NFL roster cutdown deadlines trigger a massive wave of trades across the league as front offices scramble to capture value for players who otherwise face release. According to reports from Fantasy Nerds and Yahoo Sports, teams must pare rosters down to 53 players by Sunday at 6 p.m., creating an immediate window for general managers to deal backup quarterbacks, disgruntled stars, and surplus roster depth instead of losing them for nothing.
Quarterback Carousel: Richardson and McCarthy Lead Trade Board
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson agreed to mutually seek a trade partner with the franchise, according to Fantasy Nerds. The former No. 4 overall pick struggled with passing accuracy in Indianapolis, but his rushing ability yielded 10 touchdowns and a 5.5 yards-per-carry average over his first two seasons. Analysts suggest the Buffalo Bills represent a logical landing spot where Richardson could develop behind Josh Allen. McCarthy finds himself on the trade block after losing his starting job battle to Kyler Murray, entering his third year as a backup, per Fantasy Nerds reporting. Speculative trade discussions have even linked the Vikings and Colts in a potential quarterback swap.
Did you know? Teams have until Sunday at 6 p.m. to set their 53-man rosters, turning the final days of the preseason into one of the busiest trade windows of the NFL calendar.
Contract Impasses and Defensive Trade Candidates
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. sits at the center of trade rumors due to an ongoing contract impasse, according to Yahoo Sports reporting based on Jordan Schultz’s findings. Porter has missed practice participation while on the physically unable to perform list due to a back injury, and coach Mike McCarthy confirmed the team is at an impasse. Yahoo Sports notes that Pittsburgh operates under a strict rule against negotiating contracts once the regular season begins, putting pressure on team president Art Rooney II and general manager Omar Khan to weigh trade offers for the young defender. Elsewhere, Cardinals edge rusher Josh Sweat returns from the PUP list following a career-high 12-sack season, carrying the remaining three years of a $76.4 million contract that would transfer to any acquiring team.
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Skill Position Surplus and Roster Battles
Cleveland Browns receiver Jerry Jeudy highlights the offensive trade options as general managers evaluate excess depth at wide receiver. Jeudy bounced back from early career struggles with a strong 2024 campaign before a disappointing 2025 season, though interested teams may blame Cleveland’s quarterback instability for the dip in production. In New York, running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. faces roster pressure after the Giants signed Najee Harris following a preseason missed block, though Tracy’s prior output—including 1,539 rushing yards and 74 receptions across his first two seasons—secures a robust market. Additional names on the radar include Steelers quarterback Will Howard, Giants edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux, Chiefs cornerback Kristian Fulton, and Cowboys linebacker Marist Liufau.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the NFL roster cutdown deadline?
NFL teams must reduce their rosters to 53 players by Sunday at 6 p.m.
Why are players like Anthony Richardson available via trade?
According to Fantasy Nerds, Richardson and the Colts mutually agreed to seek a trade partner to give the former high draft pick a fresh start.
What is the situation with Joey Porter Jr. in Pittsburgh?
According to Yahoo Sports, Porter and the Steelers are at a contract impasse while the cornerback remains on the PUP list with a back injury, sparking widespread trade interest.
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