The Colts are drawing trade interest on one of their young receivers, and the Jaguars and Titans both have names floating around as deadline candidates as well.
In Indianapolis, Jordan Schultz reported that teams in need of receiving help have been calling about Josh Downs. Jeremy Fowler added that multiple clubs have checked in on Downs too, and said he doesn’t think the receiver would be opposed to a fresh start.
Fowler also noted that there’s skepticism around Jonathan Taylor being moved. Taylor just signed an extension, and other teams believe the Colts may view him as a player to build around rather than shop.
Jacksonville’s situation has become one of the more intriguing ones on the deadline radar. Fowler said league executives are sensing the end is near for Brian Thomas Jr. because of how little he’s been involved in the offense, a pattern that has now stretched across two seasons.
Those same execs also described it as somewhat puzzling that the Jaguars haven’t been able to get it working. At the same time, Fowler said some people around the league have tied Jacksonville to Commanders defensive tackle Daron Payne if Washington puts him on the market.
Graziano, for his part, sees the Jaguars as possible buyers and said Thomas is the player he expects is most likely to be dealt before the deadline.
Tennessee has its own set of names to watch. Fowler said teams looking for pass-rush help think Titans outside linebacker Jermaine Johnson could be had for the right price, even though Tennessee just brought him in this past offseason to reunite him with head coach Robert Saleh.
Running back Tony Pollard has also surfaced in trade talk, though one AFC executive told Fowler, “I don’t think [the Titans] want to take weapons away from the quarterback right now.” Another potential move involves cornerback Alontae Taylor, who has been benched for the past two games despite being one of the team’s notable free-agent additions in March.
His contract could complicate matters, but an NFC executive told Fowler that Taylor being in high demand just months ago would help preserve his value.
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Jaguars Suddenly Look Like A Team That Could Swing Big Again
With the NFL trade deadline approaching, the Jaguars are once again being mentioned as a team to watch if the market heats up. ESPN analysts Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano both pointed to Jacksonville as a possible buyer, with Fowler even floating Commanders defensive tackle Daron Payne as a name to keep in mind if Washington decides to listen.
Jacksonville already showed a willingness to make a move at last years deadline when it brought in Jakobi Meyers, and Graziano suggested the front office could be looking for more help on the defensive side this time around. For a team trying to keep pushing forward, that kind of aggressive mindset usually means the next week could be a lot more interesting than expected. [Read more 🡒]
Jaguars Enter Week 8 With A Chance To Change Everything In AFC South
The Jaguars enter Week 8 carrying more than just a solid spot in SIs weekly power rankings. At No. 8, they have earned the kind of national respect that comes from steady play, and now the schedule gives them a chance to turn that into something bigger. With divisional matchups and other conference tests ahead, Jacksonville is positioned to make a real move in both the AFC South and the wider AFC picture.
For a team that has spent the early part of the season climbing into the conversation with contenders such as the Bengals, Ravens and Chiefs, the next stretch could define how far that momentum goes. The rankings are a snapshot, but the games ahead will decide whether the Jaguars stay in that neighborhood or start separating themselves from the pack. [Read more 🡒]
Jaguars Have A Clear Trade Deadline Fix For A Lingering Pass Rush Problem
The Jaguars have spent enough time looking at their pass rush to know the issue is not simply one player or one missed chance. Their defense could use more disruption inside, and Philadelphia defensive tackle Moro Ojomo has surfaced as a logical name to watch before the trade deadline. Ojomo fits the kind of scheme Jacksonville wants to play, and his ability to affect the pocket from the interior makes him an appealing answer to a problem that has lingered for stretches this season.
For Jacksonville, the appeal is as much about timing as fit. Ojomo is expected to move on from the Eagles after this season anyway, which is why a deal could make sense for both sides if Philadelphia decides to cash in now rather than later. The Jaguars would be trying to stabilize a weakness with a player who can help right away, while the Eagles would have a chance to get value before the situation changes on its own. [Read more 🡒]