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The 2026 NFL trade deadline is fast approaching, and the league has already witnessed a flurry of significant trades. The action kicked off when the Arizona Cardinals traded wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., the No. 4 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, to the Houston Texans ahead of Week 6. Since then, the Indianapolis Colts have initiated a fire sale, sending left guard Quenton Nelson to the Seattle Seahawks and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner to the San Francisco 49ers. The most recent blockbuster saw the Chicago Bears acquire All-Pro defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons from the Tennessee Titans.
With more teams falling out of playoff contention, additional moves are expected before the deadline. Here's everything you need to know about the 2026 NFL trade deadline, including the top players who could be dealt.
When is the 2026 NFL trade deadline?
The 2026 NFL trade deadline is Tuesday, Nov. 10 at 4 p.m. ET. That is less than 24 hours after the final game of NFL Week 9. While teams must agree to trades before 4 p.m. ET, not all deals will be reported immediately, as some will not be official until players pass physicals with their new teams.
Top trade candidates
Below are some of the most prominent players who could be on the move before the deadline:
- Indianapolis Colts RB Jonathan Taylor: The Colts have already traded Quenton Nelson and DeForest Buckner. If they continue their fire sale, Taylor could be next. The three-down back has twice led the NFL in touchdowns and has surpassed 1,000 scrimmage yards in five of his six full seasons.
- Las Vegas Raiders edge Maxx Crosby: The Raiders nearly traded Crosby to the Ravens in the offseason, but the deal fell through due to concerns about his knee. After seeing the Titans land two first-round picks for Jeffery Simmons, the Raiders might reconsider. Crosby's relentless motor and pass-rushing ability would appeal to contenders seeking an edge upgrade.
- Las Vegas Raiders QB Kirk Cousins: The Raiders may eventually turn to Fernando Mendoza as their starting quarterback, especially if their losing streak continues. Could they find a trade partner for Cousins? The 38-year-old is enjoying a resurgent season in Klint Kubiak's offense, posting a 97.4 passer rating and leading the NFL with 16 touchdown passes through seven weeks.
- Jacksonville Jaguars WR Brian Thomas Jr.: Thomas has fallen out of favor in Jacksonville, playing just 21.1% of offensive snaps in Week 6 against the Texans. The 2024 first-round pick hasn't fit in Liam Coen's offense, but he had 87 catches for 1,282 yards as a rookie, so a change of scenery could help him regain his starting form.
- Indianapolis Colts WR Josh Downs: Downs has requested a trade amid the Colts' fire sale. Several teams should be interested in the shifty slot receiver, who has averaged 10.9 yards per reception in his career.
- Los Angeles Chargers WR Quentin Johnston: Johnston has struggled with consistency, but the 2023 first-round pick offers a combination of size (6-2, 208) and athleticism. He has just eight catches this season but averaged 53 catches for 723 yards and eight touchdowns over the previous two years. Drops are a concern, but the TCU product should draw interest if the winless Chargers decide to rebuild.
- Los Angeles Chargers edge Khalil Mack: Mack seems highly likely to be traded. The 35-year-old is in the twilight of his career but remains effective, playing 71.3% of defensive snaps. He could see increased production on a contender with more help around him.
- Arizona Cardinals edge Josh Sweat: Sweat had 12 sacks last season but has only two through seven games in 2026, largely due to a lack of help on Arizona's defense. Given his track record and Super Bowl pedigree with the Eagles, he should be a coveted trade chip.
- Arizona Cardinals S Budda Baker: The Cardinals may not trade Baker, but the 30-year-old could fetch a strong return. He already has a career-high 3.5 sacks this season, and his versatility would make him a valuable addition to a contending defense.
- Philadelphia Eagles CB Riq Woolen: Woolen signed a one-year deal with the Eagles in free agency. The partnership has had ups and downs; he has tackled well but is allowing a career-worst 118.1 passer rating, per Pro Football Focus. Still, cornerback depth is hard to find, and many Super Bowl hopefuls would welcome the 6-4, 210-pound athlete.
- Tennessee Titans RB Tony Pollard: Taylor is the top running back available, but teams seeking a more affordable option could target Pollard. The Titans back is on pace for his fifth consecutive 1,000-yard season, and his steady production could provide a plug-and-play upgrade for teams with struggling running games.
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Originally reported by usatoday.