When the Los Angeles Rams traded for Von Miller of the Broncos midway through the 2021 season, they probably knew they were taking a gamble.
Already among the favorites to win the Super Bowl, the Rams still surrendered second- and third-round picks for the aging eight-time Pro Bowl linebacker. The hopes, of course, were that they’d get a guy who’d disrupt opposing offenses while not disrupting the team’s championship-caliber chemistry.
Three months later, Miller was celebrating his second Super Bowl victory. And he ultimately became a cornerstone to the team’s success, recording four sacks during the Rams’ postseason including two during their 23-20 win over the Bengals in Super Bowl LVI.
Considering the outcome, a pair of Day 2 draft picks turned out to be a pretty reasonable price to pay.
Of course, NFL history is riddled with midseason trades that didn’t work nearly as well. Take the Indianapolis Colts, for instance, who in 2013 sent a first-round pick to Cleveland for running back Trent Richardson.
The former No. 3 overall pick was supposed to give the Colts a dependable rushing attack alongside quarterback Andrew Luck. But instead, Richardson averaged a miserable 2.9 yards per carry that season.
Indianapolis released him after two disappointing years.
There’s a reason stories like this are easier to come by and that the NFL has traditionally been less active at the trade deadline than Major League Baseball or the NBA. Integrating new players into complex offensive and defensive schemes takes time, and teams have to weigh the potential benefits of an immediate upgrade against the long-term value of draft picks and the salary cap.
Still, as the Rams demonstrated just a few short years ago, the right midseason acquisition can make a huge difference for a team with championship aspirations.
With the Tuesday, Nov. 10 NFL trade deadline just around the corner, a few teams are facing decisions that could shape the remainder of their seasons while boosting (or hindering) long-term success. Here are 10 players we believe could be on the move, along with some potential destinations that we feel make a lot of sense.
Jeffery Simmons, DT, Tennessee Titans
Trading Jeffery Simmons would be a surprise, especially after Tennessee made him the NFL's highest-paid defensive tackle with a June extension.
But with the Titans rebuilding and Simmons ranking third among 130 interior defenders in Pro Football Focus grades, his trade value may never be higher. He's already recorded four sacks and 21 pressures this season.
The Titans would likely demand at least a first-round pick, plus additional compensation, for the 29-year-old All-Pro.
UPDATE 10/29/26: Jeffery Simmons was traded to the Chicago Bears for a 2027 and 2028 first-round picks and a 2027 fourth-round pick.
Jonathan Taylor, RB, Indianapolis Colts
With the Colts stumbling to a 2-5 start and recently firing general manager Chris Ballard, Jonathan Taylor has emerged as one of the bigger names in trade discussions.
The three-time Pro Bowler has rushed for 587 yards and an NFL-leading eight touchdowns this season, and his contract runs through 2028. And Indianapolis reportedly considers Taylor a cornerstone of its rebuilding plans.
Whether this is true or not, the sentiment from the Colts’ front office means it could take a first-round pick to pry him loose. Since Taylor signed a two-year, $44 million extension in August, any team that gets him will also be taking on this hefty sum.
Possible Landing Spots: Minnesota Vikings, New York Giants, Seattle Seahawks. Following Aaron Jones' latest knee injury, the undefeated Vikings could be in hot pursuit of Taylor.
Quenton Nelson, G, Indianapolis Colts
Eight-time Pro Bowler Quenton Nelson could become one of the most coveted players at the trade deadline.
Though offensive linemen aren’t the flashiest players, the 30-year-old guard is still playing at an elite level, ranking first among 74 guards in Pro Football Focus grades. But he's in the final year of his contract, and extension talks with Indianapolis have stalled.
With the Colts potentially rebuilding, trading Nelson could help replenish their depleted draft capital. A second-round pick seems like a reasonable starting point, though who knows what a bidding war could do to that price?
UPDATE 10/27/26: Quenton Nelson was traded to the Seattle Seahawks for a 2027 third-round draft pick and a 2028 fifth-round draft pick.
Tuli Tuipulotu, Edge, Los Angeles Chargers
The 0-6 Chargers are running out of reasons to keep their core intact, giving them a lot of incentive to consider unloading talent before the deadline. Tuli Tuipulotu is one guy who could bring a significant return.
The 24-year-old earned his first Pro Bowl selection last season after recording 13 sacks, and he's continued to impress in 2026. Extension negotiations reportedly stalled over the summer, leaving him in the final year of his rookie contract.
A second-round pick plus additional compensation (i.e., another pick or player) could get negotiations started. But Los Angeles may still have hopes to extend and build around him.
Possible Landing Spots: Jacksonville Jaguars, Detroit Lions, Cleveland Browns. Jacksonville could use another young pass rusher to strengthen its defensive front, while Detroit would benefit from additional pressure opposite Aidan Hutchinson.
Josh Downs, WR, Indianapolis Colts
Yet another Colts player, wide receiver Josh Downs, is also likely generating phone calls leading up to the trade deadline.
The 25-year-old slot receiver has 26 receptions for 307 yards through seven games, but he's in the final year of his rookie contract. As the Colts have already committed $114 million to fellow receiver Alec Pierce, they may see offloading Downs as a way to build additional draft capital in 2027.
Downs could give a contender an immediate boost without a major financial commitment. A third-round pick, perhaps with a late-round selection, could be enough to start discussions.
Possible Landing Spots: Kansas City Chiefs, Pittsburgh Steelers, San Francisco 49ers. Kansas City has reportedly been calling around for receiver help, and Pittsburgh could use another dependable target for Aaron Rodgers. San Francisco could also benefit from Downs' quickness and ability to create separation out of the slot.
Jerry Jeudy, WR, Cleveland Browns
Two years removed from a Pro Bowl season during which he recorded 1,229 receiving yards, Jerry Jeudy has taken a backseat to Cleveland's emerging young receivers.
Rookies Denzel Boston and KC Concepcion have emerged as the team’s preferred targets, leaving Jeudy with only 12 receptions for 150 yards through six games.
With the team contending in the AFC North, the Browns aren't actively shopping the 27-year-old. But a strong offer could change their minds. Cleveland reportedly wants a third- or fourth-round pick, although some analysts contend that a fifth-rounder may be more realistic.
Possible Landing Spots: Kansas City Chiefs, Pittsburgh Steelers, San Francisco 49ers. Jeudy's route-running ability could provide Patrick Mahomes another dependable target. In the meantime, Pittsburgh and San Francisco could use experienced receiving help for their respective playoff pushes.
Josh Sweat, EDGE, Arizona Cardinals
Josh Sweat recorded a career-high 12 sacks last season, but the former Philadelphia Eagle has managed only two through seven weeks in 2026. With Arizona struggling at 2-5, trading the 29-year-old pass rusher could hasten the Cardinals' rebuilding efforts.
Sweat reportedly wanted out of Arizona during the offseason, but the team’s denied all trade speculation. His contract runs through 2028, with no guaranteed salary remaining after this season, making him a potentially attractive acquisition.
Arizona could seek a second-round pick in return.
Possible Landing Spots: Jacksonville Jaguars, Cleveland Browns, Detroit Lions. Jacksonville could use another proven edge rusher, and Cleveland might see Sweat as a way to bolster its defensive rotation. Detroit would want to pair him with Aidan Hutchinson to give opposing offenses headaches.
Saquon Barkley, RB, Philadelphia Eagles
Two years after winning NFL Offensive Player of the Year, Saquon Barkley could be available as Philadelphia considers its future following a disastrous 2-4 start.
Injuries have limited the 29-year-old to four games this season, but he's still capable of transforming a rushing attack. With Jalen Hurts sidelined for the season, the Eagles could look to acquire draft capital for 2027 and beyond.
Barkley is under contract through 2028, so trading him would leave Philadelphia with a substantial dead-cap burden. A second-round pick and additional compensation could be necessary to make this hit feel worthwhile.
Possible Landing Spots: Houston Texans, Minnesota Vikings, Cincinnati Bengals. Houston could use a proven workhorse to complement C.J. Stroud, while a trade to Cincinnati could give Joe Burrow a more dangerous ground game. As for Minnesota, the run game is one of their only glaring weaknesses so far.
Khalil Mack, EDGE, Los Angeles Chargers
At 35, Khalil Mack is still chasing a Super Bowl ring. Meanwhile, the winless Chargers aren't looking like a team that can help him get one.
The former Defensive Player of the Year has three sacks through six games and remains a disruptive presence off the edge.
Los Angeles has reportedly rejected trade inquiries, but Mack is currently playing on a one-year contract. That means moving him for a fourth- or fifth-round pick would make sense if the Chargers continue to struggle.
Possible Landing Spots: Chicago Bears, San Francisco 49ers, Detroit Lions. A reunion with Chicago, where Mack earned three Pro Bowl selections from 2018 to 2021, would be a compelling storyline. San Francisco and Detroit also figure to be looking to bolster their pass rush.
Brian Thomas, Jr., WR, Jacksonville Jaguars
Few players on this list offer more upside than Brian Thomas Jr, who in 2024 earned Pro Bowl honors as a rookie after recording 1,282 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns. However, the former first-round pick has struggled to find his place in Jacksonville's offense this season.
His benching during the second half of a loss to Houston has intensified trade speculation.
At 24 and still on his rookie contract, Thomas could command a second-round pick and additional compensation, even with his recent struggles. A change of scenery might do the young wide receiver good.
Possible Landing Spots: Kansas City Chiefs, Pittsburgh Steelers, Las Vegas Raiders. We’ve already talked about the receiving needs in Kansas City and Pittsburgh. Las Vegas is another franchise that could offer Thomas a fresh start and an opportunity to become a featured receiver.
Get in the Game Before the Deadline
The NFL trade deadline is all about timing. Make the right move at the right moment, and a team’s whole season can change. The same goes for collectors. A player who switches teams can become one of the hottest names in the hobby overnight, so now is the time to grab the jerseys, helmets, cards, and signed memorabilia of the stars who might be on the move.
Whether you’re betting on Jonathan Taylor in a new uniform, hoping Khalil Mack finally chases down a ring or looking for a piece of Von Miller’s Super Bowl run with the Rams. Pristine Auction has authentic NFL memorabilia up for bid every day. Browse the links above, place your bids and make your own deadline deal before the November 10th trade deadline!