2026 NFL Offseason: Top 15 Trade Candidates – ESPN

Speculation regarding NFL trades is intensifying as the combine progresses and free agency approaches within two weeks. Which athletes might be part of these transactions?

Dan Graziano, a national NFL reporter, collaborated with NFL analyst Ben Solak to compile a list of the top 15 players who might be moved via trade this month. This prioritization considers each player’s potential contribution to a prospective team, factoring in their on-field performance and current contractual obligations. This compilation does not reflect the probability of a player being traded (although an approximate percentage chance for each of the 15 players to switch teams has been provided). For instance, Kyler Murray is placed above Spencer Rattler because Murray offers greater value to a roster, while Rattler has a higher probability of being traded.

We also present insights into each player’s situation, along with an analysis of their film and potential team destinations. Our discussion starts with a gifted 2024 first-round pick who could benefit from a new environment.

Navigate to the top positions:
Quarterback | Running Back | Wide Receiver | Tight End
Edge Rusher | Defensive Tackle | Cornerback | Safety

Remaining agreement: Two additional years, totaling $4.9 million, with an organizational choice for a fifth year in 2028

Current discussions: Selected in the first round two years prior by the former Jaguars management, Thomas’s performance declined significantly in his sophomore year, prompting the team to acquire Jakobi Meyers at the trade deadline and subsequently offer him a long-term contract. Parker Washington also delivered a notable season for the Jaguars. Although Travis Hunter’s revised role may emphasize cornerback duties, Jacksonville anticipates he will still offer some offensive output as a wide receiver.

There’s no official word that the Jaguars intend to trade Thomas, yet several franchises are closely observing the situation, should the exceptionally skilled LSU alum drop sufficiently low on Jacksonville’s roster depth, potentially leading the front office to entertain a transfer. — Graziano

Film analysis: Entering his second year, Thomas was expected to deliver production commensurate with a top receiver. However, he encountered difficulties with dropped passes and physical play early in the season, ultimately transitioning into a WR3 role focused on deep routes by the season’s conclusion. If another franchise wishes to invest significant draft assets in Thomas, hoping he can recapture his rookie performance in a different setting, I would comprehend that decision. As a prospect, Thomas surpassed any wide receiver in the forthcoming 2026 class. He achieved 707 receiving yards and two touchdowns in 2025, but accumulated 1,282 yards and 10 touchdowns during his inaugural year. — Solak

Estimated likelihood of trade: 20%
Prospective team matches: New England Patriots, Buffalo Bills, Pittsburgh Steelers, Las Vegas Raiders

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Remaining agreement: One more year, approximately $5.9 million

Current discussions: It appears the league perceives the Dolphins as undergoing a complete roster overhaul, which means they are receiving inquiries about all their star players. My intuition suggests they are considerably more inclined to extend Achane’s contract than to entertain those trade proposals, but given their circumstances, calls must be taken. Therefore, any trade involving Achane should be considered a significant long shot, requiring an exceptionally tempting offer to finalize. — Graziano

Film analysis: The Dolphins placed high importance on Achane at the trade deadline, and they will likely continue to do so. The 24-year-old running back possesses electrifying speed, substantial receiving capability, and notably superior toughness and tackle-breaking skills than his slight build might imply. He represents a better — and younger — talent than anyone available in the robust free agent running back market. Achane rushed for 1,350 yards and eight touchdowns last season, and his 5.7 yards per carry led the NFL. — Solak

Estimated likelihood of trade: 10%
Prospective team matches: Kansas City Chiefs, Houston Texans, Minnesota Vikings

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Remaining agreement: Three more years, totaling around $57.3 million, with $16.6 million fully assured for 2026

Current discussions: Whispers of a potential Waddle transaction circulated at the October trade deadline, but these might have originated from interested teams rather than from the Dolphins themselves. With Tyreek Hill released, a Waddle deal would signify a substantial roster reset for Miami. And if the Dolphins are to absorb a $99.2 million dead money cap hit for Tua Tagovailoa, they will need to reduce expenditures elsewhere. (On the third day of the league year, $15.2 million of Waddle’s $23.39 million 2027 salary will also become fully guaranteed.)

However, as I mentioned regarding Achane earlier, my impression is that the Dolphins consider Waddle a foundational player under contract and are not eager to part ways with him. They will undoubtedly receive calls, but it would take a considerable offer for them to trade him. — Graziano

Film analysis: Waddle has multiple seasons of financially controlled play remaining on his current contract, is only 27 years old, and can operate effectively as both a slot option for yards after the catch and a vertical threat downfield. He lacks the physical build to be a high-volume WR1, but he would serve as an exceptional, explosive component of a top-tier wide receiver duo. He recorded 64 receptions for 910 yards and six touchdowns last season. — Solak

Estimated likelihood of trade: 10%
Prospective team matches: Pittsburgh Steelers, Kansas City Chiefs, Las Vegas Raiders, Baltimore Ravens

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Remaining agreement: Four additional years at approximately $29 million annually, with $30 million fully assured for 2026

Current discussions: The previous season concluded unfavorably for Crosby and the Raiders, as the team placed him on injured reserve with two games remaining, despite his feeling healthy enough to participate. There has been considerable discussion surrounding this situation, though no public declarations from Crosby expressing a desire to leave. General manager John Spytek stated at the combine on Tuesday that he anticipates Crosby will play for Las Vegas next season. Unless Crosby instigates the matter by informing the Raiders he no longer wishes to play for them, a team move seems improbable. However, if such an event occurs, interest would be immense. — Graziano

Film analysis: Crosby’s value proposition is evident. As one of the league’s premier three-down defensive linemen, Crosby is a remarkably durable player who generates tackles for loss in the ground game and can overcome even elite offensive tackles in one-on-one pass-rushing scenarios. Crosby will turn 29 before the upcoming season and still has two years of guaranteed money on his deal, positioning him to be the centerpiece of a contending defense. He achieved 10 sacks in 2025. — Solak

Estimated likelihood of trade: 60%
Prospective team matches: Chicago Bears, New England Patriots, Washington Commanders

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Remaining agreement: Four additional years at $28.25 million per year, with $29 million fully assured for 2026

Current discussions: Brown openly expressed his dissatisfaction with the Eagles’ offensive scheme in 2025. In fact, he was quite vocal about it in 2024, a season where the team ultimately won the Super Bowl. Philadelphia has learned to tolerate Brown’s complaints due to his high production. Thus, the questions revolve around whether his discontent is severe enough to force a move, and if the Eagles are inclined to resolve the situation by moving on. — Graziano

Film analysis: Brown’s individual performance appeared to dip slightly last season, but it’s reasonable to infer that his dissatisfaction with the offense contributed to some uninspired play. An acquiring team would be taking a risk that Brown is past his athletic prime (he will turn 29 this summer), but he only has one year of guaranteed money on his deal, so it wouldn’t constitute an excessive commitment. Moreover, Brown’s recent peak performance has been at a top-five receiver level. He accumulated 1,003 yards last season, and has recorded at least seven touchdowns in each of the past four campaigns. — Solak

Estimated likelihood of trade: 60%
Prospective team matches: New England Patriots, Buffalo Bills, Baltimore Ravens

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Remaining agreement: Four additional years at $28.75 million per year, without any guaranteed sum

Current discussions: When Metcalf signed his contract last spring, his $25 million salary for 2026 was fully guaranteed. However, his two-game suspension at the season’s end, resulting from an on-field altercation with a fan, nullified that guarantee. This could, in turn, make Metcalf an easier player to trade if the Steelers decide to pursue that option. They will be implementing a new offense under incoming coach Mike McCarthy, and while trading Metcalf would diminish their strength at an already thin position, the wide receiver might become available if he doesn’t align with the new scheme. — Graziano

Film analysis: Metcalf is a player whose suitability is team-specific; not all offensive systems can accommodate his specialized route tree. Those teams that already possess a proficient route runner or can consistently provide him with vertical routes will value a player who is still under 30 and exhibits a rare combination of size and speed — particularly considering the significant team control his contract offers. He achieved 850 yards in 2025, surpassing that figure in each of his six previous seasons. — Solak

Estimated likelihood of trade: 25%
Prospective team matches: New England Patriots, Washington Commanders, Buffalo Bills

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Remaining agreement: Two additional years at approximately $39.4 million annually, with $36.8 million guaranteed in 2026 and an organizational choice for 2028

Current discussions: The Cardinals would ideally like to trade the contract, but with that substantial guarantee this year and another $19.5 million of 2027 funds that become fully guaranteed on the third day of this league year, finding a team willing to take on the deal will be challenging. If Arizona is prepared to cover a significant portion of the salary, that could assist; however, it’s more probable that Murray will be released before that 2027 guarantee activates next month. — Graziano

Film analysis: While Murray may not generate the same excitement as recent quarterback trade candidates like Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson, he remains a starting-caliber passer under 30 years old. Murray has guaranteed money in 2026 and potentially some in 2027 depending on the timing of a trade, meaning this would not be a minor commitment for any acquiring team. However, it’s a relatively weak offseason for quarterbacks, and Murray possesses a high ceiling as a reclamation project given his agility and powerful arm. He was limited to five games in 2025 due to a foot injury, but he recorded 21 touchdown passes and ran for five scores in 2024. — Solak

Estimated likelihood of trade: 5%
Prospective team matches: Miami Dolphins, New York Jets, Minnesota Vikings

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Remaining agreement: One more year at approximately $5.8 million

Current discussions: The Lions have four 2023 draft picks they are looking to extend — LaPorta, Jahmyr Gibbs, Jack Campbell, and Brian Branch — and some around the league question whether they will manage to finalize all these deals or if they might need to trade someone. Even if the Lions cannot extend LaPorta, I believe the chances of them trading him are exceedingly low, as Detroit still considers itself within a win-now period. — Graziano

Film analysis: LaPorta underwent back surgery this past season (489 receiving yards, three touchdowns) and has not displayed the same explosiveness as he did during his rookie year (889 yards, 10 scores in 2023). Nevertheless, he continues to be one of the most promising young receivers at his position. Teams seeking a high-volume receiving tight end might be willing to offer a draft pick for LaPorta now, rather than risking a bidding war in free agency in 2027 should he regain his prior form. — Solak

Estimated likelihood of trade: 10%
Prospective team matches: Kansas City Chiefs, Baltimore Ravens, Houston Texans

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Remaining agreement: Two additional years totaling $3.04 million, without any guaranteed sum

Current discussions: He is still only 25 years old and would possess trade value. The Niners have a new defensive coordinator in Raheem Morris, and the 2024 second-round pick might not align with the scheme. Green has recorded just one interception in two NFL seasons, and he seemed to periodically fall out of favor with the coaching staff last season. — Graziano

Film analysis: Green isn’t an especially large outside cornerback, but he compensates with quickness and an aggressive approach. Double-digit pass breakups in each of his first two seasons attest to this. The coaching staff grew frustrated with mental errors and excessive aggressiveness last season, and teams will make inquiries accordingly to ascertain if Green’s tenure in San Francisco has concluded. — Solak

Estimated likelihood of trade: 80%
Prospective team matches: Dallas Cowboys, Atlanta Falcons, Philadelphia Eagles

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Remaining agreement: Two additional years totaling $2.27 million, without any guaranteed sum

Current discussions: Rattler started 14 games for the Saints during his initial two years in the league, with New Orleans losing 13 of those contests. He has 12 career touchdown passes and 10 interceptions, and he has been replaced as the starting quarterback by the promising 2025 second-round pick, Tyler Shough. However, Rattler demonstrated enough to the Saints over the past two offseasons that they were willing to give him an opportunity, and there could be teams out there who value his talent enough to bring him in and attempt to coach him into a more consistent starter. — Graziano

Film analysis: The Saints are reluctant to trade a young quarterback on a rookie contract who showed improvement in his sophomore year, but teams require developmental passers, and Rattler is the top candidate this spring. Rattler excelled as a quick-distribution point guard last season, but he also demonstrated strong creation ability on extended, movement-based dropbacks. He could compete with — and easily surpass — a free agent veteran in training camp for a rebuilding franchise. — Solak

Estimated likelihood of trade: 70%
Prospective team matches: Miami Dolphins, Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Rams, Las Vegas Raiders

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Remaining agreement: One more year at $15.6 million

Current discussions: He is 29 years old and showing signs of deceleration, but he possesses extensive high-level experience and a reputation as a formidable locker room leader. The Dolphins have a new coaching staff and will be implementing a new defensive scheme under incoming coach Jeff Hafley. It’s plausible they might need to cover a portion of the salary to facilitate a deal, but they could also execute a player-for-player exchange similar to the one that brought them Fitzpatrick last summer. — Graziano

Film analysis: Fitzpatrick will turn 30 next season, and his peak performance is behind him, yet he remains an influential single-high coverage defender with sufficient size and coverage skills to step into the box. Fitzpatrick has one year remaining on his contract and is appealing only as a mercenary option for contending teams, but the baseline and potential of his play are high enough to warrant a solid return. He recorded 82 tackles and an interception last season. — Solak

Estimated likelihood of trade: 65%
Prospective team matches: Buffalo Bills, Dallas Cowboys

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Remaining agreement: Three additional years at approximately $47 million annually, with $54 million assured for 2026

Current discussions: Benched at the conclusion of last season in favor of Quinn Ewers, Tagovailoa no longer appears to be Miami’s future quarterback. The Dolphins have a new general manager and a new coach, and they could substantially overhaul the roster this offseason. The primary issue is that $54 million guarantee, which would transfer to any team trading for Tagovailoa and likely prevent a deal unless the Dolphins are willing to cover a substantial portion of it.

More likely, Miami will ultimately have to release Tagovailoa and absorb $99.2 million in dead money cap charges, a consequence of a long-term extension that, in hindsight, appears extremely ill-advised. — Graziano

Film analysis: Tagovailoa’s strengths and limitations on the field are now well-established, making it improbable for a team to acquire him as a long-term starting option. However, as a transitional player, his swift release and precise accuracy in run-pass option schemes could suit a team seeking a straightforward offensive identity. Provided the Dolphins adjust the contract to make it more appealing, Tagovailoa should find a respectable market. He threw 20 touchdown passes and a career-high 15 interceptions last season. — Solak

Estimated likelihood of trade: 5%
Prospective team matches: Minnesota Vikings, Atlanta Falcons, Arizona Cardinals

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Remaining agreement: One more year at $1.9 million

Current discussions: The Eagles hold their backup quarterback, Jalen Hurts’ understudy, in high regard, an assessment widely known throughout the league. Do they value McKee enough to offer him an extension? Would McKee even agree to such a deal? Or does he prefer to fulfill this contract, move elsewhere, and ascertain if he can become an NFL starter? If the Eagles sense the latter, they might seek compensation for him from a team in search of an affordable, high-potential solution at the quarterback position. — Graziano

Film analysis: McKee presents as a young quarterback deserving of development based on his preseason and late-season starts. I observe favorable size, commendable accuracy, and comfort in surveying the field to execute bold throws from the pocket. McKee has only one year remaining on his deal, so a trade would only be logical with a team prepared to start him immediately to determine his worthiness of an extension. He has accumulated five career touchdown passes across six game appearances. — Solak

Estimated likelihood of trade: 20%
Prospective team matches: Miami Dolphins, New York Jets, Minnesota Vikings, Kansas City Chiefs

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Remaining agreement: Three additional years at approximately $9.9 million annually, without any guaranteed sum

Current discussions: Hobbs was signed by Green Bay as a free agent just last year. However, he contended with injuries in 2025 and shifted between slot cornerback and outside cornerback responsibilities when he was on the field. He appears better suited as a slot corner, but the Packers have ample talent at that position, and it’s possible they might view him as a valuable trade asset who could help them acquire an additional draft pick or two. He has a $6.25 million roster bonus due on the third day of the league year, so if a deal were to occur after that, it would be even more economical for the acquiring team.

Green Bay wasn’t the sole team interested in Hobbs during free agency last year, and if there’s a market for slot corners, it might be prudent for the Packers to explore what they can obtain. — Graziano

Film analysis: Hobbs never fully established himself in either the slot or outside cornerback role within Green Bay’s defensive scheme. He is a more natural fit in the slot and exhibits a keen instinct for moving downhill in zone coverage. However, numerous capable slot corners are available in free agency and the upcoming draft this offseason, which might temper interest in Hobbs’s services. — Solak

Estimated likelihood of trade: 50%
Prospective team matches: Detroit Lions, Miami Dolphins, Carolina Panthers, Buffalo Bills

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Remaining agreement: One more year at $14.75 million

Current discussions: The Giants possess an abundance of impactful defensive linemen with Brian Burns and Abdul Carter, making it appear more probable that they will attempt to find a trade partner for Thibodeaux rather than extend the 2022 first-round pick before his fifth-year option season. The question is whether the Giants can find a team willing to take on his salary in a robust offseason market for edge rushers, but combine discussions suggest they intend to try. — Graziano

Film analysis: Thibodeaux’s effort can fluctuate, rendering him an unreliable player to depend on consistently. However, a contract year might ignite Thibodeaux, who generates quick pressures through skilled hand usage and an explosive first step. He recorded 2.5 sacks last season but also achieved 11.5 in 2023. Such production can sustain a player in a dedicated pass-rushing role for an extended period in this league. Yet, it’s a crowded offseason for edge rushers in free agency, which could dampen Thibodeaux’s market. — Solak

Estimated likelihood of trade: 70%
Prospective team matches: Los Angeles Chargers, Cincinnati Bengals, Chicago Bears

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Honorable mentions

• Jordan Davis, Defensive Tackle, Philadelphia Eagles

• Tyson Bagent, Quarterback, Chicago Bears

• Will Levis, Quarterback, Tennessee Titans

• Anthony Richardson Sr., Quarterback, Indianapolis Colts

• DJ Moore, Wide Receiver, Chicago Bears

• Keon Coleman, Wide Receiver, Buffalo Bills