The NFL’s summer landscape shifted dramatically following a pair of blockbuster trades involving Myles Garrett moving to the Rams and A.J. Brown landing with the Patriots. While the market has remained relatively quiet since those post-June 1 moves—aside from the Falcons’ acquisition of Wanya Morris—the period leading up to the 2026 season opener typically serves as a catalyst for further transactions. As training camps progress, the combination of roster-altering injuries and intensifying contract negotiations often forces front offices to make difficult decisions regarding high-profile talent.
With several notable names currently surfacing in league-wide discussions, here are eight players who could be wearing new uniforms by the time Week 1 arrives.
Brandon Aiyuk, WR, San Francisco 49ers
The situation between Brandon Aiyuk and the San Francisco 49ers has reached a definitive breaking point, with the organization reportedly acknowledging that the wideout’s tenure in the Bay Area is finished. Just two years ago, Aiyuk appeared to be the future of the franchise’s passing game after securing a massive $120 million extension. However, a significant knee injury and the team’s decision to void his 2026 guarantees have soured the relationship, leading to public friction on social media.
Aiyuk has expressed a clear desire to reunite with college teammate Jayden Daniels on the Washington Commanders. The primary hurdle remains his market value; his recent injury history and public disputes have limited San Francisco’s leverage. While General Manager John Lynch may prefer to find a trade partner to recoup assets, the possibility of a release remains on the table if a suitor doesn’t emerge soon.
Anthony Richardson Sr., QB, Indianapolis Colts
The professional trajectory of Anthony Richardson Sr. has taken a sharp downturn since he was selected fourth overall just three seasons ago. Limited to only 15 starts due to recurring injuries, the dual-threat quarterback now finds himself in a precarious position. Despite being authorized to seek a trade earlier this year, Richardson remains on the Indianapolis roster, largely because a viable market has yet to materialize.
The Colts’ commitment to Daniel Jones—evidenced by Jones’ extension while Richardson’s fifth-year option was declined—signals that the team views Richardson as a secondary option at best. For the Colts, the focus shifts to whether they can extract any value for the former top pick before he hits free agency. As other teams finalize their quarterback depth charts during camp, a desperate franchise in need of a high-upside backup could finally trigger a deal.
Kayshon Boutte, WR, New England Patriots
The New England Patriots’ aggressive overhaul of their receiving corps has left Kayshon Boutte on the outside looking in. The trade for A.J. Brown and the free-agent signing of Romeo Doubs have significantly upgraded the depth chart, effectively replacing Stefon Diggs and pushing Boutte further down the rotation. Given the lack of a clear path to playing time, Boutte has reportedly expressed interest in a fresh start elsewhere.
Despite being a consistent contributor with multiple 500-yard seasons, Boutte has become a luxury for the Patriots. Moving him would allow New England to address more pressing needs, particularly along the offensive line and at the edge rusher position. For a team coming off an AFC championship, trading a depth receiver for immediate help in the trenches is a logical step toward roster balance.
Josh Sweat, EDGE, Arizona Cardinals
Mixed signals continue to emerge regarding Josh Sweat’s status with the Arizona Cardinals. While some reports suggest the team is unwilling to move the pass rusher, others indicate that interest from contenders like the Green Bay Packers could force Arizona’s hand. Sweat is coming off a career-best 12-sack season, but his fit in the desert is questionable given the team’s current trajectory.
Sweat originally signed his lucrative contract to play under Jonathan Gannon, who has since been replaced. Now 29 years old and stuck on a roster in the midst of a deep rebuild, Sweat represents a valuable trade chip. The Cardinals are unlikely to challenge for the NFC West title in the near future, making it more practical to trade Sweat for draft picks or younger talent rather than keeping his high salary on the books.
Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, New York Giants
While the New York Giants have publicly denied trade talks involving Kayvon Thibodeaux, the team’s recent draft history suggests otherwise. The selection of Abdul Carter and Arvell Reese in consecutive years, combined with the presence of Brian Burns on a marquee contract, has created a logjam at the edge position. Thibodeaux, entering the final year of his deal, appears to be the odd man out in the team’s long-term defensive plans.
Health has been a major factor for Thibodeaux, who hasn’t been able to replicate the 11.5-sack production from his 2023 season. If the Giants don’t see him as a cornerstone beyond 2026, they may opt to move him now while his pedigree still commands a decent return. A strong preseason performance could actually accelerate a trade as teams look for pass-rushing help before the deadline.
Maxx Crosby, EDGE, Las Vegas Raiders
The failed trade that nearly sent Maxx Crosby to the Baltimore Ravens remains one of the offseason’s biggest “what-ifs.” Medical concerns regarding his meniscus repair reportedly killed the deal, but Crosby’s return to full health during training camp could reignite league-wide interest. The relationship between the star rusher and the Raiders has been strained, particularly regarding how his injury was managed late last season.
As the Raiders navigate a rebuilding phase, Crosby remains their most valuable asset. If he can demonstrate his trademark explosiveness in August, the Raiders could potentially demand a king’s ransom in draft capital. For a franchise looking to reset, trading an elite player for multiple first-round picks may be too tempting to pass up, especially if the internal rift hasn’t been fully mended.
Alvin Kamara, RB, New Orleans Saints
Alvin Kamara’s historic tenure with the New Orleans Saints appears to be nearing its conclusion. The front office has spent the offseason preparing for a transition in the backfield, most notably by signing Travis Etienne Jr. and restructuring Kamara’s contract. This financial maneuvering has made Kamara much easier to move, as his cap hit is no longer the deterrent it once was.
With Etienne poised to take over as the primary ballcarrier, Kamara’s role is expected to diminish. Given his age and recent injury history, the Saints are incentivized to find a trade partner sooner rather than later. General Manager Mickey Loomis hasn’t ruled out a move, suggesting that the Saints are ready to embrace a younger, cheaper backfield identity.
James Conner, RB, Arizona Cardinals
James Conner finds himself in a similar situation to several other veterans in Arizona: he is an aging player on an expiring contract for a team focused on the future. The Cardinals’ backfield has become crowded following the high-profile draft selection of Jeremiyah Love and the addition of Tyler Allgeier. At 31 and coming off ankle surgery, Conner is no longer the undisputed lead back.
A recent contract restructuring slashed Conner’s cap hit significantly, making him an affordable option for a contending team in search of a veteran presence. Once he proves his fitness in camp, his experience as a goal-line specialist and reliable pass-blocker will make him an attractive target for teams looking to bolster their depth for a championship run.
Final Thoughts on the NFL Trade Market
The quiet period of the NFL summer is often the precursor to a flurry of activity as training camp rosters take shape. For the eight players listed above, the coming weeks will be critical in determining their future. Whether driven by contract stalemates, youth movements, or the need for cap flexibility, the trade market is poised to heat up. Contending teams will be watching closely for any sign of availability, knowing that one strategic acquisition in August can be the difference-maker in a postseason push.
