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Panthers receive:

• 2027 7th-round pick

Eagles receive:

• QB Andy Dalton

Backup quarterback trade! Get excited!

The Panthers swapped out a 38-year-old backup in Dalton for a reclamation project in Kenny Pickett. The expressed goal was to get younger behind Bryce Young. The plan makes sense, even if Pickett hasn’t shown the upside you’d like in a developmental quarterback.

Dalton has been serviceable the past few years, able to fill in in a pinch, but is no longer even a middle-of-the-road long-term starter. He’s a pinch hitter who can be trusted if thrust into a game mid-stream due to an injury or to buy a week or two. In the past three seasons with Carolina, the Panthers went 1-6 with Dalton as a starter, while he completed 64.7 percent of his passes for 10 total TD tosses and seven INTs. He brings more to the film room than Sundays at this point.

The Panthers got a future last-round draft pick and saved some cash while getting younger at QB. It’s nothing to throw a party over, but it works just fine.

For the Eagles, it gives Howie Roseman another veteran backup behind Jalen Hurts. The GM is always seeking to keep the QB room stocked with capable arms, so it’s no surprise he grabbed Dalton at a low price for insurance. The move possibly frees up the Eagles to trade Tanner McKee if another club comes calling for the preseason darling. That is the more interesting prospect from Philly’s perspective.

Chiefs receive:

• QB Justin Fields

Jets receive:

• 2027 6th-round pick

With Patrick Mahomes coming off ACL and LCL tears, the Kansas City Chiefs were in the market for a veteran placeholder if the MVP isn’t ready to go in Week 1.

Fields has seen his value sink in the past several seasons, and he struggled mightily in New York in 2025. The 27-year-old was scattershot and hesitated to pull the trigger at times, leading an offense that was stuck in the mud. In nine starts, he completed 62.7 percent of his passes for 1,259 yards with seven touchdowns and one interception. At times, the Jets seemed reticent to use Fields’ legs as well, cutting out the most dynamic part of his game.

The former Bears first-rounder now heads to learn under Andy Reid and Mahomes, hoping to revamp his standing in the NFL. There are few places that offer the type of safe tutelage K.C. provides in this instance. With Mahomes' rehab stretching into the summer, Fields should get the bulk of the reps ahead of fellow backups Chris Oladokun and Jake Haener. If Mahomes isn’t ready to open the season, Fields will fill the gap. At least he has experience and would give Reid some style flexibility early in the campaign.

The money is key.

With the Chiefs only taking on $3 million of the $10 million that was guaranteed in Fields’ contract for 2026, he becomes a cheap backup. K.C. wasn’t going to find the combination of low-cost and experience elsewhere at this stage. For the price of a Day 3 pick two drafts from now, it’s a worthwhile trade that gives the Chiefs a potential stand-in and a veteran who can run the offense over the summer.

The Jets essentially spent the money saved when the Raiders ate much of Geno Smith’s contract. After signing Fields to a two-year, $40 million contract a year ago, it was clear midway through the 2025 campaign that he wasn’t the solution. The Jets would have been on the hook for $22 million in dead money had they released the QB, per Over The Cap, so shaving down a few million while getting a future pick back makes sense -- even as it underscores the latest swing and miss under center. The Jets currently have Brady Cook and Bailey Zappe behind Smith.

Jets receive:

• QB Geno Smith
• 2026 7th-round pick (No. 228)

Raiders receive:

• 2026 6th-round pick (No. 208)

Smith returns to New York as a stopgap solution for a team squeezed out of finding a long-term starter in 2026. The one-time Gang Green starter rejuvenated his career in Seattle before last year’s trade to Las Vegas. However, behind a woeful offensive line, Smith struggled, completing 67.4 percent of his passes for 3,025 yards with 19 TDs and a league-high 17 interceptions in 15 games. The O-line problems perpetuated Smith’s worst tendencies, and he took 55 sacks, tied for the most in the NFL.

The Jets' blocking situation is in a better place than what the Raiders employed last season, giving New York hope that Smith can get closer to the play that earned him two Pro Bowls in Seattle. The 35-year-old is a clear upgrade from the passers the Jets trotted out last season. Smith immediately becomes the starter, with Justin Fields pushed to a backup role.

With the No. 2 overall pick and no surefire first-round quarterbacks behind Fernando Mendoza, the Jets were in a pickle. The free agent market was vanilla. In the end, Smith represents their best bet to get some semblance of consistency out of the quarterback position. However, they’ll be right back here next offseason in the yearly effort to finally find a franchise QB who can lift them out of the cycle. Smith's presence doesn’t change the calculus in 2027.

The key to the deal was the Raiders Smith’s contract before the trade. Vegas taking on the bulk of the contract, per NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero, means the Jets will be paying their presumptive starter a little more than the league minimum while only moving down 20 draft slots on Day 3. For a team with a host of needs, that fits the bill. It also extends the Jets’ offseason focus on adding older veterans as coach Aaron Glenn attempts to reshape the locker room.

The Raiders were moving on from Smith, admitting yet another of last year’s mistakes, and -- presumably -- paving the way for Mendoza to start unimpeded. Given that the club was planning to cut the QB, trading him for even a low-level move up the draft board and saving a couple of coins is better than nothing.

Texans receive:

• RB David Montgomery

Lions receive:

• IOL Juice Scruggs
• 2026 4th-round pick (No. 128)
• 2027 7th-round pick

Montgomery immediately vaults to the top of Houston's backfield in an offense that desperately needs more production on the ground after losing Joe Mixon to a mysterious foot injury. Montgomery profiles as the type of bruising back that DeMeco Ryans wants to deploy. His gritty running ability was something the Texans sorely missed last season, particularly in short-yardage and goal-line situations. He pairs well with shifty pass-catching back Woody Marks and should see the bulk of the early-down carries.

The fact that Houston GM Nick Caserio pulled the trigger on the trade directly following the NFL Scouting Combine could be an indicator that he sensed pricey figures emerging for the top backs hitting free agency and had no plans to get into those bidding wars.

I believe Montgomery has juice left, and his contract isn’t exorbitant, costing roughly $6 million this season and $9 million (non-guaranteed) in 2027 -- unless the Texans re-do the deal, as they did two years ago when they acquired Mixon.

Houston gets knocked here because the cost -- two picks, including a valuable fourth-rounder, and a player -- isn't exactly cheap for a soon-to-be 29-year-old early-down back. That price suggests there was a market for Montgomery ahead of free agency.

The offensive line was the bigger culprit for Houston's rushing struggles. Whether Caserio is able to round out the offseason by bolstering that unit will significantly influence the backfield’s improvement with Montgomery in 2026.

Lions GM Brad Holmes did excellent work to get a respectable haul for a running back he seemed destined to part ways with this offseason. The fourth-round selection is key for a club that needs to fill out its depth after a disappointing 2025. Scruggs has struggled, but he brings depth to an interior O-line that entered this offseason needing a facelift. The former second-rounder is worth a flier to see if a change of scenery is beneficial. At worst, he was a toss-in for a backup running back.

Detroit now finds itself with a bit more cash to eventually pay Jahmyr Gibbs in a deal that should be at (or near) the top of the RB market. Given Holmes’ propensity to do deals early, that extension could come this offseason. However, the Lions now need a new power element to pair with their speed demon. They should look for a cheap veteran or add a back in the middle rounds of the draft -- or both.  

Eagles receive:

• WR Dontayvion Wicks

Packers receive:

• 2026 5th-round pick (No. 153 overall)
• 2027 6th-round pick

In three years with the Packers, Wicks flashed but was mostly inconsistent, never hitting the 600 receiving-yard mark in any season. He generated 1,328 total receiving yards on 108 catches with 11 total TDs in 46 games, including 18 starts.

The wideout brings some field-stretching ability to Philly. He can get separation, but inconsistent hands have plagued the soon-to-be 25-year-old. He’s an intriguing depth addition who new offensive coordinator Sean Mannion knows well. If the OC targeted Wicks, we can presume he has a specific role in mind.

The trade gives the Eagles options if A.J. Brown is moved in a blockbuster trade. While Wicks’ presence doesn’t tip Howie Roseman’s hand, the former Packer, along with the addition of Marquise Brown, gives Philadelphia me cover. Neither can replace Brown’s ability, but they can play the WR2 or WR3 role behind DeVonta Smith. If Philly does trade the star wideout, Roseman will replenish the draft picks shipped to acquire Wicks.

The Packers received a good haul for a player who likely wasn’t in the long-term plans and would have likely walked after the season. Two picks for the fourth receiver on the depth chart is solid work for Brian Gutekunst. Green Bay still has Christian Watson, Jayden Reed and Matthew Golden atop the depth chart. It also saved a sliver of cap space it can use when looking to extend Watson and tight end Tucker Kraft.

Dolphins receive:

• 2026 1st-round pick (No. 30 overall)
• 2026 3rd-round pick (No. 94)
• 2026 4th-round pick (No. 130)

Broncos receive:

• WR Jaylen Waddle
• 2026 4th-round pick (No. 111)

Context is key to understanding Denver’s splash move to add a playmaking wideout at a fairly expensive price. The Broncos' roster is loaded, with a stud defense, an excellent offensive line, depth at running back, and a young QB on the rise. The most glaring need was at receiver, where 30-year-old Courtland Sutton never found a consistent running mate. Marvin Mims Jr., Troy Franklin and Pat Bryant all showed flashes, but an upgrade was needed.

Enter Waddle.

While Sean Payton has touted his affinity for bigger receivers, the 5-foot-10 Waddle should fit his offense like a glove. The former first-round pick’s ability to get open against every coverage is a game-changer for Bo Nix. Waddle is coming off two sub-1,000-yard seasons, but that had more to do with the Miami offense than his skills. He should get closer to his career-high 1,356-yard, eight-TD campaign of 2022, when he led the NFL with 18.1 yards per catch.

With Nix on his rookie deal, now was the time for a big move. The cost from a cap perspective is excellent in the short term. He’s set to count $4.9 against the cap this year, with roughly $17 million due in cash. In 2027, the cap number heads to $27 million with a $23.39 million base salary. Given what it would cost on the open market, it’s a great deal for Denver -- even if it looks to extend him.

I generally knock giving up this many assets, but in this case, it makes sense for Denver to shore up the weakness. Also, given that the 2026 draft is thought to be shallow from a first-round perspective, the Broncos likely didn’t believe they’d get a ready-made player with the No. 30 overall pick, and certainly not one with Waddle’s upside in this system. Again, context is key. If Denver flips Mims or Franklin to recoup some draft capital, the deal would look even better.

Miami’s rebuild continues in full force. The Dolphins take on another $26.3 million in dead cap by trading Waddle, moving their dead money north of $115 million, . The new brass is content to take their lumps now and build for the future. Getting a first- and a third-round pick back for a player who might not be around long makes sense. It’s excellent value, even if there are question marks with the 2026 draft’s depth.

The negative is that it makes new quarterback Malik Willis’ life much harder. The QB’s wide receiver corps is currently comprised of Jalen Tolbert, Tutu Atwell, Malik Washington, Terrace Marshall Jr., Tahj Washington, Theo Wease Jr. and A.J. Henning. That’s a far cry from the days of deploying Waddle and Tyreek Hill. Given Willis’ lack of experience, the 2026 evaluation could be more difficult. At least he still has De'Von Achane!

Miami now owns 11 draft picks, including two first-rounders and seven in the top 100. That’s a ton of ammo for a rebuilding club. The onus now sits on the front office to hit on starters and difference-makers to make the pain worth it in the long term. Easier said than done.

Bills receive:

• WR DJ Moore
• 2026 5th-round pick (No. 165)

Bears receive:

• 2026 2nd-round pick (No. 60)

The Bills couldn't sit by and waste another season of Josh Allen's prime by continuing to trot out a subpar wide receiver crew. They couldn't bank on Keon Coleman magically putting it all together in Year 3. They couldn't count on Khalil Shakir breaking 75 tackles every time he touches the ball in order for the offense to move. Buffalo had to take swings at upgrading an ineffective (ninth-fewest yards in the league last year), injury-riddled receiver room -- a unit that had become a huge thorn in general manager Brandon Beane's side.

From that perspective, you can certainly see why the Bills made the move. With cap issues, they were unlikely to be big players for the top free agents, and at Pick No. 26, they couldn't bank on a game-breaker falling in a questionable draft. Moore brings experience in Joe Brady's system, having generated 1,000-plus yards in each of the two seasons when the new Bills coach was the OC in Carolina. He fits well as a boundary target next to Shakir, stretching the field for Allen. Moore is a proven commodity who can get open in an offense that struggled mightily in that area this past season, particularly on third downs. He immediately makes Allen's life easier.

The concern, however, is that Moore's age has begun to show. In 2024, he averaged a career-worst 9.9 yards per catch, and last year, he posted career lows in receptions (50) and receiving yards (682). Were the struggles in Ben Johnson's offense a byproduct of the system, younger receivers garnering more targets and an attack with more mouths to feed? Or is the cliff approaching? The Bills are banking heavily on the soon-to-be 29-year-old returning to form under Brady.

The cost wasn't exactly cheap. Buffalo will take on the rest of Moore's contract, including a $24.5 million cap charge in 2026, . The Bills can reduce that figure in the short term by restructuring the deal once the trade goes through, but they will also take on $15.5 million in guaranteed money in 2027. For a club already up against it money-wise, things get no easier.

The pick swap will drop Buffalo about a hundred draft slots, from Round 2 to Round 5. In a draft that's in the second and third rounds, the Bills are essentially moving from grabbing a potential starter on a cost-controlled contract to rolling the dice on a possible rotational player. On a team that needs low-cost contributors, that's significant.

The Bears did well to obtain a premium pick, giving Ryan Poles four selection in the top 100 of the 2026 NFL Draft to either stock the roster or use in another trade.

Moore made some spectacular catches last season in Chicago's magical run, but he had been bypassed by Rome Odunze as WR1 and was poised to lose even more targets to Luther Burden III, who fills the slot role better than the veteran. Add in tight end Colston Loveland's burgeoning skills, and Moore became superfluous in Johnson's offense. Given Moore's contract, Chicago always appeared poised to move on this offseason.

Shedding the cap space while jumping into a premium spot in the draft was an ideal move for Poles, who doesn't seem like he's done making splash plays. The trade will free up $16.5 million on the cap for the Bears to chase a potential pass rusher or solidify the center position after Pro Bowler Drew Dalman's abrupt retirement.

Given Moore's age, recent production and cost, this is an excellent return for the Bears, allowing them to be more flexible this offseason.

Steelers receive:

• WR Michael Pittman Jr.
• 2026 7th-round pick (No. 230)

Colts receive:

• 2026 6th-round pick (No. 214)

The Steelers finally found their WR2. Pittman brings savvy route-running and good hands to a Pittsburgh offense that struggled to move the ball consistently through the air, and he should pair well with DK Metcalf. The former Colt can patrol the middle and feast when safeties back off as Metcalf streaks down the sideline.

Swapping late-round picks to get a professional wideout with 5,254 career receiving yards and 25 touchdown catches is great business. The Steelers couldn't head into the season with the same WR crew that exited 2025. Pittman immediately brings credibility and playmaking, even if his play has fallen off a bit in recent seasons.

The Steelers are giving a new three-year, $59 million deal to Pittman, who was entering the final year of his contract. That's a significant chunk heading into the wideout's age-29 season.

The Colts essentially chose to pay Alec Pierce rather than keep an aging Pittman. The trade will free up $24 million in cap space, helping Indianapolis retain Pierce and work out a new deal with QB Daniel Jones. Getting young at receiver makes some sense for the Colts, who now have Pierce and Josh Downs atop the depth chart. Expect more targets for second-year tight end Tyler Warren, who immediately made his mark as a rollicking rookie. Indy should fill out the receiver depth chart in the draft with cost-controlled talent.

The return on Pittman, who has been underrated much of his career, was minuscule, but that's not surprising, given the cap figure.

Bears receive:

• C Garrett Bradbury

Patriots receive:

• 2027 5th-round pick

Drew Dalman’s abrupt retirement made center an immediate need in Chicago. With Tyler Biadasz signing in Los Angeles and Tyler Linderbaum aiming to reset the pivot market, the Bears went with the less expensive option.

Bradbury brings a wealth of experience, starting 105 games over seven seasons. The Bears should know the former Minnesota Vikings first-rounder well, having faced off against him for six campaigns. The 30-year-old is a capable blocker but, at this stage, is roughly league average. He allowed 20 QB pressures last season, via Pro Football Focus. He won’t cost Chicago much, earning $5.7 million on the final year of the two-season pact he signed in New England last year, which keeps Ryan Poles’ options in free agency open. Bradbury is a clear downgrade from Dalman, but he is a serviceable short-term stopgap that won’t cripple the offense. He should fit Ben Johnson’s scheme better than the one he came from in New England.

The Patriots cleared a bit of cap space and landed a fifth-rounder in 2027. Not a bad bit of maneuvering. New England can slide over 2025 third-rounder Jared Wilson after he made 13 starts at left guard last season. Wilson played center at Georgia, which is his more natural position. Having a young player who can grow into the role made Bradbury expendable.

Browns receive:

• OL Tytus Howard

Texans receive:

• 2026 5th-round pick (No. 141)

To say Cleveland had a glaring need for offensive linemen entering the offseason would be an understatement. With seven blockers hitting free agency, GM Andrew Berry was in for a complete overhaul. Howard’s versatility is extremely useful for the Browns, who were facing significant needs on the interior and at right tackle. They can head to the market without being pigeonholed into one spot or another; rather, they can chase all positions and let the starters sort themselves out.

Howard's NFL tenure has been somewhat of a roller-coaster ride. He showed promise as a pass protector, particularly earlier in his career, but has struggled in the run game -- as did most of Houston’s offensive line in 2025. If he had played more consistently, the Texans wouldn’t have moved on. For a Browns team with double-digit selections, ceding a fifth-round pick was a middling cost. However, Cleveland doubled down, giving Howard a three-year, $63 million deal. That’s sinking a lot into an average starter.

Considering the Browns’ need, at least they head into free agency with one answer along a lonely O-line, even given the cost.

For a Houston team still trying to figure out its offensive line, GM Nick Caserio is certainly willing to shuffle the deck. Howard, for all his faults, was one of the Texans' better blockers last season. Perhaps that’s not saying much, but giving that depth away for a Day 3 pick raises an eyebrow. While the Texans on a one-year deal, they still have major questions up front, with RG Ed Ingram set to hit the open market following a solid debut season in Houston.

An additional benefit for Houston is that the move saves some cash in the immediate future, and the Texans need to lock down their true playmakers, including edge rusher Will Anderson Jr.

Cowboys receive:

• Edge Rashan Gary

Packers receive:

• 2027 4th-round pick

I can see the validity of this trade from both sides.

The Cowboys desperately needed edge-rush help, and while Gary's play has slipped lately, he could find rejuvenation in Dallas. Meanwhile, the Packers were ready to move on and received a solid return.

Gary has generated 46.5 career sacks and can be a load on the edge, though he has not been as explosive in recent years. Heading into his eighth NFL season, Gary is also solid against the run, which gives new Cowboys coordinator Christian Parker flexibility as he retools the defense.

Barring changes to Gary's contract, the Cowboys will take on base salaries of $18 million in 2026 and $21 million in 2027 (). That's not a low cost, but given the market for pass-rushers, it's workable. Rather than getting into free-agent bidding wars, Dallas opted for a fixed price. The 'Boys also didn't agree to ship out any of their 2026 assets, saving them more ammo to use in an effort to bring about a a quick turnaround. It's a solid first salvo for a squad that needs to upgrade every level of the defense.

Gary struggled last season, failing to generate a sack in his final 10 games (including the playoffs), and ultimately, the Packers decided to add spending flexibility. They will eat but generate $11 million in savings in 2026 and open up $31 million in cap space next year. It's clear this move was financially motivated. Getting a fourth-round pick for a player they were done with, even if they have to wait a year to make the selection, is a stellar chess play from Brian Gutekunst.

Clearing up space and getting a legit pick back is positive, but now the hard work comes for the Packers: Finding a suitable replacement. Who knows what Micah Parsons will look like early in the 2026 campaign, given that he's coming off a season-ending ACL tear? 2023 first-rounder Lukas Van Ness hasn't lived up to expectations. The trades of Gary and defensive tackle Colby Wooden highlight the Packers' displeasure with the play of their front last season in 2025. Rightfully so. Shipping players out is Phase 1. Filling those holes now becomes a priority.

Giants receive:

• 2026 1st-round pick (No. 10)

Bengals receive:

• DT Dexter Lawrence

The New York Giants insisted they weren’t planning on trading Dexter Lawrence unless they got a worthy offer. The Bengals stepped up to the plate, offering a top-10 pick that Big Blue couldn’t refuse for a disgruntled 28-year-old who wanted to get paid.

Shipping out Lawrence creates a massive hole in the middle of the Giants' defense. Even in a down season by the Pro Bowler’s standards, Lawrence had a massive impact on the New York pass rush. The big man takes on double-teams like few in the NFL. Over the past five seasons, Lawrence has faced 1,103 double-teams, 117 more than the next closest player over that span, per Next Gen Stats (Jeffery Simmons, 986).

New York is going to have trouble filling that hole in the short term. In the long term, however, another high draft pick (read: low-cost, controllable asset), the trade sets Big Blue up nicely for John Harbaugh. The Giants can now bring in two cornerstone players this season to build around Jaxson Dart. Losing Lawrence stings, there is little question about that. There isn’t going to be a player at No. 10 who brings his proven skill to the defense immediately. Given Lawrence’s contract squabble, however, it was a deal they couldn’t pass up.

The Bengals paid a hefty price for the right to pay Lawrence, who agreed to a one-year, $28 million extension with his new team. The initial reaction to giving up a top-tier draft pick for a player entering Year 8 coming off a down campaign was shock. But the more you consider Cincinnati’s position, the easier it becomes to rationalize. Throughout the entire draft evaluation process, it’s been stated that this year's draft is shallow. The Bengals were unlikely to find the impact player like Lawrence needed at that spot. Can we continually trash the top-tier talent, then turn around and immediately criticize Cincy for making this move?

Trading such a valuable pick underscores that the Bengals understand they are in win-now mode. It’s the latest move to placate Joe Burrow and the rest of their top-end talent, who were clearly frustrated by last year’s disappointing campaign. It costs to acquire a talent like Lawrence, and the Bengals showed a fearlessness and urgency they’ve often lacked.

There is no question that Lawrence immediately bolsters a glaring need in the middle of Cincinnati’s struggling defense. The veteran has generated 65 QB pressures while being double-teamed over the past five seasons. He leads the NFL with 58 QB pressures aligned from the zero technique over that span, per Next Gen Stats -- next closest is Vita Vea with 23. The Bengals weren’t getting that production from the draft. While his run defense isn’t the best, his ability to eat up blockers remains strong and should help the rest of the defense, particularly the young linebackers who struggled last season. 

Lawrence is coming off a down campaign, generating just .5 sacks. Cincinnati is betting big that he’ll return to form. His splits in New York when on and off the field speak to his impact. Even without the DT getting to the QB, the Giants were a top-10 pass rush when he was on the field. When he took a breather, they were one of the worst fronts in the league. He will make the entire Cincy pass rush immediately better. A front of Lawrence, Boye Mafe, B.J. Hill (another former Giant who sees a trove of double teams) and Myles Murphy, along with 2025 first-rounder Shemar Stewart, is immediately better than what the Bengals put out last season, even when Trey Hendrickson was healthy.

Jaguars receive:

• DT Ruke Orhorhoro

Falcons receive:

• Maason Smith

The Jaguars and Falcons are swapping former second-rounders in hopes that a change of scenery can help both players. Atlanta selected Orhorhoro with the No. 35 overall pick in 2024, and in two seasons, he generated 3.5 sacks in 25 games. Meanwhile, Smith, the 48th pick in the same draft, has earned three sacks in 24 games.

This is clearly a case of each club viewing players drafted by former front offices as not fitting their current defenses. The swap makes sense from that perspective. Instead of continuing to try to fit square pegs into round holes, each player could benefit from a different scheme.

I’m giving the Jags a slightly better grade here because Orhorhoro showed more spunk last season and is the better run defender right now. Whereas Smith clearly didn’t fit their plans -- he was a healthy scratch at times. However, this is a trade that could work out for each team’s depth on the interior.

Titans receive:

• DE Jermaine Johnson II

Jets receive:

• DT T'Vondre Sweat

The Jets might still be stuck on the tarmac as an organization, but at least GM Darren Mougey has proven he can get value in the trade market. Following up on last year’s good trade-deadline deals, which brought New York a slew of precious draft assets, Mougey moved on from an edge rusher in the final year of his contract who wasn’t a great fit for the defense Aaron Glenn wants to employ in 2026, receiving a player with upside in return.

Plugging in Sweat alongside Harrison Phillips and Jowon Briggs immediately improves the Jets' porous run defense. The beefy 6-foot-4, 366-pounder is a load in the middle. He can eat up linemen, and when he's at his best, he swallows running backs whole. Sweat might not be a penetrator (he's totaled three sacks in two years), but the former second-rounder's immense size allows him to squeeze the pocket and free up lanes for blitzing linebackers.

There had been questions about Sweat's fit in new Titans coach Robert Saleh's system. If motivated and on point, he’s a low-cost player who could help transform the middle of the Jets' defense. Johnson's $13.4 million contract this offseason also frees up more cap space for Mougey to plug the numerous holes on the roster.

The Titans needed edge help, and Johnson’s previous production under Saleh is a plus. The former first-round pick enjoyed his best pro season on Saleh's 2023 Jets, generating 7.5 sacks and earning a Pro Bowl nod. If Tennessee were ensured Johnson would build on that production, it’d be a highly graded trade. However, the edge rusher hasn’t looked the same since a 2024 Achilles injury and had just three sacks last season. Not counting his injury-derailed '24 campaign, Johnson owns just a 10.7% QB pressure rate, per Next Gen Stats.

Sweat might not have matched the smaller, sleeker profile Saleh prefers from his interior D-linemen, but trading the DT creates a hole next to first-team All-Pro stud Jeffery Simmons. I suspect the Titans will target an option in free agency (John Franklin-Myers?). While Tennessee has extensive cap space to fill this offseason, taking on the final year of Johnson’s rookie deal is nothing to sneeze at, especially considering the meager overall production. The Titans are taking a swing that Johnson will rejuvenate his play under Saleh in a contract season.

49ers receive

• DT Osa Odighizuwa

Cowboys receive

• 2026 3rd-round pick (No. 92)

The Niners sorely needed aid in the middle of Raheem Morris’ defensive line. With a shallow pool on the open market and questions about the position in the upcoming draft, San Francisco made an excellent move adding Osa .

The defensive tackle might have garnered just 3.5 sacks last year, but his metrics were much better. He generated 37 QB pressures, 12th most among DTs in 2025, per Next Gen Stats (two fewer than John Franklin-Myers, who just got paid on the open market). Odighizuwa’s 9.4% pressure rate was in line with the likes of Byron Murphy II in Seattle. His run defense is middling, but that’s not what the Niners are paying him for. The penetrating DT provides the ability to push the pocket and get upfield, something the Niners struggled mightily with last season. He’s an immediate upgrade on 2025 draft picks Alfred Collins and CJ West. Playing next to Nick Bosa should allow the Odighizuwa to be even more impactful.

Odighizuwa will cost the 49ers $16.75 million in 2026, with two additional years at $20.5 million each, but zero guaranteed money. It’s likely the 27-year-old would have made more than $16.75 million this season if he were a free agent in a weak class.

The cost of a third-round pick stings a smidge, and the only reason this grade is a tad lower. The trade leaves the Niners with six picks in the 2026 NFL Draft -- a first-, second- and four fourth-rounders. For a club that could use some low-cost, long-term players, that’s not a lot of assets. But to get a player of Odighizuwa’s caliber, they had to pay something. Given the need and market, I’d have made this swap and not looked back.

I understand the Cowboys' reasoning. I understand the logjam at defensive tackle. I understand the cost savings. I understand the desire to replenish some of the middle-round picks. But I don’t have to like it.

Odighizuwa brought juice to the Cowboys' pass rush, had improved his tackling and is still under 30. His pressure rate was among the top at the position, and he still has room to grow. The contract wasn’t an albatross and was far less than they’d pay to a player of his caliber on the market now.

This trade feels like continued collateral damage from the Micah Parsons ordeal last season. Quinnen Williams is the centerpiece of the defensive interior, and while Kenny Clark might be a more ideal fit in the new scheme, the Cowboys traded the better player. Dallas still took on $16 million of dead money by trading the younger tackle. Of course, trading Clark would have returned less value than a third-rounder. They had to give to get something in return, but I recognize the Cowboys fans who are miffed at the move.

Titans receive:

• DT Solomon Thomas
• 2026 7th-round pick (No. 225)

Cowboys receive:

• 2026 7th-round pick (No. 218)

The Cowboys were prepared to release Thomas, who was viewed as an ill-fit in new defensive coordinator Christian Parker’s system, meaning the trade saved them no more cap space than they’d have obtained through releasing the rotational defensive tackle. Thomas appeared in 16 games for Dallas last season, generating 27 tackles and zero sacks. Moving up seven spots in the draft is something, I guess.

Tennessee continues to stockpile players with whom coach Robert Saleh is familiar. Saleh is VERY familiar with Thomas. Since the 49ers used a first-round pick on the DT in 2017, he’s played under Saleh in seven of his nine seasons. Thomas never lived up to his lofty draft status and has been uneven in recent campaigns. In limited snaps last year, he had just 12 QB pressures with six missed tackles. Given where the Titans are in their rebuild, it’s a fine, cheap addition that should provide some insurance behind star Jeffery Simmons and free-agent signing John Franklin-Myers. Acquiring a player Saleh is comfortable with is worth the seven-spot drop in the seventh round. However, Thomas isn’t a lock to make the opening-day roster, and shouldn’t be counted on for more than a smattering of snaps if he does stick with the club.

Texans receive:

• LB Marte Mapu
• 2027 7th-round pick

Patriots receive:

• 2027 6th-round pick

A 2023 third-rounder, the tweener linebacker/safety never found a role in three seasons with the Patriots. In 2025, Mapu played mainly special teams and was a rotational sub on defense, seeing 114 snaps, moving between box and DB snaps. Injuries and constant coaching changes sapped what potential the Pats saw in making him a Day 2 selection. The compensation for a former third-round pick is poor, but given that New England was set to release Mapu, getting even a one-round leap next year is something.

The Texans are taking a flier that the hybrid-type player can find a home in DeMeco Ryans’ scheme. His flexibility could give an already loaded defense some depth options if injuries strike. At the very least, he provides Houston with some special teams experience. For the low-low cost on a player with potential upside if he plays healthy and finds a role, it’s a solid move for the Texans.

Packers receive:

• LB Zaire Franklin

Colts receive:

• DL Colby Wooden

The Colts sought to trade Franklin, the NFL’s leading tackler in 2024, in part to help get under the salary cap. It also felt like a move for a team that no longer viewed the veteran linebacker as a scheme-fit under Lou Anarumo.

Turning 30 this summer, Franklin’s play stumbled in 2025 during Anarumo's first year as the team's defensive coordinator. He had a 13.2% missed tackle rate, per Next Gen Stats. The trade saves Indianapolis $7 million on the cap next season, and he’s due $9 million in 2027. Moving on from the middle linebacker opens a hole that the Colts will have to fill in either free agency or the draft. Indy could be forced to spend more on the market to plug the gap, but getting younger in the middle seems the priority.

Wooden comes cheap, costing the Colts roughly $1 million this season for a rotational nose tackle who started 16 games in 2025. Thrust into a bigger role last season, he earned a career-high 50 tackles but also struggled for stretches, with a 15.3% missed-tackle rate. The 25-year-old highlighted the Packers' struggles stuffing the run last season. He should slide into a rotation with Grover Stewart in Indy, a role for which he’s more suited.

In Green Bay, Franklin provides a veteran presence in the middle of a Packers' defense that is expected to lose Quay Walker in free agency. Franklin’s ability to command the D and stuff the run should help free Edgerrin Cooper to play a more versatile role. Green Bay is banking on Franklin returning to form after a down campaign. It wasn’t a steep price for the Packers if the vet continues to slide. Moving on from Wooden underscores Green Bay’s need to restock the middle of the defensive line in free agency and the draft this offseason.

The swap is simply an initial step for both the Packers and Colts early in the offseason. How each fills the holes with the rest of their moves will color how this trade works out.

Receive:

• CB Taron Johnson
• 2026 7th-round pick (No. 228)

Receive:

• 2026 6th-round pick (No. 182)

Buffalo planned to release Taron Johnson before Las Vegas called to acquire the corner’s contract for a late-round pick swap. Something is better than nothing for the cap-strapped Bills.

Turning 30 in July, Johnson’s play has fallen off since he was named a second-team All-Pro in 2023. He’s missed nine games over the past two seasons due to injury and, when healthy, was picked on for stretches. Along with Johnson's decline in performance, it’s likely Buffalo didn’t see a great fit under new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard. The Bills were set to save $1.9 million against the cap whether they traded or released the corner, so moving up a round in the draft, even late in Day 3, is a net benefit.  

Vegas needed corner help, with Eric Stokes headed to free agency. Adding Johnson gives the Raiders a versatile slot defender with six career regular-season INTs and 48 passes defended. By pairing Johnson with safety Jeremy Chinn, new Raiders DC Rob Leonard will have added flexibility with his corner crew.

Johnson is set to cost the Raiders $8.67 million in 2026, and is on the books for a shade over $10 million in 2027, but has no guaranteed money. That’s a sizable chunk for a nickel corner whose play has fallen off. However, the Raiders have a massive swath of cap space, so they likely figured filling a need now was better than venturing into the free-agent market with the glaring hole. The trade likely won’t stop Vegas from continuing to add defensive backs this offseason.

Rams receive:

• CB Trent McDuffie

Chiefs receive:

• 2026 1st-round pick (No. 29)
• 2026 5th-round pick (No. 169)
• 2026 6th-round pick (No. 210)
• 2027 3rd-round pick

Let’s be clear off the bat: I love Trent McDuffie as a player. He’s physical, quick, highly intelligent and offers flexibility. He’s one of the few corners who can thrive anywhere on the field. The 25-year-old boasts toughness against the run and is excellent when sent on blitzes. Since 2022, McDuffie is the only cornerback in the NFL with 25-plus passes defensed, 15-plus QB hits and 10-plus tackles for loss, per NFL Research.

The Rams are getting an absolute stud. After last year’s postseason struggles in the secondary, Los Angeles needed a bona fide cover corner. McDuffie fits the bill, and his versatility doesn’t rule out adding additional corners in free agency and the draft.

The only knock here is the cost. Yes, L.A. still has the No. 13 overall pick. That makes it easier to swallow giving up a first-rounder, but it doesn’t change the overall calculus. Four picks for one player is obviously a noteworthy price. Couple that with NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport's that Los Angeles is expected to give McDuffie a new contract that will make him the league's highest-paid corner, and it’s a lot of assets used in one move.

Not that the Rams care about an offseason grade. They’ve gone down this path before. The blockbuster deal for versatile cover man Jalen Ramsey worked out pretty well, and this time around, they didn’t have to give up two first-rounders. With Matthew Stafford hitting his age-38 season, L.A. is in win-now mode and seemingly getting back to its "F--- them picks" standard.

Shipping out McDuffie stings the Chiefs. But, like with the Rams, this is their modus operandi. General manager Brett Veach is allergic to paying corners big money. He traded away Marcus Peters and L'Jarius Sneed. Those decisions didn’t bite Kansas City, so it’s understandable that the team would continue making similar moves. If Veach had zero intentions of paying McDuffie, moving on now makes logical sense. It hurts in the short term, but it’s a long-term play.

The Chiefs entered the offseason cap-strapped and still have several free agents, like S Bryan Cook and CB Jaylen Watson, who could price themselves out of Kansas City. This team is facing the sorts of difficult decisions that come with having a top-heavy roster. Veach is counting on his ability to find answers in the draft -- and on defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo's ability to develop answers. It’s been a proven method so far.

Getting four picks, including a late first-rounder, is solid, if unspectacular. That 2027 third-rounder could prove to be sneaky-great value if next year’s draft is as deep as currently projected. The Chiefs need to replenish their depth with cost-controlled talent. Trading McDuffie helps that play. Of course, now they’re pressed to find the next Trent McDuffie.

Falcons receive:

• S Sydney Brown
• 2026 4th-round pick (No. 122)
• 2026 6th-round pick (No. 215)

Eagles receive:

• 2026 4th-round pick (No. 114)
• 2026 6th-round pick (No. 197)

A third-round pick in 2023, Brown never caught on as a full-time player in the Eagles' secondary, starting nine of 42 games played over the past three seasons. He has generated two career interceptions -- including a 99-yard pick-six in his rookie campaign -- five passes defensed and 86 total tackles. An ACL tear ended his rookie season in Week 18, and he struggled to earn traction in the aftermath.

The Falcons are taking a cheap flier on a versatile defensive back who has spent time in the slot and at safety. After Atlanta lost nickel Dee Alford this offseason, the addition of Brown gives the Falcons' secondary some depth behind Billy Bowman Jr., who figures to get the first crack at slot snaps if he successfully recovers from last November's Achilles injury. Brown also brings special teams ability to ATL. He'll count just $1.53 million against the cap, with no guaranteed money. Given that it only cost a couple Day 3 pick swaps, it's worth the depth for the Falcons.

Moving on from Brown at this point suggests that the Eagles didn't believe he'd make the roster, even given their hole at safety after Reed Blankenship's departure in free agency. Following the trade, the Eagles re-signed safety Marcus Epps and added J.T. Gray to fill out the back end of the defense. Getting even a smidge of improved draft capital was worth it for Philly if Brown wasn't in the team's plans in 2026.

Jets receive:

• S Minkah Fitzpatrick

Dolphins receive:

• 2026 7th-round pick (No. 238)

The Dolphins' need to made Fitzpatrick a prime candidate to be moved ahead of free agency. Miami will save roughly $5.85 million on the cap (per ) by trading the safety, whom the team acquired (for the second time in his career) in a swap with Pittsburgh last September.

Fitzpatrick remains a solid player entering his age-30 season; he generated six passes defended, one INT, a sack and 74 tackles in 14 games with Miami in 2025, helping solidify the back end of the defense. The veteran also has positional flexibility, able to play deep or in the box or man the slot.

As with most of their offseason moves, trading Fitzpatrick underscores the significance of the Dolphins' reboot under the new brass, who continue to take lumps for the previous regime's mistakes. Miami was willing to take a late-round pick to move on from one of its best defenders, creating another gap to address. 

As part of the acquisition, the Jets will hand Fitzpatrick a new three-year, $40 million contract, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported. That's a nice chunk of change for an older safety, but we'll hold off on analyzing the deal until further details are reported. It's possible the Jets structured it in a way that would give them flexibility down the road -- perhaps even with a midseason trade, if things go south.

For the price of a late-round pick, Gang Green filled a significant hole in their secondary. Fitzpatrick can still perform and brings much-needed veteran presence to a defensive backfield that struggled mightily last season. The Jets infamously had zero interceptions in 2025. They'll add a player who has 21 career INTs, even if he's only had two over the past three seasons.

New Jets defensive coordinator Brian Duker coached the Dolphins' secondary last season, which means New York should have institutional knowledge of Fitzpatrick and how his versatility can upgrade the unit. Gang Green will still have a host of draft picks and plenty of cap space, even after extending Fitzpatrick, to fill out the roster.

Texans receive:

• P Kai Kroeger
• 2028 7th-round pick

Saints receive:

• 2028 6th-round pick

A punter trade. Cool.

The Saints signed Ryan Wright away from the Ravens on a four-year, $14 million contract. No team needs to roster two punters, so Kroeger, a former undrafted free agent, was out the door. Instead of releasing him to save $1 million, the Saints got the bare minimum in return -- a final-round pick swap three drafts from now. Something is better than nothing, but let’s not get carried away.

Losing Tommy Townsend to Tennessee left a punter hole in Houston. Instead of waiting to see what might shake loose in the coming weeks and months, the Texans opted for a known quantity. The trade ensures they’ll have a booter at a low cost.

I’m not here to rip on Kroeger, but there was a reason the Saints were looking to upgrade. Among all players with at least 30 punts in 2025, he finished 22nd in average distance (56.4), per Next Gen Stats, and 13th in hang time (4.54). He had 18 punts downed inside the 20, for a 32.1 percent rate, both 29th (league average was 39.3 last year, per Pro Football Reference). The minute cost in cash and the pick swap makes it understandable for a team with other needs -- even if it was for a player likely to be released. But Kroeger is no lock to make the roster out of training camp.