NFL

Which NFL teams are most likely to trade in the 2026 Draft? Execs expect major movement

League sources predict a trade-heavy draft for the 2026 NFL Draft, with teams targeting elite defenders and prioritizing Day 2 picks.

MIKE CARLSON

Jennifer Bubel

Sports Journalist, AS USA

Sports journalist who grew up in Dallas, TX. Lover of all things sports, she got her degree from Texas Tech University (Wreck ‘em Tech!) in 2011. Joined Diario AS USA in 2021 and now covers mostly American sports (primarily NFL, NBA, and MLB) as well as soccer from around the world.

Update: Apr 9th, 2026 07:50 EDT

With the 2026 NFL Draft approaching, league insiders are predicting a potential surge in trades across the first round. According to reporting from NFL insider Jordan Schultz, many teams expect this year’s class to be “one of the more trade-heavy drafts in recent memory”, with particular movement anticipated in the top half of Round 1.

The expectation among many NFL teams is that the 2026 draft will be one of the more trade-heavy drafts in recent memory, according to multiple league sources.

Specifically, on the defensive side of the ball — EDGE, CB and LB are all strong/deep — while WR is typically… pic.twitter.com/NhNQJiM91T
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) April 8, 2026

NFL teams most likely to trade up in the 2026 Draft

New York Jets

The Jets may be the most aggressive team in the entire draft. Armed with multiple first-round picks, both this year and in 2027, they have the flexibility to move up for a quarterback, with names like Ty Simpson frequently linked to them in projections. Some scenarios even have New York trading into the No. 1 overall pick.

Las Vegas Raiders

Holding the No. 1 pick, the Raiders are at the center of potential chaos. They could either trade down with a QB-needy team like the Jets or move around within the top five depending on how they value the quarterback class versus elite defensive talent.

Dallas Cowboys

With two first-round picks but a major gap in the middle rounds, Dallas is widely viewed as a team that could package picks to move into the top 10, particularly for a top-tier edge rusher or defensive cornerstone.

Los Angeles Rams

The Rams are another team consistently linked with a move up. With questions at wide receiver and long-term roster planning, they could jump into the top 10–15 range to secure a premium offensive weapon.

NFL teams most likely to trade down in the 2026 Draft

Los Angeles Chargers

The Chargers are one of the clearest trade-down candidates. With limited draft picks and multiple roster needs, moving back from the first round to accumulate Day 2 capital aligns perfectly with their situation.

Cleveland Browns

Frequently projected to move back in mock drafts, the Browns could look to maximize value rather than reach for a single player, especially if quarterback options are uncertain at their slot.

Minnesota Vikings

With front-office changes and a roster still in transition, Minnesota is seen as a team that could slide back in Round 1 and stockpile picks, particularly in the second round.

Seattle Seahawks

Seattle enters the draft with very few selections, making them a strong candidate to trade down and rebuild depth, especially given the perceived drop-off in later rounds.

Flexible teams that could go either way

Miami Dolphins

With one of the largest pick totals in the draft, Miami has the flexibility to either move up for a receiver or pass rusher, or trade back to keep building depth.

In ESPN's all-trade 2026 NFL mock draft, this trade was proposed:

Dolphins receive: No. 14 overall
Ravens receive: No. 30 overall, EDGE Chop Robinson

"Jesse Minter has a recent track record of turning around promising young edge rushers who disappointed with their prior teams" pic.twitter.com/TE1LLcfsZW
— Kevin Oestreicher (@koestreicher34) April 7, 2026

Philadelphia Eagles

General manager Howie Roseman has a long track record of draft-night aggression. Whether it’s a small move up or a blockbuster deal, the Eagles are widely expected to be involved in trade discussions throughout Round 1.

New Orleans Saints

The Saints are frequently linked to moving up for offensive playmakers, particularly if a top-tier wide receiver or quarterback begins to fall.

Why the 2026 NFL Draft is expecting trade chaos

The structure of the 2026 draft class is the real reason behind the expected movement. There is a strong defensive class, with deep EDGE, cornerback and linebacker groups. Another loaded receiver class is increasing demand in Round 1. And with limited late-round depth, teams are prioritizing Day 2 picks over late-round flyers.

The result is a draft where teams are more willing to move up for elite talent or move back to avoid being stuck in weaker tiers.

Recent history supports the idea of heavy movement. Multiple first-round picks have already been traded, and the NFL has averaged five to six Round 1 deals per year. This year could exceed that.