5 more NFL trade candidates to watch after Quenton Nelson, DeForest Buckner deals

Indianapolis Colts RB Jonathan Taylor

Colts owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon reportedly "doesn't want to trade Taylor." Indianapolis may be leaking that to drive up the price for one of the league's top RBs. 

The Colts are poised to miss the playoffs for a sixth consecutive season after a 2-5 start. It doesn't make sense for them to keep the seventh-year RB when they could trade him for a haul and use those picks to rebuild. 

Taylor, meanwhile, could power a Super Bowl contender on a deep postseason run. Entering Week 8, the RB ranks second in the league in carries (140), fifth in yards (587) and is tied for first in rushing TDs (eight). 

Potential destinations: Seattle Seahawks, Denver Broncos, Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings

Philadelphia Eagles RB Saquon Barkley

The Eagles dealing Barkley seems more far-fetched than the Colts trading Taylor. Still, if Philadelphia (2-5) keeps sliding, general manager Howie Roseman may decide its Super Bowl window is closing, and it's time to launch a reboot. That would start with trading the 2024 Offensive Player of the Year. 

Barkley (244 rushing yards in five games) has battled hamstring, neck and back issues this season, which has diminished his trade market. Philadelphia could still fetch a Day 2 pick in a trade for the RB. 

In a story published on Oct. 22, ESPN's Bill Barnwell proposed the Eagles trade Barkley to the 6-0 Vikings for a conditional 2027 third-rounder. Other win-now teams could offer a similar package. 

Potential destinations: Minnesota Vikings, Seattle Seahawks and Cincinnati Bengals

Tennessee Titans DT Jeffery Simmons 

Since taking Simmons with pick No. 19 in the 2019 NFL Draft, the four-time Pro Bowler has become a staple for the Titans. But after going 7-34 in its last 41 games, Tennessee should admit it's time to let him play for a team that won't waste his talents. 

Simmons is once again going unnoticed amid another lost season for the Titans. Per Sports Info Solutions, he's tied for the most sacks (four) and most pressures (22) among DTs. A team that's hoping to upgrade its pass-rush would love to have him. 

Potential destinations: New York Giants, Chicago Bears and Las Vegas Raiders

Jacksonville Jaguars WR Brian Thomas 

Remember when Thomas looked like Jacksonville's WR1 for years to come? 

Since logging 1,282 receiving yards and 10 TD catches in 17 games as a rookie, Thomas has had 822 yards and four TD catches over his past 20 games. Jaguars second-year HC Liam Coen insists Thomas will "make plays," but the emergence of WR Parker Washington (four TD catches, tied for No. 9 in the NFL) may continue to reduce his workload. 

Coen's offense may not suit Thomas. The 24-year-old may rebound in another system that better optimizes his skills. 

Potential destinations: Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Rams, Baltimore Ravens and Las Vegas Raiders

Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker 

The Cardinals (2-5) may be hoping to dump Baker's contract. The safety signed a three-year, $54M deal in 2024, which includes a potential out in 2027. Over the Cap estimates trading him would save Arizona $16.155M in cap space. 

The 30-year-old would be an excellent chess piece for a team in the playoff hunt. Pro Football Focus credits the eight-time Pro Bowler with the third-most pressures (seven) and fourth-most pass breakups (three) among safeties. 

Potential destinations: Buffalo Bills, Pittsburgh Steelers and Detroit Lions