1 Player Each NFL Team Should Put on the 2026 Trade Block This Preseason

The NFL's preseason began with Thursday's Hall of Fame Game, and the regular season is only a month away. Teams will spend the coming weeks honing their rosters and preparing for cutdown day on August 30.

While the preseason goal is, in theory, to identify the best 53 players to carry into the regular season, the cutdown process is rarely that simple. Every year, good, even starting-caliber players, end up on the cut pile or the trade market because of factors like scheme fit, salary cap constraints, offseason regime changes, and, sometimes, a simple desire to create opportunities for other players.

In most cases, a team would prefer to go the trade route rather than outright releasing a player who will have value to another team.

Here, you'll find a look at one player on each team's roster who should be made available before the end of August due to one or more of the aforementioned factors.

Arizona Cardinals: RB Trey Benson

AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin

The Arizona Cardinals used the third overall pick in April's draft on Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love. After also adding Tyler Allgeier in free agency, the Cardinals have a logjam at running back—even with last season's injuries considered.

James Conner (foot), Trey Benson (meniscus), and Zonovan Knight (ankle) are all working their way back from injuries.

Arizona is likely to keep four backs, at most. While keeping the two healthiest backs behind Love and Allgeier will be an option, now would be a good time to try getting trade value for one of the ball-carriers.

Benson, a 2024 third-round pick out of Florida State, would be the most attractive trade candidate after Love and Allgeier. He only saw limited opportunities before last year's injury, but he averaged 6.1 yards per carry in college and just turned 24 years old.

Atlanta Falcons: LB JD Bertrand

AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman

The Atlanta Falcons selected linebacker JD Bertrand in the fifth round of the 2024 draft, and they've gotten a decent return on their investment. The Notre Dame product has appeared in 27 games with two starts and has recorded 58 tackles and a sack.

Bertrand has also played a pivotal special-teams role, logging 547 snaps across two seasons.

However, the Falcons have revamped their inside linebacker rotation this offseason. They added Christian Harris, Channing Tindall, and Josh Woods. They also drafted Kendal Daniels and Harold Perkins Jr.

Atlanta already released injury-prone 2022 second-round pick Troy Andersen as part of its linebacker makeover. It should see if it can get some late-round draft compensation back for Bertrand.

Baltimore Ravens: WR Rashod Bateman

AP Photo/Nick Wass

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman hasn't played up to his status as a 2021 first-round pick. However, he did have a 756-yard season in 2024, which led to a three-year, $36.8 million extension.

Bateman had another underwhelming (224 yards) season following that extension, due in large part to a lingering ankle injury. However, general manager Eric DeCosta believes the pass-catcher can be better.

"Last year was just kind of a lost season in some ways, but that's no indication of the type of player that we think he is and how he can help us," DeCosta told 105.7 The Fan (h/t ProFootballTalk's Michael Davis Smith).

While the Ravens may still believe in Bateman, they just drafted receivers Ja'Kobi Lane and Elijah Sarratt in Rounds 3 and 4, respectively.

It would behoove Baltimore to see what sort of trade value Bateman has ahead of Week 1. There are several receiver-needy teams out there, and the Ravens could save $2.4 million in cap space while creating opportunities for Lane and Sarratt.

Buffalo Bills: WR Joshua Palmer

AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes

After trading for D.J. Moore and adding Skyler Bell in the draft, the Buffalo Bills could consider trading 2024 second-round pick Keon Coleman. The Florida State product certainly hasn't played up to his status as the 33rd pick in the draft, though he's not the wide receiver Buffalo should be most eager to move.

Last offseason, the Bills signed Joshua Palmer to a three-year, $29 million contract in free agency. While it's worth noting that he was limited by ankle and knee injuries, his production left plenty to be desired.

Palmer recorded a career-low 22 catches and 303 receiving yards during his first season with the Bills.

While Buffalo couldn't reasonably expect a big return for Palmer in a trade, it could get something from a receiver-needy team to go with some valuable cap savings. The Bills have just over $10 million in cap space, and they could save $10.2 million in cap room by trading Palmer.

Carolina Panthers: DT Bobby Brown III

AP Photo/Nell Redmond

Last offseason, the Carolina Panthers signed defensive tackle Bobby Brown III to a three-year, $21 million extension. Unfortunately, the 2021 fourth-round pick didn't quite play up to expectations.

Brown appeared in all 17 games last season, finishing with 31 tackles and a half-sack. However, he only made five starts and was graded 80th overall among defensive linemen by Pro Football Focus. His long-term future became uncertain after the Panthers used a second-round pick on Lee Hunter, who is well suited for the nose tackle role.

Tershawn Wharton's ongoing recovery from spring neck surgery clouds the defensive-line rotation a bit. However, if the Panthers are pleased with Hunter's development through training camp, they should consider getting out from under Brown's contract with a trade.

Moving Brown would move Hunter into a starting role while saving Carolina $6.2 million in 2026 cap space.

Chicago Bears: TE Cole Kmet

AP PhotoPhoto/Chris Szagola

Earlier this offseason, the Chicago Bears restructured the contract of tight end Cole Kmet. Under the amended agreement, the Bears could only save $1.4 million in cap space by trading Kmet this year.

Even with Colston Loveland fully establishing himself as the team's top receiving tight end, Chicago isn't going to trade Kmet strictly to save money.

However, there's a very real chance that Kmet will be a cap casualty next offseason. Under his revised deal, his cap hit will jump from $7.8 million this season to $15.4 million in 2027. Chicago will save an even $10 million by releasing him next spring.

With Kmet unlikely to be in the Bears' long-term plans, it's worth seeing what he might bring on the trade market now. The Notre Dame product has 91 starts on his resume and has logged three seasons with over 500 receiving yards, so teams without a reliable tight end should be very interested.

Cincinnati Bengals: DT T.J. Slaton

AP Photo/Jeff Dean

The Cincinnati Bengals revamped their defensive line this offseason, trading for Dexter Lawrence II and signing both Boye Mafe and Jonathan Allen. The change has been palpable in early camp practices.

"Size difference from last year is the most glaring thing," quarterback Joe Burrow told reporters (h/t Cleveland.com).

With several new pieces in place along Cincinnati's defensive front, the Bengals should try offloading one of their holdovers, specifically, T.J. Slaton.

Slaton started all 17 games for the Bengals last season and recorded 52 tackles and three sacks. However, he was graded just 116th overall among defensive linemen by Pro Football Focus and is now headed toward a reserve role.

The Bengals could expect a reasonable return from a team lacking depth at defensive tackle. They could also save $6.7 million in cap space by moving Slaton, who is in the final year of his contract.

Cleveland Browns: QB Dillon Gabriel

AP Photo/Kirk Irwin

Cleveland Browns quarterback Dillon Gabriel is undersized (5'11", 205 lbs), and he largely underwhelmed as a rookie last season (80.8 QB rating). However, he managed to show flashes of accuracy and good decision-making (7 TDs, 2 INTs) while playing with an awful supporting cast.

Fellow 2025 rookie Shedeur Sanders, who is being given a chance to compete for the starting job this year, posted a 68.1 quarterback rating.

Gabriel isn't an NFL starter, but the former Oregon standout and Heisman finalist has the tools and intangibles to be a quality backup. The issue in Cleveland is that Gabriel was drafted to fit Kevin Stefanski's offense, and Stefanski is now in Atlanta.

Sanders and Deshaun Watson are battling to be QB1, and the Browns drafted Taylen Green as a developmental depth piece. Gabriel is unlikely to bring a big return in a trade, but with Cleveland moving in a new direction, it should make him available.

Dallas Cowboys: Edge Sam Williams

AP Photo/Jerome Miron

The Dallas Cowboys have taken steps to revamp their pass-rushing rotation this offseason, trading for Rashan Gary and using first- and third-round picks on Malachi Lawrence and Jaishawn Barham, respectively.

The influx of edge-defenders will limit the opportunities for 2022 second-round pick Sam Williams, who returned to Dallas on a one-year deal in free agency.

Williams has flashed promise during his time with the Cowboys, recording 8.5 sacks in his first two seasons before suffering a torn ACL in 2024. However, he may now be more valuable to the Cowboys as a trade chip than as a part-time contributor.

Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones recently hinted at a willingness to add win-now talent to the Cowboys' roster. Moving Williams could help bring in a more impactful player or, at least, make a trade more financially feasible.

Dallas has just $5.1 million in cap space and could create another $1.9 million in space by trading Williams.

Denver Broncos: RB Jaleel McLaughlin

AP Photo/David Zalubowski

In his three seasons with the Denver Broncos, running back Jaleel McLaughlin has continually flashed as a change-of-pace option.

The 2023 undrafted free agent has averaged an impressive 4.8 yards per carry while tallying 1356 yards and seven touchdowns in his three seasons.

McLaughlin's best campaign came in 2023, when he finished with 410 rushing yards, 31 receptions, and 570 scrimmage yards. Though undersized at 5'7" and 187 pounds, he has proven himself to be a valuable role player in Denver.

The issue is that the Broncos suddenly have a logjam at running back. They signed J.K. Dobbins to a new three-year deal in March, and he'll likely pair with second-year back RJ Harvey as Denver's top tandem. However, the Broncos also added fourth-round rookie Jonah Coleman, and he should factor into the backfield rotation sooner than later.

While the Broncos could opt to keep four backs on the active roster, now is the time to try flipping McLaughlin, who is set to play on a one-year deal.

Detroit Lions: Edge Payton Turner

AP Photo/Paul Sancya

The Detroit Lions have been steadily searching for edge-rushers to play opposite standout Aidan Hutchinson. While they're still looking for their top complement, they may have a surplus of depth entering the preseason.

The Lions signed D.J. Wonnum and Payton Turner in free agency before adding Derrick Moore and Tyre West in the draft. Detroit also has Ahmed Hassanein, who spent part of last season on the practice squad, and undrafted rookies Anthony Lucas and Eric O'Neill.

Detroit has also used defensive lineman Tyler Lacy on the edge in camp, according to Tim Twentyman of the team's official website.

If the Lions are happy with their edge depth early in the preseason, Turner would be a logical trade candidate. He only showed occasional flashes in his four seasons with the New Orleans Saints—and he missed last season for the Cowboys with a rib injury—but the 2021 first-round pick does have the sort of alluring draft pedigree that will still interest some teams.

Green Bay Packers: CB Carrington Valentine

AP Photo/Matt Ludtke

Carrington Valentine has been a pleasant surprise for the Green Bay Packers over the past three seasons. The 2023 seventh-round pick has made 30 starts, including 11 in 2025, and has far outpaced his draft status.

However, Valentine's efficiency took a significant hit in 2025—after allowing an opposing QB rating below 85.0 in his first two seasons, his opposing QB rating jumped to 121.2—and he's facing an adjustment to new defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon.

With Benjamin St-Juste, rookie second-round pick Brandon Cisse, and rookie sixth-rounder Domani Jackson now in the mix at corner, Valentine's future in Green Bay is uncertain. He's entering the final year of his rookie contract, and the Packers could save $3.7 million by trading him.

If the Packers are pleased with how their rookie corners are developing in camp and open to moving on from Valentine next offseason, they should see what they can get by moving him now.

Houston Texans: OT Blake Fisher

AP Photo/Ashley Landis

The Houston Texans' tinkering of the offensive line continues. At right tackle, Houston re-signed Trent Brown and added longtime Colts starter Braden Smith.

With Brown and Smith atop the depth chart—and 2025 second-round pick Aireontae Ersery entrenched at left tackle—Blake Fisher is likely stuck in a reserve role entering the preseason.

Now, the Texans could certainly justify keeping Fisher on the depth chart as a swing tackle. He has appeared in 31 games with 15 starts across two seasons, and Pro Football Focus graded him as the 42nd overall tackle this past season. However, Houston also added undrafted rookies James Neal III and Sam Hagen, and it could find Fisher to be more valuable as a trade chip.

Fisher was a second-round pick out of Notre Dame in 2024, and the Texans could expect some reasonable trade offers if he's made available this preseason.

Indianapolis Colts: QB Anthony Richardson

AP Photo/David Zalubowski

The Indianapolis Colts haven't officially moved on from 2023 first-round pick Anthony Richardson just yet. However, they have committed to Daniel Jones, declined the fifth-year option on Richardson's contract, and granted Richardson permission to seek a trade.

At the start of training camp, Colts general manager Chris Ballard told reporters that Richardson's trade request still stands, but that he's comfortable keeping Jones, Richardson, and Riley Leonard in the quarterback room.

While having quarterback depth is always nice, Indianapolis should at least make Richardson available in the coming weeks. He's set to be a free agent in 2027, meaning the Colts only have until the trade deadline to get something in return for him.

Some quarterbacks may have more trade value closer to the deadline if injuries have created needs at the position. However, Richardson is still a developmental player, albeit a physically talented one, who might not be prepared to step in and start. A team trading for Richardson would be looking to get him in the building and evaluate him ahead of free agency.

Richardson's value may actually be higher before the regular season gets underway.

Jacksonville Jaguars: DL Arik Armstead

AP Photo/David Zalubowski

The interior defensive line is one of the thinner areas on the Jacksonville Jaguars' roster. The Jags have tried to address the group, though, trading for Ruke Orhorhoro and using a third-round pick on Albert Regis.

The Jags should be searching for more defensive-line depth ahead of Week 1, and they should also look to move Arik Armstead. While that may seem counterintuitive, replacing and trading Armstead would be the financially sound move.

Armstead was serviceable but not great for Jacksonville last season. He appeared in 16 games with 11 starts, but he was also graded 56th overall among all defensive linemen by Pro Football Focus. He was solid as an interior pass rusher (16 QB pressures), but he wasn't worth the three-year, $43.5 million contract he got two years ago.

The Jaguars, who have just $8.5 million in cap space, could save $14.5 million by trading Armstead.

Kansas City Chiefs: Edge Felix Anudike-Uzomah

AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann

The Kansas City Chiefs would probably prefer not to give up on 2023 first-round pick Felix Anudike-Uzomah. However, the Kansas State product recorded just three sacks in his first two seasons before missing all of 2025 with a hamstring injury.

This offseason, the Chiefs declined the fifth-year option on Anudike-Uzomah's contract, setting him up for 2027 free agency.

While Anudike-Uzomah could rebound to be a quality contributor for Kansas City this season, he could just as easily get stuck behind 2025 third-round pick Ashton Gillotte and rookie second-round pick R Mason Thomas. It's worth seeing if the Chiefs can cash in on Anudike-Uzomah's draft status and potential on the trade market.

Moving Anudike-Uzomah would create opportunities for other edge players while helping Kansas City's unfavorable cap situation. The Chiefs have just $4.6 million in cap space, and moving Anudike-Uzomah would save $2.4 million in cap room.

Las Vegas Raiders: Edge Maxx Crosby

AP PhotoMaria Lysaker

The Las Vegas Raiders tried to trade star edge-defender Maxx Crosby to Baltimore early this offseason.

The Ravens originally agreed to give Las Vegas a pair of first-round picks before backing out of the deal due to medical concerns that arose from a team physical.

Crosby underwent surgery to repair a meniscus tear in January.

While Baltimore decided that Crosby's health made him too much of a risk, at least one other interested team seems unbothered by it—and could still be interested.

"We understood his injury well," Cowboys owner/GM Jerry Jones said, per Jon Machota of The Athletic. "We thought he could help us then. We were surprised by the way that was resolved. To interject anything about what we're thinking or doing, because he went back to the Raiders, would be a mistake."

While Las Vegas is unquestionably a better team with Crosby on the roster, gauging his trade value would be logical. The Raiders are rebuilding, and Crosby will turn 29 before the start of the season. He could be past his prime by the time Las Vegas is ready to contend, and trading him now could help jump-start the rebuild around Fernando Mendoza.

If the Raiders can get a similar return for what Cleveland got in the Myles Garrett trade, they would need to consider it. They should see what sort of preseason offers can be had, possibly from the team that traded Micah Parsons just before the start of last season.

Los Angeles Chargers: Edge Bud Dupree

AP Photo/Gary McCullough)

Last offseason, the Los Angeles Chargers signed edge-defender Bud Dupree to a one-year contract extension. The 33-year-old went on to appear in 16 games and record 16 tackles with two sacks.

This offseason, the Chargers re-signed Khalil Mack and drafted Akheem Mesidor. With Tuli Tuipulotu coming off a 13-sack season and 2025 fourth-round pick Kyle Kennard waiting in the wings, now would be a good time to try moving Dupree.

A 2015 first-round pick of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Dupree had an 11.5-sack season in 2019 but has never replicated that production. However, he's been a solid rotational rusher at multiple stops and should bring some late draft compensation in a trade.

Los Angeles could also save $2.5 million in cap space by trading Dupree.

Los Angeles Rams: TE Colby Parkinson

AP Photo/Jessie Alcheh

Tight end Colby Parkinson had a terrific season for the Los Angeles Rams in 2025, finishing with a career-high 43 receptions and 408 yards. With L.A. clearly chasing a Super Bowl this season, putting the 27-year-old on the trade market may seem counterintuitive. However, there are financial reasons to do so.

The Rams have $17.3 million in cap space, which is a reasonable amount for a team that will want to stay financially flexible. However, that figure will change significantly if and when Aaron Donald decides to make his highly-anticipated return.

Trading Parkinson, who is in a contract year, would create $5.5 million in additional cap space.

The Rams tight end room, meanwhile, has other options. Veteran Tyler Higbee remains a solid pass-catching contributor, and 2025 second-round pick Terrance Ferguson is waiting for an opportunity. The Rams also added former Ohio State tight end Max Klare in the second round of April's draft.

Miami Dolphins: LB Tyrel Dodson

AP Photo/Doug Murray

Logical trade chips are few and far between for the Miami Dolphins, who already gutted their roster this offseason. However, Miami could look to move linebacker Tyrel Dodson as part of its rebuilding effort.

Dodson started 16 games this past season and racked up 129 tackles, five sacks, and 10 tackles for loss. He's also set to carry a cap hit of only $3.7 million on the final year of his contract, which would make him very attractive to cap-tight teams.

While the Dolphins could certainly justify extending Dodson, they've seemingly prepared for the 28-year-old's departure. Miami locked up All-Pro linebacker Jordyn Brooks with a three-year, $48 million extension this offseason while drafting linebackers Jacob Rodriguez, Trey Moore, and Kyle Louis.

If the Dolphins' plan is to phase out Dodson over the next year, trying to maximize his value with a preseason trade would make a ton of sense.

Minnesota Vikings: QB J.J. McCarthy

AP Photo/Matt Patterson

The caveat here is that the Minnesota Vikings should only consider moving J.J. McCarthy if they're 100 percent certain that free-agent addition Kyler Murray is the better option at quarterback. If McCarthy looks like the better 2026 option, Murray, who is on a one-year deal, could become the more sensible trade candidate.

Right now, though, it feels unlikely that McCarthy can take hold of the quarterback competition.

"Given the way last season went, it does feel as if McCarthy is starting from behind and would really have to be lights out to win the job," ESPN's Dan Graziano wrote.

McCarthy missed his rookie season following knee surgery and only showed occasional flashes this past season while dealing with more injuries. The mere fact that Minnesota brought in Murray felt like a sign that the Vikings were close to moving on from their 2024 first-round pick.

Of course, McCarthy is a former first-round pick who has a very limited NFL resume. Some team is going to give him a second chance.

Minnesota could recoup at least part of its investment by making him available in a trade—remember that Trey Lance was arguably an even bigger NFL disappointment and still brought a fourth-round pick after two seasons.

New England Patriots: WR Kayshon Boutte

AP Photo/Ashley Landis

The situation surrounding New England Patriots receiver Kayshon Boutte is admittedly complicated. While Boutte didn't exactly demand a trade after the Patriots acquired A.J. Brown, he made it known that he would "welcome" one, according to ESPN's Mike Reiss.

ESPN's Dan Graziano reported in June that New England has "received calls on Boutte and likely will continue to do so."

Boutte, who tallied 551 yards and six touchdowns last season, can be a strong complementary receiver as New England looks to make another deep playoff run. However, he's also entering the final year of his rookie contract and doesn't appear to be in the Patriots' long-term plans.

If New England was adamant about retaining Boutte, it wouldn't be listening to offers and probably would have already offered an extension.

At this point, the Patriots should make an effort to showcase Boutte in the preseason and see what sort of draft capital he can draw on the trade market. As the cost of young stars like Drake Maye and Christian Gonzalez increases, so too will the need to fill out the depth chart with draft picks and rookie contracts.

New Orleans Saints: QB Spencer Rattler

AP Photo/Ella Hall

The New Orleans Saints appear to have found their quarterback in 2025 second-round pick Tyler Shough. The Louisville product has just nine starts on his resume, but he showcased a high ceiling late in his rookie season.

With Shough entrenched as QB1 entering his second season, New Orleans needs to decide what's next for Spencer Rattler. The 2024 fifth-round pick hasn't played particularly well for the Saints (78.9 QB rating), but he has 14 starts on his resume and two years left on his rookie deal.

Rattler still has value as a backup and developmental quarterback, one who was drafted to fit the Saints' previous regime. However, the Saints may have found their new backup when they added former second overall pick Zach Wilson in March.

ESPN's Adam Schefter called Rattler a player "who could gain interest" on the trade market ahead of the draft. New Orleans would be smart to gauge trade interest in the South Carolina product ahead of Week 1.

New York Giants: WR Jalin Hyatt

AP Photo/Adam Hunger

The New York Giants made several additions to their receiver room this offseason, hoping that more competition would yield a functional receiving corps. Even with No. 1 option Malik Nabers still recovering from a torn ACL, though, that means that New York has a surplus of pass-catchers.

There's simply no way that Nabers, Darius Slayton, Calvin Austin III, Odell Beckham Jr., Isaiah Hodgins, Darnell Mooney, Braxton Berrios, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Ryan Miller, Beaux Collins, Jalin Hyatt, and rookie third-rounder Malachi Fields all make the 53-player roster.

Of the receivers most likely to be cut loose at the end of the month, Hyatt is the one who could bring some sort of value back in a trade.

The Tennessee product showed glimpses as a 2023 rookie, catching 23 passes for 373 yards and a 16.2 yards-per-catch average. While he's largely disappeared since then, he's still a former third-round pick with legitimate 4.4 speed who could interest receiver-needy teams.

New York Jets: DT Mazi Smith

AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez

The New York Jets acquired defensive tackle Mazi Smith from Dallas in last year's Quinnen Williams trade. However, the 2023 first-round pick didn't get an extensive opportunity with the Jets post-trade.

Smith only appeared in three games for the Jets last season and played just 25 percent of the defensive snaps during those appearances.

This offseason, New York traded for defensive tackle T'Vondre Sweat, added Darrell Jackson Jr. in the fourth round, and declined the fifth-year option on Smith's contract. It's hard to envision Smith seeing a legitimate opportunity in 2026, let alone sticking around beyond the season.

The reality is that Smith was never a centerpiece of the Williams trade—which netted New York a 2026 second-round pick and a 2027 first-rounder. The Jets simply took a flier on the 25-year-old Michigan product. Now, it's time to see if another team is willing to add to the Jets' draft capital in order to do the same.

Philadelphia Eagles: CB Kelee Ringo

AP Photo/Terrance Williams

Cornerback Kelee Ringo has been a solid role player for the Philadelphia Eagles when given the opportunity. However, the 2023 fourth-round pick hasn't carved out a substantial defensive role.

While Ringo has appeared in all 17 games in each of his three pro campaigns, he's never played more than 28 percent of the defensive snaps in a single season.

This offseason, Philadelphia bolstered its cornerback depth by signing Riq Woolen, Jonathan Jones and Shaun Wade. Woolen is expected to start alongside Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean, while Jones, Wade and Ringo will compete with the likes of Mac McWilliams, Jakorian Bennett, and Ambry Thomas for depth.

While Ringo has shown promise (83.7 opposing QB rating in 2025) and carries special-teams value, the Eagles should see what he can bring in return. He's set to be a free agent next offseason, and Philly could save $1.1 million in cap space by moving him a year early.

Pittsburgh Steelers: RB Kaleb Johnson

AP Photo/Matt Slocum

Despite being a third-round draft selection, running back Kaleb Johnson didn't play a substantial role for the Pittsburgh Steelers as a rookie last season. Though he appeared in 10 games, he saw just 51 offensive snaps and 11 special-teams reps.

Theoretically, Johnson could rebound in Year 2. However, he'll likely be stuck behind Jaylen Warren and free-agent addition Rico Dowdle. Pittsburgh also added Eli Heidenreich to its backfield late in April's draft.

The Steelers should consider featuring Johnson a bit in the preseason before making him available to teams desperate for backfield depth. They can't expect to get back what they've invested in the Iowa product, but they could at least recoup some draft capital.

Pittsburgh would also save $1.1 million in cap space by trading Johnson. That obviously isn't a massive amount, but it's noteworthy for a team that has just $5.8 million in cap room.

San Francisco 49ers: QB Mac Jones

AP Photo/Jeff Chiu

Last season, San Francisco 49ers backup quarterback Mac Jones went 5-3 with a 97.4 quarterback rating while starter Brock Purdy was sidelined by a toe injury. The former Patriots first-round pick has garnered trade interest, but, according to the San Francisco Chronicle's Eric Branch, teams haven't been willing to meet San Francisco's asking price.

According to The Athletic's Zack Rosenblatt, the 49ers want a second-round pick for Jones.

While keeping the 27-year-old as an insurance policy would make plenty of sense for the 49ers, it's not a long-term option. Jones' contract will expire after this season, and he'll undoubtedly want another starting opportunity.

With Adrian Martinez and 2025 seventh-round pick Kurtis Rourke also in the QB room, the 49ers should see if a team is willing to meet its asking price for Jones now. San Francisco will likely lose him for nothing next offseason, and a team that isn't happy with how its QB competition is unfolding could take a big swing by adding Jones.

Seattle Seahawks: C Olu Oluwatimi

AP PhotoPeter Joneleit

The Seattle Seahawks are the defending champs, and their Super Bowl window has only just opened. To be perfectly fair, they're probably not looking to part with any more quality players this offseason.

Seattle lost key 2025 contributors like Kenneth Walker III, Riq Woolen, and Coby Bryant in free agency.

If the Seahawks want to get something in return via a trade before Week 1, though, center Olu Oluwatimi would be a logical candidate. The 2023 fifth-round pick has made 13 starts at center for Seattle, but he lost the full-time gig to Jalen Sundell last season and is entering the final year of his rookie deal.

Seattle also has 2025 undrafted free agent Federico Maranges, who spent last season on the practice squad, at center. It's worth at least seeing what Oluwatimi might bring in a preseason trade.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: LB SirVocea Dennis

AP PhotoPeter Joneleit

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers could consider moving standout defensive tackle Vita Vea, who has requested a trade from the team.

However, Tampa should be more interested in keeping Vea, who is a vital piece of the defense, if it wants to get back in the postseason mix.

The Buccaneers should instead see if they can get anything for linebacker SirVocea Dennis. A 2023 fifth-round pick out of Pitt, he was a 16-game starter in 2025. While he had some bright moments, he also missed 15 tackles and allowed an opposing passer rating of 122.0 in coverage.

Entering the final year of his rookie contract, Dennis looms as a potential cut candidate. While Tampa lost inside linebacker Lavonte David to retirement this offseason, it also added Alex Anzalone, Christian Rozeboom and rookie second-round pick Josiah Trotter.

While Dennis wouldn't bring a big return in a trade, he should draw some interest from teams desperate for linebacker depth. He has 33 games and 16 starts on his resume and is still only 26 years old.

Tennessee Titans: QB Will Levis

AP Photo/George Walker IV

The Tennessee Titans appear to have their quarterback of the future in 2025 first overall pick Cam Ward. His presence, though, means that 2023 33rd overall pick Will Levis probably doesn't have a future in Tennessee.

ESPN's Turron Davenport reported that head coach Robert Saleh is giving Levis "every opportunity" to compete with Mitchell Trubisky for the backup QB role in training camp. While Levis could provide value in the short term, though, he's set to be a free agent in 2027.

Now is the time for Tennessee to dangle Levis on the trade market and try to get a return on its investment. While the Kentucky product hasn't played particularly well in the NFL (82.7 QB rating) and would have a limited market, there's always a coach out there who believes he can get more out of a physically talented quarterback who has struggled.

It may help that Levis' NFL struggles came with a bad Titans supporting cast. Let's not forget that Malik Willis got away from Tennessee, reestablished himself as a backup in Green Bay, and signed a three-year, $67.5 million deal with Miami this offseason.

Washington Commanders: DT Javon Kinlaw

AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein

The Washington Commanders struggled in 2025, finishing the year ranked dead-last in yards allowed. Unsurprisingly, Washington made an effort to overhaul its defense this offseason.

The Commanders added several new pieces to their defensive-line rotation, including Tim Settle, DJ Davidson, and Charles Omenihu. With the new pieces in the fold, Washington should see if it can move Javon Kinlaw.

Kinlaw played a significant role in 2025, starting all 17 games and playing 64 percent of the defensive snaps. However, he was graded 112th overall among defensive linemen by Pro Football Focus, and his salary will jump considerably this year.

After carrying a cap hit of only $5.3 million in 2025, Kinlaw is set to carry a cap hit of $16.2 million this year and $16.9 million in 2027. If the Commanders can trade him, they can save $12.9 million in 2026 cap space.

If Washington can find a team desperate for defensive-line help, they should try to offload Kinlaw before the season.

*Cap and contract information from Spotrac. Advanced statistics from Pro Football Reference unless otherwise noted.