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1 Player Each NFL Team Should Consider Trading Before the 2026 Season
As part of their job, general managers listen to trade offers, even if they don't intend to make a roster move. In some cases, those inquiries materialize into headline deals, and that's exactly what happened on Monday.
As reported by NFL insiders Ian Rapoport, Tom Pelissero and Adam Schefter,Ā the Cleveland Browns and Los Angeles Rams are finalizing a shocking blockbuster trade that involves Myles Garrett, Jared Verse and multiple draft picks, which may be the first of several deals to come.
Moreover, according to Rapoport, the Philadelphia Eagles are sending wideout A.J. Brown to the New England Patriots.
After teams wrap up organized team activities (OTAs), general managers will reassess the depth chart between mandatory minicamp and training camp.
We could get more transactional fireworks this summer, or at least see moves that we expected teams to make, like the Brown deal, before final roster cuts on August 30.
So, here's a player on every team who should be on the trade block before the start of the 2026 season.
Keep in mind, these players must have decent market value to be trade assets. Most of the selections below have been productive in recent years or have some upside.
Arizona Cardinals: Edge Josh Sweat
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Coming off a 3-14 season, the Arizona Cardinals are in rebuild mode after hiring a new coaching staff and releasing quarterback Kyler Murray.
The Cardinals are far from playoff contention with journeyman quarterbacks Jacoby Brissett, who's in a contract dispute with the team, Gardner Minshew II and rookie third-rounder Carson Beck.
So, general manager Monti Ossenfort should look to trade roster assets like Josh Sweat for premium 2027 draft capital.Ā By the way, analysts believe next year's crop of rookies could be one of the best classes in recent memory. Arizona can load up on picks to rebuild the foundation of its roster.
Moreover, according to Cardinals insider Kyle Odegard, Sweat isn't "particularly happy in Arizona."
John Gambadoro of 98.7 FM Phoenix (h/t AZ Sports' Tyler Drake) reported that Sweat's absence from organized team activities (OTAs) isn't injury-related.Ā
The Cardinals may be able to get an early-round pick for Sweat, who registered a career-high 12 sacks last season.
Atlanta Falcons: CB Mike Hughes
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The Atlanta Falcons selected Avieon Terrell in the second round of this year's draft. He's A.J. Terrell Jr.'s younger brother, though he's made his own name as a fierce cover defender out of Clemson.
Over the last three years, Terrell has recorded 125 tackles (nine for loss), four sacks, 25 pass breakups and three interceptions. Despite his lean 5'10", 186-pound frame, he can play on all three downs and provide support on run defense.
If Terrell is impressive through training camp, he should be on the field alongside his brother in the secondary, which would make Mike Hughes expendable before the final roster cutdown date on August 30.Ā
Over the last two seasons with the Falcons, Hughes has started in 27 games. On the late-summer trade block, he could garner interest from cornerback-needy teams.
Baltimore Ravens: WR Rashod Bateman
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For one season (2024), Rashod Bateman showed flashes that he could play up to his first-round draft pedigree. He hauled 45 passes for 756 yards and nine touchdowns that year.
Last offseason, the Baltimore Ravens signed Bateman to a three-year, $36.8 million extension, but he fell back into an afterthought in the passing game.Ā
In 2025, Bateman caught 19 passes for 224 yards and two touchdowns. And once again, he was plagued by injuries, missing four games.
Following a down year, Bateman isn't going to garner much interest on the trade market, but the Ravens can try to package him with draft capital to facilitate a deal. They have more youth at wide receiver with rookies Ja'Kobi Lane and Elijah Sarratt on the roster.
Lane and Sarratt may flash enough upside to cut into Bateman's shaky role in the aerial attack.
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Buffalo Bills: WR Joshua Palmer
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After the draft, new Buffalo Bills head coach, formerly their offensive coordinator, Joe Brady, told reporters that the team shut down a couple of trade inquiries for Keon Coleman.
Coleman has struggled and regressed from his rookie to his second campaign. The team sidelined him as a healthy inactive for multiple games in the previous season.
If the Bills plan to allow Coleman an opportunity to contribute, they must clear a logjam at wide receiver. Buffalo traded a second-round pick to the Chicago Bears for DJ Moore and selected Skyler Bell in the fourth round of the 2026 draft.
As a career starter, expect Moore to take on a prominent role in the passing attack. Khalil Shakir will be heavily involved out of the slot. Coleman could be a staple in three-receiver sets, though he would need to beat out Joshua Palmer for those snaps.
Last offseason, the Bills signed Palmer to a three-year deal. He made minimal impact, hauling in 22 passes for 303 scoreless yards in 12 outings.
If Palmer remains on the roster, Coleman may not see enough targets to make third-year strides.
Carolina Panthers: WR Xavier Legette
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In two years, Xavier Legette could fall to wide receiver No. 4 on the Carolina Panthers depth chart.Ā
Unlike Legette, Tetairoa McMillan immediately blossomed into a lead playmaker, winning 2025 Offensive Rookie of the Year with 70 receptions for 1,014 yards and seven touchdowns.
In 2024, the Panthers signed Jalen Coker as an undrafted free agent, the same year they drafted Legette in the first round. Yet he's progressed more than the former Day 1 pick despite injuries.
This year, Carolina selected Chris Brazzell II in the third round of the draft, which should put Legette on notice.
According to The Athletic's Joseph Person, head coach Dave Canales "still seems bullish on Legette figuring things out." But that could change if the third-year wideout has a disappointing showing through the summer.
Regardless, in a low-volume passing attack, Legette is unlikely to see significant growth behind McMillan.Ā
The Panthers may be able to find a trade partner for Legette because of the wideout's draft pedigree, though the compensation won't be much because the wideout has fallen short of expectations, hauling in 84 receptions for 860 yards and seven touchdowns.
Chicago Bears: QB Tyson Bagent
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In February, NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported that the Chicago Bears received trade inquiries for wide receiver DJ Moore and quarterback Tyson Bagent.
The Bears traded Moore to the Buffalo Bills before the draftāBagent could be next.
As a rookie in 2023, Bagent showed some flashes in five games (four starts). Although he threw more interceptions (six) than touchdown passes (three) that year, the athletic signal-caller made plays with his arm and kept drives alive with his legs, running for 11 first downs.Ā
Since Chicago drafted Caleb Williams with the No. 1 overall pick in 2024, Bagent hasn't seen much action. He's thrown six regular-season passes over the last two years.
Williams doesn't have a concerning injury history. So, Chicago's primary backup quarterback could be a clipboard holder for the foreseeable future. If so, Bagent's trade value will be stagnant in the final two years of his deal.
If the Bears get a strong offer for Bagent, they should consider taking the draft capital for a player who may not see the field in the regular season.
Cincinnati Bengals: DT Kris Jenkins Jr.
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The Cincinnati Bengals added two notable veteran defensive tackles, signing Jonathan Allen and acquiring Dexter Lawrence II from the New York Giants.Ā
B.J. Hill is in the second year of his deal. According to Over the Cap, he received $2 million in guaranteed money on the fifth day of the current league year.
With an established veteran trio on the interior of the Bengals' defensive line, the coaching staff may find it difficult to get younger players like Kris Jenkins Jr. on the field.
Jenkins had some bright spots in two seasons, logging 67 tackles (five for loss) and 4.5 sacks in 29 contests, but he may be fourth on the depth chart with the team's new additions.
At only 24, Jenkins could draw trade interest from teams looking for high-upside players to fill needs before final roster cuts.
Cleveland Browns: WR Cedric Tillman
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In 2025, Cedric Tillman had a chance to lock down the No. 2 receiver spot, but he struggled to shake the injury bug and finished with 21 receptions for 270 yards and two touchdowns in 13 games.
Now, Tillman must impress a new coaching staff led by Todd Monken while competing with rookies KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston for a role in the passing attack.
If Tillman falls to fourth or fifth on the depth chart behind Jerry Jeudy, Concepcion, Boston and Isaiah Bond, he could be a trade asset.Ā
For a decent role, Tillman may need to start a new career chapter with a team that has a thinner receiver rotation, which will allow him to see more targets.
Dallas Cowboys: Edge James Houston
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Since the Dallas Cowboys traded Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers, they have tried to fill a void in the pass rush.Ā
This offseason, Dallas acquired Rashan Gary from the Packers and drafted Malachi Lawrence in the first round.
With those two joining Donovan Ezeiruaku and Sam Williams, who signed a new one-year deal, the Cowboys could look to swap out a veteran edge-rusher for draft capital.Ā
As a designated pass-rusher, James Houston recorded 5.5 sacks and 19 pressures while on the field for 28 percent of the defensive snaps last season.Ā
The Cowboys' roster additions could bury Houston on the depth chart. Rather than play the fifth-year pro sparingly, Dallas can trade him to an edge-rusher-needy team for an early Day 3 pick.
Denver Broncos: WR Marvin Mims Jr.
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With a fully healthy Denver Broncos wide receiver room, Marvin Mims Jr. won't be able to showcase his true potential as an offensive playmaker.
Entering a contract year, Mims was arguably the third-best receiver. Then, Denver acquired Jaylen Waddle from the Miami Dolphins, which will knock him down another spot on the depth chart.
Courtland Sutton and Waddle will see most of the targets. Expect Nix to continue looking for his college teammate, Troy Franklin, who caught 65 passes for 709 yards and six touchdowns last year. Pat Bryant, a 2025 third-rounder, is also in the mix.
In the final year of his deal, Mims should want to go elsewhere before his 2027 free-agency bid, and the Broncos should accommodate him.Ā
As an All-Pro and two-time Pro Bowl special teamer, who had 39 catches for 509 yards and six touchdowns in 2025, Mims has trade value.
Detroit Lions: CB Terrion Arnold
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Terrion Arnold enters a crucial third season after two inconsistent years. He's yet to play up to first-round expectations.
In his rookie campaign, Arnold recorded 10 pass breakups and allowed four touchdowns and a passer rating of 93.7, which is decent but not great.
Last year, Arnold allowed a passer rating of 101.5. He also missed nine games because of injuries.
The Detroit Lions will likely give Arnold another year to rebound from an underwhelming career start, but they re-signed Rock Ya-Sin, who can be a short-term starter.
In 2025, Ya-Sin registered nine pass breakups and allowed a passer rating of 72.6 and a 51.9 percent completion rate in coverage.
As of now, Ya-Sin can provide pass coverage insurance for a cornerback group snake-bitten by injuries last year, but he could be Arnold's replacement if the Lions run out of patience with him this summer.
Green Bay Packers: CB Carrington Valentine
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In 2025, Carrington Valentine made 11 starts in 17 games, but he didn't fare well on the boundary.
Valentine allowed seven touchdowns and a 121.2 passer rating in coverage. Likely concerned about their secondary, the Green Bay Packers added cornerbacks in free agency and the draft.
Green Bay signed Benjamin St-Juste, then drafted Brandon Cisse and Domani Jackson in the second and sixth rounds, respectively.
St-Juste has 47 career starts. Cisse only started for one full year on the college level, but his draft status indicates that the Packers see significant upside in him. Both have a chance to unseat Valentine for the lead position.
If Valentine falls back into a reserve role, the Packers could shop the 24-year-old around the league before they make a decision on whether to release him.
Houston Texans: IOL Jarrett Patterson
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For three seasons, 21 out of 39 outings, Jarrett Patterson has been a part-time starter on the interior of the Houston Texans' offensive line.
As the Texans continue to reshape their offensive personnel in the trenches, Patterson could fall further down the depth chart.Ā
Keep in mind that Jake Andrews started in 16 contests over Patterson, who, according to Pro Football Focus, played more snaps at left guard than at the pivot last year.Ā
Furthermore, Houston selected Keylan Rutledge in the first round of this year's draft. In college, he started at right guard, but the Georgia Tech product will transition to center with the Texans.Ā
If Rutledge earns the lead role at the pivot, Patterson may be a third-string guard behind experienced veterans Wyatt Teller and Evan Brown and a third-string center behind Rutledge and Andrews.
If that scenario plays out, Houston could offer Patterson to teams in need of offensive line depth. He has experience at two of three spots on the interior.
Indianapolis Colts: CB Jaylon Jones
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According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, the Indianapolis Colts and Anthony Richardson have "mutually agreed to explore a trade." So technically, they've already considered trading him.
Aside from Richardson, Indianapolis could move Jaylon Jones before the 2026 season. After a solid showing in 2024, logging 12 pass breakups and two interceptions while allowing an 86 passer rating in coverage through 17 starts, he's fallen on the depth chart.
Last year, the Colts signed Charvarius Ward and acquired two-time All-Pro Sauce Gardner from the New York Jets, two established starters. This offseason, they signed Cam Taylor-Britt, who played under defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo with the Cincinnati Bengals from 2022 to 2024.
Gardner and Ward have quality playing experience. Taylor-Britt has started in 40 games and knows the defensive system. Jones has an uphill battle for meaningful regular-season snaps, though teams may see untapped potential from his one-year stint as a full-time starter.
Jacksonville Jaguars: LT Walker Little
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In 2025, the Jacksonville Jaguars demoted left tackle Walker Little, who lost the starting job to Cole Van Lanen.
Although Walker filled in at right guard late in the previous season, he's slated for a backup role.Ā
Jacksonville signed Van Lanen to a three-year, $51 million extension, an indication he'll continue to start at left tackle. Now healthy, right guard Patrick Mekari will likely regain his starting position.
The Jaguars should dangle Walker on the trade block. With 39 career starts at a premium position, he could fetch a Day 2 pick.Ā
It's rare that a left tackle in his prime with that level of experience isn't in a lead role. At 27, Walker should be a big-ticket trade candidate.
Kansas City Chiefs: CB Kristian Fulton
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The Kansas City Chiefs should continue to fully embrace a youth movement at cornerback.Ā
They traded All-Pro Trent McDuffie to the Los Angeles Rams and allowed Jaylen Watson to walk in free agency.Ā
Kansas City traded up for cornerback Mansoor Delane and double-dipped at the position in the fourth round, taking Jadon Canady.
Coming off an injury-marred 2025 campaign, Kristian Fulton could be a placeholder starter, but he's struggled in recent years, permitting a passer rating above 103 in 2023 and 2024.
Nohl Williams, a 2025 third-rounder, will likely push Fulton for a starting spot on the boundary. If they're even in competition by the end of the summer, the Chiefs should start the former, who's only 23.
Fulton could provide veteran presence to a team in desperate need of an experienced starter.Ā
Las Vegas Raiders: QB Aidan O'Connell
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Aidan O'Connell has the playing experience to be a borderline starter or a high-end backup, but he's the third-stringer behind Kirk Cousins and No. 1 overall pick, Fernando Mendoza.Ā
According to ESPN's Ryan McFadden, Cousins is expected to start this season. The 15th-year veteran played in head coach Klint Kubiak's system in 2021 with the Minnesota Vikings.
Eventually, Mendoza will take over for Cousins. As the top pick, he's expected to be the face of the franchise.Ā
O'Connell has no short- or long-term future with the Raiders.Ā
However, he does have 17 starts and a decent resume, throwing for 3,932 yards, 20 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. A team that needs an upgrade at the backup quarterback spot may offer Las Vegas a late-round pick for the fourth-year pro.
Los Angeles Chargers: RB Kimani Vidal
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In 2025, Kimani Vidal proved that he can handle the workload of a lead ball-carrier.Ā
As a fill-In starter for Omarion Hampton, who missed several weeks with an ankle injury, Vidal logged at least 18 carries in four of his 10 starts and rushed for at least 117 yards in three of those outings.Ā
Vidal led the Chargers with 643 rushing yards for the 2025 season, averaging a respectable 4.1 yards per carry.Ā
However, the Chargers signed running back Keaton Mitchell and hired offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel, who favors speed at the skill positions.Ā Ā
Despite his contributions in the previous season, Vidal could drop to No. 3 on the depth chart if Mitchell flashes his pre-ACL-injury quickness.
If Vidal falls out of favor in McDaniel's offense, the Chargers may look to deal him to a team that needs to bolster its backfield committee.
Los Angeles Rams: TE Colby Parkinson
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Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay's offense features multiple tight ends in rotation, but it's an overcrowded room.
The Rams signed Tyler Higbee to a two-year extension and selected Max Klare in the second round of this year's draft.
According to The Athletic's Nate Atkins, the Rams hope 2025 second-rounder Terrance Ferguson "takes the lead" in the tight end room.
Assuming Klare, Ferguson and Higbee are roster locks, Colby Parkinson or Davis Allen could be the odd man out if the Rams keep four tight ends. They're both entering the last year of their deals.
Allen doesn't have much trade value, though. He's hauled in just 40 passes for 342 yards and four touchdowns in 47 outings.
Parkinson is more likely to draw interest on the trade market after racking up career highs in catches (43), receiving yards (408) and touchdowns (eight) last season.
Miami Dolphins: LB Willie Gay Jr.
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The Miami Dolphins re-signed Willie Gay Jr. on a one-year, $3 million deal, but that doesn't preclude him from a potential trade.
After the Dolphins re-signed Gay, they selected linebackers Jacob Rodriguez and Kyle Louis in the second and fourth rounds of the draft.
Despite a roster teardown, Miami still has Jordyn Brooks, who wants a new deal with no guaranteed money left on his contract. Tyrel Dodson also has one non-guaranteed year left on his deal.
The Dolphins have a crowded linebacker room of veterans and rookies. Gay only played 12 percent of the defensive snaps last season. If Miami thins the rotation at that position, he could be the first to go.
At 28, Gay is in his prime with 57 starts on his six-year resume. He could catch on as a lead linebacker with another team.
Minnesota Vikings: S Theo Jackson
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Theo Jackson made our list of potential cut candidates after the Minnesota Vikings selected safety Jakobe Thomas in the third round of this year's draft.
Jackson is among the Vikings' trade candidates for the same reason. Moreover, he could garner interest from the Washington Commanders, who hired Minnesota's former defensive backs coach and pass game coordinator, Daronte Jones.Ā
Working directly under Jones, Jackson made strides as a downhill defender, logging 47 tackles (three for loss) and two sacks in 14 contests.
However, Jackson gave up too much ground in coverage, allowing a 131.5 passer rating and a 71.4 percent completion rate.Ā
Regardless of Thomas' progress through his first offseason in the pros, Minnesota may attempt to trade Jackson because of his limitations on passing downs.
New England Patriots: WR Kayshon Boutte
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As the New England Patriots finalize a deal for A.J. Brown (h/t ESPN's Ian Rapoport), they could trade Kayshon Boutte for an early Day 3 draft pick, which is a decent deal considering he came out of LSU as a sixth-rounder in 2023.
Quarterback Drake Maye won't have many targets to spread around after Brown, newly acquired wideout Romeo Doubs and tight end Hunter Henry get their looks in the passing game.
Keep in mind that Mack Hollins has been a consistent contributor in Josh McDaniels' offense dating back to their time with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2022. Kyle Williams, a 2025 third-rounder, has room to grow.
With Brown on the roster, Boutte is a No. 3 wide receiver at best. He's unlikely to build on a solid 2025 campaign, in which he caught 33 passes for 551 yards and a career-high six touchdowns.
Entering a contract year with ascending receiving numbers, Boutte could attract multiple trade suitors.
New Orleans Saints: RG Cesar Ruiz
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As a first-rounder from the 2020 draft, Cesar Ruiz has been mediocre on the interior of the New Orleans Saints' offensive line.
Ruiz has drawn criticism for his subpar run-blocking ability. He's also missed seven games over the last two years.
The Saints selected Jeremiah Wright in the fourth round of this year's draft. He's a two-year starter out of Auburn, who lined up at right guard.
If Wright flashes in summer practices and preseason games, he could unseat Ruiz for a starting spot. If the Saints find a trade partner for the veteran offensive lineman, they would save $9.5 million in cap space.
New York Giants: CB Deonte Banks
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Given Deonte Banks' lapses in coverage, he doesn't have much trade value, unless the New York Giants package him with draft capital.
However, it only takes one team to give a recent first-rounder a chance to reinvent himself with a change of scenery.
After a decent rookie campaign, allowing a 79.6 passer rating, Banks struggled mightily in the following two seasons, permitting passer ratings of 124.2 and 126.7 and surrendering a total of 10 touchdowns. He hasn't recorded an interception in two years.
Nonetheless, Banks broke up 23 passes in his first two terms. He also showed off his kick return skills, returning one for a touchdown last season.
Obviously, the Giants wanted more than a special-teamer out of a top-25 draft pick, but Banks has clearly lost his way as a starter after the team demoted him last offseason.
The Giants signed Greg Newsome II and selected Colton Hood in the second round of this year's draft. They've put the writing on the wall for Banks' departure. Perhaps a team bails them out of his deal with an offer to swap a late-round pick for him.
New York Jets: RB Isaiah Davis
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The New York Jets signed Breece Hall to a three-year, $43.5 million extension, which ensures he'll maintain a featured role in their ground attack.
Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis will be limited in backup duties, though the latter has shown the ability to take on a three-down role.
Davis finished the previous season with 422 scrimmage yards and a touchdown, while on the field for just 29 percent of the offensive snaps.
The Jets may prefer to develop Allen rather than trade him because he's only 22 years old.Ā
Davis turned 24 in February, and he's a third-stringer with little room for a move up the depth chart. Gang Green could trade him as the team likely prepares Hall for a massive workload in the upcoming campaign.
Philadelphia Eagles: QB Tanner McKee
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The Philadelphia Eagles may not be done making moves. Quarterback Tanner McKee isn't a headline name, but the Eagles have a high price on his trade value.
According to ESPN's Rich Cimini (h/t Philly Voice's Jimmy Kempski), the New York Jets inquired about McKee's availability, and the Eagles demanded a second-round pick for him.
Based on the Eagles' absurdly steep price for a quarterback who's started in two Week 18 games with backups, they would prefer to keep him around.Ā
That said, Philadelphia acquired Andy Dalton from the Carolina Panthers and selected Cole Payton in the fifth round of this year's draft. If the Eagles want to develop the rookie signal-caller behind Jalen Hurts and Dalton, they should drop their asking price for McKee to make a deal.
Philadelphia may be able to get a fifth- or sixth-round pick for McKee, which is more than reasonable with his small-sample resume.Ā
Pittsburgh Steelers: QB Mason Rudolph
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Aaron Rodgers will play out his final season with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He re-signed with the team on a one-year deal.
With Rodgers back on the roster, the Steelers have a crowded quarterback room with Mason Rudolph, rookie third-rounder Drew Allar and Will Howard as the backups.
According to ESPN's Brooke Pryor, the Steelers are working on rewiring Allar's quarterback tendencies.
Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer believes Howard will get the "first crack" at the primary backup job.
Howard has become a mentee of Rodgers. So it makes sense that he's the No. 2 signal-caller on the depth chart while Allar works on the basics.Ā Rudolph is the odd man out, though he should have a trade market with 19 career starts on his resume.
San Francisco 49ers: QB Mac Jones
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The San Francisco 49ers' no-brainer trade candidate is Brandon Aiyuk after general manager John Lynch's public statement that the wide receiver has played his last snap with the team. Cam Inman of the Bay Area News Group reported that the 49ers are expected to trade or release Aiyuk by "summer's end."
If San Francisco considers a less obvious player to trade, it should be quarterback Mac Jones.
In a backup role, Jones is coming off his best season since his 2021 Pro Bowl rookie campaign with the New England Patriots. He filled in for Brock Purdy, who missed several games due to injury, and led the 49ers to five wins in eight starts, throwing for 2,151 yards, 13 touchdowns and six interceptions with a 69.6 percent completion rate.
Purdy has been banged up in the regular season and in the playoffs. So, the 49ers shouldn't be aggressive in an attempt to trade Jones.
However, Jones' trade value isn't going to peak beyond what it is right now unless he sees the field for a significant number of snaps this year.
Moreover, Jones will be a free agent in 2027. The 49ers could offer him a lucrative deal to stay, but he may want to find a starting job elsewhere.Ā
San Francisco committed to Purdy with a five-year, $265 million extension last offseason.Ā
If a team offers the 49ers a second-round pick for their backup signal-caller who's in the final year of his contract, they should consider the deal.
Seattle Seahawks: C Olu Oluwatimi
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In 2024, Olu Oluwatimi started at center in eight out 12 games, but he lost the lead role to Jalen Sundell last offseason.
As a backup for most of the 2025 campaign, Oluwatimi only made four starts while Sundell was on injured reserve.
If Sundell retains the starting spot at the pivot, the Seahawks may get trade inquiries for Oluwatimi, who's only 26 with 13 career starts in three seasons.
The Baltimore Ravens, who lost three-time Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum to the Las Vegas Raiders in free agency, may offer an early Day 3 pick for Oluwatimi. Head coach Mike Macdonald's ties to Baltimore could help facilitate a deal.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: LB SirVocea Dennis
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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers retooled their linebacker corps. They signed Alex Anzalone and Christian Rozeboom and selected Josiah Trotter in the second round of the draft.
Although Lavonte David retired and his absence will open up snaps, Dennis may still be behind Anzalone and Rozeboom on the depth chart. They're both more experienced starters.
Moreover, Trotter could be an early contributor.
In his first year as a full-time starter, Dennis recorded 101 tackles (10 for loss), three sacks, five pass breakups and an interception, which are solid numbers while on the field for 94 percent of the defensive snaps.
However, Dennis allowed three touchdowns and a 122 passer rating in coverage. Anzalone and Rozeboom are superior cover linebackers, and that will likely factor into the pecking order.
As a two-down run defender, Dennis has trade value. The Buccaneers should move him with their upgrades in coverage at the position.
Tennessee Titans: LB Cody Barton
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The Tennessee Titans' new coaching regime may overlook Cody Barton's numbers from the previous season in favor of younger schematic fits.
This offseason, the Titans hired head coach Robert Saleh, who prefers athletic linebackers.Ā
As the San Francisco 49ers' defensive coordinator, Saleh coached All-Pro Fred Warner. During his time as the lead skipper for the New York Jets, he had C.J. Mosley and Quincy Williams in the middle of his units.
In 2025, Barton recorded 81 tackles (four for loss), one sack, 11 pass breakups, three interceptions and allowed a passer rating of 67.1 in coverage.
Yet still, the Titans selected Anthony Hill in the second round of this year's draft.Ā
Based on his relative athletic score (RAS), Cedric Gray possesses the athletic profile that Saleh wants in a linebacker. He'll likely continue to start at the position. If Hill shows out through the preseason, Barton could be on his way out of Tennessee.
Barton doesn't play a premium position, but his 2025 production elevates his trade value.
Washington Commanders: DT Daron Payne
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In March of 2023, the Washington Commanders signed Daron Payne to a four-year, $90 million extension following his breakout season in which he registered 11.5 sacks, 25 pressures, 64 tackles (18 for loss) and five pass breakups.
Payne earned his lucrative new deal with those numbers, but he hasn't come close to matching that level of production since then.
In recent years, Payne has been a decent interior defender but not a game-changer in the pass rush or against the run. Since his 2022 Pro Bowl year, he's averaged about four sacks per season with a missed tackle rate above 10 percent.
Behind Payne in the defensive tackle rotation, Jer'Zhan Newton flashed his pass-rushing ability, logging five sacks and 11 pressures while on the field for 38 percent of the snaps last year.
Entering the final year of his deal, Payne has trade value, and the Commanders may have a long-term building block on the defensive line in Newton.
Washington could deal Payne in one of the most notable transactions this offseason.
Player contract details are provided by Over the Cap.
College statistics are provided by cfbstats.com.
Maurice Moton covers the NFL for Bleacher Report. You can follow him on Twitter @MoeMoton.Ā
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