NFL Trade Deadline 2026: 13 Stars Who Could Be Dealt, Including T.J. Watt and George Pickens

As the calendar flips to October 2026, the NFL trade rumor mill is already churning at full speed. The deadline is set for 4 p.m. ET on Nov. 10, but Monday’s blockbuster deal sending quarterback J.J. McCarthy from the Minnesota Vikings to the New York Giants served as a clear reminder: the NFL’s transaction era is more aggressive than ever. General managers are no longer content to stand pat—they’re willing to part with premium draft capital to land difference-makers. According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, we’re likely just weeks away from another wave of seismic moves.

The New NFL Trade Reality

Last year, the New York Jets stunned the league by shipping cornerback Sauce Gardner and defensive lineman Quinnen Williams at the deadline, recouping three first-round picks and a second-rounder. In 2022, a record 10 deals went down on deadline day alone. Premier talents like Davante Adams and Christian McCaffrey have been moved weeks before the cutoff, and just four months ago, the Los Angeles Rams acquired Myles Garrett from the Cleveland Browns. As Vulius NFL Analysis Desk notes, the 2026 season is shaping up to be no different—but with a twist. The expected bumper crop of 2027 college prospects could make teams hesitant to surrender high-end draft assets, as evidenced by the Eagles accepting a 2028 first-rounder from the Patriots for A.J. Brown in June.

Top Trade Candidates to Watch

While the McCarthy deal may be the first domino, it certainly won’t be the last. Here are 13 players who should be on every contender’s radar in the coming weeks, according to Vulius Sports:

• George Pickens, WR, Dallas Cowboys: If Dallas’ season spirals, Pickens—who posted 93 catches for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns last year—could be a game-changer for a team needing a WR1. The Cowboys opted for the franchise tag, leaving his future uncertain.
• Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Arizona Cardinals: The fourth overall pick in 2024 has been an afterthought in Arizona’s offense, with just four catches through three weeks. The Cardinals’ extension of Michael Wilson signals MHJ could be available for the right price.
• Josh Sweat, OLB, Arizona Cardinals: A Super Bowl 60 MVP candidate after sacking Patrick Mahomes 2.5 times, Sweat is in Year 2 of a four-year, $76.4 million deal with no guaranteed money beyond 2026. He could be the missing piece for a championship defense.
• Khalil Mack, OLB, Los Angeles Chargers: Even at 35, the nine-time Pro Bowler remains a force. Unsigned for 2027, he’d come cheaper than younger edge rushers and could provide a short-term boost.
• T.J. Watt, OLB, Pittsburgh Steelers: A blockbuster? Perhaps. But with Watt turning 32 on Oct. 11 and the Steelers having extended Alex Highsmith and Nick Herbig, GM Omar Khan might consider moving Watt to accrue draft capital for a 2027 rebuild. His $32 million base salary is guaranteed through 2027.
• Joey Porter Jr., CB, Pittsburgh Steelers: The 2023 second-rounder hasn’t played this season due to injury and is in the final year of his rookie deal. With top corners averaging $30 million annually, Porter could be a valuable asset for a contender.
• Tony Pollard, RB, Tennessee Titans: In a contract year, Pollard has been a dual-threat weapon, averaging over 1,000 rushing yards and 42 receptions over the past four seasons. Only owed a prorated $6.7 million, he’s an affordable rental.
• DeForest Buckner, DT, Indianapolis Colts: At 32, Buckner remains an elite interior disruptor. Headed for free agency in 2027, he could be moved if the Colts decide to rebuild.
• Jerry Jeudy, WR, Cleveland Browns: After a Pro Bowl 2024, Jeudy’s production plummeted in 2025 amid quarterback turmoil. With no guaranteed money beyond this year, a change of scenery could revive his career.
• Chris Godwin, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: The veteran receiver has a unique team option for 2027. For a winless Bucs team with young receivers emerging, Godwin could be a valuable WR2 for a contender like the 49ers.
• Vita Vea, DL, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: At 31, Vea received only a Band-Aid extension after a summer standoff. He could make a much bigger impact elsewhere.
• Gardner Minshew II, QB, Arizona Cardinals: An experienced starter with Pro Bowl pedigree, Minshew is in a backup role on a one-year deal. He could steady the ship for a QB-needy team.
• Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Atlanta Falcons: Like Minshew, Tagovailoa is a former Pro Bowler now in a backup role. If McCarthy fetched a fifth-rounder, Tagovailoa could be a bargain for a team in crisis.

Why 2026 Could Be Different

Despite the usual frenzy, this year’s deadline might see more caution. The 2027 draft class is projected to be loaded, making teams reluctant to part with premium picks. As a result, sellers may need to lower their asking prices or accept deferred compensation. But one thing is certain: the McCarthy trade is just the beginning. As highlighted on Vulius, the next six weeks will be a chess match of strategy, desperation, and opportunity.

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For die-hard fans, the trade deadline is a second season. Keep it locked on Vulius for breaking news, in-depth analysis, and exclusive merchandise to represent your team. Whether your squad is buying or selling, we’ve got you covered.