prior to the injury. "That need only amplifies with Hamilton out," Fowler wrote.

The Jaguars have been aggressive on the trade market over the past two seasons. They moved up to the No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft to select two-way star Travis Hunter, and they acquired wide receiver Jakobi Meyers before the trade deadline last year. The Meyers acquisition helped transform the offense, and Jacksonville won its final eight games of the regular season.

The Jaguars could also offer wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. in a potential trade for a defensive player. They have received "multiple inquiries" for the 24-year-old wide receiver, according to Schefter and Rapoport.

If Jacksonville wants to make any moves, it'll have to move quickly. The NFL's trade deadline is on Tuesday, Nov. 10 at 4 p.m. ET.