NFL Trade Deadline: Contenders Chase Taylor, Crosby, and QBs as Sellers Cash In

Key points

• The Chicago Bears traded two first-rounders and a fourth-rounder to the Tennessee Titans for defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons, prompting the San Francisco 49ers to reacquire DeForest Buckner from the Indianapolis Colts.
• The Seattle Seahawks acquired All-Pro guard Quenton Nelson from the Colts, but analysts suggest they may still seek a running back or edge rusher to support their title bid.
• Jonathan Taylor is the most coveted player on the market, with the Cincinnati Bengals, Minnesota Vikings, and Denver Broncos identified as prime suitors, though the Colts have stated they are not actively soliciting offers.
• Kirk Cousins of the Las Vegas Raiders is the top quarterback available, with his trade status linked to the development of rookie Fernando Mendoza; Baltimore and Philadelphia are potential landing spots.
• The Arizona Cardinals and Los Angeles Chargers are expected to sell veterans like Jacoby Brissett and Trent Brown to accumulate draft capital for 2027, while the New York Jets may trade Garrett Wilson for premium picks.

Background

Our earlier coverage from October 22 highlighted critical roster holes for contenders, including defensive back needs for Buffalo and Jacksonville, and offensive line gaps for Chicago and Dallas. On October 21, we noted that while players like Taylor and Maxx Crosby were top candidates, contract extensions or team commitments initially lowered trade odds. Following the Seahawks' acquisition of Quenton Nelson on October 30, we reported that Seattle was assessing further needs, specifically debating whether to add an edge rusher or running back to complement their offensive line upgrade.

How outlets are covering it

Outlets differ on the likelihood of major trades. FanSided and NFL.com emphasize the 'need' for specific players, with FanSided suggesting the Detroit Lions are the primary candidate for Maxx Crosby, while NFL.com identifies the Vikings, Giants, and Broncos as fits for Jonathan Taylor. CBS Sports ranks Kirk Cousins as the top available quarterback, noting his value for teams like Baltimore. Bleacher Report provides a more cautious view on specific transactions, reporting that the 49ers failed to acquire Jauan Jennings due to player reluctance and that the Eagles are not trading Saquon Barkley. Regarding the Colts, Bleacher Report notes that while Indianapolis is not actively soliciting offers for Taylor, their 2-6 record and previous trades of Nelson and Buckner suggest a willingness to sell if the price is right. FanSided argues that the Colts should 'smash the reset button' and trade everyone, including Taylor, to maximize draft capital, a view that contrasts with the more measured approach of other outlets.

Why it matters

The trade deadline determines the final rosters for the 2026 playoffs and the future draft capital of rebuilding teams. The movement of stars like Taylor and Crosby could immediately shift the competitive balance in the AFC and NFC. For sellers like the Colts and Cardinals, the decisions made now will define their rebuilding timelines and draft positions for 2027. For contenders, failing to address critical needs like the Ravens' offensive line or the Bills' defense could result in early playoff exits.

What to watch

The trade deadline is set for 4 p.m. ET on Nov. 10. Expect increased activity in the next week as teams finalize their rosters. Key developments to watch include whether the Colts trade Jonathan Taylor, if the Raiders move Kirk Cousins, and if the Detroit Lions pursue Maxx Crosby. The market for running backs and wide receivers is likely to be the most active, with multiple contenders seeking upgrades.