NFL TRADES THAT COULD HAPPEN THIS OFF-SEASON

The NFL off-season is underway with the Scouting Combine and during this time is when we also hear the rumblings of potential trades. Last year we saw some big trades like the Bears acquiring OL Joe Thuney and Green Bay with the move of the year for EDGE Micah Parsons. Nothing is guaranteed to happen but its always fun this time to year to hear the rumors of what could happen as we head into free agency. Here some some trade ideas that could happen and make some noise this off-season:

MAXX CROSBY COMPETES FOR A SUPERBOWL IN NEW ENGLAND

No player has been in trade talks this year than Maxx Crosby. The Pro Bowl pass rusher has been the face of the Raiders organization for the last few years, but most recently it seems like both sides could be heading towards a split. If Vegas does intend to trade the defender, the top team that makes too much sense is New England. The AFC Champions had a Cinderella season headlined by the development of MVP candidate, QB Drake Maye, and Coach of the Year, Mike Vrabel, and they are only looking up heading into the 2026 season. The Patriots have a few quality pieces on defense including CB Christian Gonzales and DL Milton Williams but are lacking a true pass rush threat that can consistently cause havoc and not only does Crosby fit that mold, but he also matches the intensity that Vrabel brings to the team as the head coach and a former player.  

New England is projected to have over $40 million in cap space heading into free agency and with no big pending free agents, the Patriots could go all in on 2026 while Maye is still under his rookie contract. If the Patriots want to take advantage of the next 2 years, a move for a big-time defender like Crosby could take them over the top in hopes of making it back to the Superbowl. 

AJ BROWN HEADS TO BUFFALO

For the longest time the Buffalo Bills have been searching for a big play WR to pair with MVP QB Josh Allen, and they might have a window of opportunity with Eagles WR AJ Brown. While Allen has been one of the league’s best QBs for the last few years, it has not been easy for him without a true go-to WR, and Brown would provide the big target that he’s desperately needed for years. The Philly WR was a big component in the Eagles championship season but since then, he’s been the subject of trade rumors after a down 2025 season and questions mounting about his tenure in Philadelphia. If Brown is truly available for trade, this may be the Bills' best time to get Allen a true elite receiver. 

BRIAN THOMAS JR. REUNITES WITH JAYDEN DANIELS

No young QB had a rocket strapped to him more heading into 2025 than Commander’s Jayden Daniels, but due to multiple injuries, Daniels missed a big chunk of the season, and Washington came back down to reality. With the Commanders hope to rebound in 2026 with a fully healthy Daniels, why not get him another target and a familiar face with Brian Thomas Jr. The Jaguars receiver is a big, downfield threat and at only 23 years old, Washington and General Manager Adam Peters should jump at the chance for the former first round pick if available. While the Commanders do have a great WR in Terry McLaurin, Deebo Samuel is a pending free agent and veteran TE Zach Ertz with be returning from a season-ending injury which could open the door for them to add another young receiver like Thomas Jr. 

MINNESOTA ATTEMPTS TO DEVELOP ANTHONY RICHARDSON

The Minnesota Vikings had high expectations for second year QB JJ McCarthy after a 14-3 season with Sam Darnold and while some bumps may’ve been expected due to missing his rookie year with injury, McCarthy was not the most efficient for the Vikings. The 23-year-old passer finished with more interceptions than touchdowns and a 57% completion rate all while leading the Vikings to a 9-8 record. Now he did miss more games this season as well due to injury but with him entering his third season the Vikings may choose to bring in competition for the starting spot and that could end up being another former first round pick in Anthony Richardson.  

If the league wanted to build a QB in a lab, it may just end up being Anthony Richardson (6-4, 245 lbs.) and his combination of freakish athleticism combined with raw talent was just looking to be molded and developed as a top 5 pick. His time in Indianapolis has not been the easiest to say the least and much like McCarthy, Richardson battled injuries of his own leading to the Colts finding a new starter in Daniel Jones, relegating Richardson to the bench. Richardson is looking for a new home in 2026, and Minnesota would be beneficial for both sides. Not only would Richardson get a chance to win the starting job, but he would be learning from one of the league’s best offensive minds in Head Coach Kevon O’Connell but the Vikings would also be getting competition for McCarthy to see who comes out on top as the team’s 2026 starter. 

DALLAS ADDS VETERAN PRESENCE ON DEFENSE WITH MINKAH FITZPATRICK

Miami is in the early stages of a rebuild including the releases of multiple starters, and this could open the door for other teams to take advantage like Dallas. The Cowboys are looking to add more talent to their defense after the shocking trade of their star defense Micah Parsons and one player that could intrigue them is Minkah Fitzpatrick. The veteran DB has been a solid defender for several years in both Miami and Pittsburgh, and what the Cowboys could use is a veteran presence in the back end of their defense. The Cowboys will clearly be looking for help in the pass rush department, but a trade for Fitzpatrick could kick off a revamp of their defense and add more leadership and skill to a team looking to rebound in 2026. 

KAYVON THIBODEAUX HEADS TO THE WEST COAST WITH LOS ANGELES

One of the more interesting names popping up in trade talks recently is Giants edge defender Kayvon Thibodeaux, and while he hasnt lived up to the hype he once had as a star in the league, the 25-year-old would still add some juice to a defense in need of more pass rush. If he is available for trade, the Chargers should be calling as both of their starting edge defenders, Odafe Oweh and Khalil Mack, are both pending free agents which would open the door for Thibodeaux to start week 1. Not only would he get a chance at a fresh start on a young team, but Thibodeaux would also be returning to the west coast where he grew up and could become a long-term solutions for the Chargers defense.