NFL Trade Deadline: Chiefs Target Receivers as Market Heats Up
Insiders report Kansas City is poised to add downfield help, while Jacksonville's Brian Thomas Jr. emerges as a leading candidate to change teams before November 10.
By Matthew Qureshi ·
The NFL trade deadline arrives in twelve days, and the market is already moving fast.
ESPN insiders Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano report that the Kansas City Chiefs are the most likely team to make an aggressive acquisition at wide receiver. Injuries to Rashee Rice and Tyquan Thornton have left holes in the passing game that running back Kenneth Walker III cannot fill alone. Kansas City won its last game in Seattle, but the performance highlighted the lack of downfield playmakers. Fowler notes that the Chiefs have a history of making targeted additions at this position, citing past moves for Kadarius Toney and DeAndre Hopkins. The Browns' Jerry Jeudy and the Colts' Josh Downs are listed as potential fits, though Cleveland is not inclined to deal Jeudy without a strong offer.
While the Chiefs are expected to be active, other teams are also weighing their options. The Cleveland Browns, currently 5-2 and leading the AFC North, may look to add depth to their defensive line or a versatile blocker to support their current roster. The Seattle Seahawks have already made a move by acquiring Pro Bowl guard Quenton Nelson. General Manager John Schneider is also monitoring the market for edge rushers and running backs. The Los Angeles Rams, who fell behind the 49ers and Seahawks in the NFC West, might seek a speedy wide receiver to bolster their offense. The Jacksonville Jaguars, who view themselves as top AFC contenders, could use another piece on the defensive front, similar to their last year's acquisition of Jakobi Meyers.
Several players are expected to change teams before the deadline. Jaguars receiver Brian Thomas Jr. is the most confident bet for a trade. Multiple executives believe his days in Jacksonville are numbered due to his diminished role in his third year. He has not caught a pass in the last two games and was benched in London in Week 6. Fowler compares his situation to that of Marvin Harrison Jr., suggesting a change of scenery could unlock his potential. Vikings receiver Jauan Jennings is cited as a safer, lower-cost alternative. Cardinals edge rusher Josh Sweat is also a prime candidate, with the Dallas Cowboys reportedly interested in his services.
The Indianapolis Colts are in full rebuilding mode after trading Quenton Nelson to the Seahawks and DeForest Buckner to the 49ers. Veteran wideouts Keenan Allen and Laquon Treadwell have appeal as depth players for contenders. Josh Downs is a hot name because multiple teams have shown interest, though trading him would thin the Colts' already limited receiving corps. Running back Jonathan Taylor, who signed a recent extension, remains a complex trade candidate. Acquiring him would require the new team to take on his prorated 2026 salary and bonus compensation, while the Colts would absorb 10 million dollars in dead money for the 2027 season. Taylor’s 16.02 million dollar salary for next year is not currently guaranteed but converts to a full guarantee five days after the Super Bowl.
The New York Jets remain a point of discussion regarding head coach Aaron Glenn. Most industry sources believe Glenn will coach through the end of the season before the team evaluates his performance. However, his clock management in the final two minutes of the second quarter has been a critical issue, with the Jets outscored 107-6 in those situations. The team's offensive struggles and the quarterback situation with Garrett Wilson are also under scrutiny. Glenn’s connection to the franchise from his playing days gives him an edge, but he must improve game management and maximize his playmakers to secure his job.
The trade market will likely see further movement as teams finalize their rosters. The Chiefs are positioned to make a high-impact move, while the Colts continue to shed veteran talent. The Browns and Jaguars are evaluating their needs, and the Jets are facing pressure to improve their offensive output. The next two weeks will determine which players end up in new cities and which teams make their final pushes for the postseason.
