NFL Trade Market: Chiefs, Colts, and Jaguars Face Decisions

The NFL trade deadline is set for Nov. 10, and several teams are already weighing roster moves ahead of the date.

Jeremy Fowler reports the Kansas City Chiefs are positioned to acquire a wide receiver to address gaps in their downfield passing attack. Injuries to Rashee Rice and Tyquan Thornton have created holes that running back Kenneth Walker III cannot cover alone, and a Sunday night game in Seattle exposed those weaknesses. Fowler identified Indianapolis's Josh Downs as a potential fit for Kansas City, and noted that Cleveland's Jerry Jeudy would also suit the offense, though the Browns are not inclined to trade him without a substantial offer.

Dan Graziano said Kansas City has a history of making targeted wide receiver additions at this point in the season, pointing to past deals for Kadarius Toney and DeAndre Hopkins. He also raised the possibility that the New York Giants or the Cleveland Browns could decide to acquire a player for a 2026 run. Cleveland owns a 5-2 record and Fowler reported the team could seek defensive line help or a versatile blocker at tight end or H-back. The Seattle Seahawks have already acquired Pro Bowl guard Quenton Nelson, and Graziano questioned whether the Los Angeles Rams might make another move after falling behind San Francisco and Seattle in the division.

On which player is most likely to be traded, both reporters pointed to Jacksonville receiver Brian Thomas Jr. Thomas has not caught a pass in the Jaguars' last two games and was benched in London during Week 6. His role has diminished since Liam Coen took over as coach, though several executives told Fowler the receiver still carries trade value. Graziano compared the situation to Marvin Harrison Jr.'s departure from Arizona, noting Thomas was a first-round pick in 2024 and is two months younger than Harrison. He expects a resolution will be reached behind the scenes. Fowler also named Minnesota's Jauan Jennings as a trade candidate, and Graziano mentioned Arizona edge rusher Josh Sweat as a player who could interest teams seeking defensive help.

The Indianapolis Colts have already traded guard Quenton Nelson to Seattle and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner to San Francisco. Graziano said veterans such as Keenan Allen and Laquon Treadwell could appeal to contenders, and noted that Grover Stewart and Josh Downs are on expiring contracts. Running back Jonathan Taylor signed an extension but remains on a tradeable contract. The Colts would absorb $10 million in dead money next year, and Taylor is scheduled to make $16.02 million in 2027, a figure that is not guaranteed until five days after the Super Bowl. Fowler reported that multiple teams have called about Downs, though Indianapolis is already thin at receiver.

On the New York Jets, Graziano said most people he spoke with expect Aaron Glenn to coach through the end of the season before ownership evaluates his two-year tenure. The Jets are 2-5 under Glenn, and ESPN reporter Rich Cimini noted the team has been outscored 107-6 in the final two minutes of the second quarter during Glenn's tenure. The Jets rank 27th in the NFL on offense, and Fowler said he would not discuss any change at coach.