The 2026 NFL Offseason actually hasn't been all that spectacular, and at this point, most are just sitting and waiting for the 2026 NFL Draft. At that point, the offseason will get more dramatic, as there aren't a lot of certain things outside of the Las Vegas Raiders taking Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick.
And that quarterback selection does play into this fresh idea we have. Over the years, we have seen some major quarterback trades happen, and while they're largely unlikely for the most part, they do happen from time to time.
In this fun exercise, we've outlined three major quarterback trades that we'd love to see, but absolutely won't happen. Let's have some fun here and picture 'what could be' if the NFL world were rocked with these three major moves.
Outlining three ridiculous QB trades that would shake up the league (but sadly won't happen)
Las Vegas Raiders receive: QB Joe Burrow
Cincinnati Bengals receive: Picks 1, 36, 67, and a 2027 1st-Round pick
Given how much the Raiders have added on defense this offseason, potentially adding Joe Burrow in a trade would thrust that team into playoff contention. The Raiders would absolutely have to hand the top pick over to the Cincinnati Bengals, but other high picks would need to be included as well.
Funnily enough, Mendoza's ceiling in the NFL might just be something similar to Burrow - a pure, elite pocket passer with average ability outside of the pocket. This trade would also give all four AFC West teams a franchise quarterback, as Burrow would join Bo Nix, Justin Herbert, and Patrick Mahomes in what would arguably be the greatest division of all-time for 2026 and perhaps even beyond.
I do have to wonder, though, just how much more non-playoff seasons Burrow would deal with before taking his future into his own hands and requesting a trade?
New York Jets receive: QB Jalen Hurts
Philadelphia Eagles receive: Picks 2 and 16
This one would be a bit crazy, but that's the point! Jalen Hurts, first and foremost, while a winner, is a very limites quarterback. That statement should not be controversial at all. Where Hurts thrives is with a strong run game, elite offensive line, and an offense that doesn't ask him to do a lot with his right arm.
The Philadelphia Eagles, despite Hurts' obvious limitations, have appeared in two Super Bowls since 2022 and won it all back in 2024. But at some point, the up-and-down nature of Philly's seasons can't continue. Would the Eagles consider an offer of the New York Jets two first-round picks this year for Hurts?
Probably not, as there isn't a clear cut quarterback available to the Eagles, but the value itself of two first-round picks for a limited passer like Hurts would be fair compensation, and from the Jets perspective, they'd get a franchise quarterback and insert him onto an offense with a borderline-elite running back in Breece Hall and an up-and-coming offensive line.
Atlanta Falcons receive: QB Lamar Jackson
Baltimore Ravens receive: Picks 48, 79, WR Drake London, 2027 1st-Round Pick, 2028 1st-Round Pick
This last one is the craziest, right? The Atlanta Falcons already do not have a first-round pick this year, so in the event the Baltimore Ravens would take trade calls on Lamar Jackson, which felt possible a couple of years ago, the Falcons would really have to tap into future reserves.
Two future first-round picks, a second-rounder, a third-rounder, an wide receiver Drake London should in theory be enough to land the two-time MVP and future Hall of Famer. Jackson would be surrounded by a strong offensive line and would have another elite running back with Bijan Robinson.
This would give the Falcons a clear advantage over the other teams in the NFC South and could put them on the path to success after years of mediocrity.