The NFL trade deadline is almost here, which means it’s time for general managers to decide whether their teams are genuine contenders, pretenders or just a couple of players away from making some noise. The deadline falls on November 10 at 4 p.m. ET, giving teams a little more time to fill roster holes, make a playoff push or start planning for next season.
There’s no shortage of big names floating around the rumour mill this year, from elite running backs and a Pro Bowl receiver to shutdown defensive backs and a veteran pass-rusher. Of course, not every trade rumour is going to become reality, but that won’t stop us from dreaming up a few blockbuster deals.
Here are seven NFL trades we’d love to see before the deadline.
1. Jonathan Taylor to the Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings are undefeated, but their offence still has another gear to find. Adding Jonathan Taylor to the backfield could be just the boost they need, especially with a defence that’s already making life difficult for opponents.
Minnesota isn’t exactly hurting for running backs with Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason, but Taylor would be a significant upgrade, bringing elite explosiveness and the ability to take over a game whenever he gets rolling.
Taylor has reportedly attracted interest from several contenders, with Minnesota among the teams linked to a potential deal. He won’t come cheap; Indianapolis would need a compelling offer to part with him. Still, if Minnesota believes it has a legitimate shot at the Super Bowl, this is the sort of move worth considering.
2. Khalil Mack to the Chicago Bears
How about a reunion in Chicago? Khalil Mack spent four seasons with the Bears before being traded to the Chargers in 2022. Now, with Los Angeles struggling, a return to the Windy City would make plenty of sense.
Mack is no longer the player who won DPOY in 2016, but he can still make an impact as a veteran pass-rusher. Through six games this season, he has recorded three sacks and 11 quarterback pressures. That’s useful production for a Chargers team sitting at 0-6 and potentially facing some difficult decisions about its future.
The Bears, meanwhile, are 5-2 and competing for the NFC North. Bringing Mack back would add experience, leadership and another player capable of making life uncomfortable for opposing quarterbacks.
3. Budda Baker to the Buffalo Bills
At 5-1, it’s clear that the Bills are looking to buy rather than sell before the deadline. Their secondary, however, could use a boost. Enter Budda Baker, the Cardinals safety who would give Buffalo an experienced, versatile defender for the stretch run.
Baker is an eight-time Pro Bowler and two-time first-team All-Pro, and he remains a productive player. He can help against the run, cover ground in the secondary and make plays as a blitzer. That versatility would give Buffalo more options when trying to shut down big plays.
Baker has already been linked to several potential trade destinations, with the Bills among the teams mentioned. It would take a decent offer to pry Baker away from Arizona, but the Bills have every reason to get aggressive if they want to make the most of this season.
4. Garrett Wilson to the San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers have put together a 6-1 start, but injuries at wide receiver have created an opportunity for a major upgrade. Garrett Wilson would be a dream addition, giving Kyle Shanahan another dynamic playmaker to work into an offence that could be playing in the Super Bowl come February.
Wilson has already shown he can be a high-volume receiver, putting together three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons to begin his career. He’s quick, capable of creating separation and dangerous after the catch. Put him in Shanahan’s system, and the possibilities are obvious.
The Jets, meanwhile, are 2-5 and once again struggling. Rookie receiver Omar Cooper Jr. has emerged as a bright spot, while Wilson has had frustrating stretches with limited involvement. If the Jets decide to cash in on a valuable asset while they figure out their longer-term plans, the 49ers could make a compelling pitch.
5. Brian Thomas Jr. to the Washington Commanders
Brian Thomas Jr. looked like a future star after recording 1,282 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns as a rookie. Since then, though, he hasn’t managed to recapture that early success. A move to Washington could give the talented receiver the fresh start he needs.
Thomas and Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels played together at LSU, where they developed the sort of familiarity that could help them reconnect quickly. Thomas has the speed and physical tools to stretch a defence, while Daniels has the arm talent to take advantage of those skills when he’s healthy.
With Terry McLaurin ruled out for the rest of the season, Washington needs help at receiver. Thomas could come in to fill that void, and his existing connection with Daniels makes this an intriguing fit.
6. Saquon Barkley to the Seattle Seahawks
With the Eagles sitting at 2-4 and Jalen Hurts out for the remainder of the season, Philadelphia could consider moving some valuable pieces to help reset the roster. Saquon Barkley is one name that would attract immediate attention on the trade market.
The Seahawks may just be the perfect fit. Seattle’s had inconsistent results at running back this season, but adding an elite talent like Barkley would give their offence a proven game-breaker in the backfield. When healthy, Barkley is still one of the NFL’s most dynamic playmakers.
He’s been dealing with a hamstring injury this season, so this trade may be unlikely, but it’s still a fun one to imagine. Barkley could give Seattle’s ground game a whole new dimension and help turn the Seahawks into a more dangerous playoff team.
7. Riq Woolen to the Detroit Lions
The Lions have enough offensive firepower to hang with almost anyone, but their secondary has become a serious concern. This makes cornerback an obvious position to address before the deadline, and Riq Woolen could be an answer.
Woolen is now with the Eagles on a one-year deal. He might not be the dominant cornerback he appeared to be early in his career, but he still brings size, athleticism and experience. For a Lions team that needs help in the defensive backfield, that combination is worth a look.
Detroit doesn’t necessarily need Woolen to become an All-Pro overnight. It needs more reliable coverage, fewer easy completions and a better chance of getting off the field on third down. Woolen wouldn’t magically fix Detroit’s defence, but he’d give the Lions a chance to tighten things up before the playoff push.