With only 48 hours remaining before the league's cutoff, the latest NFL trade deadline rumors suggest a frenzy of activity following a record-breaking year for mid-season moves. After a season that saw 27 players traded in-season and 12 deals completed on deadline day alone, teams like the Seattle Seahawks, San Francisco 49ers, and Baltimore Ravens have already started adjusting their rosters for the 2026 stretch run.
The Return of Kirk Cousins to Minnesota
One of the most discussed possibilities involves veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins returning to the Minnesota Vikings. While Cousins currently plays for the Las Vegas Raiders, the emergence of No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza has made the 38-year-old signal-caller a potential trade chip. Cousins, who spent six seasons in Minnesota, remains a high-level producer; his 19 passing touchdowns this season rank second in the league, trailing only Joe Burrow.
The Vikings' current passing attack has struggled, with Kyler Murray averaging 170.3 passing yards per game, ranking 30th among qualifying passers. Bringing back Cousins, who notched four 4,000-yard seasons during his previous tenure in Minnesota, could provide the stability Justin Jefferson and the Vikings offense need to secure a postseason berth. The proposed deal would see the Vikings send a conditional fifth-round pick to the Raiders.
Star Running Backs: Derrick Henry and Breece Hall
The running back market is heating up as contenders look for veteran leadership. Derrick Henry, currently with the Baltimore Ravens, is a prime candidate for a reunion with his former coach, Mike Vrabel, on the New England Patriots. Despite being 32 years old, Henry continues to produce, averaging 76.6 rushing yards per game with nine touchdowns this season. With the Ravens holding a losing record and the Patriots ranking 12th in rushing, Henry could provide the "Big Game" experience New England needs to return to championship contention.
Meanwhile, the Denver Broncos are reportedly eyeing Breece Hall. The New York Jets standout signed a three-year, $43.5 million contract this past offseason, but a quad injury has allowed rookie Braelon Allen to shine, including a 147-yard performance against the Raiders. The Broncos’ rushing attack currently ranks in the bottom seven of the NFL, and adding a player of Hall's caliber—one of only three active players with 3,000 rushing and 1,500 receiving yards in their first four seasons—would immediately upgrade their offense.
Defensive Anchors: Budda Baker and Khalil Mack
Defensive units are also looking to the trade market to fill critical gaps. The Buffalo Bills, despite their winning record, possess a defense that ranks in the bottom 10 for both yards (352.1) and points (25.9) allowed per game. Adding Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker could be the solution. Baker is an eight-time Pro Bowler and one of the few players in league history to record 1,000 tackles before the age of 30. In exchange for a third-round pick, Buffalo would gain a defender who has already tallied 51 tackles and a career-high 3.5 sacks this season.
In the NFC, the San Francisco 49ers could look to bolster a defensive line that has been decimated by injuries. With 47 games missed by defensive linemen this year, the most in the NFL, the 49ers are linked to Khalil Mack. The former Defensive Player of the Year, who turns 36 soon, recorded 17 sacks just three seasons ago and could be the missing piece for a Raheem Morris defense looking to stay healthy for a deep playoff run.
Reshuffling the Wide Receiver Market
Contractual tensions and roster imbalances are driving several potential wide receiver moves. George Pickens of the Dallas Cowboys is a name to watch. Despite a 1,429-yard season last year, his snap count dropped to 56.8% in a recent loss to Arizona. With the Cowboys facing a massive payroll that includes Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and Tyler Smith, paying Pickens a projected $35 million per year may be unfeasible. A move to the Raiders for a second-round pick would give the Las Vegas offense a legitimate perimeter threat.
Other notable receiver rumors include:
* Josh Downs (Colts to Chiefs): Kansas City seeks a reliable slot option to take the pressure off Travis Kelce. Downs has the second-most slot receiving yards since his 2023 debut.
* Ladd McConkey (Chargers to Steelers): A potential trade would see the Steelers acquire McConkey for Roman Wilson and a second-round pick, giving Aaron Rodgers a new security blanket.
Impact Moves in the AFC South
The Tennessee Titans may look to move Tony Pollard, who has been one of the most consistent backs in the league. Pollard and Derrick Henry are the only two players to have surpassed 1,000 rushing yards in each of the last four seasons. The New York Giants, looking to stabilize their backfield, could acquire Pollard for a fourth-round pick.
Finally, the Jacksonville Jaguars are reportedly searching for interior defensive line help following a torn quad suffered by DaVon Hamilton. Moro Ojomo of the Philadelphia Eagles has emerged as a target. Ojomo has recorded the second-most pressures for the Eagles over the last three seasons, trailing only Jalen Carter, and could help Jacksonville maintain its status as one of the league's top run defenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which quarterback is most likely to be moved before the deadline?
While multiple names have been mentioned, Kirk Cousins is a significant candidate for a return to the Minnesota Vikings due to the Raiders' transition to rookie Fernando Mendoza. Cousins currently ranks second in the NFL with 19 passing touchdowns.
Why are the Dallas Cowboys considering trading George Pickens?
Dallas faces a difficult salary cap situation with high-priced stars like Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb already on the books. With Pickens due for a contract worth approximately $35 million annually, the team may opt to acquire a second-round pick rather than pay the franchise-tagged receiver.
What is the current status of the NFL trade market?
The league is coming off a record year where 27 players were traded in-season. With 12 players moved on deadline day last year, officials and analysts expect a high volume of transactions in the final 48 hours of the 2026 window.