The San Francisco 49ers waive veteran cornerback Jack Jones to clear a roster spot for defensive tackle DeForest Buckner, who returns to the team after a stint with the Indianapolis Colts. Jones, 28, posted 11 tackles, three pass breakups and allowed a 57.1% completion rate over seven games, but surrendered two touchdowns. The move follows his journeyman career with the Patriots, Raiders, and Dolphins. Buckner arrives as the 49ers sit 6‑1 and aim to reinforce their defense.
On Oct. 28, 2026 Stephen A. Smith blasted Vikings head coach/offensive coordinator Kevin O’Connell, calling him "lucky to have a job" after the team’s 6‑0 start is hampered by an anemic offense. Smith warned that if the Colts make RB Jonathan Taylor available before the Nov. 10 trade deadline, Minnesota should act to relieve quarterback woes. He blamed O’Connell and the front office for mismanaging QBs—from Sam Darnold to J.J. McCarthy to Kyler Murray—while the defense remains league‑best. The coach’s job security now hangs in the balance as the Vikings face a tougher schedule.
Buffalo Rumblings examines Colts safety Cam Bynum as a potential trade target before the NFL deadline on Nov. 10. The 28‑year‑old, a former 4th‑round pick who has logged over 5,000 snaps and 137 tackles in 2023, now earns $10 M in 2026 with a projected cost of a 2027 early Round 3 pick – possibly a fourth‑round if the Colts budge. Bynum’s durability (only three missed games) and 8.8% missed‑tackle rate make him a strong candidate to replace a suspended C.J. Gardner‑Johnson in Buffalo’s secondary. The article weighs his solid tackling, ball skills from his cornerback days, and modest coverage concerns against the draft‑pick price, suggesting a fourth‑round offer could be worthwhile.
The 49ers officially announce the DeForest Buckner trade with the Colts, sending a 2027 fourth-round pick to Indianapolis and releasing cornerback Jack Jones.
Wednesday’s NFL roster moves see the 49ers trade a 2027 fourth‑round pick to the Colts for defensive tackle DeForest Buckner, while also releasing DB Jack Jones. The Bills elevate WR Tyrell Shavers from the PUP list, and the Commanders add WR Van Jefferson, place Terry McLaurin on IR, and return DT Jer’Zhan Newton from IR. The Chiefs bring K Justin Tucker to the practice squad and bring DT Omarr Norman‑Lott back from PUP. Notable practice‑squad signings include TE Carsen Ryan (Browns), WR Zay Jones (Cardinals), and RB Jaydon Blue (Eagles).
Josh Downs asks Colts for trade! Jonathan Taylor still here! Pacers lose Tyrese Haliburton!
The San Francisco 49ers release cornerback Jack Jones on October 28, 2026, days after trading for defensive tackle DeForest Buckner. The 28‑year‑old, a former All‑Pac‑12 honoree drafted by New England in 2022, had a tumultuous stint with the Patriots, Raiders and Dolphins before signing a one‑year deal with the 49ers. In 2026 he played seven games, tallying 11 tackles and three pass defenses, and was entering the final year of his rookie contract worth just over $3 million before being cut.
Two Colts trades Tuesday gave Brad Holmes a real read on the deadline market. #OnePride
ClutchPoints' October 28, 2026 piece lists the 20 NFL players most likely to be moved before the trade deadline on Nov. 10. Highlights include veteran RB Alvin Kamara (Saints) as a potential low‑volume offensive boost, former 1st‑round edge rusher Shemar Stewart (Bengals) seeking a fresh start, and former Pro Bowl corner Riq Woolen (Eagles) drawing interest for his turnover creation. The list also flags WR Jerry Jeudy (Browns), safety Amani (Titans), OG Landon Dickerson (Eagles) after Quenton Nelson’s trade, and DE Moro Ojomo (Eagles) among others, offering brief rationales for why each could be on the market.
Trade deadline chatter heats up across the NFC. The Bears, after missing out on DeForest Buckner, are still hunting defensive help, while the Cardinals' OLB Josh Sweat and safety Budda Baker draw serious trade interest despite contract concerns. Los Angeles could flip Khalil Mack if the Chargers decide to move players, and the Rams are being eyed as potential buyers. Meanwhile, the Vikings, seeking line‑of‑scrimmage upgrades, see WR Jauan Jennings as a possible outbound piece. Sources from ESPN and Jordan Schultz fuel the buzz.
The Indianapolis Colts have jumped the NFL trade deadline by moving guard Quenton Nelson to Seattle (2027 third‑round and 2028 fifth‑round picks) and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner to San Francisco (2027 fourth‑round pick). Both veterans are 30‑plus and on expiring deals, so the Colts accept modest returns. Grades for the trades range from B‑ to B+, with the Seahawks getting a B+ and the 49ers an A. With two more assets—running back Jonathan Taylor and receiver Josh Downs—still on the roster, the article grades the early moves and outlines likely trade packages for those remaining stars.
The Los Angeles Chargers need to face the music sooner rather than later ahead of the NFL trade deadline on Nov. 10.
Jonathan Taylor could be the next Colts star on the move, and these five teams have the most to gain from a deal.
Wide receiver Josh Downs has officially requested a trade from the Indianapolis Colts, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports. The 25‑year‑old, entering the final year of his rookie deal, made the move a day after the Colts dealt guard Quenton Nelson and DT DeForest Buckner, amid a front‑office shake‑up and a 2‑5 record. Downs, who has 26 catches for 307 yards and a career‑low 56.5% catch rate this season, said he’s “open to whatever” but remains focused on the upcoming game against Jacksonville. Potential suitors include the Patriots, 49ers, Chiefs and Commanders as the Nov. 10 deadline looms.
After the Colts dismissed GM Chris Ballard, wide receiver Josh Downs—now on an expiring contract—requested a trade on Wednesday. The 25‑year‑old, who’s on pace for 746 yards this season and has logged three 700‑yard campaigns since being drafted in 2023, could land with any of four teams. The Atlanta Falcons need a secondary threat to complement Drake London, Bijan Robinson and Kyle Pitts; the Pittsburgh Steelers seek another deep weapon to bolster a play‑maker‑thin WR corps; the Kansas City Chiefs want a versatile down‑field target for Patrick Mahomes; and the Los Angeles Rams, dealing with Davante Adams’ injury and expiring contracts, could make Downs their No. 2 receiver. Each option offers a different fit for Downs as he eyes a new home.
With the NFL trade deadline set for Nov. 10, the Vikings are eyeing upgrades at four key spots to keep their Super Bowl hopes alive. Front‑office chief Nolan Teasley could target Indianapolis RB Jonathan Taylor, despite his steep contract and the Colts’ reluctance to trade. Injuries at guard leave a void that a veteran interior lineman could fill, while the defensive line lacks depth beyond rookie talent, prompting interest in veterans like Daron Payne or former Viking Dalvin Tomlinson. Finally, 37‑year‑old safety Harrison Smith’s final season highlights a pressing need for young, reliable safeties. Each move hinges on price and roster fit.
The Chicago Bears are targeting Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons as a key trade deadline acquisition. Simmons, 29, boasts 46.5 sacks and 72 tackles for loss since 2019 and carries a contract of $124 million through 2029. The Titans could offload him for roughly two draft picks—likely a 2027 first‑rounder—while absorbing $14.1 million dead cap this season and $21.2 million in 2027. With the Bears already missing DeForest Buckner and Quenton Nelson, analysts say he would solidify a struggling defensive line, though price concerns remain amid other market options like Khalil Mack and Josh Sweat.
Colts slot receiver Josh Downs has reportedly asked for a trade, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, amid Indianapolis’ recent fire‑sale that sent DeForest Buckner and Quenton Nelson to other teams. Downs, a 2023 third‑round pick and 25‑year‑old pending free agent, posted a non‑committal response at a post‑practice media session, saying he’s “open to whatever comes my way.” He’s recorded 26 catches for 307 yards in seven games this season and adds punt‑return value. With the Colts likely to change quarterbacks again in 2027, Downs and his agent may be looking for a fresh start with a stable QB situation, drawing interest from clubs like the Chiefs and Rams.
The Indianapolis Colts have kicked off a roster fire sale before the NFL trade deadline, moving Pro Bowl lineman Quenton Nelson to Seattle for a 2027 third‑round and 2028 fifth‑round pick, and trading DE DeForest Buckler to San Francisco for a 2027 fourth‑rounder. With wide receiver Josh Downs reportedly seeking a deal, running back Jonathan Taylor (28) could be next. Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio suggests a healthy scratch in Sunday’s game against Jacksonville would signal a pending trade, especially as Taylor still leads the team with 587 yards, eight touchdowns on 140 carries and 178 receiving yards in seven games. The move would confirm the Colts’ intent to reshape the roster before the deadline.
Trade chatter heats up across the AFC. The Indianapolis Colts field interest in WR Josh Downs, though they’re unlikely to move RB Jonathan Taylor after his recent extension. Jacksonville’s WR Brian Thomas Jr. appears on the chopping block, with the Jaguars also linked to a possible DT Daron Payne deal if Washington parts ways. In Tennessee, edge rusher Jermaine Johnson is deemed obtainable, while RB Tony Pollard and CB Alontae Taylor surface as trade candidates, though the Titans may hesitate to part with key offensive pieces. These rumors could reshape rosters before the deadline.
In the latest Steelers Morning Rush podcast, Alan Saunders examines whether Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs, who has requested a trade, suits the Pittsburgh Steelers' receiving needs before the NFL trade deadline. Saunders evaluates Downs' size, speed, route-running and how he would complement Steelers GM Omar Khan's roster, comparing him to current targets and depth chart options. The discussion offers a clear analysis for fans weighing the potential addition ahead of the deadline.
Josh Downs speaks out on his status with Colts!
At 6-0, the Vikings propose sending their 2027 second‑round pick and the Eagles’ 2027 third‑round pick to the Colts for RB Jonathan Taylor before the Nov. 10 trade deadline. The deal would give Minnesota depth while keeping its first‑rounder, and could replace injured RB Aaron Jones, whose knee is day‑to‑day. Taylor, who rushed for 95 yards and a TD against Minnesota, offers explosive potential for a defense that has allowed 74 points in six games. The struggling 2‑5 Colts, now led by interim GM Ed Dodds, could use two mid‑round picks to rebuild, though they may still seek more compensation. This offer balances Minnesota’s championship push with future draft assets.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are reportedly eyeing a trade for Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs, according to Jordan Schultz. Downs, who requested a trade on Wednesday, has drawn interest from several AFC teams, though a deal isn’t expected this week. If acquired, he would become Pittsburgh’s second Colts receiver trade this season after Michael Pittman Jr. was obtained in March. Downs currently has 26 catches for 307 yards in 2026, following a 58‑catch, 566‑yard 2025 campaign and a 72‑catch, 803‑yard breakout in 2024. Sources suggest a trade could materialize later in the offseason.
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reports that Colts wide receiver Josh Downs has formally requested a trade before the November 10 deadline. The move fuels speculation that the Pittsburgh Steelers, already linked to multiple receiver deals, could target Downs to bolster their passing attack. Sources confirm the request, and Steelers interest adds another dimension to the upcoming NFL trade market.