The 2026 NFL trade deadline has passed, and several prominent players connected to trade rumors remained with their teams. That may not be the end of the conversation, however. The offseason could bring new opportunities for teams to reshape their rosters—and for contenders to pursue established talent.
These eight players could emerge as potential trade candidates before the 2027 NFL Draft. Any deal remains speculative, but contract situations, team needs and the value of future draft picks could influence the decisions ahead.
## Brian Thomas Jr., WR, Jacksonville Jaguars
Brian Thomas Jr.’s role in Jacksonville’s offense has been relatively limited in 2026. He ranks fourth on the team with 21 targets and has played 43% of the Jaguars’ offensive snaps. Even so, the former first-round pick continues to serve a useful purpose in Liam Coen’s system: stretching the field for quarterback Trevor Lawrence.
That role helps explain why general manager James Gladstone kept Thomas in Jacksonville through the trade deadline. The Jaguars are aiming to contend, and a receiver who can threaten defenses downfield still has value, even without a larger share of the offense.
The question may be whether Jacksonville can afford to keep him. The team could look to replenish its future draft capital this offseason, and Thomas has two years remaining on his contract. That could make him an appealing target for a club seeking a young receiver under team control. The Kansas City Chiefs and Las Vegas Raiders are among the teams that could be interested, with a third-round pick a possible price point. A move before the 2027 NFL Draft would not be surprising.
## Cam Ward, QB, Tennessee Titans
The Titans kept running back Tony Pollard at the deadline, despite his contract situation, and there is a football reason they may have wanted to retain him: a capable running game can help the team evaluate quarterback Cam Ward.
Ward’s results so far have been difficult. Across 25 games and 788 attempts, he has a 4–21 record, a 60.7% completion rate, a 39.4% success rate and a 79.8 passer rating. Those numbers do not establish him as Tennessee’s long-term answer at quarterback. Still, the Titans may want to give him two full seasons before making a final decision.
By February, the front office could decide to explore a trade. Tennessee is expected to have draft capital available and could use the 2027 draft to seek another young quarterback. Ward might then get a chance to restart his career elsewhere, following a path similar to the one Malik Willis took toward a possible redemption opportunity.
## Budda Baker, S, Arizona Cardinals
Arizona’s situation could make Budda Baker an offseason trade candidate. The Cardinals are rebuilding, and their 2026 outlook has been complicated by Jeremiyah Love landing on injured reserve and Michael Wilson being out for the season. Carson Beck is the team’s starting quarterback, and a successful finish may be difficult to achieve.
Baker, a four-time All-Pro, is an established veteran whose next opportunity could be with a contender. He turns 31 in January and is entering a contract year, circumstances that could make a trade more attractive for both sides. Arizona could seek future value rather than risk losing him when his contract expires, while Baker could join a team with immediate postseason ambitions.
The safety market also offers a potential reference point: a safety was reportedly valued at a second-round pick in the 2027 draft. That does not guarantee Arizona could receive the same return, but it helps explain why Baker could draw interest. He is a name to watch before the end of April.
## Jonathan Taylor, RB, Indianapolis Colts
The Colts kept Jonathan Taylor at the deadline despite receiving offers involving a second-round pick. Indianapolis may have concluded that waiting until the offseason could bring more potential buyers for the All-Pro running back.
Whether the strategy pays off is uncertain. Taylor turns 28 in January, and the Colts could shut him down before the 2026 season concludes. If that happens, teams will have to weigh his age and availability when considering a trade, and it is not clear that offers will improve.
Several clubs could be candidates to pursue him, including the New York Giants, Washington Commanders, Cincinnati Bengals and Denver Broncos. A team in need of a high-level offensive weapon might make an offer that persuades Indianapolis to move on. A change in direction could also fit with a new Colts general manager looking to rebuild the roster.
## Breece Hall, RB, New York Jets
New York had reasons to keep Breece Hall through the deadline. The Jets are looking for positive momentum after a difficult 2025 season, and Hall showed well in Week 9, his first game back from injury.
At the same time, his absence gave the team a chance to see more of Braelon Allen, who could be the Jets’ running back of the future. Hall’s contract is considered trade-friendly, and moving him could help New York reduce costs while bringing back draft capital. A pick swap that yields a Day 2 selection in the 2027 NFL Draft could be one possible structure.
A trade could also benefit Hall by placing him with a playoff contender that needs help at running back. The Jets, meanwhile, could turn to Allen, whose 2027 cap hit is $1.32 million and who would still have a year remaining on his rookie contract. Of the two Jets players discussed here, Hall appears more likely to be traded.
## Garrett Wilson, WR, New York Jets
The Jets quickly rejected trade inquiries about Garrett Wilson before the deadline, a decision that made sense given his talent and contract. Wilson is arguably a top-10 receiver, and his maturity and leadership could be valuable to a young team.
Still, the possibility of an offseason trade cannot be ruled out. Wilson has expressed that he likes playing in New York but wants to compete for a winner. The Jets could revisit their position if their plans change, particularly if a team makes a strong offer.
New York already has three first-round picks in the 2027 draft. Trading Wilson could potentially give the franchise a fourth, with teams such as the San Francisco 49ers, Kansas City Chiefs and Pittsburgh Steelers among those that might have reason to inquire. Even so, a Wilson deal seems less likely than a Breece Hall trade.
## Vita Vea, DT, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Buccaneers have worked their way back into the NFC South race, but Vita Vea’s contract remains a significant question. He turns 32 in February, carries a $30.6 million cap hit in 2027 and is scheduled to reach the final year of his deal.
A long-term extension did not appear likely this summer, leaving Tampa Bay with a choice. The team could keep Vea for another season and potentially receive a compensatory pick in the 2029 NFL Draft if he leaves. Or it could trade him in the offseason and seek a pick that arrives sooner, potentially in 2027.
The defensive tackle trade market this season could shape the Buccaneers’ expectations for a return. Given the contract and Vea’s age, a spring trade could be a practical option if Tampa Bay decides it cannot reach a new agreement.
## Jordan Mailata, OT, Philadelphia Eagles
A Jordan Mailata trade would be a difficult possibility for Eagles fans to consider. The left tackle turns 30 in March, and he has not played at his usual All-Pro level this season. Still, a trade is far from certain.
Philadelphia’s situation at right tackle could complicate any decision. Lane Johnson has retired, and the Eagles do not have a clear long-term plan at the position. That uncertainty could discourage general manager Howie Roseman from moving another experienced offensive lineman.
On the other hand, the options at left tackle in next offseason’s free-agent market could be limited. Roseman might be positioned to take advantage of a team desperate to fill the position, particularly if that club is willing to offer meaningful value. A Mailata trade may be unlikely, but it remains a scenario worth monitoring as the Eagles assess their roster.
