7 NFL Players Who Need a Change of Scenery Ahead of 2026 Season

As NFL training camps get underway, teams are busy evaluating rosters, and players will be focused on battling for opportunities. Some of those players, though, should be hoping to find opportunities with new teams.

The proverbial grass certainly isn't always greener in the NFL, but history is filled with examples of players who benefited greatly from fresh starts. Sam Darnold, for example, got a new starting opportunity with the Minnesota Vikings in 2024, parlayed it into a starting gig with the Seattle Seahawks last season, and is now entering 2026 as a Super Bowl champion.

Here, we'll examine seven veterans who could desperately use a change of scenery before the start of the season. We'll focus specifically on players who are buried on depth charts, facing unfavorable situations, or who have simply run their course with their current franchise—A.J. Brown, who was traded in June, is a good example of the latter category.

Players are listed in alphabetical order.

Brandon Aiyuk, WR, San Francisco 49ers

AP Photo/Ben VanHouten, File

We'll open our list with the most obvious candidate in the NFL. Brandon Aiyuk's split with the San Francisco 49ers has been inevitable since he and the team clashed over his recovery from a torn ACL last season. The 49ers have made no secret about the fact they'd love to trade Aiyuk.

"We're available. Give us a call," general manager John Lynch told reporters in his post-draft press conference.

Of course, Aiyuk hasn't done much to help create suitors. He has repeatedly attacked San Francisco, and even the NFLPA, in social-media posts that have left some wondering if he really wants to continue his career.

"The easiest way for him to return to the field would've been to report to the Niners' offseason program and force them to cut him," Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer wrote. "Instead, he's been firing missiles from a social media bunker, and allowing the 49ers to move forward without him."

If Aiyuk does want to continue playing, he'll have to do it outside of San Francisco. And while the list of logical landing spots isn't lengthy, he could make sense for a team that is desperate for perimeter receiving options.

Ideal Landing Spots: Miami Dolphins, Washington Commanders

Kayshon Boutte, WR, New England Patriots

AP Photo/Charles Krupa

The New England Patriots have an exciting young quarterback in Drake Maye and just represented the AFC in Super Bowl LX. Wide receiver Kayshon Boutte, who is entering the final year of his contract, could certainly be stuck in a worse situation.

However, Boutte undoubtedly wants to maximize his NFL stock before hitting the open market. He may struggle to do that in New England following the Patriots' trade for A.J. Brown.

Boutte ranked second among Patriots wideouts and third among pass-catchers with 551 receiving yards last season. While top receiver Stefon Diggs is gone, tight end Hunter Henry is returning, and Brown is poised to take over Diggs' role as the No. 1 target.

New England also acquired Romeo Doubs this offseason, which could push Boutte even further down the targets list. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the Patriots are open to moving Boutte for the right price.

Back in April, Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer reported that the Patriots were hoping to get a third-round pick in exchange for Boutte. Ideally, a trade will send him to a team with a better opportunity to start.

Ideal Landing Spots: Kansas City Chiefs, Las Vegas Raiders

J.J. McCarthy, QB, Minnesota Vikings

AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez

2024 first-round pick J.J. McCarthy has had a rough go of things with the Minnesota Vikings thus far. He missed his entire rookie season following knee surgery, and he played poorly for much of last season, even when healthy.

Early this offseason, the Vikings added former first overall pick Kyler Murray to the equation.

Back in May, ESPN's Dan Graziano reported that the Vikings "haven't given up on" McCarthy and signed Murray to help get him "refocused on whatever they think he got away from last year."

However, it's looking increasingly likely that Murray will be QB1 when Minnesota opens the regular season. ESPN's Kevin Seifert recently called Murray the "heavy favorite" to win the QB competition.

To be fair, there's still a chance that McCarthy can claim the Vikings' starting gig in camp. If he can't, however, Murray may never relinquish it, and McCarthy may find himself out of opportunities in Minnesota. If that occurs, he should hope to land with another team that doesn't have a clear long-term QB answer sooner than later.

Ideal Landing Spots: New York Jets, Pittsburgh Steelers

Anthony Richardson, QB, Indianapolis Colts

AP Photo/John Amis

While McCarthy remains a bit of an unknown, the Indianapolis Colts largely know what they have in 2023 first-round pick Anthony Richardson. The 24-year-old Florida product is loaded with physical potential but remains a raw signal-caller with a career 67.8 quarterback rating.

The Colts made it pretty clear last season that they're ready to move off of Richardson when they signed Daniel Jones. They made that stance even clearer this offseason when they extended Jones on a two-year deal.

NFL Network's Cameron Wolfe reported back in February that the Colts and Richardson "mutually agreed" to seek a trade.

While Richardson remains in Indy and could provide insurance as Jones recovers from a torn Achilles, he should hope to rebuild his stock elsewhere. As QBs like Darnold and Baker Mayfield did before him, landing in a quarterback-friendly environment as a backup might be his best bet.

Richardson's top options might even include Minnesota if the Vikings are indeed out on McCarthy. According to Wolfe, Minnesota was interested in Richardson before getting the opportunity to add Murray.

Ideal Landing Spots: Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings

Sam Williams, Edge, Dallas Cowboys

AP Photo/Adam Hunger

Dallas Cowboys edge-defender Sam Williams had the opportunity for a fresh start in free agency early this offseason. However, the 2022 second-round pick opted to return to Dallas on a one-year deal.

"I got other offers at other places, but once the Cowboys wanted me back, it was a no-brainer," Williams said in March, per Nick Eatman of the team's official website.

In retrospect, Williams may wish he had chosen a different path. While he obviously has some familiarity with the Cowboys—though they have a new defensive coordinator in Christian Parker—he may be short on playing opportunities. Dallas suddenly has a logjam of edge-defenders.

Rising star Donovan Ezeiruaku is back, and the Cowboys traded to add Rashan Gary to their edge rotation. They then used first- and third-round picks on Malachi Lawrence and Jaishawn Barham, respectively.

Williams, who had 8.5 sacks in his first two seasons before suffering a torn ACL in 2024, has flashed promise. Landing with a team that has questionable edge depth would give him a better chance to reach his potential than staying buried on Dallas' depth chart.

Ideal Landing Spots: Chicago Bears, San Francisco 49ers

Josh Sweat, Edge, Arizona Cardinals

AP Photo/Joshua A. Bickel

Arizona Cardinals edge-rusher Josh Sweat reportedly hasn't been pleased with the direction of the franchise this offseason and could welcome a trade.

Back in May, Cardinals insider Kyle Odegard reported that he had "been hearing for awhile" that he "is not particularly happy" in Arizona.

Sweat, who previously starred for the Philadelphia Eagles, joined former Eagles defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon in Arizona last offseason and proceeded to have a 12-sack campaign. However, Gannon was fired and replaced with Mike LaFleur this offseason, which has led to speculation about Sweat's future—though NFL Network's Ian Rapoport has insisted that Sweat won't be dealt.

"Sweat is not being traded," Rapoport posted on X. "Carry on..."

While Arizona may not be publicly angling to move the 29-year-old, that doesn't mean it won't accept a strong offer. Sweat should hope it will since the Cardinals are more likely to contend for the top pick in the 2027 draft than a playoff spot.

Sweat should hope that he can parlay the most prolific season of his career into an opportunity with a contender in need of pass-rush help.

Ideal Landing Spots: New England Patriots, Philadelphia Eagles

Cedric Tillman, WR, Cleveland Browns

AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki

The Cleveland Browns traded Myles Garrett in June, and they could look to move more valuable veterans like cornerback Denzel Ward at some point in 2026. However, they probably won't trade any more key contributors ahead of the regular season.

2023 third-round pick Cedric Tillman was once looked like a long-term contributor for the Browns, but now, he appears to be on the roster bubble.

Tillman had a bit of a breakout in 2024, racking up 330 yards in a five-game stretch before suffering a season-ending concussion. He was merely a role player this past season, and now, he's probably buried on the depth chart.

The Browns are bringing back Jerry Jeudy and Isaiah Bond, and they just drafted Kevin Concepcion and Denzel Boston in the first and second round, respectively.

While Tillman could potentially stick as a fourth or fifth receiver and a core special-teamer, he should be hoping for a better opportunity to play. He's still only 26 years old, and he'll get his first taste of free agency in 2027. Teams lacking receiver depth and in position to bet on a younger receiver should be interested.

Ideal Landing Spots: Atlanta Falcons, Las Vegas Raiders