With the NFL trade deadline quickly approaching, teams that need help at wide receiver have several realistic targets to look into. The market is expected to get pretty chaotic before Tuesday afternoon arrives.
Brian Thomas Jr., Calvin Ridley and Josh Downs have all emerged as receivers to watch. Each one is in a different spot, but all three could help a team right now.
NFL Trade Deadline: Market Heats Up
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Sunday that the Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans and Indianapolis Colts are all involved in the latest receiver trade talks. Jacksonville has gotten calls about Thomas, but the team does not want to let him go. Tennessee will move Ridley for a late-round pick. Downs has asked to be traded, and a fourth-round pick could make it happen.
Thomas brings the most promise. Ridley is the cheaper veteran. Downs might be the simplest move since Indianapolis already has an offer in hand.
Brian Thomas Jr. Could Command the Biggest Return
Thomas is the most valuable name in this group because of his age and past production. The Jaguars have resisted trade overtures, but that stance appears to be changing as the deadline approaches.
“Jacksonville has resisted trade overtures so far, but it sounds like they’re going to listen before Tuesday,” Schefter reported.
Jacksonville plans to keep Thomas. The Jaguars sit at 6-2, and they want every pass catcher on the roster as they chase the AFC South title in a tight race. Any deal would need to help them win right now or bring back something big.
Teams still call. Thomas racked up 1,282 yards and 10 touchdowns as a rookie in 2025, then watched his numbers slide this year. That dip could tempt a buyer.
Calvin Ridley Could Be the Cheaper Option
Ridley’s situation stands out because the Titans seem much more willing to trade him. Schefter noted that Tennessee is open to moving the veteran receiver for a late-round draft pick.
That lower price tag could make Ridley very attractive to teams that miss out on landing Thomas. He would give a true contender an experienced pass catcher without forcing them to give up the heavy draft capital that a younger player usually demands.
Ridley hasn’t really been a big part of Tennessee’s offense this year, with just six catches on 13 targets, so it isn’t shocking that he is available. Since the Titans are sitting at 1-7, it makes no sense to keep a veteran around if another team will give them a decent draft pick.
Josh Downs Already Has a Trade Request
Downs may be the clearest candidate to change teams. The Colts receiver has already asked for a trade, and Indianapolis has received an offer involving a fourth-round pick. The Colts had been seeking a third-round pick.
“Josh Downs, it sounds like he could be on the move this week for a fourth-round draft pick,” Schefter reported. “Kansas City is interested. Pittsburgh is interested. Teams looking for a receiver are interested.”
That creates a real market for Downs before Tuesday. The Kansas City Chiefs and Pittsburgh Steelers both need help at receiver, while the San Francisco 49ers are also among the teams looking around the position.
For Indianapolis, the question is whether to accept the current offer or wait for a better one. The Colts have already made several moves before the deadline, so another trade would fit the direction of their roster.
The Last Word
The wide receiver market could shape the NFL trade deadline. Thomas has the most upside, but Jacksonville has little reason to move him unless a team pays a steep price. That leaves Ridley. He looks like the easier fallback because Tennessee seems ready to let him go for a late-round pick.
Downs may have the clearest path to a trade because he asked for one and Indianapolis already has an offer. With the deadline set for 4 p.m. ET Tuesday, teams such as Kansas City, Pittsburgh and San Francisco now have limited time to decide which receiver makes the most sense.
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