Football

Drafting rookies isn’t the only moves that happen during draft night, as some NFL teams make serious trades to move up in the draft and trade away veteran talent to championship contenders. An example of this is when A. J. Brown was traded from the Tennessee Titans to the Philadelphia Eagles for the 18th pick of the 2022 NFL Draft to draft Treylon Burks.  Another great example of trading key veterans during draft weekend was back in 2007, when the Oakland Raiders traded Randy Moss to the New England Patriots for a fourth-round draft pick.  Veteran NFL players get traded on draft night to free up salary cap space to make room for younger talent on rebuilding teams, while teams that trade draft capital for talented veterans are in win-now mode. Here at TPS, we’re going to look at 10 NFL Players who could potentially get traded during the 2026 draft and how everything would work for both parties. Which players could be on the move in the 2026 NFL Draft? Dexter LawrenceOct 9, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II (97) guestures during the first quarter of the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images Lawrence has been one of the best defensive players the New York Giants have drafted in recent years and has become a three-time Pro Bowler. Lawrence has requested a trade from the Giants, as he’s dealing with a contract impasse, as he wants to be one of the highest-paid defensive tackles in the league. One team that could trade for Lawrence’s services would be the Minnesota Vikings, as they need a reliable defender in their pass-rush. They could give up a first, second, or third-round pick for his services. Another team that could try to trade for Lawrence on draft night is the Chicago Bears, as they could swap first-round picks with the Giants to move up and throw in a second or third-round pick for his services. They have the lowest current cap space in the league, and could easily give Lawrence a contract extension he truly desires. The Kansas City Chiefs potentially making a trade for Lawrence during draft night is also possible, as they can trade some of their extra first-round picks to the Giants, get Lawrence, and pair him up with Chris Jones and watch him flourish under defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s system. Similar to the Bears, the Chiefs could give Lawrence an extension that would satisfy him if they decide to trade for him. Patrick QueenDec 7, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen (6) reacts after a defensive stop against the Baltimore Ravens during the second half at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images Queen was the Steelers’ free agency prize back in the 2024 offseason, as he made the 2024 Pro Bowl and helped the Steelers reach the playoffs twice so far during his tenure. However, Queen currently has a 44 grade from Pro Football Focus, putting him at the bottom 10 amongst linebackers from the 2025 season.  Even though Queen contributed well during the 2025 season with 120 tackles, a sack, four pass deflections, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery, he missed 31 tackles, has shown regression in his play, and has an expensive contract. The Steelers could trade Queen on draft night, as they’re looking to potentially rebuild for the 2026 NFL season, and it could allow Queen to rebound from the 2025 season and flourish in a new defensive system.  A team that would love Queen’s services would be the Dallas Cowboys, as they need a new linebacker in the pass-rush, as their defense struggled during the 2025 season.  If the Cowboys can’t draft a linebacker, cornerback, or safety, then the door opens up for them to make a deal with the Steelers and potentially trade away a second and/or later round draft picks to the Steelers for Queen. Maxx CrosbyMaxx Crosby. Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images The Raiders attempted to trade Crosby to the Baltimore Ravens before the offseason began, but as we all know, that trade fell apart when he failed his physical, and the Ravens were concerned about the long-term ramifications of his knee surgery. Even though Crosby is still a Raider for now, one crazy trade for draft capital may entice the Raiders to make a deal. It’s unlikely the Raiders will deal the first overall pick to any team in the coming days before the draft, but anything can happen on draft night.  If the Raiders do trade Crosby away and keep the first overall pick (if they choose to draft Fernando Mendoza), they could load up on draft capital from the 2026 and possibly the 2027 NFL Drafts and surround Mendoza with young talent for him to work with.  The Chicago Bears would be a great team to trade Crosby to, as they’re looking for some new defenders to strengthen their unit. Plus, having Crosby paired up with Montez Sweat would make their pass-rush scary and dangerous. The Dallas Cowboys have been linked to Crosby for a while, and the opportunity to possibly trade for him would be massive, as all they would need to do is trade their first-round pick and possibly a couple of other later-round picks for his services while boosting their defense for the 2026 season. The Buffalo Bills would truly benefit from having Crosby on their roster, as they’re currently in win-now mode, and pairing him up with Ed Oliver and newly signed Bradley Chubb would be must-watch football every week.  The Bills would have to trade the Raiders their first-round pick and possibly a later-round pick and a couple of players of note for Crosby if they decide to make a move during the draft. Anthony RichardsonOct 13, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (5) looks up into the stands as he walks off after warmups against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images The Anthony Richardson project flopped in Indy, as he struggled to make a name for himself with the Colts during his tenure.  With Daniel Jones signed to a two-year, $88 million extension, Richardson’s days with the Colts are very likely over.  Despite Richardson telling the press he was tired in the third quarter of a week eight game back in 2024, he is an enticing quarterback to have on any NFL roster as a backup.  The Colts need more draft picks to address their needs on defense, and trading Richardson on draft night to acquire said picks makes a lot of sense. Especially since they traded their 2026 and 2027 first-round picks for Sauce Gardner. The Pittsburgh Steelers could trade for Richardson, as it could reunite him with Michael Pittman Jr., and stabilize the quarterback room, opening the door for a three-way competition between him, Will Howard, and Mason Rudolph. The Los Angeles Rams are another team that could make a trade for Richardson, as Sean McVay has a record of reshaping quarterbacks, from the likes of Baker Mayfield and Jimmy Garoppolo, and revitalizing Matthew Stafford into a Super Bowl Champion.  The Green Bay Packers could also make a trade for Richardson and get him to sit behind Jordan Love and redevelop his career, similarly to Malik Willis, who got him a three-year, $67.5 million deal with the Miami Dolphins this past offseason. Brian Thomas Jr.(EDITORÕS NOTE: Resubmitted with alternate crop.) Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (7) reacts to his first down pickup during the second quarter of an NFL football matchup Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024 at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union] After Thomas Jr. made the 2024 Pro Bowl in his rookie season, where he caught 87 receptions for 1,282 yards and scored 10 touchdowns, he saw some massive regression in the 2025 season.  Thomas Jr. was outshone by Parker Washington (who had a breakout season with 847 receiving yards, while Thomas Jr. had 707 receiving yards), and the passing attack has Jakobi Meyers and tight end Brenton Strange on the roster.  The Jaguars could trade Thomas Jr. during the 2026 NFL Draft, but could risk seeing his value drop if he continues to regress in the 2026 regular season. The New York Jets could be a notable suitor for Thomas Jr., as they need a new wide receiver to pair with Garrett Wilson.  The Jets would have to trade one of their first-round picks to the Jaguars and acquire Thomas Jr., and hopefully revitalize his career, depending on whether Carnell Tate or Jordyn Tyson are still on the board or not. The New England Patriots are another team that could potentially make a trade for Thomas Jr., as it would bring him to a championship contender and give Drake Maye a valuable weapon to use in the passing attack.  The Pats would likely have to give up their first-round pick and a couple of late-round picks to get Thomas Jr. to Foxborough.  Kayvon ThibodeauxNew York Giants linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux (5) reacts to nearly intercepting Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (not pictured) in the first half at MetLife Stadium on Monday, Oct. 2, 2023, in East Rutherford. Similar to Dexter Lawrence, Thibodeaux could be seen on the trade block during NFL draft night. Even though the Giants already have Brian Burns and Abdul Carter in the lineup, Thibodeaux’s production has dipped in the last couple of years, as his tackle and sack numbers have decreased. Thibodeaux is also entering a contract year in 2026, as he has to prove himself worthy of a new contract for the 2027 season, as he’s likely not to return to the Giants since they already have Carter and Burns. The Giants could trade Thibodeaux for draft capital if they decide to extend Dexter Lawrence. The New England Patriots could make a trade for Thibodeaux, as they hold 11 picks for the 2026 NFL Draft and could easily trade a couple of their late-round picks for Thibodeaux’s services.  Plus, seeing Thibodeaux rebound under Mike Vrabel’s and defensive coordinator Zak Kuhr’s watch would be exciting.  The Tampa Bay Buccaneers could also make a trade for Thibodeaux, as they need younger defensive pass-rushers to bolster their unit and potentially save Todd Bowles’ job in the 2026 season. Breece HallSep 7, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets running back Breece Hall (20) reacts to a play during the second half against the Pittsburgh Steelers at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images Hall wanted to get traded in the 2025 season before the trade deadline, but the Jets didn’t make it happen, as they wanted a third-round pick for him, and the Kansas City Chiefs only offered a fourth-round pick for him.  The Jets have since franchise-tagged him for the 2026 season. If contract extension talks fall flat during the season, Hall could be a free agent in the 2027 season.  Hall could be traded on draft night if the Jets choose to select a new workhorse running back like Jeremiyah Love or Jadarian Price. The Baltimore Ravens could make a move for Hall and trade away a couple of their fifth-round picks for him, and Derrick Henry is 32 and isn’t getting younger.  Hall will be 25 when the 2026 season kicks off, and he would be a great asset on the Ravens’ roster. The Jacksonville Jaguars have a few third, fifth, and seventh-round picks they could easily flip for Hall’s services, since they need a new running back anyway, and could potentially trade Brian Thomas Jr. to the Jets for Hall.  Kyle PittsOct 27, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts (8) catches a pass for a touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images Similar to Breece Hall, the Falcons franchise-tagged Pitts, hoping he’ll stay with the team for the 2026 season.  The Falcons have talent on offense with Drake London and Bijan Robinson on the roster, becoming offensive superstars right before our eyes. Pitts hasn’t reached superstar status with the team, but has been a reliable pass-catcher on offense.  The Falcons only have five draft picks this coming NFL draft, and could regroup on offense if they choose to trade Pitts for higher draft capital, especially a first-round pick. The Dallas Cowboys could be one of those teams that can give up some of their higher draft capital for Pitts’ services and give Dak Prescott another great option in their passing attack to complement CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens.  The New England Patriots have 11 draft picks and could easily trade their first-round pick to the Falcons and give Drake Maye, a strong game-changing tight end, to work with, along with Hunter Henry.  The Denver Broncos could also make a trade for Pitts and give Bo Nix a truly effective tight end, as the Evan Engram experiment was unsuccessful during the 2025 season.  Brandon AiyukSan Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports) Although not on the active roster, Aiyuk is still technically a 49er as of now, but he expressed his desire to be traded due to stalled contract extension talks and losing trust with the organization. When healthy, Aiyuk can be a game-changing wideout who can deliver and is capable of high-volume production.  The Washington Commanders could make a trade for Aiyuk, which would reunite him with his former Arizona State teammate, Jayden Daniels.  The Commanders would have to give up a couple of late-round picks to the 49ers just to acquire Aiyuk. He would also give Daniels a very talented wide receiver to work with for the upcoming 2026 season. The Tennessee Titans could make a trade for Aiyuk, which would reunite him with Robert Saleh and give Cam Ward a powerful weapon to work with for the 2026 season.  We’ll just have to see what happens on draft night. A.J. BrownA.J. Brown. Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images As we mentioned earlier, the Tennessee Titans traded A. J. Brown to the Philadelphia Eagles during the 2022 NFL Draft.  However, with Brown expressing his frustration with the Eagles during the 2025 season, he could get traded again on draft night during the 2026 NFL Draft. Brown had a productive season with the Eagles, catching 78 receptions for 1,003 yards and scoring seven touchdowns in 2025. Trading for Brown will be costly, as his $96 million extension kicks in next year, and teams will likely have to give up a first-round pick to acquire him. The New England Patriots could make a massive move to trade for Brown during the draft, and it would give Drake Maye the best wide receiver he’ll work with since Stefon Diggs was on the roster in 2025. Another team that could make a trade for Brown on draft night is the Baltimore Ravens, as they have a top-15 pick in the upcoming draft, and could use the help at the wide receiver position and pair him with Zay Flowers and tight end Mark Andrews. Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta made a massive trade swing with Maxx Crosby before that deal fell flat, but making a trade for Brown would be a better gamble.