Simmons to Bears, Nelson to Seahawks: NFL Trade Deadline Moves Accelerate

Key points

• The NFL trade deadline is November 10, 2026, at 4 p.m. ET.
• The Chicago Bears acquired defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons from the Tennessee Titans. Chicago gave up a 2028 fifth-round pick; Tennessee received 2027 and 2028 first-round picks plus a 2027 fourth-round pick.
• The Seattle Seahawks acquired guard Quenton Nelson from the Indianapolis Colts. Seattle sent a 2027 third-round pick and a 2028 fifth-round pick to Indianapolis.
• The San Francisco 49ers acquired defensive tackle DeForest Buckner from the Indianapolis Colts. San Francisco sent a 2027 fourth-round pick to Indianapolis.
• The Indianapolis Colts are in a rebuild phase after firing GM Chris Ballard. Running back Jonathan Taylor has not requested a trade, but wide receiver Josh Downs is open to being moved.
• Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker has not requested a trade, but his name is circulating in rumors. Jacksonville Jaguars receiver Brian Thomas Jr. is also frequently mentioned as a potential trade candidate.

Background

The Indianapolis Colts have been in a state of flux since firing GM Chris Ballard, leading to rumors of a full rebuild. Earlier reports indicated that owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon might hire Peyton Manning as a front-office figurehead, but the team has instead focused on trading veterans like DeForest Buckner and Quenton Nelson to recoup draft capital. The San Francisco 49ers were also expected to be active at the deadline, with rumors linking them to players like DeForest Buckner and Garrett Wilson. The Chicago Bears have been identified as aggressive buyers, with the defensive line/edge expected to be a focal point.

How outlets are covering it

NBC Sports reported the confirmed trades of Jeffery Simmons, Quenton Nelson, and DeForest Buckner, along with rumors about Budda Baker, Brian Thomas Jr., and Garrett Wilson. Spotrac provided detailed financial analysis of potential blockbuster trades, including the Bears acquiring Simmons, the Chiefs acquiring Nico Collins, the Vikings acquiring Kirk Cousins, the Jets acquiring Justin Herbert, and the Bengals acquiring Saquon Barkley. FOX Sports provided a team-by-team analysis of which player each playoff hopeful should target, with many teams targeting Jonathan Taylor from the Colts. ESPN's source was inaccessible due to a 403 error.

Why it matters

The confirmed trades of Jeffery Simmons, Quenton Nelson, and DeForest Buckner will significantly impact the rosters of the Chicago Bears, Seattle Seahawks, and San Francisco 49ers, as well as the Tennessee Titans and Indianapolis Colts. The Colts' rebuild will shape their future draft picks and team composition, while the Titans and 49ers will benefit from acquiring veteran talent. The rumors about other stars like Jonathan Taylor, Budda Baker, and Garrett Wilson could lead to further moves before the deadline, potentially reshaping the competitive landscape of the NFL.

What to watch

The NFL trade deadline is November 10, 2026, at 4 p.m. ET. More trades are expected to be announced in the coming days, particularly involving the Indianapolis Colts, Philadelphia Eagles, and Los Angeles Chargers. The Chicago Bears, Seattle Seahawks, and San Francisco 49ers will integrate their new acquisitions, while the Tennessee Titans and Indianapolis Colts will adjust to their new rosters. The Kansas City Chiefs, Minnesota Vikings, and New York Jets are also expected to be active, potentially making moves for players like Nico Collins, Kirk Cousins, and Justin Herbert, respectively.