The Top Names to Watch on the 2026 NFL Trade Market
Two weeks into the 2026 NFL season, front offices are already getting a clearer picture of which rosters are built to contend, and which could soon become sellers. Injuries, disappointing starts, and shifting depth charts have created an early group of veterans and young stars whose names could surface in trade conversations as teams begin evaluating their next move. From Joey Porter Jr. and Jessie Bates III to Jerry Jeudy and Josh Sweat, several established players could command significant interest if their respective teams open the door to negotiations. The deadline may still be weeks away, but around the NFL, the groundwork for the next blockbuster deal could already be underway.
Joey Porter Jr., CB, Steelers
A nagging back issue has kept Steelers star cornerback Joey Porter Jr. off the field to begin the 2026 NFL season, but when the former second-round pick is healthy, he is amongst the best boundary defenders in the league. A package for the young star would have to include a first-round pick or two, plus a developmental player that Pittsburgh can shape on their own. Porter Jr. is sticky and physical in man coverage, and the former Nittany Lion’s long arms combined with uber-fluid hips make him a menace at the line of scrimmage in press. A potential suitor could be the Denver Broncos, who rotate between second-year player Jahdae Barron and Riley Moss opposite 2024 Defensive Player of the Year Pat Surtain II. The former All-Big Ten defensive back will be a free agent after this season, so an extension is also on the table for the 26-year-old star. The New York Giants should also be in the mix, as they have plenty of draft capital and a plethora of young talent. Rookie Colton Hood could be a name to watch if a move to the Big Apple occurs. The second-round pick out of Tennessee has looked good throughout two games for the Giants after being thrust into a starting role due to Paulson Adebo’s injury.
Jerry Jeudy, WR, Browns
The ex-Bronco and former first-round pick has just two catches for 26 yards to begin the 2026 season. On an incredibly young Cleveland roster, Jerry Jeudy seems to be the odd man out in the receiving game, which is odd because, just two years ago, he garnered 145 targets and tallied 1,229 receiving yards. The additions of KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston, two rookies making an immediate impact for the Browns, have quickly become the favorite targets of quarterback Deshaun Watson. This has made Jeudy somewhat of a decoy to open space for Cleveland’s offense underneath, but his skill set and past performance should intrigue WR-needy teams. Look out for the Baltimore Ravens, who just lost rookie wideout Ja’Kobi Lane to injury and clearly need another skill position player to free up room for the newly extended Zay Flowers. This fit makes a ton of sense, as the former first-rounder out of Boston College, Flowers does his damage after the catch. Adding Jeudy, a guy who stretches the field and blocks in the run game at a surprisingly high level, would create room for Baltimore playmakers closer to the line of scrimmage.
Josh Sweat, EDGE, Cardinals
Josh Sweat is now the second lowest-graded edge rusher in the entire league, per Pro Football Focus. He has just two pressures on the season; he averaged three per game two years ago with the Philadelphia Eagles before signing a big-money, four-year, $74.6 million deal with the Arizona Cardinals last offseason. It is fair to say he is not living up to that money, and with the Cardinals looking primed for at least a top-10 pick, moving on from Sweat is certainly in the cards. Some teams that should be monitoring the former Seminole include the Chicago Bears and Carolina Panthers. The 2021 Pro Bowler and 2024 Super Bowl champion brings elite speed and bend off the edge. He plays a premium position, so the asking price will be high, but the aforementioned Bears and Panthers have pieces and picks to spend. A Chicago package could see slot corner Kyler Gordon and picks involved, and Carolina should be willing to ship off players like Xavier Legette, a 25-year-old receiver looking for a larger role, as well as picks they have gained through numerous late draft-day trades.
Jessie Bates III, S, Falcons
Jessie Bates III, a three-time second-team All-Pro safety, is the heartbeat of the Atlanta Falcons defense. For most safeties, years beyond 28 mean declining production; not for Bates III. The former Wake Forest superstar is one of three 29-year-old safeties making $16 million a year across the NFL, and he continues to produce at an extremely high level. The Falcons, though, are not. They fell 34-3 against the Panthers in Week Two and have given up 54 points in the first two weeks of the season. If they cannot find their footing in Michael Penix Jr.’s return, the team could be looking to move on from veterans and kickstart a rebuild, one that they had not planned for in the slightest. Potential destinations for the star DB could include the Detroit Lions and Cincinnati Bengals.
