New NFL Rumors on Top Trade Candidates Including Kayvon Thibodeaux, Brian Thomas Jr., More

Multiple players reportedly bear watching with regard to a potential trade leading up to the NFL trade deadline on Nov. 10.

Jonathan Jones of The Athletic reported Saturday that he spoke to sources who indicated that Pittsburgh Steelers linebackers Alex Highsmith, Washington Commanders defensive tackle Daron Payne, Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle Grover Stewart, New York Giants linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux, Cleveland Browns wide receiver Jerry Jeudy and Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. are worth keeping an eye on when it comes to a possible trade.

However, Jones noted that all is "quiet" for now on the NFL trade front.

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There has already been one major trade since the start of the regular season, as the Steelers sent cornerback Joey Porter Jr. to the Dallas Cowboys this week for a 2028 second-round pick and 2027 sixth-round pick.

One of the biggest names mentioned by Jones that could be on the move is Thibodeaux, who was the No. 5 overall pick in the 2022 NFL draft.

Since setting a career high with 11.5 sacks in 2023, Thibodeaux has totaled just eight sacks. Part of that is due to the signing of Brian Burns and selection of Abdul Carter with the third overall pick in last year's draft.

Burns is set to miss the rest of the 2026 season with a torn ACL, but he is signed through 2028, as is Carter.

Thibodeaux is set to become a free agent at the conclusion of this season, though, and if the Giants have no plans to re-sign him, then trading him and recouping value makes a lot of sense.

Another name of interest is Thomas, who is not far removed from a spectacular rookie season in 2024.

After going 23rd overall to the Jags in the 2024 NFL draft, Thomas erupted for 87 receptions for 1,282 yards and 10 touchdowns as a rookie, en route to being named a Pro Bowler.

His production experienced a sharp decline last season, though, as he finished with just 48 catches for 707 yards and two scores.

Through three games this season, Thomas has just seven grabs for 88 yards and no touchdowns, and he is clearly behind Parker Washington and Jakobi Meyers in the Jaguars' wide receiver pecking order.

Jacksonville will have to make a decision on the team option in Thomas' contract for 2028 by next offseason, and if the Jags are leaning toward declining it, then trading him now could be a sensible move.