The 2026 NFL season has already seen plenty of movement around the league, with teams trying to build up their team, while others are trying to add depth.
Several established players have found themselves new homes, while younger players have been given opportunities to make an impact and be a top player in the league. These trades have changed the look of several rosters and could have a major impact as the season continues. Some teams made moves to strengthen their biggest weaknesses, while others added proven talent to help them compete right away. Here are five of the biggest NFL trades that have already taken place in 2026.
The Biggest NFL Trades of 2026 So Far
5. Jaylen Waddle – Dolphins to Broncos
Jaylen Waddle was traded from the Miami Dolphins to the Denver Broncos. The Broncos acquired Waddle in the offseason and gave the Dolphins the 30th overall pick and more picks for the future.
After the loss to the New England Patriots, the Broncos have been looking for revenge to get another chance at the Super Bowl. Since the Broncos acquired Waddle, they have been decent with a record of 2-2. Waddle gives the Broncos a dangerous receiver for Bo Nix to pass to.
4. Dexter Lawrence – Giants to Bengals
Dexter Lawrence was traded from the New York Giants to the Cincinnati Bengals in return for the 10th overall pick. Lawrence being traded to the Bengals was one of the biggest trades this offseason. He has become one of the best defensive tackles in the NFL.
Lawrence brings the Bengals an elite defensive tackle with years on his belt, and he has three Pro Bowls. He was a great pickup for the Bengals as they lost their best defensive player, Trey Hendrickson, so bringing in Lawrence was definitely a great upgrade.
3. A.J. Brown – Eagles to Patriots
A.J. Brown was traded from the Philadelphia Eagles to the New England Patriots. The Eagles got a first-round draft pick in 2028 and a fifth-round draft pick in 2027 in exchange for Brown. The star wide receiver going to the Patriots was the biggest upgrade for New England this season.
Brown is a dangerous threat at wide receiver. He has incredible athletic ability, great hands, and the speed makes him a great target to eye for the quarterback.
2. Trent McDuffie – Chiefs to Rams
The Kansas City Chiefs traded Trent McDuffie to the Los Angeles Rams. The Chiefs got the 29th overall pick in the 2026 draft, and multiple other picks for future years.
This trade was definitely an upgrade for the Rams, but overall, it was a decent trade for the Chiefs.
McDuffie gives the Rams another star defensive player, alongside Myles Garrett. McDuffie is a younger cornerback, at age 26.
1. Myles Garrett – Browns to Rams
Garrett was traded from the Cleveland Browns to the Rams in the biggest trade of 2026. The Browns received Jared Verse and multiple picks.
Garrett joined the Rams as one of the best pass rushers in the NFL. Garrett will play alongside some of the best defensive players in the NFL, and Aron Donald returned from retirement just to play on the defense. Garrett got injured in Week 1 vs. the Los Angeles Rams. He had a knee injury and was placed on IR. The injury is a big loss for the Rams, who were hoping Garrett would be a big part of their defense early on. He should be back sooner rather than later. His pass-rushing ability will help the Rams put more pressure on opposing quarterbacks and make their defense even stronger. When he and Donald return, look out.
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