The NFL isn’t usually known for its trades, but perhaps that will change ahead of the 2021 NFL trade deadline. Once 4 p.m. ET passes, NFL teams will no longer be allowed to make trades, so teams looking to add — or subtract — from their squads will make a last-ditch effort to agree to deals before time expires.
In years past, the deadline hasn’t amounted to much. However, this year, we’ve already seen a couple of big trades. Zach Ertz was sent to the Cardinals for a rookie cornerback and a fifth-round pick in mid-October. Then, a day before the deadline, the Rams and Broncos agreed to a blockbuster trade to send long-time Denver pass rusher Von Miller to Los Angeles.
Will we see another big name moved on Tuesday? Maybe not, but there are still plenty of playmakers with their names in the headlines.
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Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson has been mentioned frequently over the last few weeks. Other potential skill position players like Allen Robinson (Bears), Marlon Mack (Colts), Odell Beckham Jr. (Browns) and Brandin Cooks (Texans) could entice teams.
It’s important to note that the addition of two playoff games, one in each conference, could have an impact on the deadline. Hypothetically, there are more teams that are playoff contenders, so they could be willing to prop their windows open. Of course, this was the case in 2020 as well, but a salary-cap crunch amid the COVID-19 pandemic stemmed most major trades last year.
But this year, the restrictions are fewer, so some aggressive buyers may be able to land star power to help them improve.
Here are all the trades completed ahead of the 2021 NFL trade deadline as well as the latest news and rumors about potential trade targets.
MORE: Everything to know about the 2021 NFL trade deadline
NFL trades completed before deadline
— Nov. 2: 49ers acquire 2019 fifth-round pick Charles Omenihu from the Texans in exchange for a future late-round pick.
— Nov. 2: The Chiefs acquire defensive end/outside linebacker Melvin Ingram from the Steelers in exchange for a 2022 sixth-round pick.
— Nov. 1: The Broncos trade outside linebacker Von Miller to the Rams for a 2022 second-round pick and 2022 third-round pick.
— Oct. 27: The Texans trade running back Mark Ingram to the Saints for undisclosed late-round draft pick compensation.
— Oct. 25: The Jets acquire quarterback Joe Flacco from Eagles for a conditional sixth-round pick.
— Oct. 25: The Rams trade linebacker Kenny Young and a 2024 seventh-round pick to the Broncos for a 2024 sixth-round pick.
— Oct. 23: The Broncos acquire defensive end Stephen Weatherly and a 2023 seventh-round pick from the Vikings for a 2022 seventh-round pick.
— Oct. 15: The Cardinals acquire tight end Zach Ertz from the Eagles in exchange for cornerback Tay Gowan and a 2022 fifth-round pick.
— Oct. 6: The Patriots trade cornerback Stephon Gilmore to the Panthers for a 2023 sixth-round pick.
— Oct. 5: The Dolphins trade wide receiver and turn man Jakeem Grant to the Bears for a 2023 sixth-round pick.
RIVERA: Grading the Von Miller trade for Rams, Broncos
NFL trade deadline 2021: Tracking the latest news, rumors
— 12:30 p.m. ET: Podcaster Jordan Schultz reports that the Browns are listening to offers on Odell Beckham Jr., but he won’t be moved as the offers aren’t appealing enough for the team.
Sources: #Browns have been listening to offers for WR Odell Beckham, Jr., but nothing has been appealing and Odell won’t be moved. Internally, HC Kevin Stefanski has expressed his desire to keep OBJ, believing that he remains an integral part of his offense maximizing potential.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) November 2, 2021
— 12:02 p.m. ET: Another trade comes in. The Texans are sending Charles Omenihu, a former fifth-round pick, to the 49ers for a future late-round selection, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. Omenihu has seven sacks in 35 career games but has none this year.
— 12 p.m. ET: Four hours to go until the deadline passes. The Saints are calling around about receivers, per ESPN’s Kimberly A. Martin. That would provide them with some extra weaponry with Jameis Winston out of action.
— 11:54 a.m. ET: Another potential trade target has come off the board. The Eagles reportedly won’t move Andre Dillard, per Mike Kaye of NJ.com. Dillard was a former first-round pick in 2019 and is the Eagles’ swing tackle behind Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata.
— 11:51 a.m. ET: It appears that the Packers may be looking for tight end help with Robert Tonyan (torn ACL) out for the season. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler noted a few options for them, headlined by Evan Engram and Hayden Hurst.
Several teams believe the Packers are doing homework on tight ends as the deadline nears. Evan Engram and Hayden Hurst are high-end options. Jordan Akins and Jacob Hollister would be more affordable options.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) November 2, 2021
— 11:24 a.m. ET: The Steelers may not be done here on deadline day. NFL Network’s Aditi Kinkhabwala reports that the Steelers may be buyers and are looking for another defensive lineman to play with Cameron Heyward. The Steelers lost Tyson Alualu to an ankle injury while Stephon Tuitt has yet to play this season.
— 10:49 a.m. ET: ESPN’s Dianna Russini reports that the Browns have “no plans” to trade Odell Beckham Jr. before the trade deadline. Beckham has averaged just 2.8 catches and 38.7 receiving yards in six games for Cleveland this season.
The Cleveland Browns have no plans on trading Odell Beckham Jr. by today’s trade deadline, per sources.
I was told there haven’t been any offers that would make sense for the organization.— Dianna Russini (@diannaESPN) November 2, 2021
— 10:31 a.m. ET: The Texans are open to dealing several players, including quarterback Deshaun Watson. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports that recognizable players like Phillip Lindsay and Zach Cunningham could also be on the block.
Among Houston Texans players expected to be available as the trade deadline nears: TE Jordan Akins, S Lonnie Johnson, RB Phillip Lindsay, LB Zach Cunningham (and, of course, Deshaun Watson)
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) November 2, 2021
— 10:05 a.m. ET: We have our first trade of the day. The Chiefs are sending a sixth-round pick to the Steelers in exchange for pass rusher Melvin Ingram, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. Ingram has one sack this season and 50 during his NFL career.
— 9:48 a.m. ET: Kyle Fuller’s name has been on the trade block since the late stages of the preseason. Pro Football Talk reports that the Broncos are trying to move him today. He has started 99 games during his career and has 19 interceptions.
— 9:46 a.m. ET: Allen Robinson seems likely to stay put in Chicago. Jordan Schultz, who hosts a podcast with Robinson, reports that he is unlikely to be traded today. Robinson is a free agent after the season and has struggled to develop chemistry with Justin Fields.
— 9:27 a.m. ET: CBS’ Chris Trapasso reports that the Bills and Washington Football Team are “trying to work out a deal to send Mitchell Trubisky to Washington.” Washington is 2-6 and has Taylor Heinicke and Kyle Allen on the roster with Ryan Fitzpatrick (hip) injured.
— 8:43 a.m. ET: Washington Football Team safety/linebacker Landon Collins’ name had been discussed on the trade market in recent days. However, ESPN’s John Keim reports that Washington (2-6) isn’t expected to move him nor any other player on trade deadline day.
— 8:17 a.m. ET: NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport explains what to expect on trade deadline day during “Good Morning Football.” He reports that a trade involving Deshaun Watson and the Dolphins could still happen while Steelers’ pass rusher Melvin Ingram is a name to watch. Additionally, there could be some buzz around Darius Slayton (Giants) and Fletcher Cox (Eagles) as the deadline draws nearer.
— 8:14 a.m. ET: John McClain of The Houston Chronicle reports that a Deshaun Watson trade could still happen for the Texans. The Dolphins have an offer in place but are waiting for Watson to clear up his legal situation, which he now seems open to doing.
“According to sources close to Watson, he has finally agreed to try to settle with his accusers, but time is running out as the deadline approaches,” McClain writes.
— Nov. 1: Bruce Arians says it would take something “extraordinary” for the Buccaneers to trade backup RB Ronald Jones. Jones has 44 carries for 194 yards and a TD this year after running for nearly 1,000 yards in 2020.
— Nov. 1: ESPN’s Adam Schefter lists several running backs that may be available via trade for the Titans after Derrick Henry’s injury. Notably, he classifies Melvin Gordon as an “unlikely” trade candidate.
With the news of Titans’ RB Derrick Henry being out indefinitely, RBs that might be available via trade due to depth chart or team’s standing:
🏈Tevin Coleman
🏈David Johnson/Philip Lindsay
🏈Ty’Son Williams
🏈Melvin Gordon (unlikely)
🏈Ronald Jones
🏈Mike Davis
🏈Rashaad Penny— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 1, 2021
— Nov. 1: The Broncos send outside linebacker Von Miller to the Rams in exchange for two draft picks — a 2022 second-round pick and a 2022 third-round pick. Miller says an emotional goodbye to Broncos fans after a decade in Denver.
— Oct 30: ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that Texans QB Deshaun Watson isn’t expected to be moved before the trade deadline.
— Oct. 29: The Rams are allowing WR DeSean Jackson to seek a trade and may release him if they can’t find a trade partner. Jackson had served as the No. 4 receiver for the Rams early in the season.