10 Blockbuster NFL Trades That Must Happen This 2026 Offseason
This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.
The 2026 NFL free agent market is loaded with difference-makers on both sides of the ball. But it’s the NFL trade market that has us excited for the start of the new league year.
We could see close to a dozen blockbuster trades involving Pro Bowl-level players this offseason, including some notable quarterbacks and top-tier receivers.
So without further ado, let’s dive into 10 blockbuster NFL trades that need to happen this offseason.
Which trades in the NFL need to happen soon?
Bills Win The A.J. Brown Sweepstakes
Well, here you are, Brandon Beane. You won your power struggle with Sean McDermott. Now it’s time to make some win-now moves and waste no more of Josh Allen’s prime years.
The Bills haven’t been able to replace Stefon Diggs’ production at wide receiver. That falls on Beane for the failed Curtis Samuel signing and Keon Coleman draft pick…but anyway! It’s not too late for redemption
It’s impossible to imagine a scenario where AJ Brown returns to the Philadelphia Eagles after a turbulent 2025 season. If the Eagles shop their All-Pro wideout? It’s Beane’s opportunity to make a move.
If Josh Allen could win MVP honors in 2024 with Khalil Shakir as his No. 1 receiver, imagine what he could do with Brown? This is a guy with six 1,000-yard seasons under his belt, and he’s never played with a QB like Allen. All due respect to Jalen Hurts…
Oh, and it helps having a Super Bowl champion star to help you get over the hump after all these heartbreaking playoff losses. An experienced big-game player like Brown could easily be the difference for Buffalo in January.
A second-round pick and a conditional third-round selection that can also become a 2nd based on Brown’s performance would be a fair trade for both NFL teams.
Brown joins a more pass-happy offense and returns to his All-Pro form. Allen has his No. 1 receiver. Philly clears cap space and locker room drama for two extra picks. Everyone wins in this scenario.
Lions Go All-In For Maxx Crosby
There are conflicting reports about whether Maxx Crosby wants out of Las Vegas. But if you consider all the factors, there’s no reason for Crosby and the Raiders to continue this marriage.
The Raiders are entering a lengthy rebuilding period, and Crosby has had enough prime years wasted on a lousy AFC West club. His trade value isn’t getting any higher, so it’s an easy call for Vegas to trade him now.
Every team would love to trade for Crosby, but Dan Campbell’s Detroit Lions stand out as the best landing spot in the NFL.
The Lions are coming off a disappointing 9-8 finish and missed the postseason for the first time since 2022. While the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers made blockbuster moves to improve their rosters in 2025, GM Brad Holmes was too conservative.
It’s a four-way NFC North arms race now. The Lions can reclaim their stake as the kings of the division by trading for a bona fide superstar like Crosby.
Aidan Hutchinson is arguably a top-five edge rusher in the game. Crosby is DEFINITELY a top-five edge rusher in the game. Pair the two, and you have the league’s best defensive line by a country mile.
The cost will be hefty, but it’ll be worthwhile. The Lions can offer two first-round picks and a fourth-round selection to the Raiders for Crosby, who could easily be the final piece of a Super Bowl championship puzzle.
Browns Secure Their QB1, Land Kyler Murray
Cleveland could give Shedeur Sanders an extended look behind center in 2026. But we say this: Go get a two-time Pro Bowl quarterback who’s only entering his age-29 season if you can get him at a discounted price.
The Arizona Cardinals are sure to move on from Kyler Murray after another underwhelming season that led to the dismissal of head coach Jonathan Gannon. Considering how hefty his contract is, though, the Redbirds will have to sell low on Murray and trade him for below-market value.
If you’re the Browns, this is the perfect opportunity to strike. We know the No. 1 pick of 2019 hasn’t fully put it together in Arizona. But you saw what a change of scenery did for Sam Darnold, Baker Mayfield, and Daniel Jones did…
Murray would take over an offense featuring two budding stars in running back Quinshon Judkins and tight end Harold Fannin Jr., who had excellent 2025 rookie campaigns.
Working with Murray could help Jerry Jeudy regain that star-like form we saw in 2024. And of course, the Browns are loaded with draft capital and salary cap space to bolster the offense around Murray.
A conditional fourth-round pick that can become a third and a fifth-round choice would be a fair price for Kyler Murray. Cleveland has its new starting QB, and Arizona finally has a fresh slate behind center. Everyone’s happy.
Dolphins Take A Chance On Anthony Richardson Sr.
The Miami Dolphins wasted little time cleaning house after a disappointing 2025 season. Mike McDaniel was dismissed as head coach and replaced by Jeff Hafley. Jon-Eric Sullivan is the new GM calling the shots. And he’s already cut ties with Tyreek Hill and Bradley Chubb.
Miami is sure to move on from quarterback Tua Tagovailoa as well, even if it’s going to cost $99.2 million in dead money. And since the 2026 NFL Draft is weak on quarterbacks, Miami’s best bet is to eye a reclamation project in the offseason.
The Indianapolis Colts are sure to move on from Anthony Richardson Sr. after striking gold with the Daniel Jones free agent signing. So, why not Miami as a potential landing spot?
Richardson would join an offense led by superstar wide receiver Jaylen Waddle and Pro Bowl running back De’Von Achane. Miami’s offense is built around speed, and a dual-threat QB like Richardson could have his potential fulfilled in this offense.
A-Rich for a fifth-round pick via the NFL draft should be enough to get the job done for this trade. And if he doesn’t pan out in Miami? No worries. It didn’t cost much, and they can just find a QB in the deeper 2027 draft class.
Chiefs Ship Trent McDuffie To The Bucs
Kansas City Chiefs GM Brett Veach hasn’t been afraid to move out big-name veteran players if he believes he can find a younger replacement. Tyreek Hill, Dee Ford, Joe Thuney, and L’Jarius Sneed can tell you all about it.
All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie could eye an extension worth nine figures, and understandably so. But that’s a lot of money for the cap-strapped Chiefs. Plus, they’ve been a cornerback factory under Andy Reid and Steve Spagnuolo, so why spend all that cash on just one player?
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers sorely need help at cornerback. Kansas City also needs help receiving. That makes the two teams ideal trade partners.
So, how about McDuffie to Tampa Bay for second and fourth-round picks and third-year receiver Jalen McMillan? The latter caught eight touchdowns as a rookie in 2024, but saw his playing time decrease thanks to the emergence of Emeka Egbuka.
Tampa shores up its secondary. Kansas City gets cap relief, two extra picks, and a young receiver on a rookie deal. Who says no to this blockbuster trade in the NFL?!
Steelers Get “Moore” Help For Aaron Rodgers
It’s rather impressive that a 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers led the Pittsburgh Steelers to the AFC North with such a lackluster set of receivers. DK Metcalf was supposed to be a superstar, but he only had 850 yards. Their No. 2 pass-catcher, running back Kenneth Gainwell, had 486 yards.
So yeah, help is needed if Pittsburgh is to end its 10-year playoff win drought next season. And something tells us Mike McCarthy wouldn’t have taken this head-coaching vacancy if the front office hadn’t promised to bolster the offense.
The Chicago Bears might be willing to aid Rodgers, their old buddy, and the Steelers here. DJ Moore is a prime offseason trade candidate after a down year in Chicago.
Rookie tight end Colston Loveland emerged as Caleb Williams’ top target. Rome Odunze and 2025 rookie standout Luther Burden III can also fulfill the WR1 role if Moore leaves.
The Steelers can offer up a conditional third-round pick plus a fourth-rounder to the Bears for DJ Moore. Now, Rodgers has Moore and Metcalf as his top-two pass-catchers, putting the Pittsburgh offense in much better shape to reach an elite level in 2026.
Bears Add Some Payne To The Defensive Line
The Washington Commanders would save a whopping $16.75 million against the cap if they were to cut OR trade defensive tackle Daron Payne in the offseason. But Washington shouldn’t have an issue finding a taker for one of the league’s better defensive tackles, who’s only 29.
As fun as Ben Johnson’s Bears were in 2025, they sorely lacked difference-makers on the defensive side of the ball. They had the sixth-worst rush defense, and Montez Sweat was the only Bear to exceed six sacks.
Chicago hit the jackpot by trading for Sweat at the 2023 NFL trade deadline. How about reuniting him with Payne and allowing the two studs to wreak havoc together once again?
Washington would probably release Payne if it didn’t get any trade offers. So, Chicago should be able to get him for two late-round picks. Let’s call it fifth and sixth-rounders for the veteran defensive tackle.
Vikings Bring In T.T. To Challenge J.J.
The Minnesota Vikings are sure to bring in QB competition for JJ McCarthy after a tough 2024 season. And since the Dolphins are moving on from Tua Tagovailoa…
Bringing in a decent veteran to challenge a frustrating youngster has worked before. Think of the Tennessee Titans in 2019, when Ryan Tannehill replaced Marcus Mariota. Or Indy, where Daniel Jones unseated Anthony Richardson.
Tagovailoa got Miami to the postseason twice. Sam Darnold was a mega-bust before turning in a career year for Kevin O’Connell in 2024. So yeah, don’t mind us for thinking that K.O.C. could unlock Tua’s potential as well.
Tagovailoa would have to restructure his deal to facilitate a trade. But why wouldn’t he? Working with a former Coach of the Year and a star-studded offense led by Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison?
A trade offer of a fourth-round pick for Tagovailoa should be enough to close the deal.
Broncos Make A Splash For Brandon Aiyuk
The San Francisco 49ers had hoped that their All-Pro receiver would return in the second half of the 2025 season. But Aiyuk, who suffered season-ending ACL and MCL tears during the 2024 season, never hit the field in 2025.
Reports indicate that the relationship between Aiyuk and the 49ers had deteriorated, apparently a reason why he didn’t suit up in 2025. Not ideal, considering he signed a four-year deal worth $120 million before the 2024 season.
So yeah, Aiyuk’s time is up in San Francisco. The only question here is where he’ll play in 2026.
The Denver Broncos are the perfect landing spot for Aiyuk. Courtland Sutton is their only consistent play-making target, and he’s better-suited as a No. 2 receiver at this phase of his career.
Aiyuk put up excellent numbers on a star-studded 49ers offense featuring Christian McCaffrey, Deebo Samuel, George Kittle, and Jauan Jennings. Imagine what he could do as the No. 1 target in a Sean Payton-coached and Bo Nix-led offense.
A fair trade offer would be a third-round pick via the NFL Draft and wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. for Aiyuk. Mims could be a solid No. 2 receiver in Kyle Shanahan’s offense, but the main thing here is cap relief and a day-two pick.
Aiyuk can hopefully revive his career on a Denver team that’s already an established Super Bowl contender. Now, Payton’s offense is basically weakness-free.
Patriots Win The Brian Thomas Jr. Sweepstakes
Life comes at you fast in the NFL. A year ago, Thomas Jr. was a budding star who caught 87 passes for 1,282 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Expectations were sky-high for a player who earned Pro Bowl honors as a rookie. But Thomas Jr. struggled with drops and consistency as a sophomore. He caught 48 passes for 707 yards and two touchdowns, basically falling to No. 3 receiver duties behind Parker Washington and trade deadline acquisition Jakobi Meyers.
Liam Coen’s offense functioned just fine without a productive Thomas. And remember, two-way phenom Travis Hunter is going to get more snaps as a receiver next season. So, Thomas’s role is likely to shrink further if he stays in Duval County.
Thomas would benefit from a fresh start. And the defending AFC Champion New England Patriots should be ultra-motivated to get their superstar receiver. I mean, pretty impressive how far they got with 32-year-old Stefon Diggs as their top wideout.
Now, imagine Drake Maye operating an offense with Thomas AND Diggs in the passing game…with Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson leading the backfield.
Since Thomas is only two years into his career, he’ll cost a premium. But with the Pats’ championship window just opening, they can offer 2026 first, third, and fourth-round picks for Thomas.
The Jaguars can use those picks to fill other needs. Trevor Lawrence will be just fine with Washington, Meyers, and Hunter. The Pats have their new No. 1 receiver to enhance their Super Bowl push. Who isn’t happy in this scenario?
