There has already been a bit of trade movement before free agency, so this could potentially set the stage for some massive moves when the 2026 new league year opens in March. With teams figuring out how to 'rebuild' quickly, many others across the NFL could think that one major trade would put them over the top.
The downside here is that some teams may think they're in a better position than they actually are, leading to the wrong move. Regardless, given the uptick in aggression we have seen for years now, it's building toward 2026 being one for the ages. With free agency right around the corner, not only will there be some top-tier signings, but there will surely be some major trades.
And ahead of the offseason frenzy, let's mock up five blockbuster trades we would absolutely love to see happen.
5 blockbuster trades we'd love to see happen in the 2026 NFL Offseason
Phiiladelphia Eagles trade WR AJ Brown to the Buffalo Bills
Years ago, Buffalo Bills General Manager Brandon Beane swung a major trade for Stefon Diggs, giving a then young Josh Allen a top-tier weapon to help his development. Allen played some of the best football of his career with Diggs, but after a handful of productive seasons, it seemed like it was time for Diggs and the Bills to go their separate ways.
With Buffalo's wide receiver room in a flat-out horrific spot, Beane might have to work the phones again, and he should call up Howie Roseman and pry AJ Brown from the Philadelphia Eagles. Allen was throwing to the likes of Brandin Cooks and Mecole Hardman in the Divisional Round of the AFC playoffs, and that simply cannot happen going forward.
Buffalo would get someone who could help the team make a Super Bowl push if they would be able to acquire Brown.
Miami Dolphins trade WR Jaylen Waddle to the Denver Broncos
For what it's worth, the Denver Broncos had some level of interest in Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle at the NFL Trade Deadline this past season, but the Broncos clearly were not willing to pay the price to acquire him, which was a mistake.
Had the Broncos swung this deal and had Waddle on the field, they may have won the Super Bowl this year given just how underwhelming the team's receiver room has been. For multiple years now, Courtland Sutton has been the no. 1 target, but he profiles as a high-end no. 2 and struggles with untimely drops.
Waddle's skillset of being a consistent downfield separator fits right in atop the Broncos depth chart at the position. This move would then push guys like Sutton and Troy Franklin into a slot 'down' on the depth chart, which best suits their current abilities.
With Bo Nix clearly being a franchise quarterback and the Broncos not necessarily having many other urgent needs, swinging this trade would absolutely unlock Nix's potential in a crucial year three.
Las Vegas Raiders trade EDGE Maxx Crosby to the Chicago Bears
Last offseason, the Chicago Bears overhauled the interior offensive line, and it ended up working out. This offseason, that type of change is needed along the defensive line, and a Maxx Crosby trade would be perfect. Not only would the Las Vegas Raiders sent Crosby out of the conference, but the Bears would get an elite pass-rusher and someone who is also stout against the run.
The Bears would likely have to package someone like DJ Moore in the deal, but Crosby is the type of major impact addition that could thrust Chicago from playoff status to Super Bowl status. Given how much of an emphasis this front office put on the trenches last offseason, we could see that emphasis develop this offseason.
Dallas Cowboys trade WR George Pickens to the New England Patriots
The Dallas Cowboys clearly struck gold with the George Pickens trade, as they made a move for him last offseason, snagging him from the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers essentially replaced Pickens with DK Metcalf, and surprisingly, Dallas came out on top with this deal.
Pickens put up nearly 1,500 yards in his first season with the Cowboys, and with Dallas placing the tag on their stud wide receiver, he's at least under contract for one more season. However, it would not be a shock if Pickens and his agency put his foot down and said that he would not play on the tag in 2026.
If that is the case, and then if Dallas can't agree on a long-term deal, swapping Pickens for, perhaps, a second-round pick, might be the best course of action. The New England Patriots were able to throw the ball down the field at an elite rate in 2025. Drake Maye clearly excels at this, but the offense does need a consistent downfield weapon.
And not only is Pickens that player, but he's simply one of the most talented and athletic receivers in the league. He's also only turning 25 years old this month. New England would get a long-term fixture on offense and someone who could further help unlock Maye.
Jacksonville Jaguars trade WR Brian Thomas Jr to the San Francisco 49ers
After a stellar rookie season, it seems like Brian Thomas Jr just tured into a different receiver. His production and catch rate dipped big-time, and with the Jacksonville Jaguars seeing guys like Jakobi Meyers and Parker Washington come into the fold in bigger roles, some have wondered if Thomas could be had for the right price.
With the Jags not having a first-round pick this year, the San Francisco 49ers could swoop in, offer their first-round pick, and seal the deal. San Fran has dealt with receiver inconsistencies for multiple years now but did still win 12 games, so this team could truly be some better health and another offensive weapon away from being a legitimate contender.