2026 NFL Trade Block: Kyler Murray, Maxx Crosby, and 3 Other Stars Who Could Be Moved

Modern NFL franchises don’t wait for rebuilds to become obvious; they anticipate them.

And sometimes that means moving on from players once viewed as untouchable.

Across the league, competitive windows are shrinking, placing added pressure on regimes to make every offseason move count. But with evaluators labeling the 2026 free-agent class thin on impact players, the trade market has become the primary avenue for teams seeking a true difference-maker.

As the 2026 offseason approaches key dates, several marquee names find themselves in high-stakes situations that demand monitoring.

Here are five stars who could realistically change uniforms before Week 1.

Kyler Murray,  QB — Arizona Cardinals

Potential Trade Destinations: NYJ, PIT, MIA

The Kyler Murray era in Arizona appears to be reaching its final chapter. After seven seasons and a 2025 campaign marred by a foot injury and a late-season sideline stint, the Cardinals seem ready for a hard reset under new head coach Mike LaFleur.

Arizona holds the No. 3 overall pick in the NFL Draft but the 2026 class only has one projected first-rounder in Fernando Mendoza. That leaves the Cardinals in a tough spot: stick with Murray, sign a veteran free agent, or hand the keys to the offense to a mid-round prospect.

Trading Murray would allow the Cardinals to dodge a massive roster guarantee due in March and clear significant cap space for LaFleur’s rebuild. And after last year’s late-season benching, it remains to be seen if Murray’s relationship with the franchise has been fractured beyond repair.

The New York Jets, who are looking to move on from the Justin Fields experiment, stand out as a premier landing spot where Murray’s dual-threat playmaking could finally unlock the full potential of stars like Garrett Wilson.

Prediction: Pittsburgh Steelers

Maxx Crosby, DE — Las Vegas Raiders

Potential Trade Destinations: DET, SF, BAL

Maxx Crosby is the pulse of the Raiders, but after a 3-14 finish in 2025, Las Vegas is staring at a long-term rebuild.

While nothing has been confirmed, reports of friction following his late-season benching suggest he could be on the move. He is still in his prime at just 28 years old and would command a “Micah Parsons-level” trade package, giving the Raiders a chance to accelerate their rebuild.

With the Raiders holding the top overall pick and targeting a franchise quarterback like Fernando Mendoza, moving Crosby for a massive haul of draft capital makes strategic sense. Trading their star pass rusher would free up $30 million in cap space and result in just a $5.1 million dead cap charge.

Crosby’s status as a five-time Pro Bowler and the league’s most consistent high-motor defender makes him an attractive target for several Super Bowl-contending teams that feel they are just one piece away from competing for a Lombardi Trophy.

Prediction: Baltimore Ravens

A.J. Brown, WR — Philadelphia Eagles

Potential Trade Destinations: LAC, IND, PIT

Despite being an elite player on the field, Brown’s visible frustration on the sidelines and cryptic social media posts became impossible to ignore in Philadelphia. 

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler recently reported that league executives fully expect the Eagles to “at least entertain” offers this spring, citing Brown’s apparent unhappiness on “numerous fronts.” 

While trading a top-tier weapon like Brown creates a $20 million dead-cap hit, it would allow GM Howie Roseman to pivot toward a more cost-effective core, potentially prioritizing the long-term extensions of young defensive stars like Jalen Carter and Quinyon Mitchell. 

The hiring of Sean Mannion as offensive coordinator is a clear attempt to fix a broken passing game, but if Brown’s relationship with the organization is truly fractured, the Eagles may prefer to recoup a high draft pick now rather than risk another locker room distraction in 2026.

Prediction: Los Angeles Chargers

D.K. Metcalf, WR — Pittsburgh Steelers

Potential Trade Destinations: TEN, LV, NYG

D.K. Metcalf’s tenure in Pittsburgh has been a roller coaster of elite production and disciplinary headaches. 

After being acquired from Seattle just last offseason, Metcalf finished 2025 as the team’s primary threat, yet a late-season suspension nearly derailed the Steelers’ playoff hopes and highlighted the volatility that has defined his career. 

With Mike Tomlin gone and Mike McCarthy now on the sidelines, the question is whether Metcalf’s physical dominance outweighs the “baggage” that has irked the front office. 

While some insiders suggest the Steelers could double down on the receiver market by trading for A.J. Brown to reunite the former Ole Miss teammates, others believe Pittsburgh might parlay Metcalf into a package of draft picks to find a more disciplined WR1. 

If Rogers retires or McCarthy decides on a cultural reset, Metcalf could find himself being traded for the second time in as many offseasons.

Prediction: Las Vegas Raiders

Bradley Chubb, EDGE — Miami Dolphins

Potential Trade Destinations: SF, CHI, AZ

Miami is entering a painful financial reality. New GM Jon-Eric Sullivan inherited a cap nightmare, and Bradley Chubb’s $31.2 million cap hit makes him a prime candidate for a trade this offseason. While he’s still a top-tier pass rusher, Miami needs the draft assets more than they need the veteran contract right now. 

Chubb is slated to earn $20.23M in 2026, but none of that is guaranteed until the start of the season. There’s $23.8M of dead cap attached to the contract right now, but a Post-June 1 trade makes more sense and would net the Dolphins over $20 million in immediate cap savings.

Despite his productivity, his high cap hit and age make him a luxury for a team that may need to prioritize depth and youth.

Prediction: Chicago Bears