The 2026 NFL trade deadline is getting closer, and the rumor mill is hotter than ever.
The way things have changed drastically at the college level with NIL and the quality of prospects coming out in the NFL Draft each year, teams in the NFL seem more willing than ever to part with more valuable draft capital. And perhaps rightfully so.
Leading up to the NFL trade deadline, one position group that will be in focus is this year's group of pass rushers. Let's take a look at a trio of potential pass-rusher trades that could shake up the playoff race.
3 pass rusher trade predictions for 2026 NFL Trade Deadline madness
1. Josh Sweat to the Cowboys for a 2nd-round pick
The Dallas Cowboys only have three picks right now in the 2027 NFL Draft: A 1st-round pick, 2nd-round pick, and a 4th-round pick.
Jerry Jones is low on immediate NFL Draft capital to use in trades thanks to other wheeling and dealing he's been doing, but the Cowboys are still going to be in the market for pass rush help even after acquiring Joey Porter Jr. in a trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers a few weeks ago.
Using a 2nd-round pick for Josh Sweat seems incredibly rich at this point, but with the Cowboys ranking 28th in the NFL in sacks so far this season -- as well as the defensive struggles persisting -- they have to do something.
The Cowboys know they can't waste another year of Dak Prescott's prime with a horrendous defense. Sacrificies have to be made.
2. Khalil Mack to the Bears for a 2027 5th-round pick
After making the blockbuster deal to acquire Jeffery Simmons, you might think the Chicago Bears are done.
Think again.
If Ryan Poles is already all-in on this current Bears team, why would he stop at Jeffery Simmons? The NFC North is one of the best and most competitive divisions in all of football right now. In fact, it's probably the best division in the league. You can make a legitimate case for all four teams in that division being true Super Bowl contenders.
It's separation season in the NFL right now. You get a player like Jeffery Simmons, and you separate yourself a ton. You get Jeffery Simmons and Khalil Mack?
If the Chargers are willing to move on from Mack, a reunion with the Bears would make a lot of sense.
3. Maxx Crosby to the Detroit Lions for two 1st-round picks
There are not many NFL teams right now that need Maxx Crosby more than the Detroit Lions.
The Lions know they let an opportunity slip through their grasp in the 2024 season when they won 15 games. After missing the playoffs completely last year, the Lions look like they are well on their way to a bounce-back year in 2026, but help is still needed on defense.
The return of Brian Branch in Week 7 was a godsend for that Detroit defense, but the pass rush and defensive front still need to be addressed.
Maxx Crosby would be a Super Bowl-caliber swing for a Lions team that just watched a division rival take a Super Bowl swing of its own by acquiring Jeffery Simmons.
If the Raiders are willing to listen to offers on Crosby, Lions GM Brad Holmes has to be all over it.
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