2026 NFL trade deadline QB rankings: Mac Jones, Kirk Cousins lead 10 best targets
The 2026 NFL trade deadline is fast approaching, and already some major deals have come down across the league. For instance, the Chicago Bears just made a blockbuster trade, sending multiple picks (including two first-rounders) to the Tennessee Titans for star defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons . The defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks also landed All-Pro guard Quenton Nelson in a trade with Indianapolis. Those deals may have been the first, but there will certainly be more before the Nov. 10 deadline. Most of the conversation surrounding the deadline has largely centered around pass rushers, running backs and wide receivers. That said, the quarterback market could also heat up as a few teams across the NFL could be on the hunt for a signal caller. That includes both the Baltimore Ravens and Philadelphia Eagles , who each lost their starting quarterbacks. Then, there's the Minnesota Vikings , who could also eye an upgrade at the position with Kyler Murray struggling despite the team's 6-1 start to the year. With that in mind, we combed the market and identified 10 veteran quarterbacks who could be available for the right price on the trade market. Milton is on the active roster of the Eagles after he was signed off of the Cowboys practice squad. He's backing up starter Tanner McKee , who ascended the depth chart in the wake of Jalen Hurts being put on the shelf with blood clots in his lungs. While Philadelphia would lose some depth at the position, Howie Roseman could see shipping away Milton as an opportunity to continue gaining future draft capital, albeit in the Day 3 range. The 26-year-old was a sixth-round pick of the Patriots in 2024 out of Tennessee and spent his rookie season in New England before he was traded to Dallas in the spring of 2025. He's appeared in five games over the course of his career (one start) and has completed 69.8% of his passes for a 90.4 career passer rating. Milton is still raw, but has ability that could make him an intriguing addition. Keenum has started games this year for Chicago, so while he may be 38, he has recent starting experience that could be useful for a team looking for a QB. After Caleb Williams and Tyson Bagent got hurt for the Bears earlier this year, Keenum started the club's Week 3 matchup against Philadelphia and impressed. He completed 24-of-34 (70.6%) for 247 yards and two touchdowns, while adding another score on the ground in a 27-7 win over the Eagles. Keenum also saw some action in Week 5, but the results were not as prolific, completing 11-of-19 for 108 yards and an interception. Still, he's shown an ability to come in and play at a serviceable level, which is really all you can ask for at this time of the year when searching for a quarterback. Dalton is another notable name who could be had, as he's in a crowded quarterback room with the Atlanta Falcons . The 39-year-old began the year with the Philadelphia Eagles, but was released by the team on Oct. 9. He then signed on with the Falcons, who released Cooper Rush to make room for him on the roster. Dalton is currently in a quarterback room that consists of starter Michael Penix Jr. , Tua Tagovailoa , and undrafted rookie Jack Strand . Dalton made a brief appearance in the Eagles' Week 3 loss to the Bears, attempting one pass that was intercepted. While that doesn't exactly instill a ton of confidence, Dalton is a seasoned veteran who has 16 years and 169 career starts under his belt. The Colts are blowing it up. They already traded away Nelson and DeForest Buckner , and Jonathan Taylor seems like he could be next if the price is right. If Indy is willing to move that caliber of player, trading Anthony Richardson for any sort of return should be on the table even after benching Daniel Jones late in the Week 8 loss to Jacksonville. Richardson has been a bust so far for the Colts after they selected him with the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft out of Florida. The 24-year-old is 8-7 as a sta [... truncated ...]
