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NFL Trade Deadline: Best Landing Spots for Justin Herbert, Jonathan Taylor and Others
INGLEWOOD, CA – SEPTEMBER 13: Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert 10 rolls out to run during the NFL, American Football Herren, USA game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Los Angeles Chargers on September 13, 2026, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, CA. Photo by Jevone Moore/Icon Sportswire NFL: SEP 13 Cardinals at Chargers EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon260913516 ©IMAGO/Icon Sportswire
INGLEWOOD, CA – SEPTEMBER 13: Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert 10 rolls out to run during the NFL, American Football Herren, USA game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Los Angeles Chargers on September 13, 2026, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, CA. Photo by Jevone Moore/Icon Sportswire NFL: SEP 13 Cardinals at Chargers EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon260913516 ©IMAGO/Icon Sportswire

I know it’s hard to believe, but we’re under three weeks away from the NFL trade deadline. It feels like the season just started, and now we’re already almost halfway through the regular season, and it’s time for some contenders to start making moves.

This year, there are a lot of teams at the bottom of the NFL. There’s the ones we expected like the Dolphins and Cardinals, but they’ve been joined by some surprise teams like the Buccaneers and Chargers. There will be a lot of teams looking to move their assets in exchange for draft capital, and there are always contenders looking to buy before a final playoff push.

I’ve identified 10 of the biggest trade targets and their best landing spot as the deadline draws nearer.

QB Justin Herbert

KANSAS CITY, MO – DECEMBER 14: Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert 10 throws a pass before an NFL, American Football Herren, USA game between the Los Angeles Chargers and Kansas City Chiefs on December 14, 2025 at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO. Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire NFL: DEC 14 Chargers at Chiefs EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon2512141558
KANSAS CITY, MO – DECEMBER 14: Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert 10 throws a pass before an NFL, American Football Herren, USA game between the Los Angeles Chargers and Kansas City Chiefs on December 14, 2025 at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO. Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire NFL: DEC 14 Chargers at Chiefs EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon2512141558

It would cost an arm and a leg, but if the Vikings truly believe they can win the Super Bowl within the next 2-3 years, this is a deal you have to try and make.

RB Jonathan Taylor

The Colts probably don’t want to move on from Taylor, but for the right package, he could be on the trade block, and Denver has the talent at every other position to potentially win it all this year, so no price is too steep.

OG Quenton Nelson

Nelson is on an expiring deal, and it seems unlikely that Indy will extend him long-term. He’s absolutely going to be on the trade block at the deadline, and a second-round pick might just get the job done. Imagine how much more efficient this offense gets with Nelson at LG. It would be scary.

RB Saquon Barkley

PHILADELPHIA, PA – JANUARY 11: Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley 26 runs the ball during the NFL, American Football Herren, USA Wild Card game between the San Fransisco 49ers and the Philadelphia Eagles on January 11th, 2026 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, PA. Photo by Terence Lewis/Icon Sportswire NFL: JAN 11 NFC Wildcard 49ers at Eagles EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon260111075
PHILADELPHIA, PA – JANUARY 11: Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley 26 runs the ball during the NFL, American Football Herren, USA Wild Card game between the San Fransisco 49ers and the Philadelphia Eagles on January 11th, 2026 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, PA. Photo by Terence Lewis/Icon Sportswire NFL: JAN 11 NFC Wildcard 49ers at Eagles EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon260111075

ED Khalil Mack

WR Brian Thomas Jr.

TE Dallas Goedert

January 11, 2026, Philadelphia, Pa, USA: Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert 88 is brought down after a catch during the NFL, American Football Herren, USA football playoff matchup between the San Francisco 49ers and the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on January 11, 2026. /Cal Media Philadelphia USA – ZUMAcs17 20260111_faf_cs17_072 Copyright: xScottxSeriox
January 11, 2026, Philadelphia, Pa, USA: Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert 88 is brought down after a catch during the NFL, American Football Herren, USA football playoff matchup between the San Francisco 49ers and the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on January 11, 2026. /Cal Media Philadelphia USA – ZUMAcs17 20260111_faf_cs17_072 Copyright: xScottxSeriox

Goedert hasn’t done a ton this season, but neither has anyone on Philly’s offense. Just last year, Goedert caught 60 passes for 591 yards and a career-high 11 touchdowns. He’s still capable of being a big part of an offensive game plan, so Carolina should make a run at him.

DT DeForest Buckner

ED Josh Sweat

Sweat hasn’t been too effective this year, totaling two sacks and 10 pressures, but he’s not even a year removed from totaling 12 sacks for the Cardinals last year. If Carolina wants to take their defense to the next level, getting another pass rusher is paramount.

CB Tariq Woolen

Woolen has 24 tackles, four passes defended, and one forced fumble in six games this season. Last year in Seattle, he had 41 tackles, one QB hit, 12 passes defended, and one defensive interception. He’s a solid corner who would instantly be the best on Detroit’s defense if he were traded there.

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