8 Roster Moves That Need To Be Made Heading into 2026 NFL Training Camp

As NFL rookies report to training camp, teams will tweak rosters before padded practices. Expect notable free agents to join new clubs and perhaps a few trades.

There are several available veterans who can help playoff contenders and players who need a change of scenery ahead of the 2026 season.

So, here are eight roster moves teams need to make heading into training camp. These suggestions include signings, trades and a resolution to a contract dispute.

Arizona Cardinals: Rework QB Jacoby Brissett's Contract

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Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett

Early this offseason, the Arizona Cardinals informed Jacoby Brissett that he'll be their starting quarterback for the upcoming season. So, of course, the 33-year-old signal-caller wants a salary that matches his position on the depth chart.

Brissett is entering a contract year with a base salary of $4.9 million. In terms of total cash to be earned this year, his deal ranks 26th among quarterbacks, per Spotrac. He's slotted one spot above Indianapolis Colts backup signal-caller Anthony Richardson Sr., who's in the fourth year of his rookie contract.

If the Cardinals aren't able to work out a new agreement with Brissett, they would turn to Gardner Minshew II or rookie third-rounder Carson Beck. 

The Cardinals will likely struggle regardless of who starts under center. But as the most experienced quarterback on the roster, Brissett gives them the best chance to be competitive. Plus, it's a crucial third year for wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr.'s development.

Arizona Cardinals: Trade EDGE Josh Sweat

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Arizona Cardinals outside linebacker Josh Sweat

Josh Sweat needs a change of scenery. He's played most of his career with the Philadelphia Eagles, a perennial playoff contender. This offseason, the Arizona Cardinals fired lead skipper Jonathan Gannon, who coached the veteran edge-rusher during their time together in Philadelphia.

According to ESPN's Dan Graziano, Sweat isn't happy. Thus far, reporters haven't mentioned that this is a contract-related issue, which means he may just want out of Arizona's rebuild under a new coaching staff.

Sweat will be 30 next year. The Cardinals aren't close to playoff contention. They should trade him for a Day 2 pick in next year's draft. 

Coming off a season with a career-high 12 sacks and 28 pressures, Sweat should be able to fetch an early-round draft pick from a pass-rusher-needy team like the Chicago Bears.

Baltimore Ravens: Sign WR Stefon Diggs

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Wide receiver Stefon Diggs

According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, at least five teams are interested in Stefon Diggs, and the Baltimore Ravens could be one of them.

In recent years, the Ravens have signed Sammy Watkins, DeSean Jackson, Odell Beckham Jr., Nelson Agholor and DeAndre Hopkins in the twilight of their respective careers. Perhaps they take another swing at a veteran wideout ahead of training camp.

Coming off a 1,000-plus-yard season, Diggs believes he's the best No. 2 receiver in the league. He can complement two-time Pro Bowler Zay Flowers in Baltimore's offense under first-time play-caller Declan Doyle.

With tight end Mark Andrews entering his age-31 campaign, the Ravens need another reliable possession pass-catcher to move the chains. Diggs can fill that role. He's averaged fewer than 12 yards per reception in three consecutive terms but finished with an 83.3 percent catch rate last season.

Kansas City Chiefs: Sign WR Deebo Samuel

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Wide receiver Deebo Samuel

The Kansas City Chiefs shouldn't trust Rashee Rice to make it through a full season. Because of injuries and a suspension, he's missed 22 games over the last two campaigns. 

Although head coach Andy Reid doesn't believe the league will suspend Rice for violating probation, the 26-year-old wideout did serve a 30-day jail sentence between May and June. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, he had clean-up knee surgery before serving time.

The Chiefs need veteran insurance at receiver in case Rice misses time for one reason or another. 

Reid can flex his creative play-calling chops with Deebo Samuel. The versatile playmaker can pick up yards as a receiver on the perimeter or in the slot and occasionally take handoffs out of the backfield.

Last season, Samuel led the Washington Commanders in catches (72), receiving yards (727) and touchdown receptions (five). He can match or top those numbers in Kansas City's pass-centric offense.

New Orleans Saints: Sign WR Keenan Allen

AP Photo/William Liang

Wide receiver Keenan Allen

New Orleans Saints head coach Kellen Moore is familiar with Keenan Allen from their time together with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2023. That year, Moore served as the Chargers' offensive coordinator, and Allen racked up a team-leading 108 catches for 1,243 yards and seven touchdowns. 

Clearly, Moore knows how to feature Allen in his aerial attack. In a reunion, he could utilize the savvy veteran as the second or third option behind Chris Olave and rookie first-rounder Jordyn Tyson. 

Remember, Tyson has an extensive injury history. Allen can be veteran insurance, an upgrade over Devaughn Vele in the slot and a reliable safety blanket for quarterback Tyler Shough.

Last season, Allen caught 81 passes for 777 yards and four touchdowns with the Chargers. He has finished with at least 66 catches and 744 receiving yards in nine consecutive campaigns.

Philadelphia Eagles: Sign EDGE Von Miller

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Edge-rusher Von Miller

Von Miller admitted that he chose the wrong team before training camp last offseason. He picked the Washington Commanders over the Seattle Seahawks last summer.

Entering his age-37 season, the two-time Super Bowl champion could still help a contender in need of an established edge-rusher. In 2025, he led the Commanders with nine sacks while on the field for just 37 percent of the defensive snaps. 

Miller is open to a second stint with the Denver Broncos. Perhaps he would be willing to play under former Broncos head coach and defensive play-caller Vic Fangio. If so, the 14-year pro could bolster the Philadelphia Eagles' outside linebacker group.

The Eagles acquired edge-rusher Jonathan Greenard from the Minnesota Vikings, but they don't have a reliable pass-rusher on the opposite side, though Jalyx Hunt showed signs of promise last season. As a first-rounder from the 2023 draft, Nolan Smith Jr. has been a disappointment, logging just 10.5 sacks.

Miller can provide a much-needed pass-rushing boost and be a closer on the edge in Philadelphia.

Pittsburgh Steelers: Sign LT Taylor Decker

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Offensive tackle Taylor Decker

During the spring, offensive tackles Troy Fautanu and Dylan Cook switched sides. Fautanu shifted to the left side, and Cook, a fill-in starter from the previous season, took snaps on the right. 

The Pittsburgh Steelers can continue to work on their switcheroo at tackle, though they can sign experienced left tackle Taylor Decker.

According to Pro Football Focus, Decker only allowed two sacks over 551 pass-blocking snaps last season with the Detroit Lions. Turning 33 in August, he's still a starting-caliber left tackle who can protect his quarterback.

The Steelers only have $3.2 million in cap space, but according to Over the Cap, they can restructure T.J. Watt's contract to free up $20.5 million. It's a logical move if Pittsburgh pursues the top free-agent offensive tackle.

Washington Commanders Trade for WR Kayshon Boutte

AP Photo/Greg M. Cooper

New England Patriots wide receiver Kayshon Boutte

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler doesn't believe the Washington Commanders are interested in Brandon Aiyuk "at this stage." 

On social media, Aiyuk has taken aim at his current team, the San Francisco 49ers, hoping they will release him, but he might have turned off teams with the way he's handling his situation.

Washington should turn its attention to Kayshon Boutte, another wideout who played college football with quarterback Jayden Daniels. They were LSU teammates for the 2022 term. In that year, Daniels started in 14 games, and Boutte caught 48 passes for 538 yards and two touchdowns.

In 2025, with the New England Patriots, Boutte showcased his big-play ability, hauling in 33 passes for 551 yards and six touchdowns. He can continue to grow in Washington, given the team's glaring need at wide receiver and his rapport with Daniels.

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