We're only one week into the 2026 NFL season, but there's plenty of trade buzz, rumors, and speculation surrounding some of the league's top players, including Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr.
From an underrated edge rusher in the NFC West to the Steelers' disgruntled cornerback, here's a look at several of the NFL's biggest rumored trade targets during the 2026 season.
Arizona Cardinals edge rusher Josh Sweat
Sweat generated significant trade buzz as the Cardinals received interest from around the league this offseason. Arizona has reiterated that they aren't willing to move on from Sweat, but that narrative could shift as the season plays out. Sweat is 29 years old and may be better suited for a team in the hunt for a Super Bowl than the Cardinals, who are in the middle
of a rebuild. Despite the Green Bay Packers dismissing rumored trade interest, the fit makes too much sense to dismiss the team as a landing spot entirely.
Possible landing spots: Green Bay Packers, Washington Commanders
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Mac Jones
Jones proved last season that he's still a starting-caliber quarterback in today's NFL, going 5-3 while filling in for an injured Brock Purdy. San Francisco is rumored to be set on keeping Jones, but his level of play in 2025 and his inexpensive contract could entice quarterback-needy teams to send the 49ers an offer they can't refuse.
Possible landing spots: Atlanta Falcons, Cleveland Browns
New York Giants edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux
Thibodeaux played less than 50% of defensive snaps as edge rushers Brian Burns and Abdul Carter remained a focal point of New York's pass rush attack. The Giants didn't select him fifth overall in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft to have him be a backup. Playing out the fifth-year option on his rookie contract, Thibodeaux is one of the most interesting trade candidates to keep an eye on over the next several weeks, including a few rumored landing spots.
Possible landing spots: Chicago Bears, Baltimore Ravens, New England Patriots
Las Vegas Raiders edge rusher Maxx Crosby
As many fans are aware, Crosby was traded to the Baltimore Ravens, but the deal fell apart due to medical concerns. Several other teams were rumored to still be interested in Crosby, but the Raiders defender allegedly claimed he didn't want to leave Las Vegas anymore. Still, if the Raiders find themselves far below .500 at the trade deadline, another team offers multiple first-round picks for Crosby, and the fit makes sense for all parties involved, don't be surprised if a deal is struck.
Possible landing spots: Dallas Cowboys, Los Angeles Rams
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr.
Yikes. Porter has been embroiled in an ugly contract situation with the Steelers, and it's unlikely to be resolved any time soon. Pittsburgh doesn't negotiate contracts midseason, and Porter has been dealing with a mysterious back ailment, which some believe is more related to contractual issues than health reasons. Both the Steelers and Porter are reportedly open to a trade, and one insider recently named a few NFL teams that may show interest in the cornerback.
Possible landing spots: Detroit Lions, Kansas City Chiefs
This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Biggest NFL trade rumors: Steelers CB Joey Porter Jr., Raiders DE Maxx Crosby lead the way
