Twelve NFL players hold no-trade clauses before the 2026 deadline

As the NFL trade deadline approaches on November 10, 2026, teams are actively evaluating their rosters. However, twelve notable players are unlikely to change teams during this window because their contracts include no-trade clauses. For any of these athletes to be dealt, they must first voluntarily agree to waive that protection. This list spans multiple positions and includes several high-profile quarterbacks and defensive standouts.

The Houston Texans' defensive end Will Anderson Jr. is among the players protected. Although the team has had a disappointing start to the season, they do not appear to be entering a rebuild phase. Anderson remains a top producer, leading the league with 7.5 quarterback takedowns through eight weeks. His 16.5 sacks since Week 6 of the 2025 season rank third in the NFL, trailing only Myles Garrett and Chase Young.

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow is widely considered the least likely candidate for a trade. Signed through the 2029 season, Burrow is having an MVP-caliber campaign that has driven the team to a 5-2 record. The former Heisman Trophy winner currently leads the league in completion percentage and touchdown passes, including a five-touchdown performance in a recent win over the Tennessee Titans.

Los Angeles Rams defensive end Myles Garrett is also protected by a no-trade clause. Garrett has been sidelined since suffering an injury in Week 1, having last recorded a sack in Week 18 of the 2025 season. That final sack secured his all-time single-season record. Coach Sean McVay indicated on Monday that the team will open Garrett's 21-day return window this week.

Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff has enjoyed a significant career resurgence since his 2021 trade from Los Angeles. He is on the verge of passing Dan Fouts on the all-time career passing list and needs only three more touchdown passes to surpass Joe Montana. His partnership with the Lions has been a major factor in the franchise's recent success.

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert has the best chance among these players of being traded, though he would need to waive his clause. A contending team with a strong offensive line and skill players might attract him. The Minnesota Vikings, currently 6-1, are one potential suitor, especially with their quarterback Kyler Murray dealing with a hamstring injury.

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts is currently on a recovery track after blood clots were found in his lungs last month. The team reports a very good prognosis and expects a full recovery. Similarly, Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson may miss the rest of the season due to a right thumb injury sustained in a loss to the Bills. Jackson's contract expires next season when he turns 31.

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence is enjoying his finest season to date. He leads the NFL in passer rating with 112.6 and average yards per attempt. His reduced mistakes, with only four interceptions, have contributed to Jacksonville's 5-2 start. Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is also performing near MVP levels, posting his highest passer rating since 2022 despite the team's recent losses.

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott continues to post high numbers, leading the league with 108 passing first downs, even as the team sits at 3-5. San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy is playing at an elite level, helping secure a 6-1 record. Purdy holds the highest career passer rating in NFL history at 104.8, a stat that may gain more recognition if he leads the team to a Super Bowl title.

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson is making the most of the final year of his contract. He has helped the Browns achieve a 5-3 start, including a 324-yard passing performance in a recent loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, Watson also leads the league in sacks taken with 33, a statistic that highlights the volatility of his season.