With six weeks remaining until the NFL trade deadline on November 10 at 4 p.m. ET, recent transactions highlight a growing willingness among teams to engage in roster moves well before the cutoff. This week saw notable trades including quarterback J.J. McCarthy's move from the Minnesota Vikings to the New York Giants and the Pittsburgh Steelers sending cornerback Joey Porter Jr. to the Dallas Cowboys. These developments underscore a broader trend in the league of front offices proactively leveraging trades to address immediate and long-term roster needs.
Last season’s deadline saw significant deals, such as the New York Jets trading cornerback Sauce Gardner and defensive lineman Quinnen Williams, securing three first-round and one second-round draft pick in return. The 2022 deadline produced a record 10 trades, exemplifying the increasing frequency and boldness of midseason transactions. High-profile players have also been moved well ahead of deadlines, including wide receiver Davante Adams and running back Christian McCaffrey. Most recently, the Los Angeles Rams acquired defensive end Myles Garrett—a dominant force when healthy—from the Cleveland Browns just four months ago.
As the regular season progresses through October, anticipation grows for further roster adjustments, with potential injury developments likely influencing future moves. Teams’ strategies regarding selling or buying assets remain fluid, with some franchises positioned to pivot toward rebuilding while others aim to bolster championship aspirations.
Notable players rumored to be on the trade radar include Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens, whose performance last season (93 receptions, 1,429 yards, nine touchdowns) offers significant upside should Dallas’ season falter. Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., a highly touted 2024 draft pick currently underutilized, may attract interest if the Cardinals opt to retool. Cardinals outside linebacker Josh Sweat, holding a sizable contract but lacking guaranteed money beyond this season, presents a potentially valuable addition for teams seeking pass-rush help.
Veterans such as Los Angeles Chargers outside linebacker Khalil Mack and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt, both in the later stages of their careers, could also be candidates for trade depending on team trajectories. Watt, in particular, represents an unusual but possible trade target should the Steelers fall out of contention.
Other players worth monitoring include Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard, Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle DeForest Buckner, Cleveland Browns wide receiver Jerry Jeudy, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers veterans Chris Godwin and Vita Vea. Quarterbacks Gardner Minshew II of Arizona and Tua Tagovailoa of Atlanta are also being discussed as low-cost, experienced options to fill quarterback contingencies.
While the 2027 draft class is expected to be deep and valuable, this factor could both temper teams’ eagerness to part with high draft capital and influence their negotiating stances. Nonetheless, with the trade deadline weeks away, NFL front offices appear poised to remain active in pursuing deals that could reshape team rosters during the crucial second half of the season.