The NFL trade deadline arrives Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET, and while several deals have already been completed, speculation continues about moves that could significantly impact fantasy football rosters for the remainder of the season and into the playoffs.
As of Monday, notable transactions include quarterback Jacoby Brissett moving from Arizona to Baltimore, wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. from Arizona to Houston, and a handful of defensive players changing teams. With the deadline looming, here are four hypothetical trades that could alter the fantasy landscape.
1. Jonathan Taylor to the Green Bay Packers
The Indianapolis Colts are unlikely to part with Taylor easily, but the Packers have an immediate need at running back with Josh Jacobs expected to miss three weeks due to a finger injury. Acquiring Taylor would signal Green Bay's intent to use him as a workhorse, and his familiarity with the region from his college days at Wisconsin adds narrative intrigue. Taylor would remain a top-tier fantasy running back, while the Colts could turn to Seth McGowan as a starter, giving him low-end RB2 or flex value.
2. Kirk Cousins to the Minnesota Vikings
Cousins has performed well with the Las Vegas Raiders, scoring at least 22.5 fantasy points in six of nine games. A reunion with the Vikings, where he averaged at least 20.6 fantasy points in five of six seasons from 2018-2023, would rejuvenate the fantasy prospects of Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and T.J. Hockenson. Cousins would remain a low-end QB1, while the Raiders could hand the reins to rookie Fernando Mendoza.
3. Josh Downs to the San Francisco 49ers
With Mike Evans (Achilles), Deebo Samuel (hamstring), Christian Kirk (knee), and De'Zhaun Stribling (ankle) all sidelined, the 49ers are desperate for receiver help. Downs, who scored at least 12.7 PPR points in two of his first three games but has struggled since, could emerge as a No. 2 fantasy receiver in all leagues if Evans and Samuel remain out.
4. Brian Thomas Jr. to the Kansas City Chiefs
Thomas has averaged just 4.2 PPR points per game in 2026, a sharp decline from his rookie campaign (16.7 PPR points per game). With Tyquan Thornton on injured reserve and Xavier Worthy nursing a hamstring injury, the Chiefs need passing-game playmakers. Patrick Mahomes could unlock Thomas as a downfield threat, potentially restoring his value as a starter in three-receiver leagues.
