The 2026 NFL trade deadline is two weeks away, and several notable moves have already shaken the league. The New York Giants acquired quarterback J.J. McCarthy in a bid to salvage their season, while wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. has begun scoring touchdowns for the Houston Texans. The Indianapolis Colts appear open to trading multiple players as they sit at 2-5.
Analysts have identified 25 potential trade candidates, grouped into three tiers based on expected impact.
Tier 1: Impact Starters
Leading the group is Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor, 27, who ranks fifth in the league in rushing yards despite his team's struggles. Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley, 29, has averaged 48.8 rushing yards per game with one touchdown through five games and could be moved as the Eagles fall to 2-5. Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby, 29, remains a prime target after a proposed deal with Baltimore collapsed; general manager John Spytek 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 Bowl selections and over 1,000 career tackles. Washington Commanders nose tackle Daron Payne, 29, is on an expiring deal with declining production. Chargers linebacker Tuli Tuipulotu, 24, recorded 13 sacks last season and has 26 tackles and two sacks in 2026. Cardinals linebacker Josh Sweat, 29, posted a career-high 12 sacks in 2025 but may seek a new home after defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon's firing. Tennessee Titans safety Amani Hooker, 28, has 46 tackles and two interceptions in six games. Indianapolis 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
Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard, 29, on an expiring deal, rushed for 129 yards and three touchdowns against Cleveland and has four consecutive 1,000-yard seasons. Cleveland Browns wide receiver Jerry Jeudy, 27, has 16 catches for 171 yards this season after a 1,229-yard campaign two years ago. Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr., 24, has fallen down the depth chart. Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston, 25, has eight catches for 165 yards in five games with a guaranteed $16 million fifth-year option looming. Chargers cornerback Donte Jackson, 30, on an expiring deal, has nine interceptions over the past two seasons. Titans linebacker Cedric Gray, 24, led the team with 164 tackles in 2025 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 available with Deshaun Watson entrenched as starter. Miami Dolphins linebacker Josh Uche, 28, has 25 tackles and one sack with a solid PFF grade.
Tier 3: Sneaky Rentals
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jauan Jennings, 29, has four catches for 43 yards in five games after a productive stint with 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. Tennessee Titans wide receiver Calvin Ridley, 31, has five catches for 81 yards despite three career 1,000-yard seasons. Eagles wide receiver Marquise Brown, 29, has two catches for 30 yards on a one-year deal. New York Jets cornerback Nahshon Wright, 28, a Pro Bowler last year, has not played a defensive snap in 2026. Eagles cornerback Kelee Ringo, 24, in the final year of his rookie contract, is a special teams standout with prototypical size.
