The 2026 NFL season is already three weeks in, which gives us a better idea of who might be open to trades.
While it's still very early, who might be on the move as the season goes on? Who might be open to trading a veteran player on their roster to build for the future? What contenders could be in the market for added help?
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We've compiled five trades that interest us through three weeks, and we'll update this in a couple of weeks once we get a better idea of how the NFL is shaping up for the rest of the season.
These trades are just hypothetical and for fun, but they could make genuine impacts for all franchises involved.
CB Joey Porter Jr. to the Detroit Lions
With Joey Porter Jr. still at a contract
impasse with the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Lions need to move Heaven and Earth to get him to the Motor City. The Lions' offense still looks dangerous, but the defense could derail an entire season as it's playing right now. Getting elite safety Brian Branch back will be big, but adding a corner of Porter's quality could settle some of the Lions' coverage woes. Signing a big-money deal with the Lions and locking down the top corner job opposite D.J. Reed would give Detroit a better night's sleep, especially as January comes around. Perhaps the Lions could send a young cornerback to Pittsburgh as insurance to help get this deal done.
POSSIBLE TRADE: Porter to Detroit for a 2027 second-round pick, a 2028 third-round pick and cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr.
OLB Khalil Mack to the Philadelphia Eagles
The Los Angeles Chargers are a gigantic mess right now with a real gauntlet of opponents (Seahawks, Broncos, Chiefs, Rams, Texas, Chargers) on the horizon. The season may go sideways in an irreparable way quicker than anybody expected. Could that prompt Los Angeles to kick off a fire sale before the Nov. 10 trade deadline? You can't rule it out. Mack is still a dependable edge rusher who can torment opposing tackles. The Eagles' pass-rushers haven't been as potent as needed this season, which may prompt general manager Howie Roseman to make a splash move or two. Mack heading out to Philly as a rotational edge rusher would give the Eagles a huge boost on the defensive line. For the Chargers, trading Mack away before he's a possibly retiring free agent in 2027 would just be good business in a potentially lost season. Mack is still really good, so expect a couple of draft picks.
POSSIBLE TRADE: Mack to Philadelphia for a 2027 fourth-round pick and a conditional 2028 third-round pick
WR Chris Godwin to the San Francisco 49ers
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are one of the biggest disappointments in the NFL so far this season. With quarterback Baker Mayfield set to miss time with a thumb injury, the ship may start sinking on a meaningful push for 2026... even in the ever-open NFC South. Could that prompt Tampa Bay to start thinking about the future? Godwin has a club option on his 2027 deal, so he could hypothetically return for next season with no problem. However, if a playoff-hungry team needing wide receiver help comes calling, the Bucs might answer. Godwin is still dangerous wide receiver, but the Bucs may want to think about tomorrow if today keeps looking this grim. The team could feasibly get a second-round selection for Godwin, which could go a long way in setting up Tampa Bay for a comeback season in 2027. Let's say the 49ers send the Bucs an offer they can't refuse, one that sets up Emeka Egbuka to be WR1 in Tampa Bay. Godwin could reunite with Mike Evans with San Francisco to help bring a title to a different Bay.
POSSIBLE TRADE: Godwin to San Francisco for a 2027 second-round pick and a 2028 fifth-round pick
DT Zach Sieler to the Chicago Bears
The Bears need reinforcements in the defensive trenches to boost its red-hot offense, while the Miami Dolphins just look like a lost cause right now. Sieler is the most attractive trade piece on the Miami roster right now. The Bears could absolutely use Sieler as a starter next to Grady Jarrett in the interior of the defense. The Dolphins could move Sieler without much in terms of dead cap, giving the team another 2027 draft pick to build on next year. Sieler could absolutely use a change of scenery. The Bears could give it to him to bolster its 2026 playoff push.
POSSIBLE TRADE: Sieler to Chicago for a conditional 2027 third-round draft pick
WR Calvin Ridley to the Rams
Calvin Ridley may not be long for the Tennessee Titans, as wideout Elic Ayomanor plays a bigger role in the team's passing attack. Ridley could still be a decently productive starter elsewhere, which could make him an attractive trade candidate ahead of the deadline. The Rams need more help at wide receiver with Puka Nacua injured and Davante Adams shouldering most of the load in the passing game. Los Angeles is one of the most trade-happy franchises in the NFL; we could absolutely see them making a deal for a vet like Ridley. While Ridley's contract could hold any deal up, perhaps the vet would take a big pay cut on an amended deal to come play for the Super Bowl contenders in a contract reworking before hitting free agency in 2027? Maybe not, but we still really like the idea.
POSSIBLE TRADE: Ridley and a 2027 seventh-round pick to Los Angeles for a 2027 fifth-round pick
This article originally appeared on For The Win: 5 NFL trades for contending teams after Week 3, including 1 for Joey Porter Jr.
