The 2026 NFL offseason may be in its home stretch, but the blockbuster deals might not be done.
Maybe far from it.
The offseason has already included some incredible trades in both conferences, perhaps even a handful that will ultimately have Super Bowl implications. And because of that, teams are going to know very soon -- as their 90-man rosters hit the field for training camp and preseason games -- whether or not they've got what it takes to compete with the best of the best.
Whether they are on the trade block as failed draft picks, they're veterans on rebuilding teams, they're not in the team's future plans, or just because they're being coveted by other squads, we're taking a look at one player from every AFC team who could be that team's top trade candidate heading into training camp. (Every team is listed in its original 2026 NFL Draft pick order)
Every AFC team's top trade candidate heading into training camp in 2026
Las Vegas Raiders: Maxx Crosby, defensive end
Even though the trade with the Baltimore Ravens was cancelled earlier this offseason, there have still been plenty of rumors that Maxx Crosby could be on the move in 2026. Whether that happens before the start of the 2026 season or in the middle of it remains to be seen.
Teams may just want the peace of mind knowing that Crosby is actually going to be back on the field and looking like himself. And as soon as that happens, I would suspect teams in need of edge rush help are going to be blowing up the phone of Raiders GM John Spytek.
The price probably hasn't gone down much, especially with the season on the near horizon.
New York Jets: Mazi Smith, defensive lineman
The Dallas Cowboys gave up on Mazi Smith, a 1st-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft out of Michigan. The Jets took a chance on him, acquiring him as basically a throw-in in the Quinnen Williams trade last year.
He played just three games with the team, and now the Jets have clearly started making plans to move on from Smith themselves. He's entering a contract year in 2026, and if the Jets feel like their defensive line rotation is set without Smith in it, another team might be willing to take a shot on him if they also liked him coming out in the 2023 class. Time is running short for him to make an impression, however, with just two sacks in 42 career games.
Tennessee Titans: Cody Barton, linebacker
There is a youth movement happening with the Tennessee Titans, who are under new management this year with head coach Robert Saleh taking over for Brian Callahan.
And when a new coach takes over, you can expect major personnel changes. The Titans have already started bringing in a lot of familiar faces for Saleh, players he's coached in the past like Jermaine Johnson, John Franklin-Myers, and Solomon Thomas.
Cody Barton was signed last offseason by the Titans, but could be on the outside looking in with young players like Cedric Gray and Anthony Hill Jr. on the roster, as well as veteran Mohamoud Diabate providing some depth. Barton's experience could be valued by linebacker-needy teams.
Cleveland Browns: Dillon Gabriel, quarterback
He certainly won't be the most coveted player on the trade market, but with the Cleveland Browns having a quarterback competition between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders this year for their starting job, Dillon Gabriel seems to be clearly on the outside looking in.
He's already been forced to give up his jersey number to Jared Verse.
The Browns also used a 6th-round pick on a very intriguing prospect, Taylen Green, who has a lot of upside as a weapon for the offense.
Kansas City Chiefs: Felix Anudike-Uzomah, edge rusher
The Kansas City Chiefs are in a bit of a rebuilding year on the defensive side of the ball, almost completely overhauling their secondary.
They're also in a bit of an evaluation phase off the edge with players like Felix Anudike-Uzomah, Ashton Gillotte, and rookie R Mason Thomas competing for playing time. Anuduke-Uzomah was a 1st-round pick in 2023 out of Kansas State, and missed all of last season with a hamstring injury suffered in the preseason.
Through two seasons prior to that, he had only played 550 total snaps. The Chiefs declined his 5th-year option, which wasn't a surprise, but if their other young guys appear ready for larger roles, Anudike-Uzomah might get shipped off to a team interested in a reclamation project.
Cincinnati Bengals: Kris Jenkins Jr., defensive tackle
The Cincinnati Bengals have had one of the worst defenses in the NFL in recent years, and they seemingly can't figure out the right combination of draft picks and free agents to throw at that unit to fix it.
This offseason, they came out swinging for the fences. They brought in Jonathan Allen after he was cut by the Vikings, then traded for Dexter Lawrence just before the 2026 NFL Draft. Those moves definitely put former 2nd-round pick Kris Jenkins Jr. on the bubble somewhat, and he's considered a longshot to make the team or even get snaps over rookie 6th-round pick Landon Robinson.
Miami Dolphins: Jordyn Brooks, linebacker
Everyone knows the Miami Dolphins have one of the worst rosters in the NFL heading into the 2026 season, maybe the worst in the entire NFL. But that doesn't mean they don't have any good players or players worth having.
One of their best players right now is linebacker Jordyn Brooks, who had 183 total tackles last season, a career-high 13 tackles for loss, and earned 1st-team All-Pro recognition. If the Dolphins weren't in rebuilding mode, Brooks would probably be somewhat untouchable, but because of their situation, he's got to be available if the right offer is made.
Brooks is going to turn 29 in October, and his value will probably never be higher. Linebacker-needy teams should be doing whatever they can to get him.
Baltimore Ravens: Rashod Bateman, wide receiver
There is a really interesting case to be made at this point for Rashod Bateman to be traded. The former first-round pick out of Minnesota has been a solid secondary option for the Ravens in the past, but his effectiveness was the worst we've seen as a pro last year.
In 13 games played, Bateman caught just 19 passes for 224 yards and a pair of touchdowns. He had more yards back in the 2022 season when he only played 6 games.
The Ravens have an intriguing third-year player in Devontez Walker, along with a couple of picks from this year's draft -- Ja'Kobi Lane and Elijah Sarratt -- who could round out their receiver rotation. Bateman's contract is extremely tradable with a base salary of just $2 million this season.
Indianapolis Colts: Anthony Richardson, quarterback
The Indianapolis Colts have made it clear where they stand with Anthony Richardson by bringing back the injured Daniel Jones on a two-year deal worth $60 million in guaranteed money.
The former top pick out of Florida is on the outside looking in at the Colts' quarterback position, and they've even got other backup options on the ready with Riley Leonard and Easton Stick.
Richardson is still a talented player, and he's shown flashes in his starting opportunities. There is some team out there that would be more than willing to take a shot on him as a reclamation project/high-upside backup.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Roman Wilson, wide receiver
After making a trade this offseason for veteran receiver Michael Pittman Jr., then taking Alabama's Germie Bernard in the 2nd round of the 2026 NFL Draft, the Steelers have put 2024 3rd-round pick firmly on the roster bubble this offseason.
They have some depth at the position in Ben Skowronek, and arguably the draft's top return specialist in 4th-round pick Kaden Wetjen out of Iowa. What role does Wilson have with this team unless it's as an injury replacement?
Especially with a new head coach coming in, this might be the offseason where Roman Wilson has to prove himself an undeniable 3rd option or get shipped off after the preseason.
Los Angeles Chargers: Junior Colson, linebacker
It might be difficult for Jim Harbaugh to part ways with a former Michigan Wolverine, but so far through two seasons, 2024 3rd-round pick Junior Colson has failed to find a consistent role with the Chargers.
He lost the 2025 season due to a shoulder injury, and he didn't play a starter role as a rookie.
The Chargers have veterans Daiyan Henley and Denzel Perryman penciled into the starting lineup, and other proven depth. They probably won't just cut Colson free, by any means, but he's someone that other teams might monitor during the preseason and call Chargers GM Joe Hortiz about.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Walker Little, offensive tackle
NFL teams in need of an option at the left tackle position will be monitoring the Jacksonville Jaguars this offseason.
Walker Little started 14 games last year and is a former 2nd-round pick, but his status with the Jaguars seems to pretty consistently come into question.
Cole Van Lanen is the presumptive starter at left tackle when healthy with Anton Harrison on the right side, so Walker Little is someone teams may assume is available for the right price. The Jaguars will want to get through camp healthy and make sure all their ducks are in a row, but Little could be in demand even if the Jags aren't actively shopping him around.
Buffalo Bills: Keon Coleman, wide receiver
After some significant drama over the past couple of years, it feels like there's a legitimate chance Keon Coleman could be traded before the start of the 2026 season.
Either that, or the Bills are genuinely going to give him a second chance.
Whatever the case, Buffalo has DJ Moore and Khalil Shakir at the receiver position. They might prefer not to simply give up on a guy they picked in the 2nd round just two years ago, but they also might be open to the idea if Josh Palmer and rookie Skyler Bell can step up over the course of the offseason program.
It feels more likely that the Bills are going to give him another shot, but teams in need of receiver help are probably going to be calling.
Houston Texans: Davis Mills, quarterback
Given how valuable he's proven to be for the Texans over the past couple of seasons, it seems extremely unlikely that Davis Mills would be on the move before the start of the season.
He played six games last season, including starting three games. The Texans were 3-0 in his starts and he had five touchdown passes compared to just one interception.
If some team suffers an injury at the quarterback position, you would have to think Mills would be on the short list of quarterbacks they would want to trade for as a replacement option, especially if they have playoff aspirations. Graham Mertz is the Texans' other quarterback right now, so they'd have to be blown away by an offer.
Denver Broncos: Riley Moss, cornerback
The Denver Broncos have enviable depth at the cornerback position, and they're about to have to make some substantial investments at the position.
They have Pat Surtain II, the best cornerback in football. They have Ja'Quan McMillian, maybe the best slot corner in the game as well. McMillian is entering a contract year in 2026.
They have Riley Moss and 2025 1st-round pick Jahdae Barron also on the depth chart, and after playing a backup role last season, many are wondering what the short- and long-term vision for Barron actually is.
Riley Moss has been the primary starter the last two years opposite Pat Surtain, and is now entering a contract year. He's been targeted 221 total times the past two seasons, and while he tied for the league lead with 19 passes broken up last year, he also led the NFL in penalty yardage.
Considering he's in a contract year, it wouldn't be shocking to see the Broncos shop Moss around and ask Barron to start opposite PS2 in 2026.
New England Patriots: Kayshon Boutte, wide receiver
After signing Romeo Doubs in NFL Free Agency and bringing in AJ Brown via trade with the Philadelphia Eagles, you can understand if Kayshon Boutte feels a little bit like he got the shaft.
Over the past two seasons, he's caught a combined 76 passes with nine touchdown grabs, and he averaged a very nice 16.7 yards per reception last season. Drake Maye had a QB rating of 133.2 when targeting Boutte this past season, so you would think the Patriots would be more inclined to increase his role.
Going into a contract year, that doesn't appear to be the case. With Mack Hollis, Kyle Williams, and Demario Douglas also back, the Patriots might be willing to move Boutte, who could make a lot of money in the right situation this season.