Early Bold Predictions for the 2026 NFL Trade Deadline

NFL trade rumors subside between mandatory minicamp and training camp, but that doesn't mean general managers aren't looking ahead at potential moves.

A well-prepared front office stays one step ahead of the market and keeps communication lines open, even if it's for deals that could happen closer to the November 3 deadline.

Let's look ahead at what could be brewing on the trade market in the fall.

Will we see offseason trade targets resurface? Could a franchise-tagged player be on the move? Which teams may be aggressive sellers closer to the deadline?

Browns Continue Rebuild, Trade CB Denzel Ward to the Packers

AP Photo/Jeff Dean

Cleveland Browns cornerback Denzel Ward

After the Cleveland Browns traded star edge-rusher Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams, general manager Andrew Berry said the team isn't interested in any deals for five-time Pro Bowler Denzel Ward, via Chris Easterling of the Akron Beacon Journal.

Remember, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Browns said they were "100 percent definitely not trading him [Garrett]," just two months before sending him to the Rams.

Cleveland may not intend to ship Ward elsewhere, but Berry can be swayed with a strong offer.

Also, the Browns could be heading into another losing season with a big question mark at quarterback, an entirely new starting offensive line and a young receiver group behind Jerry Jeudy. This is the type of team that would sell its older veterans at the deadline.

Entering his age-29 term, Ward wouldn't fit the Browns' timeline if they continue rebuilding their roster next offseason. He only has two more years left on his contract, and Cleveland would save $17.4 million in cap space if it trades him this year, per Over the Cap. 

This offseason, the Green Bay Packers released cornerback Nate Hobbs one year into his four-term, $48 million contract and patched up the position by signing Benjamin St-Juste and drafting Brandon Cisse and Domani Jackson in the second and sixth rounds, respectively. Keep in mind that Keisean Nixon allowed six touchdowns and a 105.1 passer rating last season.

The Packers could significantly upgrade their cornerback unit by acquiring Ward, who's coming off his third consecutive Pro Bowl campaign. They'll need the help in pass coverage as three-time All-Pro edge-rusher Micah Parsons works his way back into tip-top game shape from a torn ACL.

Cardinals Send Edge Josh Sweat to the Bears

The Arizona Cardinals will eventually need to resolve their situation with Josh Sweat, and that could result in a trade deadline deal.

ESPN's Dan Graziano reported that Sweat was "letting it be known" that he's unhappy in Arizona. Graziano's ESPN colleague, Josh Weinfuss, reported that Sweat attended mandatory minicamp, but he stood on the sideline as a spectator. 

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport shut down trade rumors that involved Sweat.

"Cardinals edge-rusher Josh Sweat is not being traded. Not to the Packers or anywhere. Carry on…" Rapoport posted on Bluesky.

While that may be true for now, playoff-contending teams are usually more aggressive about acquiring proven talent near the trade deadline. The Cardinals will receive calls if other teams believe Sweat remains discontent.

The Chicago Bears would be a likely suitor for Sweat. General manager Ryan Pace confirmed (h/t ESPN's Courtney Cronin) that he showed interest in edge-rusher Maxx Crosby before the Las Vegas Raiders traded him to the Baltimore Ravens, who backed out of the deal.

Schefter reported that the Bears don't have the financial resources to acquire Crosby, who will play with $30 million in guaranteed money this year. Chicago can target Sweat, who's much less costly with about $9.8 million in guaranteed money on his deal for this year.

In 2025, Sweat registered a career-high 12.5 sacks. He could provide a significant boost to the Bears' pass rush opposite Montez Sweat. A Sweat-Sweat edge-rushing duo could be dominant in the Windy City.

Cowboys Trade WR George Pickens to the Chiefs

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Cowboys WR George Pickens

Dallas Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones made it clear that the team won't negotiate a long-term deal with George Pickens, via The Athletic's Jon Machota.

"We've made a decision that we're going to have George Pickens (play under the franchise tag). There won't be negotiations on a long-term deal," Jones said. 

While Pickens skipped OTAs, wideout Ryan Flournoy generated early offseason buzz.

"Ryan Flournoy, I really think is taking the next step," head coach Brian Schottenheimer told reporters. "I think he has a chance to be a terrific receiver in this league."

Schottenheimer's comments alone aren't a reason to believe Flournoy is Pickens' eventual replacement, but it's worth noting the 26-year-old receiver caught 40 passes for 475 yards and four touchdowns last season. He's set to be the No. 3 receiver following Jalen Tolbert's departure to the Miami Dolphins in free agency.

The Cowboys may see untapped potential in Flournoy, who could outpace his 2025 receiving numbers in a stable role. If so, they may be comfortable with moving on from Pickens, whose market value is steep after his career year, hauling in 93 passes for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns.

Dallas' hesitation to negotiate a long-term deal with Pickens opens up the possibility for a trade midway through the upcoming campaign.

If Flournoy blossoms in a complementary role, the Cowboys could trade Pickens to a receiver-needy contending team like the Kansas City Chiefs, who don't have a reliable lead perimeter playmaker. 

Panthers Acquire QB Mac Jones from 49ers to Save Their Season

AP Photo/Jessie Alcheh

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Mac Jones

Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young is entering a crucial campaign that may determine his future. 

Last season, Young threw for 3,011 yards, 23 touchdowns and 11 interceptions with a 63.6 percent completion rate. He made moderate strides in a low-volume passing attack. Carolina picked up the fifth-year option in his rookie contract, but general manager Dan Morgan isn't ready to negotiate an extension with the signal-caller's representatives.

The Athletic's Joseph Person reported that Carolina isn't expected to sign Young to an extension this offseason, suggesting the team wants to see more from him in the upcoming term.

If Young regresses, the Panthers may try to pivot at quarterback midseason to make it back to the playoffs in a winnable division that didn't have a team above .500 last year. In that predicament, they shouldn't turn to Kenny Pickett or Will Grier. Neither has had much success on the pro level.

If Young isn't the guy, the Panthers should pursue San Francisco 49ers backup quarterback Mac Jones.

Last season, Jones played well in place of Brock Purdy, who battled injuries, throwing for 2,151 yards, 13 touchdowns and six interceptions with a 69.6 percent completion rate in 11 games (eight starts).

The Athletic's Jeff Howe believes the 49ers could demand a first-round pick for Jones. If that's the case, the Panthers should inquire with the intent to make him their long-term starter, which would end Young's tenure in Carolina. 

Jones is three years older than Young, but he's shown the ability to perform at a high level with two different teams—the New England Patriots in his 2021 rookie year and the 49ers last season.

Raiders Trade Edge Maxx Crosby to the Patriots

AP Photo/Maria Lysaker

Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby

As of now, the Las Vegas Raiders and Maxx Crosby seem ready to move forward together after the Baltimore Ravens backed out of a deal for him.

According to ESPN's Ryan McFadden, the Ravens had medical concerns about the pass-rusher's knee. 

Crosby has said he's happy to be back with the Silver and Black, but the team could revisit trade offers if it goes into sell mode near the midseason deadline.

McFadden expects Kirk Cousins to start over No. 1 overall pick, Fernando Mendoza, to start the season. 

Based on recent production, the Raiders have a bottom-tier receiver unit led by Jalen Nailor, Tre Tucker and second-year wideout Jack Bech. None of whom have more than 57 catches or 696 receiving yards in a single season. 

Las Vegas also has a first-time head coach in Klint Kubiak, who retained defensive line coach/defensive run game coordinator Rob Leonard and promoted him to defensive coordinator.

The Raiders will go through rough patches as they grow together, but Crosby, who turns 29 in August, may not have many optimal years left. General manager John Spytek may decide it's best to trade the star edge-rusher for a first-round pick and more while he's still playing at a Pro Bowl level on a team that may be a year or two away from playoff contention. 

The New England Patriots may seek help for their pass rush in the second half of the upcoming campaign. They allowed K'Lavon Chaisson to walk in free agency. According to ESPN's Mike Reiss, Harold Landry III underwent offseason knee surgery.

New England can offer Las Vegas its 2027 first-rounder, 2028 second-rounder and a player to jump-start trade discussions for Crosby.

Player contract details are provided by Over the Cap.

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