To trade or not to trade, that is the question.
The NFL trade deadline is rapidly approaching, with contenders trying to separate themselves from the rest of the league and pretenders hoping to graduate out of that class. Quarterbacks don't usually take center stage as deadline day approaches on Nov. 10 at 4 p.m. ET, but that could change in 2026.
Injuries have taken a toll on multiple teams, forcing them to seek other alternatives at signal-caller in an effort to save the season – looking at you, Baltimore Ravens.
Week 9 saw the introduction of some new starting quarterbacks, bringing the total to 47 different starters across the league this season.
And the trade market
could push that number even higher when the dust finally settles. From Kirk Cousins to Daniel Jones and everyone in between, here's a look at some quarterbacks that could be on the move ahead of the trade deadline.
NFL QB trade candidates 2026
Kirk Cousins, Las Vegas Raiders
The writing is on the wall in Vegas. While the Raiders are competing for a playoff spot, everyone knows Fernando Mendoza is the future for the franchise. He'll eventually take over the starting job, likely at some point this season.
At the very least, it makes sense to explore a Cousins trade, given the quarterback injuries across the league. If the Raiders are taking an honest outlook this season, they'll recognize this isn't a Super Bowl-caliber team. However, there is a chance that their future Super Bowl hopes are decided by what happens at the deadline. Does trading Cousins actually hurt Mendoza's development? Losing a veteran voice as he takes over could do more harm than good.
On the other hand, Cousins might be exactly what a potential contender needs. A reunion with the Vikings, perhaps? Another year removed from a torn Achilles, the quarterback is playing at a high level. Maybe even high enough to book a one-way trip out of Vegas.
Daniel Jones, Indianapolis Colts
The Ringer's Tom Pelissero reported Sunday evening that Indy informed QB Daniel Jones before Sunday's Week 9 game they’re not trading him at the deadline. That said, nothing should be off the table in Indianapolis if they receive an offer they can't refuse. Quenton Nelson and DeForest Buckner were both traded, signaling the official start of a rebuild for the Colts. And while Jones hasn't been playing at the level of someone like Cousins, an interested team might try to convince themselves it's a product of the situation in Indy.
Jones returned this season after a torn Achilles cut his resurgent 2025 campaign short, but it has been to less-than-stellar results. His numbers have dropped across the board, including an upside-down touchdown-to-interception ratio that includes six TDs and 10 INTs. The quarterback hasn't displayed the same level of mobility, which begs the question – what would an acquiring team be hoping for? Given the state of some quarterback rooms across the league though, Jones would be better than nothing.
Anthony Richardson, Indianapolis Colts
Richardson was given permission to seek a trade during the offseason, but nothing has come to fruition. The 24-year-old quarterback is an interesting candidate on the market, given that he has all the tools to be successful in the NFL. However, the results haven't matched that and Richardson lost his starting job to Daniel Jones last offseason.
The quarterback appears best suited for a fresh start in the hopes that a new set of eyes could be better for his development. It wouldn't be the first time that a young quarterback went on to have a better career for a different team. Richardson might not be the next Sam Darnold or Geno Smith, but someone might want to find out – especially given the amount of injuries at the position this season.
Of course, a Jones trade would pave the way for Richardson to take over as the Colts' starter. One way or another, a quarterback trade involving the Colts makes sense ahead of the deadline.
Mason Rudolph, Pittsburgh Steelers
Supply and demand is a simple economic concept that applies perfectly to the Steelers ahead of the deadline. Pittsburgh has the supply with four quarterbacks on its active roster. The market has demand as plenty of teams line up in search of a quarterback.
No one is going to acquire Rudolph with the expectation that he'll be an MVP candidate. However, he can be a quality option for a team that needs a backup or a short-term starter. The Steelers might not want to trade their primary backup behind 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers, especially at 6-2. If they can recoup a draft pick for Rudolph though, they would be wise to make that move before the quarterback hits free agency after the season.
Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers
Herbert almost certainly won't be traded ahead of the deadline. That doesn't mean there isn't a chance though, which is the whole point of this exercise. So if you're looking for a potential jaw-dropping trade candidate at quarterback this deadline, look no further.
The Chargers are 0-8 and look every bit like the worst team in football. It's a remarkable achievement for a team some considered a potential Super Bowl contender, but now they must face reality. Herbert looks like a shell of his former self, which isn't a ringing endorsement of Mike McDaniel's coaching abilities. Did a change in football really throw off his mechanics that much? Is it because the roster is so bereft of talent?
In all reality, it's probably a combination of everything. Any trade involving Herbert ahead of the deadline would also come with a $50.5 million dead cap hit in 2027. For what would be a rebuilding team, that isn't a big deal. The Chargers seem to be in need of a complete roster reset and could recoup a ton of premium draft capital by parting with Herbert. Will it happen at the deadline? Probably not. The offseason is a different story though.
When is the 2026 NFL trade deadline?
- Date: Nov. 10
- Time: 4 p.m. ET
The 2026 NFL trade deadline is set for Nov. 10, with 4 p.m. ET being the official cutoff. It's the last opportunity for teams to make major changes to their rosters ahead of the season's stretch run, leaving waivers and free agency as the last two avenues to improve before the offseason.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NFL QB trade options include Kirk Cousins, Anthony Richardson and...who?
