NFL mock trade deadline: Attempting to swing deals for top remaining players available

With the NFL trade deadline set for November 10, league executives and scouts surveyed by FOX Sports identify Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor as the top player potentially available. Taylor, 28, has rushed for 610 yards this season. The New York Giants are described as wanting him "badly," with head coach John Harbaugh openly discussing adding a bell-cow back. However, Indianapolis is reportedly asking for a package comparable to the Christian McCaffrey trade — a second-, third-, fourth-, and fifth-round pick — and one source said they want a first-round pick included. The Giants lack a fourth- or fifth-round pick in next year's draft, complicating negotiations. An NFL talent evaluator told FOX Sports, "I wouldn't give up a first-round pick. Age is my concern, even with the durability factor. He is a healthy 27-year-old — a two and a four for me. A three and a four would be better. People aren't desperate for RBs like QBs and pass rushers." Seattle Seahawks GM John Schneider said the team could still make a move after acquiring offensive lineman Quenton Nelson from Indianapolis for third- and fifth-round picks, but with rookie Jadarian Price and Zach Charbonnet returning, Seattle is likely out on Taylor. Minnesota Vikings are also mentioned as a desperate team in the competitive NFC North, with GM Nolan Teasley familiar with the value of a dynamic runner from his time in Seattle.

Colts wide receiver Josh Downs, 25, has 30 catches for 330 yards this season and requested a trade last week. A scout said, "He sure looks like he doesn't want to be there anymore." Indianapolis reportedly set a price at a third-round pick, but one executive said, "No one's crazy enough to do that, not with all the other receivers who might be available." Downs is a pending free agent in March with just four drops on 138 targets over two seasons per Next Gen Stats. Kansas City Chiefs and Pittsburgh Steelers have shown interest. A personnel executive noted Downs provides "a consistent short-to-immediate threat" for an experienced quarterback like Patrick Mahomes. The Steelers, dealing with injuries to Michael Pittman and Roman Wilson, could also pursue him, though Wilson's potential late-November return from a finger injury may affect their urgency.

Arizona Cardinals edge rusher Josh Sweat, 29, has three sacks this season after 12 last year. He is viewed as a fit for the Dallas Cowboys, who need pass-rush help. A scout called him "the perfect guy for Jerry Jones to throw his money at. He'll have an impact. He won't make the defense good. But he can pressure and he can help their run defense." Sweat is in the second year of a four-year, $76 million contract without a no-trade clause, but sources believe he will push for a new contract or more money as part of any trade. The Cardinals would likely want a second-round pick in return.