The NFL trade deadline is on November 10th, and we’re already seeing movement around the league. Quenton Nelson, DeForest Buckner, and Jeffrey Simmons have already been traded. Who else should be moved, and where should they go? Here are NFL trades that need to happen before the deadline.
WR Brian Thomas Jr. To The New York Giants
Brian Thomas Jr.’s tenure with the Jacksonville Jaguars has been massively disappointing. His rookie season was promising, with him logging 87 catches for 1,282 yards and 10 touchdowns. The arrival of head coach Liam Coen seems to have slowed him down.
Thomas played 14 games in 2025, logging just 48 catches for 707 yards and two touchdowns. Through Jacksonville’s first six games, he’s caught nine passes for 105 yards and a score. He’s only seen 20 targets and is essentially phased out of Coen’s game plan.
The Giants’ number one receiver, Malik Nabers, was drafted the same year as Thomas, both from LSU. The former teammates have chemistry as a duo and could feed off one another in New York’s offense.
Behind Nabers in New York is rookie Malachi Fields, along with free agent acquisition Darnell Mooney and Charlie Jones. While Fields is developing nicely, a true number two threat would elevate everyone.
Thomas showed in his rookie season that he can produce. Whether it’s a lack of targets or a legitimate decline, he hasn’t replicated that. A change of scenery with his former teammate alongside him could revive his career.
RB Jonathan Taylor To The Minnesota Vikings
The Indianapolis Colts are holding a fire sale, and Jonathan Taylor is reportedly a real option to be moved next. After Nelson and Buckner were traded away, the star running back could yield a great return for Indy.
Taylor being moved has little to do with his production, and more to do with the state of the Colts. Their Super Bowl window is shut, and at 27 years old, he should join a contender.
The Vikings are currently undefeated at 6-0 thanks to a defense that allows a league-low 12.3 points per game. Their offensive struggles are largely due to a middling run game that ranks 23rd in rush yards per game (108.3).
Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason should be a solid duo, but neither has been fully healthy to this point. Taylor’s eight rushing touchdowns lead the NFL, and he averages 83.9 yards per game. Adding him could unlock Kevin O’Connell’s offense and let Minnesota capitalize on a dominant defense.
WR Josh Downs To The Pittsburgh Steelers
With the Colts tearing their roster down, it’s not surprising that Josh Downs has requested a trade. The 25-year-old wideout has struggled to find his place in Indy’s offense, and the situation is only getting worse.
Downs’ 2024 season saw him haul in 72 catches for 803 yards and five touchdowns. He’s in the final year of his rookie contract and will likely find a new home following the season regardless.
The Steelers’ wide receiver room is underwhelming with Michael Pittman Jr. on injured reserve. DK Metcalf and rookie Germie Bernard are keeping the ship afloat, but the offense needs help.
Pittsburgh’s tight ends have been its best weapons. Darnell Washington and Pat Freiermuth account for 360 yards and seven of the offense’s touchdowns. Even when Pittman returns, the lack of depth is still glaring. Downs is a solution to that and will likely be inexpensive.
OG Landon Dickerson To The Green Bay Packers
The Packers’ run game has been less than stellar in 2026. Josh Jacobs is back in the lineup, but only managed 36 rush yards in his return. No matter who’s in the backfield, the offensive line is hindering productivity.
The Philadelphia Eagles are a team that may find themselves holding a fire sale at the deadline. With the season all but lost, and veterans that still hold value, Landon Dickerson is a perfect player to move.
Dickerson hit injured reserve after Week 1, and just made his return in Week 7. While he struggled in the season opener, he was more efficient in his return. When he’s healthy, he’s one of the NFL’s best guards, with a pass-block win rate of 93.9%.
Dickerson is 28 years old with two years left on his contract. The Eagles will be looking to revamp the offensive line this offseason, and he already doesn’t seem to be part of those plans. Both he and Green Bay would benefit from a trade.
EDGE Josh Sweat To The Dallas Cowboys
Josh Sweat’s four-year, $76-million contract makes him a difficult player for the Arizona Cardinals to move. He requested a trade early in the 2026 offseason, but the team refused to move him.
Sweat has appeared in all seven of Arizona’s games this season, logging 11 solo tackles, three tackles for loss, and two sacks. His production isn’t what he showed last season, but the team as a whole has been unimpressive.
The Cowboys’ defense is still among the worst in the NFL. They rank 29th in total yards allowed per game (373.7), 23rd in points allowed per game (25.7), and 27th in sacks (10). Sweat could help fill the Micah Parsons-sized hole in the defense.
Sweat has two years left on his contract, and his cap hit will increase to $23 million in each of the next two seasons. Whether Dallas keeps him into 2027 is a different story, but the team has a chance to win the NFC East this year. At worst, he’s a rental in a playoff push; at best, he’s the dominant edge rusher they’re missing.
End Of My NFL Trade Rant
The NFL Trade deadline is one of the most exciting days of the year. Playoff contenders make “win-now” moves, and teams facing a rebuild start planning for the future. Stars will certainly be moved, but the question is whether they’ll go to the right place.
