The NFL trade market often reaches a strange point where need and value stop lining up. Top teams see the missing pieces they need, but it is hard to find a buyer willing to spend that much money or give up draft picks. This big gap between what sellers want and what buyers are willing to pay has slowed down trades this week.
Several well-known players are drawing plenty of interest ahead of the deadline, but their teams have no need to rush into a decision. That gives potential buyers reason to think carefully about whether giving up valuable assets is worth it for short-term help.
Jonathan Taylor’s Price Is Too High for Most Teams
The Indianapolis Colts have already traded Quenton Nelson and DeForest Buckner. Now, Jonathan Taylor is the biggest piece left on the trading block. While several teams are calling and offering high draft picks, the Colts are refusing to sell cheap because they still view Taylor as a key piece for their future team.
One reported proposal included a 2027 second-round pick and another selection. The Colts rejected it quickly.
Taylor’s two-year, $44 million extension, signed in August, gives Indianapolis little reason to settle. His production strengthens that position. He has rushed for 610 yards this season and leads the NFL with eight rushing touchdowns.
Brian Thomas Jr. Could Give a Contender Another Weapon
Jacksonville has received calls about Brian Thomas Jr. from teams seeking receiver help, including the Kansas City Chiefs.
His great rookie season is the main reason teams are calling. Thomas put up 1,282 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns in his first year, proving he can be a dominant playmaker in the league.
But those big numbers also show why Jacksonville is not going to rush into a bad deal. Because Thomas is young and still under team control for a few more seasons, the Jaguars will only trade him if they get a great return that makes losing a future star worth it.
NFL Trade Rumors Surround Colts QB Daniel Jones
Daniel Jones was not on many trade boards when the week began. The Colts have since received calls from several teams, according to Adam Schefter and Ian Rapoport.
Baltimore checked on Jones before acquiring Jacoby Brissett from Arizona. Minnesota has also surfaced because of his history with Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell.
No one knows for sure if Indianapolis wants to trade him. NFL reporter Tom Pelissero shared that the Colts told other teams Daniel Jones is not available, which has created mixed rumors about his actual status. Just because other teams are calling does not mean Indianapolis is ready to make a deal.
Derrick Brown Would Cost a Lot
The Carolina Panthers have received calls about defensive tackle Derrick Brown, with the New York Giants connected to him as they seek defensive-line help.
Brown had a massive year with 103 tackles, proving he is a top defensive player for Carolina and a great target for anyone else.
While Albert Breer reported that New York has great interest in him, he made it clear that Carolina is not looking to trade him away. Any potential deal would be way too expensive, making it very hard for the Giants to actually get him.
Khalil Mack Is Staying in Los Angeles
Khalil Mack looks like a trade candidate on paper. He is 35, in the final year of his contract and playing for an 0-7 team.
The Chargers have shown no interest in following that logic. Schefter reported that Los Angeles has no plans to move him despite those circumstances.
The Last Word
Indianapolis is at the center of more trade discussions than any other team this week. After trading Nelson and Buckner, the Colts are fielding interest in Taylor, while reports remain unclear about Jones’ availability. The team will decide whether either player is moved.
A trade looks unlikely for four of these five targets. The Colts have already rejected a second-round pick for Taylor, and the Panthers are not listening to offers for Brown. The Rams plan to keep Mack, while the Jaguars are not making Jones available to potential buyers.
That leaves Thomas as the most likely to be traded. Kansas City and Jacksonville still need to agree on a price before their interest can lead to a deal.
Main image credit: USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
