The 2026 NFL trade deadline is rapidly approaching, and there's already been plenty of trade action across the league.
It began, in earnest, when the Arizona Cardinals sent wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., the No. 4 overall pick from the 2024 NFL Draft, to the Houston Texans ahead of Week 6.
Since then, the Indianapolis Colts
have started a fire sale by sending left guard Quenton Nelson to the Seattle Seahawks and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner to the San Francisco 49ers. And then came the blockbuster between the Chicago Bears and Tennessee Titans, which sent All-Pro defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons to the Windy City.There promises to be more action ahead of the trade deadline, especially as more and more teams fall out of playoff contention.
But when is the 2026 NFL trade deadline? Here's what to know about the deadline, including the top candidates to be dealt ahead of it.
When is the 2026 NFL trade deadline?
- Date: Tuesday, Nov. 10
- Time: 4 p.m. ET
The 2026 NFL trade deadline will pass at 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Nov. 10. That will be less than 24 hours after the final game of NFL Week 9 is played.
While teams must agree to trades before 4 p.m. ET, not all will be reported immediately as the deadline passes. Some will not be announced as official until players complete their physical examinations with their new clubs.
NFL trade candidates before 2026 deadline
Below is a smattering of the top potential trade candidates before the 2026 NFL trade deadline.
Indianapolis Colts RB Jonathan Taylor
The Colts have already traded stalwart guard Quenton Nelson and star defensive tackle DeForest Buckner in advance of the deadline. If they continue their fire sale, they could look to offload Taylor, their three-down backfield threat who has twice led the NFL in touchdowns and has gone over 1,000 scrimmage yards in five of his six full NFL seasons to date.
Las Vegas Raiders edge Maxx Crosby
The Raiders nearly traded Crosby to the Ravens during the offseason. That deal fell through because of concerns about Crosby's knee, and Las Vegas ultimately decided to keep him. The Raiders could reverse course after seeing the Titans land two first-round picks in the deal for Simmons, and Crosby's relentless motor and pass-rushing prowess would make him an attractive option for contenders seeking an upgrade on the edge.
Las Vegas Raiders QB Kirk Cousins
Eventually, the Raiders are going to want to pivot to Fernando Mendoza as their starting quarterback, especially if their recent losing streak continues. Could they find a home for Cousins before that happens? The 38-year-old is enjoying a resurgent season in Klint Kubiak's offense, posting a 97.4 passer rating and leading the NFL in touchdown passes with 16 through seven weeks.
Jacksonville Jaguars WR Brian Thomas Jr.
Thomas has fallen out of favor in Jacksonville and played just 21.1% of the team's offensive snaps in their Week 6 game against the Houston Texans. The 2024 first-round pick hasn't fit in with Liam Coen's offense, but he generated 87 catches for 1,282 yards as a rookie, so perhaps a change of scenery could help him round back into a starting-caliber receiver.
Indianapolis Colts WR Josh Downs
Downs is another AFC South receiver who could be on the table in trade talks. He requested a trade away from the Colts amid their fire sale, and several teams should be interested in adding the shifty slot separator who has averaged 10.9 yards per reception during his career.
Los Angeles Chargers WR Quentin Johnston
Johnston has struggled with consistency during his NFL career, but the 2023 first-round pick has a nice combination of size (6-2, 208 pounds) and athleticism. He has just eight catches this season but he averaged 53 grabs for 723 yards and eight touchdowns over the previous two seasons. Drops are always an issue, but the TCU product should have a handful of suitors if the winless Chargers elect to blow up their roster.
Los Angeles Chargers edge Khalil Mack
Mack seems highly likely to be traded by the Chargers. The 35-year-old is in the twilight of his career, but he still has been an effective player for Los Angeles while playing 71.3% of the defensive snaps. Mack could see an uptick in production if traded to a contender where he would have more help, so he should draw interest on the trade market.
Arizona Cardinals edge Josh Sweat
Sweat had 12 sacks for the Cardinals last season but he has only logged two through seven games in 2026. That's less about his skill set and more about the lack of help that has surrounded him on Arizona's lowly defense this season. Add in Sweat's history of production and status as a Super Bowl champion with the Eagles and he should be a coveted trade chip ahead of the deadline.
Arizona Cardinals S Budda Baker
Will the Cardinals actually trade Baker? Maybe not, but the 30-year-old could fetch a strong return given his skills as a tackler and a playmaker. He already has a career-high 3.5 sacks this season and his versatility would make him a great weapon if added to a contending defense.
Philadelphia Eagles CB Riq Woolen
Woolen signed a one-year deal with the Eagles in free agency. The marriage has had its ups and downs, as Woolen has tackled well but is allowing a career-worst 118.1 passer rating, per Pro Football Focus. Nonetheless, cornerback depth is often hard for contenders to come by, and plenty of Super Bowl hopefuls would be happy to add the 6-4, 210-pound athlete to their coverage units.
Tennessee Titans RB Tony Pollard
Taylor represents the cream-of-the-crop atop the RB market, but those looking for a more reasonable price could target Pollard. The Titans running back is on pace to generate his fifth consecutive 1,000-yard season, and his steady production could allow him to be a plug-and-play upgrade for teams with struggling running games.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: When is the NFL trade deadline? Date, time and biggest names to watch
