Le’Veon Bell, Demaryius Thomas lead NFL rumor mill as trade deadline approaches

The NFL trade deadline is in the final stretch. Teams have until 4 p.m. Tuesday to make a deal. 

It’s been an eventful year for high-profile trades. Khalil Mack was traded to the Chicago Bears just before the season. Josh Gordon went to the New England Patriots. And last week, the Dallas Cowboys gave up a first-round pick to the Oakland Raiders for wideout Amari Cooper. 

But there are still some notable names on the market. Here’s who to keep an eye on before the deadline passes: 

Le’Veon Bell, Pittsburgh Steelers running back 
Bell has yet to play in a game this season, still holding out over a contract dispute. The Steelers were reportedly looking into trading him earlier this season, but haven’t found the right compensation to trade him. But when available Bell is a star and the dynamic running back is easily the most intriguing trade candidate this year. 

Demaryius Thomas, Denver Broncos wide receiver
The Denver Broncos are 3-5 and are reportedly listening to offers for the four-time Pro Bowler. Thomas pegged his chances of being traded “50-50” after a loss Sunday to the Kansas City Chiefs. A team to watch for Thomas: the New England Patriots. Thomas was drafted in 2010 when Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels was the Broncos’ coach. A reunion could make sense and give Tom Brady another weapon as the Patriots aim for another Super Bowl run.

DeSean Jackson, Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver
Jackson reportedly demanded a trade, but the Buccaneers haven’t been willing to trade their top deep-threat. But, according to the NFL Network, that hasn’t stopped teams from reaching out to the Buccaneers to inquire about the receiver.

Tampa Bay is 3-4 and announced Monday that Ryan Fitzpatrick will start over Jameis Winston next Sunday. If the Buccaneers are headed toward a rebuild — and it certainly appears that way — then it might make sense to trade him. 

As a side note, don’t expect the Redskins to be involved for Jackson. They gave Paul Richardson a five-year, $40 million deal this offseason at the same spot that Jackson would play. And while the Redskins’ passing game has been underwhelming, Richardson has been fine. 

LeSean McCoy, Buffalo Bills running back
The 30-year-old running back has just 257 yards on 75 attempts this season. But the Eagles are reportedly interested in a reunion with McCoy, who spent six seasons in Philadelphia. Buffalo is 2-6 and one of the worst teams in the NFL. Getting any compensation for McCoy would be a plus. 

Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, Green Bay Packers safety
The Packers could trade Clinton-Dix since the 24-year-old safety will be a free agent this offseason. A first-round pick in 2014, Clinton-Dix made the Pro Bowl in 2016 and has three interceptions this season. He would be an instant upgrade for the Kansas City Chiefs, who, despite an explosive offense, have struggled on defense.