5 Best and 5 Worst Trades of the 2026 Offseason (So Far)

Signing free agents isn’t the only way a team can bring in high-level talent. Teams can also trade players and or draft picks for other players during the offseason. In the NFL, trading talent and/or draft picks can lead to high rewards or send teams back to the drawing board, wondering what went wrong with said trade. This offseason, we’ve seen some wild trades that almost happened, some trades that were massive wins for certain teams, and some trades that have us scratching our heads as to why they happened. Here are 5 Of The Best and 5 of The Worst Trades This Offseason So Far. What were the best and worst trades that happened this offseason? Worst: The Jets trading for Geno Smith for a sixth-round pickLas Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) looks towards the sideline during the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images As fun as it is seeing a well-known NFL star return to the team that drafted him, the Jets’ trading for Geno Smith raises a ton of eyebrows in the wrong direction this offseason. Smith said returning to the Jets, “He’s got a real plan, and I believe in the GM and everyone over there. Just to be a part of that is going to be special. It’s kind of like a movie, kind of like a movie script.” As we all know, Smith had a disastrous 2025 season in “Sin City,” as he was the most sacked quarterback in the league (taking 55 sacks) and led the league in interceptions with 17 of them. Sure, Smith is serviceable and is a temporary bandage to a long-term problem, but the Jets eventually have to tear that bandage off and solve their dire problem at quarterback, instead of relying on a recyclable option. However, Smith’s Pro Bowl days are way behind him, as the Jets are not a playoff-caliber team and don’t have the roster Smith had when he was on the Seattle Seahawks. Some fans speculate that adding Smith to the roster is a sign that the Jets are preparing to tank for the 2026 season in hopes of landing a high draft pick in 2027 and entering the sweepstakes for Arch Manning or Dante Moore.  Will that plan work? Probably not. However, we’ll have to wait and see what Smith and Gang Green accomplish during the regular season.  Best: Rams trading for Trent McDuffie for a first, fifth, and sixth round picks in the 2026 DraftSep 28, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie (22) takes the field prior to a game against the Baltimore Ravens at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images The Rams trading for McDuffie this offseason is a massive game-changer, as they look to compete for control of the crowded NFC West against the Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers. McDuffie, along with the recently signed Jaylen Watson, improves the strength of the Rams’ secondary.  Unlike Watson, McDuffie is a First-Team All-Pro, a Second-Team All-Pro, and has better statistical numbers than Watson, including more tackles, one-and-a-half more sacks, more pass deflections, and eight forced fumbles so far in his career.  McDuffie will flourish in defensive coordinator Chris Shula’s schemes and give headaches to the division’s best wide receivers. McDuffie and the Rams’ defense will give the Seahawks’ “Dark Side” defense a run for its money in the upcoming season. Don’t be surprised if the Rams potentially return to the Super Bowl, thanks to McDuffie’s elusive talent on defense, shutting out the opposition.  Worst: The Maxx Crosby trade falling throughDec 25, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) reacts during the second half against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports On March 7, the Baltimore Ravens originally traded two first-round picks from the 2026 and 2027 NFL Draft to the Raiders for Crosby’s services, as he was frustrated with the current direction of the team. However, just three days later, the Ravens reversed course and backed out of the trade due to a failed physical.  The Ravens were also concerned with Crosby’s meniscus after he had surgery to repair it, as they worried about the long-term longevity of Crosby’s health rather than the short-term window of having one of the league’s best edge rushers in their lineup. The Ravens got both of their first-round draft picks back and signed Trey Hendrickson to a four-year, $112 million deal, but it would’ve been wild to see both Hendrickson and Crosby in the lineup if it wasn’t for that failed physical. The trade makes the Ravens look like bad-faith actors, as teams want to make sure a trade is fair for both parties. It could be tougher for the Ravens to make trades with other teams in the future, with all that has come to light in this debacle.  Crosby is still a Raider for now, and we look forward to seeing him cause havoc against opposing offenses in the 2026 season when he gets fully healthy. Best: Bears Trade D.J. Moore to the Bills for a second-round pickNov 9, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver D.J. Moore (2) cannot make a diving catch against the Carolina Panthers during the first quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Bartel-USA TODAY Sports The Bears traded wide receiver D. J. Moore and a fifth-round pick to the Buffalo Bills in exchange for a second-round pick this offseason, which is a win for both teams as the Bills get Josh Allen an elite wideout to work with for the 2026 season, while the Bears get stronger draft capital for the upcoming draft. Moore will also reunite with the Bills’ head coach Joe Brady, who was the Carolina Panthers’ offensive coordinator from 2020 to 2021, when Moore had back-to-back 1,000-receiving-yard seasons.  The move on the Bills’ side allows the Bills to potentially retake control of the AFC East from the New England Patriots, who won the division in 2025 and made a run to the Super Bowl. Allen will finally have an elite wide receiver to work with for the first time since Stefon Diggs was on the roster. And Moore is a massive upgrade at the position when we compare him to guys like Keon Coleman and Khalil Shakir, who aren’t 1,000-yard caliber receivers. Meanwhile, the trade on the Bears’ side opens the door for a younger playmaker to step up, whether it’s Rome Odunze or Luther Burden III, to step up and see their production increase in the lineup.  Will Moore help the Bills reach their first Super Bowl since the 1993 season? We’ll have to watch and find out. Worst: Cowboys Trading a 2027 fourth-round pick for Rashan GaryNov 10, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers defensive lineman Rashan Gary (52) during the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images The Cowboys traded a 2027 fourth-round pick to the Green Bay Packers for Gary, with the hope that he can solve their defensive woes.  The trade for Gary’s services may seem nice on paper, but Gary saw a dip in his production in 2025 and was inconsistent on the field. Gary was a non-factor after Micah Parsons suffered a torn ACL, and a now-deleted Instagram post emerged of him thanking Packers’ fans for his time in Title Town, with others speculating his account was hacked. If the Packers had released Gary, the Cowboys could’ve signed him for a minimum deal instead of throwing away draft capital. Critics of the trade have said this move was cheap on the Cowboys’ part, for wanting to avoid paying top dollars for elite pass-rushers, who would give opposing offenses a run for their money.  This offseason trade also ended their pursuit of potentially trading for Maxx Crosby in the future. Best: Broncos trading first-round Draft Pick for Jaylen WaddleOct 12, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) catches a pass against the Los Angeles Chargers during the second quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Storry-Imagn Images The Dolphins are cleaning up shop in South Beach and are preparing to potentially tank for the 2026 season in hopes of landing a high draft pick in 2027 and potentially drafting Arch Manning or Dante Moore. Trading Waddle off of the sinking ship to the Denver Broncos, who are currently in “Win-Now” mode, makes a lot of sense, as Waddle will flourish in head coach Sean Payton’s and offensive coordinator Davis Webb’s system.  Waddle was the Dolphins’ best wide receiver in 2025, as he caught 64 receptions for 910 yards and scored six touchdowns.  Waddle joins an offense led by Bo Nix and Courtland Sutton, and will very likely become the team’s number one wideout for the 2026 season.  He joins a passing attack that has Sutton, Marvin Mims, Lil’Jordan Humphrey, and tight end Evan Engram, making the Broncos offense a must-watch team for the 2026 season. As for the Dolphins, getting another first-round pick opens the door for the team to start getting young talent they can develop over time if their next rebuild succeeds.  The Dolphins could likely draft a young safety or new wideout to help Malik Willis during the 2026 season with the draft pick they got from the Broncos in the trade. Worst: Lions trading David Montgomery to the Houston Texans for Juice Scruggs and draft capitalDetroit Lions running back David Montgomery (David Reginek-Imagn Images) The Lions made a bold move before the start of the new league year by trading away running back David Montgomery to the Houston Texans for a 2026 fourth-round pick, a 2027 seventh-round pick, and center Juice Scruggs this offseason. The trade was criticized by many NFL fans as the Lions gave away a veteran culture builder, who formed a one-two punch on the ground with Jahmyr Gibbs during Montgomery’s time in the “Motor City.” Sure, Montgomery wasn’t utilized as much in 2025, but he did rush for 716 yards on 158 carries, scored eight rushing touchdowns, and caught 24 receptions for 192 yards. Those numbers aren’t Pro Bowl-like, but they’re still above average. Although the draft capital will help the Lions in the long run, trading Montgomery away is going to sting on offense, as his production on the ground is going to be missed, and he served as a good backup if anything happened to Gibbs. The Texans are getting an upgrade at running back, but they need an offensive line that can protect him and C. J. Stroud. Otherwise, the trade would be a lose-lose for both the Texans and Lions. Best: Colts Trade Michael Pittman Jr. to the SteelersDec 29, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (11) celebrates his touchdown during the second half against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images As the Colts extended Alec Pierce, the Colts traded Michael Pittman Jr. and a seventh-round pick to the Steelers for a sixth-round pick.  The trade is win-win for both teams as Pittman Jr. is a great wide receiver to pair with DK Metcalf for a low draft cost.  Pittman Jr.’s statistical numbers weren’t great in Indy, but sometimes a change of scenery can improve an athlete’s stats.  The Steelers’ passing attack gets a nice upgrade whether Aaron Rodger plays in 2026 or not, or if Will Howard commands the offense in the 2026 season.  The Colts get some financial relief as they have $24 million in salary cap space, and can find Pittman Jr.’s replacement with the sixth-round pick they acquired from the Steelers. The Colts also avoided having to release Pittman Jr. by finding a suitable trade partner in the Steelers. Other than that, that’s a win-win in our book, and we can’t wait to see what Pittman Jr. can do in a Steelers’ jersey. Worst: Cowboys trading Osa Odighizuwa to the 49ersJan 4, 2026; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa (97) takes the field with a flag honoring late Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland before the game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images The Cowboys traded away Osa Odighizuwa to the San Francisco 49ers for a third-round draft pick this offseason, with fans criticizing the deal as the team throwing away a consistent and high-performing interior pass-rusher from the defense. Odighizuwa had 44 tackles and 3.5 sacks with the Cowboys in the 2025 season, and seeing him get traded to a historical rival is a massive loss. The 49ers, on the other hand, are getting a very versatile and reliable defensive tackle who’ll cause mayhem against opposing offenses in the NFC West. The third-round pick the Cowboys received from the 49ers also won’t help them find an immediate competitive player out of college right from the get-go, as it’s tough to draft steals in later rounds of the NFL Draft. The Cowboys and 49ers will face each other in the 2026 season, as 49ers fans will reap the benefits of the trade, while Cowboys fans will continue to question Jerry Jones’ decision-making.  Best: Jets trading for Minkah FitzpatrickAug 23, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (29) looks on before the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images Even though the Jets are in complete rebuild or potential tank mode, they did acquire Minkah Fitzpatrick from the Miami Dolphins for a seventh-round pick, and he immediately signed a three-year, $40 million extension with Gang Green, which is brilliant.  The Jets need a strong all-around safety patrolling the secondary, as the unit had zero interceptions in the 2025 season, becoming the first team with no interceptions since the NFL started tracking interceptions in 1933.  The Jets acquired Fitzpatrick for basically nothing from a division rival, and he’ll likely become the leader of the Jets’ secondary when the 2026 season kicks off. Fitzpatrick will work very nicely under head coach Aaron Glenn’s and defensive coordinator Brian Duker’s schemes.  We, as sports fans, can’t wait to see what Fitzpatrick will do for the Jets as the 2026 regular season slowly approaches.