The GIST: Eight weeks into the NFL season, and one major storyline stands out: Who the heck is good? The previously undefeated Kansas City Chiefs have lost two straight, the preseason Super Bowl favorite LA Rams are a pedestrian 4-4, and the Cincinnati Bengals needed overtime to beat the one-win Tennessee Titans in Week 8. Talk about whiplash.
- Enter: The November 10th trade deadline, the final opportunity for contenders to improve ahead of their respective playoff pushes. Teams with Super Bowl aspirations typically swap draft picks in exchange for impact players from underperforming rosters.
After consulting our crystal ball, here are four players who could be on the move along with their potential landing spots:
💙 Indianapolis Colts running back (RB) Jonathan Taylor: The 2-6 Colts are entering their fire sale era, and all signs point to the All-Pro being dealt next. Taylor’s résumé includes four seasons of at least 1K yards rushing and a rushing title. The lone bright spot of Indy’s dismal offense, his eight rushing touchdowns (TDs) are second most in the NFL.
- 🔮 Who’s swiping right?: Seattle Seahawks, Denver Broncos, Minnesota Vikings
🐯 Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr.: Hopes were high, but the 2024 first-round pick hasn’t met the moment in Jacksonville since his rookie-season Pro-Bowl nod — and his snap count has dwindled because of it. Thomas’ 33.3% drop rate is third-worst in the NFL, but his raw talent and potential warrant a second look.
- 🔮 Who’s swiping right?: San Francisco 49ers, Kansas City Chiefs
❤️ Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker: Every Super Bowl–winning team needs a glue guy, and Baker is exactly that, boasting the physicality and ball-hawking prowess of an eight-time Pro Bowler. A veteran playmaker, Baker’s living in the present, but his versatility and leadership could be the missing piece on a championship-caliber roster.
- 🔮 Who’s swiping right?: Buffalo Bills, Jacksonville Jaguars
⚡ LA Chargers edge rusher Khalil Mack: No one expected the Chargers to be 0-7, but here they are — likely sellers at the deadline. The 35-year-old Mack isn’t as explosive as he once was, but the four-time All-Pro is an easy yes for many contenders: He can line up as both a linebacker and defensive end, with ferocious pass rushing being his biggest asset.
- 🔮 Who’s swiping right?: Chicago Bears, Buffalo Bills, Dallas Cowboys
