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2026 NFL trade deadline candidates: Ranking big-name players into tiers

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2026 NFL trade deadline candidates: Ranking big-name players into tiers

The 2026 NFL trade deadline is just days away, and we've already seen some pretty wild movement. The New York Giants may have saved their season by trading for quarterback J.J. McCarthy; Marvin Harrison Jr. is now scoring touchdowns for the Houston Texans; the Indianapolis Colts seem to be taking offers for anyone and everyone. 

Which other players could be traded in the coming days? Could Howie Roseman look to sell off a few pieces from the Philadelphia Eagles after they fell to 2-5 on Monday night? What about the Las Vegas Raiders? Do they find another trade partner for Maxx Crosby after their deal with Baltimore fell through this offseason?

Here are 24 potential trade chips, sorted into three tiers ranging from impact starters to sneaky rentals.


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