The NFL standings this year are wide open — there’s no dominant club, and several teams already seem to be planning for 2027. After the Los Angeles Rams stumbled early, the rest of the league tightened up, and that uncertainty has fueled a busy trade market well before the Nov. 10 deadline. Big moves have already gone through, including guard Quenton Nelson to Seattle, Jeffery Simmons to Chicago, DeForest Buckner to San Francisco, cornerback Joey Porter Jr. to Dallas and wideout Marvin Harrison Jr. to Houston.
Here are 15 players who could be on the move before the deadline:
Offense
– Jacoby Brissett, QB, Cardinals: Arizona benched Brissett late in the third quarter for Gardner Minshew, who then led an overtime comeback and was named the starter for Week 9 with rookie Carson Beck as backup. That leaves Brissett as a potential trade chip — he has plenty of starting experience but carries a $15.5 million salary this season, which would complicate any deal. He’s one of the likeliest quarterbacks to be moved if a team needs a short-term starter.
– Shedeur Sanders, QB, Browns: Cleveland appears intent on keeping Sanders, who is currently the backup to Deshaun Watson and remains on the roster as the team carries four QBs. Given his affordable contract and upside, he could have drawn interest, but there’s been little momentum toward a trade so far. His future role could still shift depending on Watson’s availability and the Browns’ long-term plans.
– Saquon Barkley, RB, Eagles: The Eagles have publicly indicated Barkley won’t be traded, but there’s logic for them to at least listen to offers. He’ll turn 30 in February, has seen his production dip since 2024 and carries injury concerns — yet he could still help a contender immediately. If Philadelphia truly keeps him, it will be a notable decision either way.
– Jonathan Taylor, RB, Colts: After the Colts already moved Quenton Nelson and DeForest Buckner, Taylor seems likely to be available. He’s one of the league’s top rushers with 8,208 career yards and would be a high-impact addition for contenders — teams like the Giants, Broncos, Packers and Vikings could be fits. No other back would create as much buzz.
– Tony Pollard, RB, Titans: Pollard has said he doesn’t want to be traded and Tennessee has rejected offers, but the 1-7 record and the potential cap relief from moving a veteran could change that. He remains productive (about 4.5 yards per carry and recent strong outings) and would be a more affordable option for teams needing running back help.
– Brian Thomas Jr., WR, Jaguars: After a dazzling rookie year in 2024 (1,282 yards, 10 TDs), Thomas has struggled to replicate that form and has fallen down the Jags’ depth chart. A contender might gamble that a change of scenery could revive him; teams such as Seattle, Kansas City or Washington could be interested while Jacksonville weighs keeping him as insurance.
– Jauan Jennings, WR, Vikings: Jennings declined a chance to return to San Francisco and hasn’t produced much in Minnesota, totaling only six catches in six games. The Vikings could include him in a package to address other needs, especially if he doesn’t fit their current offensive plan.
– Josh Downs, WR, Colts: Downs has publicly requested a trade and Indianapolis appears willing to move on, having started shedding veterans already. He’s a smaller slot receiver who won’t be a No. 1 but could be a useful complementary piece for a team needing quick-playmakers.
– Jerry Jeudy, WR, Browns: Jeudy has been up and down in his career — after a strong 2024 (1,229 yards, Pro Bowl), his production has dipped this year (171 yards). With Cleveland giving opportunities to younger receivers, Jeudy could be a high-upside pickup for a team wanting a dynamic playmaker willing to bet on a bounce-back.
Defense
– Khalil Mack, Edge, Chargers: At 35, Mack isn’t the dominant force he once was, but he’s still a veteran pass rusher and leader. With the 0-7 Chargers unlikely to contend, trading Mack to a playoff hopeful could give him a chance at postseason success late in his career — and he might be affordable for the right team.
– Nolan Smith, Edge, Eagles: Smith was a highly regarded prospect in the 2023 draft but hasn’t produced to expectations, with just 14.5 career sacks so far. Philadelphia picked up his fifth-year option, so they’re not likely to give him away, but a struggling Eagles team could consider moving him to recoup value if contenders want to take a developmental swing.
– Josh Sweat, Edge, Cardinals: Sweat reportedly asked for a trade in August while Arizona initially declined; his status could be revisited now that the Cardinals are 3-5. He had a big overtime sack recently and still draws interest from teams like Dallas and Green Bay. Sweat’s cap hit jumps next season, and contract-extension rumors could complicate any deal.
– Moro Ojomo, DT, Eagles: Ojomo has started three straight games and shown improvement, but he’s set to hit free agency, and the Eagles already have costly investments in Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis. With Philadelphia struggling, they may consider moving him rather than risk losing him in free agency for nothing, especially after seeing the market value some defenders fetched in recent trades.
– Budda Baker, S, Cardinals: Baker has been a cornerstone in Arizona for a decade with eight Pro Bowls, but a rebuild could prompt the Cardinals to explore trades. He’s under contract through 2027 with a reasonable salary (about $16 million next year), so he’d be a multi-year addition for a contender seeking a difference-maker in the secondary.
– Amani Hooker, S, Titans: Hooker leads the league with five interceptions and 114 return yards after a three-pick game against Cincinnati. He signed an extension last summer through 2028 at a fair price for a top-10 safety. Given Tennessee’s 1-7 record, he could be another veteran the club considers moving to accelerate a rebuild.
Fan Take: This flurry of trades and potential deals matters because it could reshape several playoff races — even a single midseason acquisition can tip the balance for a contender. For fans, the deadline fuels intrigue and drama, showing how quickly rosters shift and how teams balance chasing this season versus building for the future.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
