The 2026 NFL trade deadline is days away, with several notable moves already completed. The New York Giants acquired quarterback J.J. McCarthy, the Houston Texans added Marvin Harrison Jr., and the Indianapolis Colts appear open to trading multiple players. Here are 24 potential trade candidates sorted into three tiers.
Tier 1: Impact Starters
Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor, 27, ranks fifth in league rushing despite a 2-5 record. Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley, 29, has averaged 48.8 rushing yards per game with one touchdown. Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby, 29, could be available after the team lost four straight; the Raiders previously sought two first-round picks. Los Angeles Chargers outside linebacker Khalil Mack, 35, has three sacks in six games on an expiring contract. Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker, 30, has eight consecutive Pro Bowls and over 1,000 career tackles. Chargers linebacker Tuli Tuipulotu, 24, recorded 13 sacks last season and has 26 tackles with two sacks in 2026. Cardinals linebacker Josh Sweat, 29, had a career-high 12 sacks in 2025 but may seek a move after defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon was fired. Tennessee Titans safety Amani Hooker, 28, has 46 tackles and two interceptions in six games. Colts wide receiver Josh Downs, 25, has requested a trade and ranks second in NFL slot receiving yards since entering the league.
Tier 2: Discount Playmakers
Titans running back Tony Pollard, 29, on an expiring deal, rushed for 129 yards and three touchdowns recently and has four consecutive 1,000-yard seasons. Cleveland Browns wide receiver Jerry Jeudy, 27, has 16 catches for 171 yards but posted 1,229 yards two years ago. Jacksonville Jaguars receiver Brian Thomas Jr., 24, has fallen down the depth chart. Chargers wideout Quentin Johnston, 25, has eight catches for 165 yards; his fifth-year option guarantees over $16 million in 2027. Chargers cornerback Donte Jackson, 31, on an expiring deal, had nine interceptions over the past two seasons. Titans linebacker Cedric Gray, 24, led the team with 164 tackles last year but has seen reduced snaps under new coach Robert Saleh. Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Kristian Fulton, 28, has played less than 25% of defensive snaps recently. Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders, 24, could be expendable with Deshaun Watson starting and two other quarterbacks on the roster. Miami Dolphins linebacker Josh Uche, 28, has 25 tackles and one sack with a solid PFF grade.
Tier 3: Sneaky Rentals
Minnesota Vikings receiver Jauan Jennings, 29, has four catches for 43 yards in five games after leaving San Francisco. New York Giants linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux, 25, has yet to record a sack this season and has 10 games left on his rookie deal. Titans wideout Calvin Ridley, 31, has five catches for 81 yards despite three career 1,000-yard seasons. Eagles receiver Marquise Brown, 29, has two catches for 30 yards on a one-year deal. Jets cornerback Nahshon Wright, 28, a Pro Bowler last year with eight takeaways, has not played a defensive snap for New York. Eagles cornerback Kelee Ringo, 24, in the final year of his rookie deal, is a special teams standout with prototypical size.
