2026 NFL Trade Deadline: Eight Major Deals Proposed

With the 2026 NFL Trade Deadline approaching, teams across the league are weighing their final opportunities to strengthen their rosters or collect valuable draft picks. Several major deals have already taken place, including moves involving the Indianapolis Colts, Seattle Seahawks, San Francisco 49ers, Chicago Bears, Tennessee Titans, New York Giants and Baltimore Ravens.

The Colts traded guard Quenton Nelson to the Seahawks and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner to the 49ers. Meanwhile, the Bears made an aggressive move by sending a package that included two first-round picks to the Titans for defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons. Two quarterbacks also changed teams, with J.J. McCarthy joining the Giants and Jacoby Brissett moving to the Ravens.

However, more significant transactions could still happen before the deadline. With the trade window closing Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET, eight analysts from ESPN and NFL Network have proposed potential deals involving players such as Jonathan Taylor, Riq Woolen, Josh Downs, Tony Pollard and Jessie Bates III.

These proposals outline possible compensation for both sides and explain how the moves could address roster needs, improve playoff opportunities or provide teams with additional draft capital.

Jonathan Taylor to the Minnesota Vikings

Proposed by Judy Battista

Minnesota Vikings receive: Running back Jonathan Taylor

Indianapolis Colts receive: 2027 second-round pick, 2027 third-round pick, 2027 fifth-round pick and an additional 2027 fifth-round pick acquired from the New York Giants.

The proposed deal would give the Vikings an explosive running back to complement quarterback Kyler Murray and his rushing ability. Minnesota has struggled to generate consistent offensive production despite having talented wide receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison.

The Vikings have arguably one of the strongest defenses in the league, but their ability to make a deep postseason run could depend on improving their scoring output. Taylor’s ability to produce big plays could provide the offense with another reliable weapon.

For Indianapolis, the proposed package would bring in four draft selections and help support what appears to be a major rebuilding process. The Colts could be looking for a first-round pick in exchange for Taylor, but the collection of picks in this proposal would still provide valuable resources for the future.

The suggested compensation is described as a significant return, comparable to the package involved in Christian McCaffrey’s move to the San Francisco 49ers in 2022.

Riq Woolen to the Chicago Bears

Proposed by Matt Bowen

Chicago Bears receive: Cornerback Riq Woolen

Philadelphia Eagles receive: 2027 fifth-round pick.

The Bears have already made a major defensive addition by acquiring defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons. However, the proposed move for Woolen would address another important area by adding speed and physical ability to the secondary.

Woolen stands 6-foot-4 and has the athletic traits needed to compete in man coverage against opposing receivers. His speed and physical presence could also make him a useful fit in defensive coordinator Dennis Allen’s split-safety schemes.

His career production includes 12 interceptions and 59 pass breakups, demonstrating his ability to disrupt passing attacks. Adding that experience could give Chicago another playmaker in the defensive backfield as it looks to strengthen its roster.

For Philadelphia, the suggested fifth-round pick would provide a return for a player who is scheduled to become a free agent in 2027. Woolen signed a one-year deal with the Eagles, making the proposed trade an opportunity to receive draft compensation before his contract situation changes.

Josh Downs to the Kansas City Chiefs

Proposed by Jeremy Fowler

Kansas City Chiefs receive: Wide receiver Josh Downs

Indianapolis Colts receive: 2027 fourth-round pick.

The Kansas City Chiefs have been searching for additional help at wide receiver, and Downs could provide another playmaking option for their offense. Indianapolis is considering trade possibilities involving the receiver, who reportedly wants to leave the team.

The Colts would prefer to receive a third-round selection for Downs, but the proposed deal suggests that a fourth-round pick could be a more realistic return. Kansas City would add a receiver to an offense that needs additional weapons, while Indianapolis would gain another draft asset for its rebuilding plans.

However, moving Downs would also create a significant challenge for the Colts. His departure could further weaken an offense that is already struggling, leaving Indianapolis with fewer options at receiver for the remainder of the season.

Dyami Brown to the Los Angeles Rams

Proposed by Aaron Schatz

Los Angeles Rams receive: Wide receiver Dyami Brown and a 2027 seventh-round pick.

Washington Commanders receive: 2027 sixth-round pick.

The proposed trade would give the Rams another receiving option in Dyami Brown, whose role as a deep threat could help stretch opposing defenses. Although Brown is averaging 10.4 yards per reception, his primary value comes from his ability to create opportunities downfield.

At 27 years old, Brown still has several seasons ahead of him and could offer useful depth to the Rams’ receiving group. The proposal suggests that he could provide a better receiving option than Tutu Atwell, while also offering an advantage as a run blocker.

Brown weighs approximately 30 pounds more than Atwell, a difference that could be useful in the blocking responsibilities of coach Sean McVay’s offensive system.

The deal would also involve a relatively small draft investment for Los Angeles. The Rams do not currently have their 2027 seventh-round pick, having sent it to the Baltimore Ravens in 2024 as part of a trade involving cornerback Tre’Davious White. The proposed exchange would allow Washington to move up from a seventh-round selection to a sixth-round pick.

Tony Pollard to the Green Bay Packers

Proposed by Ben Solak

Green Bay Packers receive: Running back Tony Pollard

Tennessee Titans receive: 2027 fourth-round pick.

The Packers could strengthen their running game by acquiring Tony Pollard from the Tennessee Titans. The proposal comes amid questions about Green Bay’s backfield and the team’s need for more explosive rushing production.

Even if the Packers expect Josh Jacobs to remain available for the rest of the season following his six-game stint on the commissioner’s exempt list, his lack of big runs has raised concerns about his suitability for a consistent workload of more than 15 carries per game.

Jacobs’ longest run of the season is 10 yards. Since the beginning of last season, he ranks 26th among 35 running backs in the rate of carries that gain at least 10 yards.

Pollard, meanwhile, ranks 11th in that category and offers the pass-catching ability to contribute on all three downs. His skill set could give the Packers a more balanced offensive option as they pursue their playoff ambitions.

Green Bay also has an additional fourth-round pick following the Rashan Gary trade with Dallas in March. That extra selection could make it easier for the Packers to pursue Pollard without giving up one of their more valuable draft assets.

Jessie Bates III to the Buffalo Bills

Proposed by Seth Walder

Buffalo Bills receive: Safety Jessie Bates III

Atlanta Falcons receive: 2027 third-round pick and 2028 sixth-round pick.

The proposed move would address a need in Buffalo’s secondary following the release of C.J. Gardner-Johnson. Bates, considered one of the leading safeties in the league, could fill an important role and provide additional experience to the Bills’ defense.

The proposal also includes a financial adjustment before the trade. Atlanta would convert all but the minimum portion of Bates’ remaining 2026 base salary into a signing bonus before completing the transaction.

The Falcons’ projected salary-cap position could be another reason to consider the deal. According to OverTheCap.com, Atlanta has more than $109 million in projected 2027 cap space, the largest amount in the league. That financial flexibility could allow the team to become active in free agency.

Such activity could affect Atlanta’s ability to receive a compensatory draft pick if Bates leaves in free agency. Compensatory selections are influenced by qualifying free-agent departures and signings, which can offset one another. Trading Bates before the deadline could therefore allow the Falcons to secure draft compensation rather than risk losing him without a return.

Buffalo, meanwhile, is in a different salary-cap situation. The proposed acquisition would function as a short-term addition, with the possibility that Bates could sign elsewhere after the season. If that happened, the Bills could potentially receive a fourth-round compensatory pick in 2028, helping reduce the long-term cost of the proposed trade.

Moro Ojomo to the Jacksonville Jaguars

Proposed by Cameron Wolfe

Jacksonville Jaguars receive: Defensive tackle Moro Ojomo

Philadelphia Eagles receive: 2027 third-round pick and 2028 fourth-round pick.

The Jacksonville Jaguars could use additional help on the interior defensive line after nose tackle DaVon Hamilton suffered a season-ending quad injury on Sunday. The injury has increased the need for another defensive lineman as Jacksonville continues its push as a Super Bowl-contending team.

Ojomo has emerged as a potential option, with his ability to disrupt opposing offenses making him an attractive fit. He could line up alongside Arik Armstead and strengthen the Jaguars’ defensive front.

At times this season, Ojomo has looked like Philadelphia’s best defensive lineman based on his performances. The Eagles value his contribution, but his contract situation could make a trade worth considering. He is scheduled to become a free agent after the season, while Philadelphia has already committed significant contracts to defensive tackles Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis.

The proposed return of a third-round pick in 2027 and a fourth-round pick in 2028 would give the Eagles two additional middle-round selections. That package could be more valuable than relying on a potential compensatory pick if Ojomo departs in free agency.

Philadelphia’s 2-6 record also forms part of the reasoning behind the proposal, as the team could use additional draft capital to support its future roster plans.

Kingsley Suamataia to the Green Bay Packers

Proposed by Field Yates

Green Bay Packers receive: Offensive lineman Kingsley Suamataia

Kansas City Chiefs receive: 2027 fourth-round pick.

The final proposal would see Green Bay strengthen its offensive line by acquiring Kingsley Suamataia from Kansas City. The Packers have dealt with injuries and inconsistent performances along the offensive line during the first eight weeks of the season, making additional depth and flexibility important.

Suamataia started every game for the Chiefs last season but has been benched twice during the current campaign. Backup options have also produced less-than-ideal results, creating uncertainty around the position in Kansas City.

Despite those setbacks, Suamataia remains a potentially valuable player because of his age, versatility and contract situation. At just 23 years old, he has the ability to play multiple positions and is under contract through next season.

For Green Bay, giving up a fourth-round pick could be a worthwhile investment in an offensive line that has struggled to maintain consistency. The move would provide the Packers with another young option as they look to protect their quarterback and improve their overall offensive performance.

Kansas City, meanwhile, would receive another draft selection in exchange for a player who has lost his starting role during the season.

2026 NFL trade deadline: What happens next?

The proposed deals highlight several different priorities for teams approaching the 2026 NFL trade deadline. Some contenders are looking to address immediate weaknesses and improve their chances of making a deep playoff run, while other franchises could use the deadline to collect draft picks and prepare for future seasons.

The Vikings’ proposed pursuit of Jonathan Taylor would add an explosive running back to their offense, while the Bears’ interest in Riq Woolen would strengthen their secondary after the Jeffery Simmons acquisition. The Chiefs could improve their receiving options with Josh Downs, and the Packers have two separate proposals involving Tony Pollard and offensive lineman Kingsley Suamataia.

Other suggested moves focus on defensive improvements and roster planning. The Bills could add Jessie Bates III to their secondary, the Jaguars could address their defensive-line injury concerns with Moro Ojomo, and the Rams could bring in Dyami Brown as another receiving and blocking option.

These are proposed trades from analysts rather than confirmed transactions. With the deadline approaching, teams still have limited time to negotiate and decide whether the suggested deals fit their immediate needs and long-term plans.

The 2026 NFL trade deadline is scheduled for November 10 at 4 p.m. ET.