The NFL Draft is typically a weekend defined by the strategic swapping of picks, but history shows that the most seismic shifts often happen when a player’s name is attached to a trade. From the 2004 swap of Eli Manning and Philip Rivers to the 2022 move that sent A.J. Brown to Philadelphia, draft night has a way of altering the trajectory of franchises in a single phone call.
As teams prepare for the 2026 NFL Draft, the landscape is ripe for similar volatility. While most focus is on the incoming rookies, a growing number of veterans and young projects have become the primary candidates for a change of scenery. These one player from each team who could be moved represent a mix of salary cap casualties, mismatched fits, and strategic assets being liquidated to fuel long-term rebuilds.
For some, like the Miami Dolphins, the move is part of a scorched-earth overhaul under new general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan. For others, It’s a simple matter of the “bill coming due” on star contracts. Whether it is a Pro Bowl safety in Arizona or a disgruntled receiver in San Francisco, the intersection of draft capital and roster flexibility makes this window the ideal time for teams to execute a trade.
The High-Stakes Assets: Stars on the Move
When a team decides to move a cornerstone player, the goal is rarely just to fill a hole; it is to acquire a haul of picks that can redefine the roster for years. The most prominent example currently is Maxx Crosby of the Las Vegas Raiders. The Raiders previously attempted a trade with the Baltimore Ravens that fell through due to medical concerns, but the organization remains open to offers to build around incoming quarterback Fernando Mendoza.
Similarly, the Tennessee Titans are weighing the risk of moving All-Pro defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons. Despite his dominance—tallying 11 sacks in 15 games during 2025—his value is at a peak that could provide the draft capital necessary to support young quarterback Cam Ward. In Philadelphia, A.J. Brown finds himself once again in the trade rumor mill following a 2025 season marked by his lowest production in Eagles colors and public grievances.
In the NFC, the San Francisco 49ers are navigating a tense standoff with Brandon Aiyuk. Head coach Kyle Shanahan has indicated the team is still hoping to trade the 28-year-aged receiver. Meanwhile, the New York Jets are facing a potential crossroads with Breece Hall; while he carries a franchise tag, stalled extension talks and the player’s own public frustrations suggest a parting of ways could be the only resolution.
Quarterback Carousel and Project Pivots
The quarterback room is where the most “odd man out” scenarios occur. In Cleveland, the Browns have a crowded depth chart featuring Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders, leaving Dillon Gabriel as a prime candidate for a trade. In Indianapolis, the writing appears to be on the wall for Anthony Richardson following Daniel Jones’ extension, leaving the Colts to leverage Richardson’s unique athletic profile for a high return of picks.
Other teams are moving on from “projects” that haven’t yet materialized. The Dallas Cowboys, who have a history of gambling on raw arms, could move Joe Milton III now that veteran Sam Howell is in the mix. In Minnesota, J.J. McCarthy’s path to the starting job has been crowded by the signings of Kyler Murray and Carson Wentz, making him a viable trade chip for a team seeking a young starter.
The following table outlines some of the most significant potential moves based on contract status and roster fit:
| Player | Team | Primary Driver | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maxx Crosby | Raiders | Roster Rebuild | High Value |
| A.J. Brown | Eagles | Roster Friction | Star Asset |
| Anthony Richardson | Colts | Depth Chart Shift | Project/Starter |
| Brandon Aiyuk | 49ers | Contract Dispute | Disgruntled |
| Jeffery Simmons | Titans | Draft Capital | All-Pro |
Roster Trimming and Strategic Fits
Not every draft-night trade involves a household name. Many teams use the window to move complementary pieces. The Baltimore Ravens could move RB Justice Hill to develop room for a younger back, while the Cincinnati Bengals might look to flip Samaje Perine, who is in the final year of his contract.
Young receivers are also seeing a trend of “change of scenery” candidates. Buffalo’s Keon Coleman and Carolina’s Xavier Legette have both struggled to meet first- or second-round expectations. For Coleman, the situation is further complicated by owner Terry Pegula’s public comments that the decision to draft him rested with the former head coach, Sean McDermott, rather than the general manager.
In the tight end market, the Detroit Lions could follow the blueprint they used with T.J. Hockenson by moving Sam LaPorta before his contract expires. Similarly, the Denver Broncos may look to offload Evan Engram to mitigate a cap hit that jumps to $14.1 million this year.
Remaining Candidates by Team
- Arizona: S Budda Baker (Rebuild asset)
- Atlanta: TE Kyle Pitts (Sell-high candidate)
- Chicago: QB Tyson Bagent (Top-32 talent)
- Houston: QB Davis Mills (Competent backup)
- Jacksonville: WR Brian Thomas Jr. (Production dip)
- Kansas City: WR Xavier Worthy (Depth chart slide)
- L.A. Chargers: RB Kimani Vidal (Redundancy)
- L.A. Rams: WR Davante Adams (Age/Cap space)
- Miami: RB De’Von Achane (Total overhaul)
- New England: WR Mack Hollins (Roster ceiling)
- New Orleans: RB Alvin Kamara (Age/Succession)
- N.Y. Giants: Edge Kayvon Thibodeaux (Contract year)
- Pittsburgh: LB Patrick Queen (Performance decline)
- Seattle: Edge Uchenna Nwosu (Redundancy)
- Tampa Bay: RB Bucky Irving (Injury/Draft needs)
- Washington: DT Daron Payne (Age/Production)
- Green Bay: Edge Lukas Van Ness (Option deadline)
The timeline for these moves is tight. Teams must decide whether to exercise fifth-year options—such as the one for Lukas Van Ness in Green Bay—by the May 1 deadline, making the draft window the critical point for negotiations.
As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, the next official checkpoint will be the league’s formal opening of the draft window, where teams will begin finalizing the pick swaps and player movements that define the offseason. We will continue to monitor official team transactions and league filings for confirmed moves.
Do you think your team should move one of these players, or are they essential to the 2026 campaign? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
