The NFL trade deadline is approaching, and speculation around possible deals is picking up.
Here’s a look at some of the latest talk ahead of Sunday’s games.
The Daniel Jones trade market
Yes, there appears to be a market for Daniel Jones.
The Colts have fielded calls from multiple teams about the veteran quarterback, who is expected to start Sunday against the Dallas Cowboys. Indianapolis has reportedly been waiting to see how Week 9 plays out before making any more moves. That’s despite leaguewide expectations that the Colts could continue a small-scale sell-off after trading guard Quenton Nelson and defensive lineman DeForest Buckner.
Running back Jonathan Taylor has drawn much of the attention, but Baltimore also checked in on Jones before acquiring Jacoby Brissett from Arizona. The Minnesota Vikings have come up as a possible suitor. They’re 6-1 heading into Week 9, though their offense has had its problems.
Jones signed a two-year, $88 million extension in March. He also has a $10.51 million injury guarantee for 2027, which becomes fully guaranteed on March 15 if he is still on the Colts’ roster. At 2-6, Indianapolis could fall out of playoff contention, and might consider sitting Jones to limit the risk of an injury.
Jones could waive that guarantee if he wanted to play for another team. The Colts’ decision to wait until after Sunday’s games may also leave time for a team to develop an urgent need at quarterback if its starter gets hurt. Perhaps that’s part of the thinking.
What about Josh Downs?
Jones isn’t the only Colt drawing interest. Wide receiver Josh Downs has requested a trade since the team dealt Nelson and Buckner.
Indianapolis has told other teams that it has received an offer of a fourth-round pick for Downs. The Colts initially sought a third-rounder, so they may wait to see whether a better offer comes along.
Jaguars looking for defensive playmakers
The Jaguars looked like one of the league’s top teams in Thursday night’s lopsided win over Baltimore. Still, Jacksonville is looking for help on defense.
Defensive tackle DaVon Hamilton is out for the season with a torn quadriceps, making the defensive line an obvious area to address. The Jaguars also have a player who could interest teams: wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. Jacksonville has received multiple inquiries about him in recent years but has turned them away.
Thomas has seen his role shrink. He played only 19 snaps against the Ravens and didn’t record a catch. That could make a trade more plausible now. Kansas City has continued to show interest in him, and Jacksonville might try to use that interest to land defensive help from the Chiefs.
Ravens not expected to trade Derrick Henry
Despite Baltimore’s recent struggles, the Ravens aren’t expected to trade running back Derrick Henry before Tuesday’s deadline.
The team’s four-game losing streak and Lamar Jackson’s thumb injury had raised questions about whether Baltimore might sell before the deadline, including whether Henry could be moved. After Thursday’s loss to Jacksonville, Henry said he wasn’t going anywhere else, and the team appears to share that view.
Baltimore’s deal for Jacoby Brissett is another sign it still hopes to stay in the playoff race rather than give up on the season.
Titans open to offers for Calvin Ridley
Josh Downs isn’t the only AFC South receiver who could be available. Tennessee is listening to offers for Calvin Ridley, while it is not expected to trade Tony Pollard. Ridley could potentially be acquired for a late-round pick.
Kansas City, San Francisco and Pittsburgh have all been making calls about receivers. Whether the Steelers are seriously considering a trade remains unclear. A longtime Pittsburgh reporter said earlier this week that the team would not pursue a wideout before Tuesday’s deadline.
Could that change?
Chargers not trading their stars
The Chargers’ difficult start has prompted plenty of speculation about the futures of coach Jim Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel, along with star players Justin Herbert, Ladd McConkey and Khalil Mack.
But the team has firmly rejected the idea of moving its key players. Harbaugh addressed the talk about Mack earlier this week, saying he wants the linebacker in Los Angeles and that Mack wants to stay. The Chargers have also turned away calls about Herbert and McConkey.
Los Angeles has little chance of reaching the playoffs, but the team reportedly doesn’t want to send the message that it has given up on the season.
