The NFL’s trade deadline is just over a month away, and while it hasn’t yet reached the status of the trade deadlines in the other “Big 4″ American pro leagues, it’s become a much bigger deal in recent years. In the last week and a half, we’ve already seen three well-known players dealt, with JJ McCarthy going to the Giants and Joey Porter, Jr. going to the Cowboys last week while Cam Jurgens was sent to the Ravens earlier this week. I’ve got half a dozen more who we could see traded in the next few weeks.
Brian Thomas, Jr.
Thomas, who was electric as rookie, hasn’t had as much luck in the year and change since Liam Coen took over. While it seems the possible friction between the two from last season has subsided, he’s still only averaging 3.5 targets per game compared to 6.5 last year and 7.8 in 2024. If other receivers continue to dominate in that passing game, he’ll want out and it will make sense for the team to cash in on his upside. My favorite fit for Thomas is the Chiefs, who have been missing the sort of player who can make the game-breaking plays we’ve seen from him in the past. Their best such player just suffered a devastating ankle injury and even if they do go through with bringing back Tyreek Hill, there are no guarantees about how he looks post-injury or whether he faces any league discipline from his current legal proceedings.
Other fits: Raiders, Commanders
Marvin Harrison, Jr.
Harrison’s production through two seasons plus has been underwhelming for a player of his pedigree, to say the least. He hasn’t proven to have any one trait that sets him apart and allows him to make the big plays he was drafted to make. With a new QB almost certainly coming to Arizona via the draft next April, I assume the Cardinals aren’t keen on continuing to try and force Harrison’s development while helping the new face of their franchise adjust to playing the pro game. The best fit here is the Colts. His jerseys would sell right away to sentimental fans who loved watching his dad play, and the Colts have struggled to stay healthy at the position this year. Adding a bigger receiver like him wouldn’t be bad for their depth chart, either.
Other fits: Raiders
Jerry Jeudy
Not unlike Harrison, Jeudy has proven to be jack of all trades in the NFL, but a master of none. In recent years, he has shown that he can be a reliable but middling option who will simply play the position at a decent level. On a Browns team that’s prioritizing its newfound wealth of young playmakers, he’s had to accept a reduced role. The Panthers make sense for him, as they could use an upgrade at their third receiver spot after a season-ending injury to Xavier Legette.
Other fits: Raiders
Khalil Mack
Mack returned to the Chargers on a one-year deal where he expected to contend for a championship, but that won’t be happening for them this season, and he’s not a piece of their future at his age. I assume he and the team will quickly agree it’s best that he be sent elsewhere to compete for a title in what could potentially be his last season, and there will be suitors for a veteran pass-rusher. With the tenuous health of Nick Bosa, I imagine the 49ers will be one of those suitors. They look like the best team in the league thus far, and won’t want to waste that.
Other fits: Bills, Ravens, Bears
AJ Epenesa
While the Eagles aren’t exactly mailing it in or anything, they’re clearly willing to trade some guys on their current roster, and Epenesa has been rumored. The Falcons have popped up in a few of these rumors and make quite a bit of sense as they get into the NFC South race. He’s the sort of lineman DC Jeff Ulbrich likes, and while their front has been a pleasant surprise in recent weeks, it could still use some reinforcements.
Other fits: Lions, Browns
Jordyn Brooks
Even post-extension, Brooks has been in trade rumors for months, especially as the short-term outlook of the franchise looks more bleak and the performance of fellow Texas Tech alum Jacob Rodriguez looks more promising. Brooks is a good all-around linebacker who should be able to help any defense he joins. The team most heavily rumored to be asking after him in the offseason was the Cowboys, who could still use help all over their defense. Along with aiding a floundering defense for the remainder of 2026, his recent (affordable) extension would take much of the pressure off of Dallas to give DeMarvion Overshown an extension that his talent merits but his availability does not.
Other fits: Bengals
