With how aggressive teams across the NFL have gotten in roster building in recent years, the big-time trades have only gotten more common. This offseason, that was especially evident, as guys like Jaylen Waddle, AJ Brown, Myles Garrett, and Dexter Lawrence all got moved.
And if it wasn't for the Baltimore Ravens getting cold feet, Maxx Crosby would have been traded as well. At this point, teams are going to focus in on the players they have heading into the 2026 campaign. Months down the road, though, some of the league's worst teams that emerge could be in a position to be sellers at the deadline.
And, on the flip side of that, there could be some teams that are in a buying mode and want to make a big-time move to help a potential Super Bowl run. Let's dive into a handful of players who could be had at the NFL Trade Deadline this coming season.
Identifying way-too-early candidates who could be traded at the 2026 NFL Trade Deadline
Maxx Crosby, DE, Las Vegas Raiders
Crosby was nearly traded to the Ravens for two first-round picks, but the Ravens backed out, kept their picks, and signed Trey Hendrickson instead, clearly proving that they preferred the two first-round picks and Hendrickson over Crosby.
Well, if the Raiders had essentially traded him once, why can't that happen again? Las Vegas isn't necessarily in a position to win a ton of games this year, as they seem to be taking the slow game with Fernando Mendoza. Kirk Cousins is the team's likely starter, so the team does not want to rush Mendoza out there.
The Raiders may be eye-balling 2027 as the first year they can truly compete with Mendoza. Crosby would be a year older, and he could still best-suit the team in getting draft picks back to further build this roster up for the long-term.
Jordyn Brooks, LB, Miami Dolphins
In the final year of his deal with the Miami Dolphins, Jordyn Brooks could be another obvious trade candidate. Brooks has seen a ton of his former teammates depart this offseason, and if there is any team in the league clearly embracing a full rebuild, it's Miami. Brooks was an All-Pro in 2025, and he turns 29 during the season, so he clearly does not fit the Dolphins long-term plans. This could be one of the more obvious players shipped away at the deadline.
Aaron Brewer, C, Miami Dolphins
One of the better centers in the NFL, Aaron Brewer is another Dolphin on this list, also in the last year of his deal, and was also an All-Pro in 2025. Brewer received second-team honors, and would be a hot commodity on the trade market.
It still feels like offensive line play across the NFL is still in a bit of a shortage. Brewer is entering his age-29 season, and while that is still rather young for a offensive lineman in the NFL, the Dolphins might not say no to a strong offer.
It's also important to keep in mind that injuries happen, so there is a solid chance that a playoff-caliber team sees their center go down in the beginning part of the season, which could prompt a trade. Even if that isn't the case, a playoff team could desire to upgrade at the position.
Jonathan Taylor, RB, Indianapolis Colts
Now we're really talking. Jonathan Taylor is one of the best pure runners of this generation, but he's been on an Indianapolis Colts team that just has not had a ton of success. Given how long this team has been average for, you get the sense that 2026 could be a 'make or break' year for the coaching staff, and even the front office.
The team started 7-1 in 2025, and it felt like this franchise finally had some direction. After a second-half collapse, the Colts finished 8-9. A shaky start in 2026 could prompt some major changes to be made, and it would be hard for me, at least, to envision the Colts re-signing Taylor if there is a new regime in town.
They could get ahead of things and find a solid return for the running back. Taylor does have a lot of tread on his tires, dating back to his college days, so the Colts could end up figuring out it's best to part ways ahead of what could be a rebuild.
Kyle Pitts, TE, Atlanta Falcons
There is still time for the Atlanta Falcons and Kyle Pitts to get a deal done, but we just saw wide receiver Drake London get paid, and I would guess that running back Bijan Robinson would also be a massive priority.
Robinson is a younger, better, and more productive player than Pitts, so the Falcons, if they ended up choosing between the two, would likely chose to extend Robinson. Pitts is on the franchise tag right now, but he's still under contract for the 2026 season.
If the Falcons cannot find a legitimate grip on the quarterback situation, whether it be Tua Tagovailoa or Michael Penix Jr. under center, being sellers at the deadline would make sense. There is a new regime in town, and the best way to rebuild a team or at least re-tool a roster is to acquire draft picks.
Pitts is a special talent at the tight end position, but until the Falcons figure out the quarterback position, his skill set really doesn't matter.