NFL Trade Deadline Nears: Chiefs, Browns and Jaguars in Focus as Colts Sell

The NFL trade deadline falls on Nov. 10, less than two weeks after Week 8 opens, and ESPN insiders Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano say conversations around the league are picking up quickly. Their sourcing points to a handful of contenders looking to add, a few players who could change cities, and a Colts team that has started to sell.

The Chiefs appear the likeliest team to act aggressively, particularly at wide receiver. Injuries to Rashee Rice and Tyquan Thornton have thinned the passing game, and Fowler said Sunday night's game in Seattle showed how limited the offense can look without downfield playmakers. Indianapolis's Josh Downs and Cleveland's Jerry Jeudy are possible fits, though the Browns are not inclined to move Jeudy without a significant offer. Graziano noted that Kansas City has a history of targeted deadline additions at the position, and said an offensive lineman could also be on its list.

Surprise teams are worth watching too. Cleveland is 5-2 and leads the AFC North, and Fowler called the Browns a low-key team to monitor, with defensive line help and a versatile blocker at tight end or H-back as possible needs. Seattle has already made its move, acquiring Pro Bowl guard Quenton Nelson. Graziano wondered whether the Rams, who have fallen behind the 49ers and Seahawks in the NFC West, will try to add a speedy receiver, and said Jacksonville could use one more defensive lineman.

Both insiders named Jaguars receiver Brian Thomas Jr. as the player they are most confident will be traded. Executives told Fowler that Thomas' time in Jacksonville is likely numbered because of a reduced role in his third season. Thomas has not caught a pass in the past two games and was essentially benched in London in Week 6. Graziano compared the situation to that of Marvin Harrison Jr., who worked with the Cardinals behind the scenes to find a solution. Vikings receiver Jauan Jennings and Cardinals edge rusher Josh Sweat were also mentioned as candidates, with the Cowboys linked to Sweat.

The Colts, meanwhile, have already traded Nelson and DeForest Buckner, who went to the 49ers on Tuesday. Graziano said veteran receivers Keenan Allen and Laquon Treadwell could appeal to contenders, while defensive tackle Grover Stewart and Downs are on expiring contracts. Running back Jonathan Taylor is the most intriguing name, since a trade would cost the Colts $10 million in dead money next year. Graziano still views Tennessee's Tony Pollard as the more likely back to move. Fowler cautioned that Taylor is not an impending free agent, so moving the running back is far from certain.

The Jets, at 2-5, are the subject of a different debate. Graziano said most people he speaks with expect coach Aaron Glenn to finish the season before the team weighs whether to bring Glenn back for a third year, though owners can be unpredictable. Criticism has centered on end-of-half clock management and the hiring of Frank Reich as offensive coordinator, with the offense ranked 27th. Fowler cited a statistic from ESPN's Rich Cimini: the Jets have been outscored 107-6 in the final two minutes of the second quarter under Glenn. Fowler also expects any major change to be limited to the coaching staff, as general manager Darren Mougey has the team positioned for three top-12 picks in April's draft.

The AFC North has been upside down, with the Browns in first and the Ravens in last. Fowler described Cleveland as no fluke, citing young talent, a rebound from Deshaun Watson and a soft schedule. Graziano is skeptical, pointing out that Watson ranks 27th in QBR and that the Browns have allowed 13 more points than they have scored. He also said the Steelers keep grinding out wins against mediocre opponents, and that the Bengals have the division's one clearly elite unit, an offense that scored 35 points on Baltimore in the second half Sunday. Fowler called it shaping up as the most balanced division in football.