9 blockbuster 2026 NFL trade deadline deals that would be massive mistakes
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A couple of NFL teams might be on the trade prowl for different reasons, like the Ravens looking for a quarterback. However, the Jets might not be interested in adding more to their 2027 draft haul. Whatever course teams decide to take, here are five blockbuster NFL trade deadline deals that would be massive mistakes.
The big problem with NFL teams at the trade deadline is the refusal to give up on Super Bowl dreams. Most teams can’t fix what has them on a broken road with just one trade — no matter how big the deal is.
But let’s take a look at moves teams should avoid.
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Colts RB Jonathan Taylor to the Giants
Maybe if the Giants had a full boat of players, this deal could make some sense. But they don’t have quarterback Jaxson Dart. They don’t have edge rusher Brian Burns.
Yes, they are in first place in the NFC East. And they have a legitimate chance to win the division with the Cowboys spinning their wheels. However, this is a 9-7-1 team, at best. Getting to the playoffs, sure. But giving up important draft capital for 2027 to get Taylor is a mistake.
Taylor is pushing close to 28 years old. He has 1,699 rushing attempts on his body. He’s still an elite player, but the gradual decline is coming soon. The Giants would be better off keeping the second-round pick it would probably take to get Taylor, and using it on fresh legs in next year’s draft.
There’s almost no chance the Giants can even win one playoff game with JJ McCarthy likely running the show for the rest of the season. However, the Giants have a real chance to be in the Super Bowl mix next season. They get Dart back along with Burns.
And John Harbaugh is giving them a real chance to win football games. He’s co-existing with GM Joe Schoen, according to Daniel Jeremiah’s Move the Sticks podcast via GiantsWire.com.
“When you’re dealing with people you enjoy being around which I love being around Coach Harbaugh — it’s just been a lot of fun to see how the offseason and the draft and the decision, you know, to cut down to the 53 and then to see how all that came to fruition in season,” Schoen said. “And sitting here at 4-2-1 in the bye week and then first place in the NFC East. So, it’s been a lot of hard work, but it’s been a lot of fun as well.
“Obviously, it’s working at a high level right now. I’d be curious, you know, it’s almost like speed dating when you’re going through the interview process, and you get to know someone before they’re hired, but then they get in the chair, and you’re working with them on a daily basis. It can be different in a multitude of ways.”
Plus, the Giants still have Cam Skattebo. The only thing he needs to do is quit fumbling.
Raiders edge rusher Maxx Crosby to the Cowboys
The Raiders are fading, and Crosby would give them a big draft haul for their ongoing rebuild. They would love to add first-round talent at the wide receiver position for quarterback Fernando Mendoza moving forward.
But the price is too high for the Cowboys. They have only four picks in the 2027 draft. And if Crosby commands two first-round picks, as some have speculated, the Cowboys would be gutted for the next two years. They would only have three picks in the 2027 draft if they trade a first-rounder for Crosby.
And here’s the thing: Does Crosby automatically fix the Cowboys’ defense? He could bolster both their run defense and pass defense. He ranks No. 7 among edge rushers in the NFL, according to Pro Football Focus. And he is No. 10 with his pass-rush grade.
However, it’s hard to see one player transforming the Cowboys’ defense. They already tried that with Quinnen Williams and it hasn’t worked. The Cowboys have the worst run defense in the NFL. And Williams has been mediocre against the run, ranking No. 52 in the league, according to PFF.
https://www.pff.com/nfl/players/quinnen-williams/44216#gradesWidget
Plus, getting Crosby might secure a playoff berth for the Cowboys. But that’s mainly because the NFC East is so bad. And it wouldn’t mean Crosby would help the team win playoff games.
Another problem is whether the Raiders would trade him, according to a post on X by Tom Pelissero.
“Maxx Crosby wants to be a Raider, he has no desire to leave, and he is definitely not forcing his way out. But GM John Spytek is sure to get calls over the next 10 days, leaving open the possibility of another blockbuster.”
Jaguars WR Brian Thomas Jr. to the Chiefs
Let’s look at this from a production standpoint. In seven games, Thomas has 10 catches for 117 yards and a pair of scores. Yes, he’s buried in the Jaguars receiver rotation. And maybe Trevor Lawrence doesn’t trust him anymore because of drops.
But why would that change with a move to the Chiefs? Patrick Mahomes can’t make Thomas get open or catch the football. Yes, Thomas looked great as a rookie. But whatever Thomas had that season, he hasn’t had it since then.
Of course, the Jaguars are going to price-gouge on Thomas, according to NBC Sports via Sports Illustrated.
“So like we don’t want to use Brian Thomas Jr., but he had 1,282 yards as a rookie. We want you to offer us something commensurate with what he did in 2024,” Mike Florio said. “But we’re not using him that way. We’re not getting the value out of him. But we want you, if you want him, we want you to offer something that would reflect what he did in 2024, and the farther we get removed from that, the more unreasonable that looks
“But because they’re the Jaguars, no one’s going to call them out for basically holding this guy hostage. I mean, that’s kind of what they’re doing until someone offers them. You know, I don’t know what they want. Do they want a two? I don’t know. But why would you, like if you’re waiting for Brian Thomas Jr. to be available? Time is on your side because they’re not using him, and the whole thing is just strange.”
It’s just hard to see Thomas suddenly looking different with a new team. Yes, better than he was with the Jaguars. But don’t look for him to transform the Chiefs’ receiver room.
Chargers edge rusher Khalil Mack to the Bills
It’s hard to see the 35-year-old Mack providing the dominance h
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