There has been a great deal of movement since the opening of the new league year. But players heading to new teams has not been restricted to Free Agency alone. There have also been some notable trades and that is where I begin this list of the best old faces who will play in new places in 2026.
- Jaylen Waddle WR Miami to Denver
I love this move for the Denver Broncos as they add an electrifying speedster in his prime to Sean Payton's attack, giving Bo Nix another proven weapon to play alongside Courtland Sutton. Waddle quietened down as Miami struggled offensively in the past two seasons and he has never been a true number one, but he has three 1,000-yard campaigns to his name and his impact will be immediate.
- Trent McDuffie CB Kansas City to LA Rams
The Rams are a Super Bowl-ready team, but they were crying out for cornerback help in a division featuring Jaxon Smith-Njigba and now Mike Evans (more on him in a moment). Trent McDuffie is a two-time All-Pro who can be moved all over the defensive formation. Adding another corner from Kansas City in Jaylen Watson also helps the Rams' cause.
- Kenneth Walker RB Seattle to Kansas City
The Chiefs simply didn't have enough firepower on the ground in recent seasons. Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt were not getting the job done. I think that – coupled with general receiver mailaise – led to Patrick Mahomes running by himself a lot more in 2024. And he is now recovering from torn knee ligaments. Walker brings balance to an offense still capable of finding life once its leader returns.
- Mike Evans WR Tampa Bay to San Francisco
When Kyle Shanahan was offensive coordinator in Atlanta, he loved having a big-bodied number one receiver who could beat man coverage. That is something that has been lacking during his time leading the 49ers. Evans is just that type of player and he could explode through Shanahan's scheming. He may be 32, but Evans can still dominate on a down-to-down basis. But can he stay healthy? If he can, look out!
- Tyler Linderbaum C Baltimore to Las Vegas
The Raiders are going to add a quarterback in the NFL Draft, likely Fernando Mendoza, and they have skill position talent in place in running back Ashton Jeanty and tight end Brock Bowers. This move was about providing some muscle – as well as brains and leadership – up front. Linderbaum is one of the NFL's best at his position and can be the foundation for the Raiders' rebuild.
- Travis Etienne RB Jacksonville to New Orleans
However you wish to pronounce his last name, Travis Etienne is a nice addition to the Saints and one that will provide balance for second-year quarterback Tyler Shough. New Orleans have made some good moves during recent weeks. Etienne is not about to lead the NFL in rushing, but he is a proven 1,000-yard player and one who can also make an impact in the passing game.
- Jaelan Phillips Edge Philadelphia to Carolina
Other edge rushers will produce greater numbers, but I think Jaelan Phillips is a Jadeveon Clowney type who plays the run and the pass very well. He is disruptive, but his numbers are rarely going to wow you. Carolina have made a concerted effort to upgrade their defense in the past 18 months and this addition is another step in the right direction for a feisty unit that played well at the end of 2025.
- Romeo Doubs WR Green Bay to New England
The Patriots moved on from Stefon Diggs and opted to replace the 32-year-old with a man who will be six years his junior when the 2026 NFL season kicks off in former Green Bay wideout Romeo Doubs. In four seasons with the Packers, Doubs never had more than 59 receptions or 724 yards, but I think there is a world of potential to be tapped into here; especially as Drake Maye continues to grow at quarterback.
- John Franklin-Myers DL Denver to Tennessee
This is not a flashy move, but it is a sneaky-good one made by a Titans team that has been extremely active. John Franklin-Myers has great experience playing in Robert Saleh's scheme and where he will be valuable is in his versatility. He can play on the edges or be moved inside to athletically dominate guards and centers. Again, JFM is a player who won't blow you away with statistics. He has never recorded more than seven and a half sacks in a season. But as Rams head coach Sean McVay once famously said: "Statistics are for losers."
- Kyler Murray QB Arizona to Minnesota
The whole football world seems to have cooled on Kyler Murray – once the first overall pick in the NFL Draft – but I think there is something to be coaxed out of him still. And who better to do that than Kevin O'Connell, who lured a career year out of Sam Darnold in 2024? Murray instantly joins a team that has tremendous offensive talent, spearheaded by wide receiver Justin Jefferson. This could turn out to be a move that puts Minnesota back in the playoffs and gets Murray a long-term deal, either with the Vikings or elsewhere.
Honourable Mentions
Malik Willis QB Green Bay to Miami
I still like the idea of giving Malik Willis a chance to be a regular starter and he comes cheap at $22 million per year. But the Dolphins are doing him no favours when it comes to those around him.
Trey Hendrickson Edge Cincinnati to Baltimore
When the Maxx Crosby trade was rescinded, this made total sense for the Ravens. Hendrickson had injury issues in 2025 but recorded a combined 35 sacks across the prior two years.
Bradley Chubb Edge Miami to Baltimore
The Bills will hope there is still gas left in the tank of 29-year-old Pro Bowl edge rusher Bradley Chubb. They need help in getting after quarterbacks. Had 11 sacks in 2023 and 8 ½ in 2025, either side of missing 2024 through injury.
Michael Pittman WR Indianapolis to Pittsburgh
When Indianapolis re-signed Alec Pierce, they traded former number one wideout Michael Pittman to the Steelers. His route-running and possession receiver skills will mix nicely with DK Metcalf. But will Aaron Rodgers be throwing them passes?
Boye Mafe Edge Seattle to Cincinnati
The Bengals were – and still are – in dire need of defensive help. They cannot expect Joe Burrow to produce 35 points every week to be victorious. Boye Mafe is explosive and powerful and coming off a Super Bowl year in Seattle. He is also a very good leader.
