The NFL trade deadline is one week away, and we are freshening up our candidate list.
Welcome to version 2.0 of the Trade Deadline Big Board.
Below, you will find 50 players who could be available before the Nov. 10 deadline.
We dropped version 1.0 two weeks ago. Since then, three of our top four players were dealt. The Tennessee Titans traded Jeffery Simmons, our No. 1 player, to the Chicago Bears for two first-round picks. The Indianapolis Colts traded guard Quenton Nelson, our No. 3 player, to the Seattle Seahawks for a third-round pick and a fifth-round pick. The Colts also traded defensive lineman DeForest Buckner, our No. 4 player, to the San Francisco 49ers for a fourth-round pick.
We have replaced those players in our refreshed rankings. We also adjusted based on some movement in the standings. Several Tampa Bay Buccaneers were included in the 1.0 board. The Bucs have since won two straight and might be the best team in the NFC South. The New Orleans Saints, meanwhile, fell to 2-5. The Philadelphia Eagles have now lost six in a row, and we have added some more players from their roster to version 2.0. The New York Jets have lost three in a row, and they are looking like more defined sellers. The Baltimore Ravens could be without Lamar Jackson for the rest of the season.
Two players we are not including in the 2.0 board: Eagles running back Saquon Barkley and Las Vegas Raiders edge rusher Maxx Crosby.
Barkley said the Eagles told him he would not be traded before the deadline. From a financial standpoint, it makes more sense for the Eagles to move on from Barkley after June 1 to spread dead money over 2027 and 2028.
Saquon Barkley on Eagles front office telling him he won’t be traded
Zach Berman
The Raiders are 4-4 after a Week 8 win over the Jets. Public indications are that they do not intend to trade Crosby, even though they had agreed to trade the star pass rusher to the Ravens in the offseason. That deal, of course, fell through.
Contracts and the salary cap are important factors in facilitating trades. A team acquiring a player in a trade takes on any unpaid money in that player’s contract. A team trading away a player takes on any already-paid cash as dead money. For each player, we have included a projected 2026 cap hit for the acquiring team. Each figure assumes a trade on deadline day. All salary cap figures are courtesy of Over the Cap. All statistics are courtesy of TruMedia.
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Taylor is one of the best running backs in the league and has been for some time. Since he was drafted in 2020, Taylor has more scrimmage yards than all RBs except for Derrick Henry. He is the type of explosive player who could change an offense. The Colts are in sell mode after firing GM Chris Ballard. They have already moved guard Quenton Nelson and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner, who were both ranked in the top five on our 1.0 board. Taylor signed a two-year extension with the Colts in August. Indianapolis would take on $10 million in dead money in 2027 if it traded Taylor, so the contract is not preventive.
Projected 2026 cap hit
$4.63M
Best fits: Vikings, Giants, Bengals, Seahawks
After an 0-7 start, the Chargers should be selling. Tuipulotu is a young, ascending and well-rounded edge rusher who is in the final year of his rookie contract. The Chargers and Tuipulotu engaged in extension negotiations in the offseason. The two sides could not come to terms on a deal. Tuipulotu took a big step as a player in 2025. He has sustained that performance this season. Since the start of 2025, Tuipulotu ranks 12th in pressure rate among players with at least 250 pass-rush snaps.
Projected 2026 cap hit
$2.88M
Best fits: Patriots, Browns, 49ers, Cowboys
Ojomo is in the final year of his rookie deal. The Eagles are on a downward trajectory. They have also given large extensions to two interior defenders in Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis. Ojomo, like Milton Williams in 2025, is potentially headed to free agency if he is not traded. It is difficult to allocate three sizable veteran contracts to one position group. Ojomo can provide interior pass rush. He was tied for the team lead in pressures through eight weeks with 18.
Projected 2026 cap hit
$1.84M
Best fits: Vikings, Packers, Lions, Jaguars
Downs is in the final year of his rookie deal, and he has developed into one of the better route runners in the league. He has predominantly been a slot player, aligning inside on more than 73 percent of his career offensive snaps. But he has played more on the outside in 2026. The Colts signed receiver Alec Pierce to a four-year, $114 million extension in the offseason. Pierce has played 49 snaps this season while battling injuries. Downs is good, cheap and on an expiring deal. He requested a trade last week.
Projected 2026 cap hit
$1.96M
Best fits: 49ers, Steelers, Chiefs
The Chargers signed James to a three-year, $75.6 million extension in May. He has played his entire career for the Chargers, but the organization needs to consider all options at this stage. Even with the extension, the Chargers would take on only $9 million in dead money in 2027. The bigger question is whether an acquiring team would be comfortable with James’ $17.5 million fully guaranteed base salary in 2027. James is best playing closer to the line of scrimmage as a nickel defender. James, who turns 31 in August, was placed on injured reserve Oct. 31 because of a lingering hamstring injury.
Projected 2026 cap hit
$5.75M
Best fits: Lions, Steelers, Bills, Cowboys
Though Hooker is under contract through 2028, he does not have any fully guaranteed money on his deal after this season. He is a versatile safety who can fulfill multiple responsibilities — post safety, split-field safety, nickel, dime, underneath zone and man-to-man on tight ends and slot receivers. He is a strong tackler who can impact the running game, and he has the instincts in zone coverage to feel routes and bait quarterbacks into throws. Hooker leads the NFL with five interceptions this season after nabbing three against Joe Burrow in Week 8. The Titans would take on $8.6 million in dead money in 2027 if they traded Hooker.
Projected 2026 cap hit
$4.46M
Best fits: Bills, Lions, Steelers, Cowboys
Coach Aaron Glenn pushed back on the idea of trading Hall after the Jets dropped their third straight game in Week 8. “Breece is still a part of this team,” Glenn said. “I’ve said it before: We’re in the business of keeping good players, and he’s one of our better players, so he’ll be here.” The Jets traded defensive tackle Quinnen Williams and cornerback Sauce Gardner at last year’s deadline.
Hall’s contract remains very tradeable even though he signed a three-year, $43.5 million extension in the offseason. A lot of his compensation is tied up in base salary. An acquiring team would take on those future commitments, including $13.1 million in non-guaranteed base in 2027. The Jets would wear a dead-money hit of only $4 million in 2027 if they traded Hall before the deadline. Hall has missed the past five games with a quad injury. Braelon Allen has rushed for 100 yards in three of the past four games with Hall sidelined.
Projected 2026 cap hit
$2.75M
Best fits: Vikings, Giants, Bengals
Mack returned to the Chargers on a one-year deal for 2026. He still has not won a playoff game in his likely Hall of Fame career. As a capable veteran edge rusher on an expiring deal, he is a logical trade piece. At 35, Mack can still get after the passer, and he remains one of the league’s most physical run defenders on the edge.
Projected 2026 cap hit
$4M
Best fits: Patriots, Browns, Cowboys, 49ers
Sweat is in only the second year of a four-year free-agent contract he signed with the Cardinals in 2025. But he signed that contract to join up with former Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon, who was fired after last season. Sweat played for Gannon with the Eagles. The Cardinals would take on $18.3 million in dead money in 2027 if they trade Sweat before the deadline. Sweat got off to a slow start this season, but he was very impactful in the Cardinals’ Week 6 win over the Rams. Sweat has two sacks in his last three games.
Projected 2026 cap hit
$5.39M
Best fits: Patriots, Browns, Cowboys
Baun, who turns 30 in December, remains one of the better off-ball linebackers in the league. There are several teams in need of linebacker help, and Baun would come at a cheap price because of how the Eagles structure contracts. He does not have any guaranteed money on his deal after this season. An acquiring team could view him as a rental and cut him in the offseason, before a $14.4 million option bonus is due Sept. 1. The Eagles have lost six in a row. GM Howie Roseman should be selling, and Baun is one of his more attractive pieces to shop.
Projected 2026 cap hit
$608K
Best fits: Bengals, Lions, Steelers, Bills
Baker is one of the more expensive players on our list. He is in the second season of a three-year extension he signed in 2024. But Baker has no guaranteed money on his contract in 2027, and the Cardinals would take on only $3.06 million in dead money in 2027 if they trade him before the deadline. Baker is a playmaking defensive back who can make an impact as a blitzer, in coverage and against the run. Through eight weeks, Baker had 13 splash plays, tied for 19th among defensive backs.
Projected 2026 cap hit
$7.34M
Best fits: Lions, Steelers, Bills, Cowboys
The Saints have lost four of their past five games. Even at 2-5, though, they are not out of the NFC South. Could they get back into the mix in an extremely bad division? Sure. Should that be the reason to stand pat at the deadline? No. The Saints should be looking to sell. Johnson signed a three-year extension with the Saints in 2025. Last year, in his age-29 season, Johnson set career highs in receiving yards (889) and receptions (77). He ranks fifth in scrimmage yards among all tight ends over the past two seasons, and he has developed into a dangerous yards-after-the-catch weapon. Johnson does not have any guaranteed money on his deal after this season.
Projected 2026 cap hit
$1.36M
Best fits: Browns, Vikings
Stewart is in the final year of a three-year extension he signed in 2024. He has played all 10 of his NFL seasons with the Colts. He struggled in the season opener against the Ravens, including a missed tackle on a touchdown run. But Stewart bounced back and played consistently against the run over the next seven weeks. He is a stout and experienced nose tackle. Stewart also finished with at least 15 pressures in six straight seasons from 2019 to 2025.
Projected 2026 cap hit
$6.13M
Best fits: Vikings, Packers, Giants, Lions
Ruiz has started 89 games in his NFL career, most of them at right guard, but he also started 26 games at center in college. He missed the Saints’ Week 7 loss to the Steelers with a concussion. Ruiz does not have any guaranteed money on his deal after season. He is functional as a run blocker and pass protector, and he would be an attractive option for a team seeking starting offensive line help.
Projected 2026 cap hit
$608K
Best fits: Vikings, Broncos, Patriots, Packers
No one should be off limits amid this Colts fire sale. The Colts signed Bynum to a four-year, $60 million contract in free agency in 2025. A rangy free safety, he led the defense with four interceptions in his first season in Indianapolis. As with most of the players on the Colts’ roster, Bynum has taken a step back in 2026. But several teams need an upgrade in the secondary, specifically in the deep areas of the field, where Bynum spends most of his time. He has no guaranteed money on his deal after this season. The Colts would take on $9 million in dead money in 2027 if they dealt Bynum before the deadline.
Projected 2026 cap hit
$5.26M
Best fits: Bills, Lions, Steelers, Cowboys
Robertson signed a two-year, $16 million deal with the Commanders in free agency. He has been one of the few bright spots from GM Adam Peters’ offseason. Robertson does not have any fully guaranteed money on his deal in 2027. The Commanders would take on $3 million in dead money in 2027 if they trade him before the deadline. Robertson is a capable man coverage corner who could help a number of teams in the secondary. He can play inside and outside.
Projected 2026 cap hit
$3.43M
Best fits: Bills, Lions, Bengals, Jaguars, Steelers
There was some uncertainty surrounding Kamara’s status in the offseason. He was entering the final year of his deal, and the Saints signed running back Travis Etienne in March to a four-year, $47 million contract. The Saints and Kamara eventually agreed to a restructured one-year contract to keep him in New Orleans.
The Saints lost to the Steelers in Week 7 to fall to 2-5. They were on a bye in Week 8. The NFC South remains wide open. The Saints should still consider selling at the deadline, and we added several names to our 2.0 board. Etienne (hamstring) is eligible to return off IR this week. Kamara had a season-high 69 scrimmage yards against the Giants in Week 6, including a 31-yard touchdown catch. He looked lively. He had a season-high 57 receiving yards against the Steelers.
Projected 2026 cap hit
$3M
Best fits: Giants, Packers, Bengals, Lions
McDonald survived the Jets’ fire sale ahead of last year’s trade deadline. In the spring, the Jets exercised his fifth-year option for $13.75 million fully guaranteed in 2027. He is on a cheap base salary for 2026 in the fourth year of his rookie deal. The Jets lost three games in a row to fall in 2-6. They could be sellers again. McDonald is a twitchy rusher with some diversity in his attack, including an inside spin move.
Projected 2026 cap hit
$831K
Best fits: 49ers, Browns, Cowboys
The Eagles are clearly a team in transition, and that is especially the case along the offensive line. Lane Johnson retired. GM Howie Roseman dealt Cam Jurgens to the Ravens. Landon Dickerson, who we will get to in a moment, does not have any guaranteed money on his deal after this season. Would Roseman consider trading Steen? Or is he a piece to keep as the Eagles attempt to rebuild the offensive line, which was once the defined strength of the roster?
Steen, a 2023 third-round pick, has been a pretty steady player at right guard for the Eagles as he has moved into a full-time starting role over the past two seasons. He is in the final year of his rookie deal. The Eagles have not yet extended him, so Steen is a pending free agent in 2027.
Projected 2026 cap hit
$1.81M
Best fits: Vikings, Broncos, Patriots, Packers
The Dolphins are executing their tank effectively. They have remained moderately competitive while still losing six of seven games to begin the season. Their rookie class looks promising. The next step would be accruing some more draft capital for 2027. One issue, though, is they do not have many tradable players. Brooks, a reliable veteran off-ball linebacker, is one of the few. He signed a three-year extension in July and has close to $13 million in guaranteed salary in 2027, so any acquiring team would be making a multiyear commitment. The Dolphins would take on $15.6 million in dead money in 2027 if they traded Brooks. This regime, with coach Jeff Hafley and GM Jon-Eric Sullivan, has not been afraid of dead money thus far.
Projected 2026 cap hit
$608K
Best fits: Bills, Steelers, Cowboys, Lions, Bengals
The Eagles exercised Smith’s fifth-year option in the spring. He is in the fourth year of his rookie deal and is due $13.75 million guaranteed in 2027. Because the Eagles restructured Smith’s fifth-year option — a pretty rare occurrence — they would take on a little less than $1 million in dead money in 2027 if they traded Smith. The Eagles have lost six straight, and quarterback Jalen Hurts is out for the season. It’s time to sell for GM Howie Roseman. Smith is a violent edge-setter in the run game. He was tied for the team lead in pressures with 18 through the first eight weeks of the season.
Projected 2026 cap hit
$573K
Best fits: 49ers, Patriots, Browns
Henley, a third-round pick in 2023, has shown some promising flashes in his career. But he has yet to put together a complete elite season. In 2025, Henley battled a severe illness early in the season. This year, he was uneven to start before finding better form in Week 3. The Chargers might view him as a long-term building block. Henley is in the final year of his rookie deal but has yet to agree to an extension. The Chargers also have some depth at linebacker. At his best, Henley can be a difference-maker in coverage and as a blitzer and sideline-to-sideline tackler.
Projected 2026 cap hit
$1.84M
Best fits: Bills, Steelers, Bengals, Cowboys, Lions
The Saints are quite thin at edge rusher. They have Chase Young, Granderson and a 37-year-old Cameron Jordan. Through eight weeks, the Saints’ defense ranks last in pressure rate at 28.7 percent of opposing dropbacks. If coach Kellen Moore wants to vie for the division, he can’t afford to trade one of two players on his roster with more than 10 pressures on the season. This will come down to organizational approach. From a buyer’s perspective, Granderson could fit well into a front as a quality third edge rusher who can also make an impact a run defender. He is cheap for 2026 and does not have any guaranteed money remaining on his deal.
Projected 2026 cap hit
$650K
Best fits: 49ers, Browns, Patriots, Cowboys
Dickerson played through a bone bruise in his right knee in Week 1 and struggled. He was subsequently placed on injured reserve. While Dickerson was sidelined, right tackle Lane Johnson retired, and interior offensive lineman Cam Jurgens was traded to the Ravens. Is Dickerson the next departure from the Eagles’ Super Bowl-winning offensive line? Dickerson returned from IR in Week 7 and gave up five pressures in a loss to the Cowboys. But he was mostly solid in a Week 8 loss to the Commanders. He had a vicious pancake block as a puller on Saquon Barkley’s touchdown run in the first quarter. Dickerson has battled numerous injuries in his career. When he is somewhere close to healthy, though, he is a productive player. The Eagles would take on $26.2 million in dead money in 2027 if they traded Dickerson before the deadline.
Projected 2026 cap hit
$608K
Best fits: Broncos, Patriots, Vikings, Packers
Pollard, who signed with the Titans in free agency in 2024, is on an expiring contract. He has looked like a very motivated player over the past two weeks. Pollard rushed for 129 yards and three touchdowns against the Browns in Week 7. He followed that up 117 yards and two touchdowns against the Bengals in Week 8. Over that two-game span, Pollard was second among all running backs in scrimmage yards, trailing only the Lions’ Jahmyr Gibbs. He’s emerged as a viable option for a RB-needy team that does not want to offer the draft capital necessary for Jonathan Taylor.
Projected 2026 cap hit
$3.63M
Best fits: Giants, Bengals, Lions, Vikings, Packers
The Chargers traded for Molden in August 2024. They then signed him to a three-year extension in the 2025 offseason. Molden does not have any guaranteed money on his deal after this season. He is an intelligent safety who thrives as a communicator and general in the deep part of the field. He has been an ideal fit in the Chargers’ defensive scheme that utilizes frequent two-high-safety shells, both under Jesse Minter and now Chris O’Leary. Molden’s only real flaw as a player is struggling to stay on the field due to injuries.
Projected 2026 cap hit
$3M
Best fits: Lions, Bills, Steelers, Cowboys
Woolen won a Super Bowl with the Seahawks last season. He then hit free agency and, rather surprisingly, a market did not materialize for him. Woolen signed a one-year deal with the Eagles. He played his worst game of the season in Week 7 against the Cowboys. But there have been plenty of bright spots for Woolen this season, as well. The combination of size and speed will always make him an intriguing piece.
Projected 2026 cap hit
$3M
Best fits: Jaguars, Lions, Steelers, Bills
Chaisson signed a one-year, $11 million deal with the Commanders in free agency. Through eight weeks, he led the team in pressures with 22. Chaisson is a capable pass rusher. He set a career high with 74 pressures last season for the Patriots. He is always going to be somewhat of a liability against the run. He is an option for a team looking for situational pass-rush juice.
Projected 2026 cap hit
$2.41M
Best fits: Browns, 49ers, Patriots
Jackson is in the final year of a two-year free-agent deal he signed in 2025. He has missed the past three games with a hamstring injury. Jackson is one of the most compelling defensive backs on this list. He is on an expiring deal. He is relatively cheap, so he is an option for teams tight against the cap. And he is an experienced veteran who can acclimate quickly to a variety of schemes, though a zone-heavy scheme would be the best fit. Jackson has 23 career interceptions, tied for fifth-most among active players.
Projected 2026 cap hit
$3M
Best fits: Bills, Lions, Bengals, Jaguars, Steelers
The Titans acquired Johnson from the Jets in the offseason, sending interior defensive lineman T’Vondre Sweat to New York in a player-for-player swap. A first-round pick in 2022, Johnson is playing on the fifth-year option that was originally exercised by the Jets. Titans coach Robert Saleh drafted Johnson when he was Jets coach. Johnson is a long, physical, athletic edge. His primary value is as a pocket pusher. He puts pressure on the anchor of tackles with his power. Johnson can also create movement when slicing inside, including on stunts.
Projected 2026 cap hit
$6.71M
Best fits: Patriots, Cowboys, Browns, 49ers
The Cardinals signed Lopez to a two-year, $10.5 million deal in free agency, and he has made good on that contract through eight weeks. Lopez has shown some dominant play as a run defender at times this season. The Cardinals would take on $2 million in dead money in 2027 if they traded Lopez before the deadline. A good, cheap option for a team in need of run defense help on the interior.
Projected 2026 cap hit
$1.17M
Best fits: Packers, Vikings, Giants, Lions, Jaguars
What will the Ravens do at the deadline? They already traded a second-round pick for Cam Jurgens earlier this year. But now quarterback Lamar Jackson is out for the foreseeable future after undergoing thumb surgery. Backup quarterback Tyler Huntley has a turf toe injury. And third-string quarterback Joe Fagnano is nursing an ankle injury. Without Jackson, the Ravens have a clear ceiling on their season. Coach Jesse Minter’s debut has not gone to plan. Selling should be a consideration. Plenty of teams are in the market for a receiver, and Bateman has the ability to attack at all three levels. He is cheap in 2026 and does not have any guaranteed money on his deal after this season.
Projected 2026 cap hit
$1.25M
Best fits: Chiefs, Seahawks, Rams
The Saints signed Reid to a three-year, $31.5 million deal in free agency in 2025 to play as a split-field safety in Brandon Staley’s defensive scheme. Reid performed well in 2025 as the Saints built a surprising top-10 defense by EPA per play. But Reid has not played at that same level in 2026. He turns 30 in February. Reid’s experience, with 124 starts over nine seasons, is the most appealing part of his profile.
Projected 2026 cap hit
$650K
Best fits: Bills, Lions, Steelers, Cowboys
The Todd Monken-led Browns are in contention in the AFC North at 5-3. Jeudy has become more of a role player with the emergence of rookies Denzel Boston and KC Concepcion. Still, he is making an impact in Cleveland. He caught a 33-yard pass on the Browns’ winning field goal drive in the fourth quarter against the Ravens in Week 6. He has played at least 60 percent of the offensive snaps in four striaght games. The likelihood of a Jeudy trade seems low. Winning teams tend to hang on to good players. But the diminished role might leave the door slightly ajar.
Projected 2026 cap hit
$750K
Best fits: Chiefs, 49ers, Rams
Sieler signed a three-year extension with the Dolphins in 2025, under the previous regime of GM Chris Grier and coach Mike McDaniel. The Dolphins would take on $24.7 million in dead money in 2027 if they traded Sieler, but again, the new regime does not seem worried about dead money amid a dramatic rebuild. Sieler is due $12.67 million in base salary in 2027, and $10 million of that becomes fully guaranteed on March 15. Sieler can be disruptive as a pass rusher and run defender. He has been inconsistent this season, though he is not surrounded by much talent in the Dolphins’ defense. His game could play up in a better situation.
Projected 2026 cap hit
$905K
Best fits: Vikings, Packers, Jaguars, Giants, Lions
The Jets drafted Sherwood in fifth round in 2021. He earned a full-time starting role in 2024 under coach Robert Saleh and, later, interim coach Jeff Ulbrich. In 2025, the new regime of Glenn and GM Darren Mougey signed Sherwood to a three-year, $45 million extension. Sherwood is in the second year of that deal and does not have any guaranteed money after this season. Sherwood has never lived up to the big deal he signed. He has taken a further step back in 2026. Still, there are teams in desperate need of linebacker help.
Projected 2026 cap hit
$3.75M
Best fits: Bengals, Cowboys, Lions, Steelers
Goedert took a $4.25 million pay cut to return to the Eagles for 2026. He has 26 catches for 258 yards and two touchdowns in six games. He missed two games with a knee injury. Goedert could help a passing game at a pretty cheap cost. He did have a shocking drop in the Eagles’ loss to the Commanders in Week 8. The pass was intercepted. Goedert was bailed out by a roughing the passer call. The Eagles have pushed so much of Goedert’s money into future seasons that they will take on an $18.2 million dead-money charge in 2027 whether they trade him before the deadline or allow his contract to void after the season.
Projected 2026 cap hit
$1.65M
Best fits: Vikings, Browns, Seahawks
Ridley took a pay cut this offseason to remain with the Titans. The Tennessee offense has mostly struggled under coordinator Brian Daboll, though the unit has improved over the past three weeks. Ridley had only six catches on 13 targets through the first eight weeks of the season. He has been out-snapped by rookie Carnell Tate, free-agent addition Wan’Dale Robinson and second-year receiver Elic Ayomanor. Ridley does not have any guaranteed money on his deal after this season. There is some meat on the bone with Ridley. The route running and releases are still NFL quality. Ridley could still make an impact with better quarterback play and overall offensive infrastructure.
Projected 2026 cap hit
$3M
Best fits: Steelers, 49ers, Chiefs
Fant signed a two-year, $8.5 million contract with the Saints in free agency this past offseason. He has no guaranteed money on his deal in 2027. Juwan Johnson is a better player. But Fant would take less draft capital to acquire. Fant has 11 catches for 84 yards and three touchdowns on the season. He is an option for teams seeking to add a supplemental receiving tight end.
Projected 2026 cap hit
$750K
Best fit: Browns, Vikings, Seahawks
Jones is one of the best backup quarterbacks in the league. He should, at some point, get another chance to start. That will most likely come in 2027, as Jones is in the final year of a two-year deal he signed with the 49ers. But could a team in need of a quarterback — like the 6-1 Vikings — convince the 49ers to make a deal with an over-the-top offer? The 49ers are contenders after a 6-1 start, and keeping some insurance behind MVP frontrunner Brock Purdy makes more sense.
Projected 2026 cap hit
$870K
Best fits: Vikings, Ravens
The Jets signed Wright to a one-year deal in free agency, and he has yet to play a defensive snap this season for coach Aaron Glenn. Wright had five picks playing for the Bears in 2025. He lacks some burst and change-of-direction ability. But his ball production last season was very impressive. At 6-foot-4, he has receiver-like skills in 50-50 situations. He’s a functional starting corner, and there are teams in need of that exact profile.
Projected 2026 cap hit
$750K
Best fits: Lions, Bengals, Steelers, Jaguars
Barton is in the second year of a three-year deal he signed with the Titans in 2025. He does not have any guaranteed money after this year, and the Titans would take on only a $1.72 million dead-money charge in 2027 if they traded him before the deadline. Barton is not a fast linebacker from sideline to sideline. But he is an instinctive coverage player.
Projected 2026 cap hit
$3.26M
Best fits: Bengals, Cowboys, Lions, Steelers, Bills
Spears, a 2023 third-round pick, is in the final year of his rookie deal. He has only 18 carries in six games this season. Spears has missed the past two games with a knee injury. He was also limited to 11 snaps in Week 6. Like most of the Titans’ skill players, there is upside in a better situation. He has good hands and can line up in multiple spots in the pass game. Spears is also a physical pass protector, especially when chipping on the edge. He can provide some explosiveness, particularly as a pass catcher. He had a 35-yard screen reception in Week 6 against the Texans. Spears has 142 career receptions.
Projected 2026 cap hit
$1.84M
Best fits: Giants, Bengals, Vikings, Lions, Packers
Cisco re-signed with the Jets this offseason on a one-year deal, $2.5 million deal. He got benched after a Week 3 loss to the Lions and played only 22 defensive snaps from Weeks 4 to 8. Cisco had eight interceptions in three seasons for the Jaguars from 2022 to ’24. The ball production has not carried over to the Jets. But he is still an experienced free safety who could find a role patrolling the deep part of the field.
Projected 2026 cap hit
$1M
Best fits: Lions, Steelers, Bears, Cowboys
Dye is on an expiring contract. He signed a two-year deal with the Chargers in 2025. Dye has never received consistent playing time on defense in Los Angeles, but he has always taken advantage of his opportunities with big plays in key moments. He is sound in coverage and plays with a violent streak. Just as importantly for the trade market, Dye is an experienced special teams player who can be a core-four contributor in that phase.
Projected 2026 cap hit
$1.08M
Best fit: Bengals, Cowboys, Lions, Steelers
Armstrong is in the final year of a three-year, $33 million deal he signed with the Commanders in 2024. Armstrong had a career-high 51 pressures in his first season in Washington. But he suffered a torn ACL in Week 7 of last year. He had 13 pressures through the first eight weeks of this year coming back from the injury. Armstrong has above-average length and can push the pocket when he gets extension.
Projected 2026 cap hit
$4.55M
Best fits: Patriots, 49ers, Bears, Browns
Thomas, a first-round pick in 2024, did not play a snap in the second half of the Jaguars’ loss to the Texans in London in Week 6. The Jags went on a bye in Week 7. In Week 8, Thomas played 28 offensive snaps and caught one pass, a 12-yard touchdwon. He is trending toward WR4 behind Parker Washington, Jakobi Meyers and rookie Josh Cameron. Thomas had two drops in the first half against the Texans, including one on his final play of the game. Most concerning with Thomas is his ball tracking. He looks lost in that department. Thomas had an incredible rookie season, catching 87 passes for 1,282 yards. There could be a team that believes in that production from 2024. The question is whether the Jaguars would part with Thomas amid a successful team season. Thomas was picked by the previous regime.
Projected 2026 cap hit
$538K
Best fits: Chiefs, Steelers, Rams, 49ers
Palmer signed a three-year, $29 million deal with the Bills in free agency in 2025. He had 22 catches for 308 yards in 12 games last season. This season, he has four catches on 12 targets in six games. Palmer suffered a hamstring injury in Week 8. Would the Bills move Palmer to clear more snaps for fourth-round rookie Skyler Bell?
Projected 2026 cap hit
$5M
The Chargers signed Tomlinson to a one-year deal in free agency. He missed two games with a hamstring injury earlier this season. By the time he returned, the Chargers were 0-4, and the season was more or less over. Tomlinson is a big-bodied nose tackle who can affect the game as an early-down run defender. He is perhaps the most likely trade candidate among the Chargers’ many options.
Projected 2026 cap hit
$2.2M
Best fits: Vikings, Packers, Giants, Jaguars, Lions
The Cardinals traded a sixth-round pick to the Broncos for Browning at the deadline in 2024. They then signed him to a two-year extension in the offseason. Browning is in the final year of that deal. Browning has eight pressures through eight games while playing in a rotational role for the Arizona defense. He lacks some pop as a run defender. But Browning has real burst off the edge as a pass rusher. He could bolster depth for a team in need of a known-passing-down rusher.
Projected 2026 cap hit
$1.38M
Best fits: Browns, Patriots, Cowboys, Bears
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