Trade Meter for Biggest Stars 2 Weeks Ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft

The 2026 NFL draft is approaching, and as buzz builds around rookie prospects, so does the chatter about veteran trade candidates.

Over the past few months, several notable players have been in the rumor mill, one of whom was involved in a trade that fell apart. During free agency, teams made roster acquisitions that raised questions about the future of other veterans.

To provide an update on trade scenarios across the league, we have a meter for eight of the biggest names, each rated from one to 10. 

On the scale, lower numbers indicate a player is less likely to be moved before or during the draft, while higher numbers project a probable trade within the coming weeks.

WR George Pickens, Dallas Cowboys

AP Photo/Jerome Miron

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens

The Dallas Cowboys franchise-tagged George Pickens, though he isn't expected to report to team facilities on a one-year tender. 

Head coach Brian Schottenheimer told reporters he's been in contact with Pickens, but can't assure that the Pro Bowl wide receiver will participate in the team's spring program.

The Cowboys have until July 15 to sign Pickens to a long-term extension, which is the deadline for franchise-tagged players. They could trade him to another team willing to sign him to a multiyear contract.

In his first year with the Cowboys, Pickens had his most productive season, hauling in 93 passes for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns. He's one of the league's best No. 2 receivers, though the 25-year-old isn't an indispensable asset with All-Pro wideout CeeDee Lamb on the roster. 

Nonetheless, if Dallas wants to get the most out of Dak Prescott, who's the league's highest-paid quarterback in terms of average annual salary at $60 million per year, it makes sense to retain Pickens for the long term.

The Cowboys have $14.4 million in cap space, and they could restructure Quinnen Williams' contract to clear an additional $14.6 million. The club has the financial flexibility to sign Pickens to a new deal, keeping the league's No. 2 passing attack from the previous campaign mostly intact.

While a trade is possible, the Cowboys are more likely to strike a deal with Pickens before training camp.

Trade Meter: 3

WR Brian Thomas Jr., Jacksonville Jaguars

AP Photo/Peter Joneleit

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr.

NFL pundits mentioned Brian Thomas Jr. as a trade candidate after the Jacksonville Jaguars acquired wideout Jakobi Meyers from the Las Vegas Raiders last November and signed him to an extension a month later.

In a response to a question about the trade speculation around Thomas, general manager James Gladstone refuted the rumors and made the point that Meyers' presence helped Thomas grow in his second season.

"We have no interest in disrupting the momentum," Gladstone said.

"With Jakobi's arrival, it certainly allowed B.T. to continue to level up in areas that fit within the system itself that were fit for his skill set and allowed him to be the best version of himself down that back stretch of the season."

According to NFL Network's Cameron Wolfe, the Jaguars will deploy Travis Hunter as a primary cornerback rather than a lead receiver. If that's the case, expect Thomas and Meyers to work together along with Parker Washington in three-receiver sets. 

Remember, Thomas made the AFC Pro Bowl roster in his rookie campaign. After battling injuries during the previous term, he'll likely have a chance to bounce back in Jacksonville this year.

Trade Meter: 1

Edge Maxx Crosby, Las Vegas Raiders

AP Photo/Maria Lysaker

Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby

The Baltimore Ravens nearly gave up two first-round picks for Las Vegas Raiders star edge-rusher Maxx Crosby before free agency began, but they changed their mind after his physical.

According to ESPN's Ryan McFadden, the Ravens were concerned about a "degenerative issue" with Crosby's surgically-repaired knee.

Although Crosby seems recommitted to being a Raider after the trade flop, the Raiders may still be open for business if another team is willing to give up two first-rounders.

That said, Crosby's recovery process may scare teams off with John Spytek's reported asking price of two top-32 picks. The 28-year-old underwent surgery back in January and may not be close to 100 percent until after the draft.

As a result, clubs may wait until late spring or early summer to make strong offers for Crosby, but by then, it wouldn't help the Raiders in the upcoming season to trade their best defensive player for 2027 draft picks.

Unless Crosby makes a miraculous full recovery within the next two weeks, he'll likely remain a Raider because of the team's steep demand for him. 

Trade Meter: 2

RB Alvin Kamara, New Orleans Saints

AP Photo/Maria Lysaker

The New Orleans Saints crowded their backfield with the addition of Travis Etienne Jr. They signed him to a four-year, $47 million deal, which aligns with contracts among featured running backs. Along with Josh Jacobs, he's the eighth-highest-paid player at his position.

Etienne's arrival in New Orleans raises questions about Alvin Kamara's future.

Over the past month, Saints head coach Kellen Moore has avoided giving definitive answers about Kamara's outlook with the team.

Most recently, Moore only confirmed what we already knew—that Kamara is on the roster.

"He's certainly on the roster and part of the running back room," Moore said. "We feel fortunate that we were able to acquire Travis (Etienne). But there's a lot of work there to be had. … It's a great situation for us."

Early in March, the Saints restructured Kamara's contract. According to Matthew Paras of The Times-Picayune and The Advocate, they want to "address" his deal again in the offseason.

Kamara has one year left on his current deal. If New Orleans trades him before June 1, it would take a $21.4 million dead-cap hit. The club would only save $3.4 million if it waited until after that date to trade him.

The Saints wouldn't reap much benefit from dealing Kamara, though if he's unwilling to rework his deal, the two sides could agree part ways, assuming potential trade suitors show interest in the five-time Pro Bowler. 

Trade Meter: 5

Edge Kayvon Thibodeaux, New York Giants

AP Photo/Adam Hunger

New York Giants linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux

It seems like a matter of when, not if, the New York Giants trade Kayvon Thibodeaux.

SNY's Connor Hughes reported that teams believe Thibodeaux is available via trade. 

ESPN's Jordan Raanan reported that multiple clubs expect the Giants to "eventually move" the 25-year-old pass-rusher.

After a promising second year with the Giants, Thibodeaux has struggled to stay on the field and produce even when healthy. Over the last two seasons, he's missed 12 games and seen his sack and pressure numbers drop significantly.

In 2024, the Giants acquired edge-rusher Brian Burns from the Carolina Panthers and signed him to a five-year, $141 million extension. As Big Blue's best defensive player, he registered career highs in sacks (16.5) and pressures (41) last season.

Last year, Big Blue selected Abdul Carter with the No. 3 overall pick in the draft. Despite his disappointing rookie campaign, which included a couple of benchings for disciplinary reasons, he still showed promise with four sacks and 34 pressures.

On the one hand, teams should hoard pass-rushers to generate consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks. 

However, under a new coaching staff, Thibodeaux will probably be the odd man out of the Giants' rotation with a three-time Pro Bowler and a recent top-three draft pick taking most of the snaps at his position. 

Within the first two days of the upcoming draft, the Giants could trade Thibodeaux to a team that misses out on an early-round pass-rusher.

Trade Meter: 9

WR A.J. Brown, Philadelphia Eagles

AP Photo/Chris Szagola

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown

Among analysts and reporters, A.J. Brown is arguably the most talked-about trade candidate this offseason. 

During the previous season, Brown expressed frustration with the Philadelphia Eagles' offense, and there's speculation of a rift between the star wideout and quarterback Jalen Hurts, who was the subject of a recent report highlighting locker room disharmony.

Even though Brown hasn't made a Pro Bowl roster since 2023, he still eclipsed 1,000 receiving yards in four consecutive terms and logged seven touchdowns in three straight years with the Eagles.

By the way, recent insider reports have linked the New England Patriots and Los Angeles Rams to a potential trade for Brown. So, he might have a healthy market for his services elsewhere.

However, the Eagles would take on a massive $43.4 million dead-cap hit if they trade Brown before June 1—that cost would drop to $16.4 million after that date.

Unless general manager Howie Roseman receives premium draft capital for Brown, it would be best for him to wait until the summer to trade him. 

Nonetheless, if Philadelphia drafts a receiver early, it's an indicator that the team will consider trading Brown in the late spring or early summer and move forward with DeVonta Smith, Hollywood Brown and a rookie in three-receiver sets.

Trade Meter: 4

WR DK Metcalf, Pittsburgh Steelers

AP Photo/Rick Osentoski

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf

Last offseason, the Pittsburgh Steelers made a notable splash on the trade market in a deal with the Seattle Seahawks to acquire DK Metcalf, but they created a void at wide receiver after dealing George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys. 

Metcalf went through an inconsistent 2025 season and finished it with a career-low 850 receiving yards. None of the other Steelers wideouts emerged as a reliable No. 2 option in the passing game. Tight end Pat Freiermuth and running back Kenneth Gainwell tied for second on the team with 486 receiving yards.

A year later, the Steelers may do exactly what they did last offseason—acquire a receiver and then trade one.

In March, Pittsburgh acquired Michael Pittman Jr. from the Indianapolis Colts and signed him to an extension.

Meanwhile, Metcalf doesn't have any guaranteed money left on his deal. As a two-time Pro Bowler, he's unlikely to play on a contract without financial security. That said, the 28-year-old is coming off his least productive pro campaign.

The Steelers have a strong track record of drafting receivers, and they have three third-round picks this year. Don't be surprised if Pittsburgh trades Metcalf and drafts a replacement on Day 2.

Trade Meter: 7

WR Brandon Aiyuk, San Francisco 49ers

AP Photo/Jed Jacobsohn

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk

San Francisco 49ers owner Jed York and head coach Kyle Shanahan pumped the brakes on parting ways with Brandon Aiyuk. They contradicted general manager John Lynch's end-of-season statement that the wideout has played his last snap with the team.

Perhaps the 49ers are trying to convey the impression that they're willing to keep Aiyuk in order to encourage suitors to make an offer for him. 

Because of Lynch's declarative statement about the 28-year-old's short-term future and the publicized lack of communication between the player and the team, the 49ers may be unable to resurrect the receiver's trade value.

Knowing that, San Francisco may be willing to take whatever is offered for Aiyuk, who may be still recovering from a torn ACL and MCL. He hasn't suited up for a game since Week 7 of the 2024 season.

Despite what York and Shanahan have said, don't expect Aiyuk to play another down for the 49ers. 

Teams could offer San Francisco a late-round draft pick for Aiyuk to avoid waiting for his decision as a free agent.

While an outright release seems more likely, Aiyuk had reached his peak before his knee injuries and could draw considerable interest from receiver-needy teams during the draft.

Trade Meter: 8

Player contract and team salary-cap details are provided by Over the Cap.

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