Predicting A.J. Brown, Kyler Murray and More 2026 NFL Trades After Deadline Passes

The 2025 NFL trade deadline wasn't a deal-making frenzy, though it did come with surprises, courtesy of the New York Jets.

Jets general manager Darren Mougey dealt star defenders Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams in a roster teardown amid a 1-7 season. 

Clearly, Gang Green is rebuilding, and some teams may follow suit after the 2025 season. General managers of winning clubs may believe it's time to part ways with a disgruntled star or a veteran who no longer fits in the team's future plans.

Here's a look at eight players who could generate the most trade buzz next offseason, what their teams could get for them in return and which clubs might be suitors in potential deals.

QB Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals

AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray

Projected Compensation: Multiple Future First-Rounders 

Kyler Murray's comments about the Arizona Cardinals' new stadium seem prophetic. 

"It's beautiful," Murray said to reporters. "I don't know when it's coming out, but hopefully I'm here to see it."

A month later, the Cardinals named Jacoby Brissett their starting quarterback for Week 10. Murray is battling a foot injury, but he may never get the starting job back in Arizona. The club placed him on injured reserve on Wednesday, which sidelines him for at least another four games.

The Cardinals offense moves the ball fairly well and operates efficiently with Brissett under center. In all three of his starts, Arizona accumulated 330 or more total yards. For comparison, the team only accomplished that feat once in Murray's five starts. 

General manager Monti Ossenfort will need to make a crucial decision on Murray's future in the offseason, and it could result in a blockbuster quarterback trade. Remember, the Cardinals' current regime inherited Murray from the previous administration.

If the Cardinals trade Murray, the two-time Pro Bowler should fetch multiple first-rounders because of his accolades at the most valuable position in the sport.

Teams like the New Orleans Saints, New York Jets and Cleveland Browns may opt to draft a quarterback. These clubs have multiple 2026 first-rounders or will likely hold top picks in the upcoming draft.

Murray, whose contract carries another year of guaranteed money, would be an ideal fit for a squad that needs a quarterback, but isn't in a position to draft a top prospect.

Ideal Landing Spot: Carolina Panthers

Other Potential Suitors: Las Vegas Raiders, Pittsburgh Steelers

WR A.J. Brown, Philadelphia Eagles

AP Photo/Abbie Parr

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown

Projected Compensation: 2026 First-Rounder and a 2026 Day 3 Pick

Despite the swirling trade rumors around A.J. Brown, Philadelphia Eagles general manager and serial dealmaker, Howie Roseman retained the three-time Pro Bowl receiver and explained why to reporters.

"A.J. is a great player," Roseman said. "He cares about winning, he cares about his teammates. He is a captain. You just don't get rid of guys like that."

The Eagles are trying to become repeat champions. So, of course, with a 6-2 record, they would prefer to keep their No. 1 wide receiver, but Roseman may be open to a deal in the offseason if Brown continues to express his frustrations with the offense.

Looking ahead, the Eagles could trade Brown for a first-round pick and an additional selection, then draft his replacement, as the Tennessee Titans did when they traded him to Philadelphia in 2022.

Brown will turn 29 in June, which is still the back-end prime of his career. Philadelphia should be able to command at least a first-rounder for him, assuming he's healthy for the 2026 term.

Ideal Landing Spot: Baltimore Ravens

Other Potential Suitors: New York Jets and Carolina Panthers

WR Brian Thomas Jr., Jacksonville Jaguars

Gregory Payan/AP Content Services for the NFL

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr.

Projected Compensation: 2026 First-Rounder and Future Day 3 Picks

According to The Athletic's Dianna Russini, the Jacksonville Jaguars listened to calls for Brian Thomas Jr. Even more noteworthy, they acquired wide receiver Jakobi Meyers from Las Vegas Raiders.

NFL insider James Palmer believes that Meyers' arrival in Jacksonville could get the clock ticking on Thomas' time in Duval County. 

Meyers is on an expiring deal, but if he's highly productive in the second half of the season, the Jaguars may sign him to an extension, which would raise more questions about Thomas' future with the team.

As a rookie, Thomas put together a Pro Bowl campaign, but he's struggling under head coach Liam Coen and his staff. 

Sure, Thomas must shake the injury bug to reach an optimal performance level, but ESPN's Michael DiRocco believes that rookie Travis Hunter was in line for "WR1 treatment" before he suffered a knee injury.

If the Jaguars elevate Hunter's status once he's healthy and Meyers builds a strong rapport with quarterback Trevor Lawrence, Thomas could be expendable.

Regardless of how the 2025 season ends for Thomas, he would draw several suitors because of his impressive first year in the league. Teams will be more than willing to trade a first-rounder and more to feature him in the passing attack.

Ideal Landing Spot: Washington Commanders

Other Potential Suitors: New York Giants and Pittsburgh Steelers

WR Jaylen Waddle, Miami Dolphins

AP Photo/Colin Hubbard

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle

Projected Compensation: 2026 First-Rounder and a 2026 Day 3 Pick

The Miami Dolphins may be headed for an offseason rebuild. After a Week 9 loss to the Baltimore Ravens, they fired general manager Chris Grier. In the offseason, the club may also relieve head coach Mike McDaniel of his duties. If that's the case,  teams will inquire about Miami's top assets. 

Leading up to the 2025 trade deadline, Jaylen Waddle drew buzz. So, expect his name to come up again as the Dolphins sort out their short- and long-term outlooks after the 2025 season.

Waddle could cost slightly more than A.J. Brown on the trade market because he's younger and will probably be more productive in the second half of the season as the Dolphins' No. 1 wideout without a clear complementary No. 2 behind him on the depth chart. Whereas Brown plays alongside DeVonta Smith, who's racked up 1,000-plus yards in multiple seasons.

If available, Waddle would generate interest from multiple receiver-needy teams, who would have no issue taking on the remainder of his contract that he just signed last offseason and giving up at least a first-rounder for him.

Ideal Landing Spot: Tennessee Titans

Other Potential Suitors: New York Giants and Washington Commanders

EDGE Bradley Chubb, Miami Dolphins

AP Photo/Doug Murray

Miami Dolphins linebacker Bradley Chubb

Projected Compensation: 2026 Day 3 Picks

The Miami Dolphins traded one of their two starting edge-rushers, Jaelan Phillips, to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for a 2026 third-round pick. They may get similar compensation for Bradley Chubb in the offseason.

The Athletic's Dianna Russini linked Chubb to teams in need of a pass-rusher, but those clubs didn't offer enough for the Dolphins to make a move. Those suitors could be more aggressive in pursuit of the two-time Pro Bowler in a few months.

After the 2025 season, Chubb has no guaranteed money on his deal, which makes him more appealing on the trade market. Interested teams will likely rework his contract to fit it under the salary cap upon acquiring him, rather than take on his current deal.

Coming off a torn ACL, Chubb is still a solid three-down defender in his eighth season. He's recorded 25 tackles, five for loss, four sacks and seven pressures while on the field for 68 percent of the defensive snaps. 

Another year removed from a significant knee injury, Chubb can draw interest from clubs in need of a complementary edge-rusher.

Ideal Landing Spot: San Francisco 49ers

Other Potential Suitors: Indianapolis Colts and Baltimore Ravens

EDGE Jermaine Johnson, New York Jets

AP Photo/Adam Hunger

New York Jets linebacker Jermaine Johnson

Projected Compensation: 2026 2nd-Rounder and Future Day 3 Picks

Jermaine Johnson told ESPN's Rich Cimini that he didn't expect the New York Jets to trade him before the 2025 deadline. Despite the team's 1-7 start under new head coach Aaron Glenn, the fourth-year pro wants to stay with Gang Green.

Johnson's stance endeared him to the fanbase, but general manager Darren Mougey has shown he's willing to trade roster assets in blockbuster deals.

On this year's deadline day, Mougey traded two recent All-Pro players in cornerback Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams for premium draft capital and wide receiver help. Johnson, who earned a Pro Bowl nod in 2023 but has struggled to stay healthy over the last two seasons, shouldn't get comfortable in New York.

If Mougey uses one of his early-round 2026 picks on an edge-rusher to complement Will McDonald IV, Johnson could be on the move late spring or in the summer. 

Ideal Landing Spot: Detroit Lions

Other Potential Suitors: Chicago Bears and Carolina Panthers

EDGE Kayvon Thibodeaux, New York Giants

AP Photo/Adam Hunger

New York Giants linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux

Projected Compensation: 2026 2nd-Rounder and Future Day 3 Picks

At 2-7, the New York Giants are headed toward another losing season, which would be the fourth consecutive under general manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll. Both could lose their jobs in the offseason. Under a new direction, the Giants could move Kayvon Thibodeaux to expand Abdul Carter's role in his second season.

Even if Schoen and Daboll retain their positions, the front office could still revisit offers for Thibodeaux, who was the subject of trade rumors this year. According to The Athletic's Dianna Russini, Big Blue wanted a first-round pick for him.

In 2026, Brian Burns will enter the third term of his five-year, $141 million extension. Carter, the No. 3 overall pick from this year's draft, is playing 70 percent of the defensive snaps. Thibodeaux could be the odd man out heading into next season.

In nine games, Thibodeaux has 22 tackles, five for loss, 2.5 sacks and 10 pressures, which is underwhelming for a top-five pick in his fourth year. At that production rate, he won't fetch a first-round selection headed into the final year of his rookie deal, but the Giants can recoup multiple picks for him because of his high premium position.

Ideal Landing Spot: New England Patriots

Other Potential Suitors: Las Vegas Raiders and Cincinnati Bengals  

S Minkah Fitzpatrick, Miami Dolphins

AP Photo/Doug Murray

Miami Dolphins safety Minkah Fitzpatrick

Projected Compensation: 2026 Day 3 Picks

Minkah Fitzpatrick isn't a stranger to the trade rumor mill or going on the move. In 2019, the Miami Dolphins traded him to the Pittsburgh Steelers, who sent him back this past offseason.

On a team without much short- or long-term direction, Fitzpatrick may suit up for a new club next year. 

Typically, in a rebuilding situation, safeties aren't high on the priority list. Moreover, Fitzpatrick saw a significant drop-off in his ball production over the past few seasons. In 2022, he tied Riq Woolen, C.J. Gardner-Johnson and Justin Simmons for a league-leading six interceptions, but the eighth-year veteran has only picked off two passes in the last two terms.

In 2026, Fitzpatrick will enter his age-29 term. No longer a game-changing safety, he could be available on the trade block for Day 3 picks. A team looking to add a versatile chess piece to its secondary could be interested in a deal.

Ideal Landing Spot: Houston Texans 

Other Potential Suitors: Los Angeles Rams and Jacksonville Jaguars

Player contract details are provided by Over the Cap.

Maurice Moton covers the NFL for Bleacher Report. You can follow him on Twitter @MoeMoton.