Who are some off the radar trade targets and why?

[Kirby Jackson]

I was reading a piece on ESPN about the top trade targets (https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/48023453/2026-nfl-offseason-trade-candidate-ranking-top-15-players-available). 
 

We have discussed a lot of these names ad nauseum. The point of this thread isn’t to discuss AJ Brown or Maxx Crosby or BTJ or MHJ or any of the other names we are currently beating to death. The idea is to float some names out there that COULD be available that are off the radar. To take it a step further give the reasoning as why you think that they could shake free.

 

When reading this I was surprised to see Sam Laporta’s name on there but then the justification made sense. They have Gibbs, LaPorta, Campbell and Branch all due for extensions.
 

It got me thinking, “would they take a 3rd for Brian Branch or pick 60 for Branch & 118?” The Lions don’t currently have a 3rd. Either of these offers would give them a chance to draft a starting S. Branch is coming off an Achilles and will probably miss the first half of the year. I think he’s an outstanding player but you’d have the injury and contract to deal with. I doubt Detroit would trade one of their best players for that, but they have some decisions to make and have another elite S (who also happens to be injured). Are they willing to extend him now as he’s recovering or will he have to play out the last year of his deal? The tag would be an option next year I suppose but they already have a big contract with Kerby Joseph. 
 

For me, Brian Branch is a name, way off the radar, that I would make a call on. He’s not likely to move but for the reasons listed above you could at least connect the dots as to why he COULD be available. We’ve seen young star safeties traded before in Minkah and Jamal Adams (terrible trade). 
 

Who are some off the radar guys that you could make a case for being available that you’d like on the Bills? 
 

 

 

Edited February 26 by Kirby Jackson

[clearwater cadet]

This is a good topic to kill a little down time this off season, I asked AI, and got this:

 

Off-the-Radar 2026 Trade Targets

Jordyn Brooks (ILB, Miami Dolphins): A potential target for the Denver Broncos to revamp their inside linebacker room due to his athleticism and coverage skills.

Lucas Van Ness (DL, Green Bay Packers): A former 13th overall pick who could be a prime trade target for defensive-line-needy teams like the Cincinnati Bengals.

De'Von Achane (RB, Miami Dolphins): Identified as a potential trade target for teams looking to add speed and explosiveness in the backfield.

Justin Fields (QB, New York Jets): Although high-profile, his situation in New York is fluid, making him a potential trade target if the Jets shake up their quarterback room.

Spencer Rattler (QB, New Orleans Saints): Listed as a quarterback who could be on the move in 2026. 

 

Other Potential 2026 Trade Candidates

A.J. Brown (WR, Philadelphia Eagles): Rumored potential to be moved if frustrations continue, though a trade is complex.

Myles Garrett (DE, Cleveland Browns): Mentioned in hypothetical trade scenarios, such as to the 49ers, though unlikely.

Kyler Murray (QB, Arizona Cardinals): Listed among possible quarterback moves for 2026. 

 

[Kirby Jackson]

3 minutes ago, clearwater cadet said:

This is a good topic to kill a little down time this off season, I asked AI, and got this:

 

Off-the-Radar 2026 Trade Targets

Jordyn Brooks (ILB, Miami Dolphins): A potential target for the Denver Broncos to revamp their inside linebacker room due to his athleticism and coverage skills.

Lucas Van Ness (DL, Green Bay Packers): A former 13th overall pick who could be a prime trade target for defensive-line-needy teams like the Cincinnati Bengals.

De'Von Achane (RB, Miami Dolphins): Identified as a potential trade target for teams looking to add speed and explosiveness in the backfield.

Justin Fields (QB, New York Jets): Although high-profile, his situation in New York is fluid, making him a potential trade target if the Jets shake up their quarterback room.

Spencer Rattler (QB, New Orleans Saints): Listed as a quarterback who could be on the move in 2026. 

 

Other Potential 2026 Trade Candidates

A.J. Brown (WR, Philadelphia Eagles): Rumored potential to be moved if frustrations continue, though a trade is complex.

Myles Garrett (DE, Cleveland Browns): Mentioned in hypothetical trade scenarios, such as to the 49ers, though unlikely.

Kyler Murray (QB, Arizona Cardinals): Listed among possible quarterback moves for 2026. 

 

That was the thought 🤣🤣

[MrEpsYtown]

Branch makes a ton of sense. I think you have to look at dudes who are in the final year of their rookie deal coming up. That's kind of what the Jets did by trading Johnson, who I am assuming wouldn't have been re-signed. 

 

Does a guy like BJ Ojulari make sense? Is he still a fit with the new scheme there? Is he still interesting? What about Zaven Collins? 

 

Drew Sanders was a guy I liked coming out who hasn't really pushed in Denver for playing time. He's had some injuries, but he is that positionless off-ball linebacker who already knows the system and is entering the final year of his rookie deal. There is a chance he starts for them. There is also a chance he gets cut. Maybe makes sense as a buy low. 

 

I still think there is an avenue to pry Nick Herbig away from the Steelers because he's entering the last year of his deal, there is a scheme change there, he is a part-time player who wants to play more, and he wants to get paid in a place where TJ Watt and Alex Highsmith are highly paid and ahead of him. You could, in theory, get him and extend him and reunite him with Leonhard. 

 

It will be interesting to look at first round guys from that 2023 draft whose 5th year option is not picked up. 

Edited February 26 by MrEpsYtown

[Ridgewaycynic2013]

North Korea.  Everyone else is pissed at the tariffs.

[BuffaloBillyG]

49 minutes ago, MrEpsYtown said:

Branch makes a ton of sense. I think you have to look at dudes who are in the final year of their rookie deal coming up. That's kind of what the Jets did by trading Johnson, who I am assuming wouldn't have been re-signed. 

 

Does a guy like BJ Ojulari make sense? Is he still a fit with the new scheme there? Is he still interesting? What about Zaven Collins? 

 

Drew Sanders was a guy I liked coming out who hasn't really pushed in Denver for playing time. He's had some injuries, but he is that positionless off-ball linebacker who already knows the system and is entering the final year of his rookie deal. There is a chance he starts for them. There is also a chance he gets cut. Maybe makes sense as a buy low. 

 

I still think there is an avenue to pry Nick Herbig away from the Steelers because he's entering the last year of his deal, there is a scheme change there, he is a part-time player who wants to play more, and he wants to get paid in a place where TJ Watt and Alex Highsmith are highly paid and ahead of him. You could, in theory, get him and extend him and reunite him with Leonhard. 

 

It will be interesting to look at first round guys from that 2023 draft whose 5th year option is not picked up. 

Actually, I just did that but I looked at day two guys that haven't been extended yet. One guy really jumped off the page to me. 

 

Gervon Dexter, Bears DT

 

Good size, 6'6" 326lbs. Liked him a ton coming out. Could be on the move. Would love to have him here. 

 

Kayvon Thibodeaux is another guy that I think will get traded this offseason and I don't think he would be all that expensive.

Edited February 26 by BuffaloBillyG

[Ridgewaycynic2013]

1 minute ago, BuffaloBillyG said:

Actually, I just did that but I looked at day two guys that haven't been extended yet. One guy really jumped off the page to me. 

 

Gervon Dexter, Bears DT

 

Good size, 6'6" 326lbs. Liked him a ton coming out. Could be on the move. Would love to have him here. 

He should be judged on his football acumen, not personal lifestyle choices. 🤨

*
😉😁

[Kirby Jackson]

13 minutes ago, BuffaloBillyG said:

Actually, I just did that but I looked at day two guys that haven't been extended yet. One guy really jumped off the page to me. 

 

Gervon Dexter, Bears DT

 

Good size, 6'6" 326lbs. Liked him a ton coming out. Could be on the move. Would love to have him here. 

 

Kayvon Thibodeaux is another guy that I think will get traded this offseason and I don't think he would be all that expensive.

Thibodeaux is an interesting one. They picked up his 5th year option but he doesn’t feel like a $14M a year guy. Will he be open to an extension now when his value is low or will he try to rebuild his value and hit the market again next year?

 

I like @MrEpsYtown idea of Herbig

 

 

[Sojourner]

Curious why, if you believe they can draft a Safety to replace him with one of those traded picks, that we wouldn’t just do that ourselves and have a cost controlled player for 4 years?

[13 Seconds to Mars]

This is the type of thread that get my attention. I am not a fan of huge splashes in FA. The mark of a good GM is finding those under the radar talents before they blow up. I thought that Josh Palmer might’ve had the potential to be that or at least that’s what Beane was aiming for. 

[Alphadawg7]

5 minutes ago, Sojourner said:

Curious why, if you believe they can draft a Safety to replace him with one of those traded picks, that we wouldn’t just do that ourselves and have a cost controlled player for 4 years?

 

Especially for a player coming off a bad injury that may miss part of the year and cost a lot to retain 

[Kirby Jackson]

8 minutes ago, Sojourner said:

Curious why, if you believe they can draft a Safety to replace him with one of those traded picks, that we wouldn’t just do that ourselves and have a cost controlled player for 4 years?

Because I think Branch is a top 3 S if healthy. He’s a star. There is a lot of risk with the injury but Branch and Bishop would be the best S tandem in the NFL. It would be a rich man’s Hyde and Poyer.

 

I’m of the belief that the Bills lack elite talent. This would give them a chance to get an elite player (albeit one with some risk). 
 

This wasn’t meant to be about Branch though. He was just an example of a guy that no one talks about that COULD be made available.

[Sojourner]

26 minutes ago, Kirby Jackson said:

Because I think Branch is a top 3 S if healthy. He’s a star. There is a lot of risk with the injury but Branch and Bishop would be the best S tandem in the NFL. It would be a rich man’s Hyde and Poyer.

 

I’m of the belief that the Bills lack elite talent. This would give them a chance to get an elite player (albeit one with some risk). 
 

This wasn’t meant to be about Branch though. He was just an example of a guy that no one talks about that COULD be made available.

I get it wasn’t but you suggested it which was why I was curious. If I’m running the Bills, if Branch were ever and option it would be to replace Taron if you feel the restructure or roster space could be upgraded regarding that nickel DB. 

 

I like Branch, he’s a top player but like @Alphadawg7 said regarding that specific guy, that injury is worrisome especially seeing as you’re going to fork out an extension as trading the suggested picks isn’t viable; at least to me. 
 

Trading assets of that quality, and again this is just me personally, should be reserved for a QB, WR or DE/Edge. If not there then moving up some spots to grab a guy you feel can move the needle or be elite and is on that cost friendly salary for multiple years. 

[Alphadawg7]

2 hours ago, Kirby Jackson said:

Because I think Branch is a top 3 S if healthy. He’s a star. There is a lot of risk with the injury but Branch and Bishop would be the best S tandem in the NFL. It would be a rich man’s Hyde and Poyer.

 

I’m of the belief that the Bills lack elite talent. This would give them a chance to get an elite player (albeit one with some risk). 
 

This wasn’t meant to be about Branch though. He was just an example of a guy that no one talks about that COULD be made available.

 

Nothing against Branch, but there is a reason teams don't trade for players with serious injuries before they are healthy and still rehabbing.  Even if Detroit was interested, which I doubt as they need him back, I can't see a scenario where Bills or any team would give up premium assets and be on the hook for a big pay day to a guy they don't even know when will be ready to play or what kind of player he will be when he is back.  

 

So not meant to knock the thread, but Branch just isn't realistic - hence why no one is talking about it.  

 

I think a guy not being talked about enough is DJ Moore.  I have mentioned him several times here, but there isn't much buzz to him as a trade target or being available.  He is a top 10 WR in this offense, and Chicago is deep with pass catchers boht at WR and TE.  They need more pieces on the defense, and this draft strength is at positions they need help at in rounds 2 and 3.  

 

I would offer the Bears a 3rd and see what they say and be prepared to throw in a 5th or up it to a 2nd if the show some interest and want to counter.  

[Warriorspikes51]

1 hour ago, Alphadawg7 said:

 

Nothing against Branch, but there is a reason teams don't trade for players with serious injuries before they are healthy and still rehabbing.  Even if Detroit was interested, which I doubt as they need him back, I can't see a scenario where Bills or any team would give up premium assets and be on the hook for a big pay day to a guy they don't even know when will be ready to play or what kind of player he will be when he is back.  

 

So not meant to knock the thread, but Branch just isn't realistic - hence why no one is talking about it.  

 

I think a guy not being talked about enough is DJ Moore.  I have mentioned him several times here, but there isn't much buzz to him as a trade target or being available.  He is a top 10 WR in this offense, and Chicago is deep with pass catchers boht at WR and TE.  They need more pieces on the defense, and this draft strength is at positions they need help at in rounds 2 and 3.  

 

I would offer the Bears a 3rd and see what they say and be prepared to throw in a 5th or up it to a 2nd if the show some interest and want to counter.  

@HappyDays has been discussing DJ Moore a lot and I’d gladly sign up for that right now.  He’s still 28. 
 

I agree he’s capable of top 10-15 WR production in this offense.
 

As Happy Days posted elsewhere, his contract can be extended to bring his cap hit down to less than 10 million this year. 
 

I’d say a 3 this year and 5 next year should be plenty to get the deal done.

 

The best part is he still leaves us top assets and plenty of $ for another WR via trade or UFA

 

Edited February 27 by Warriorspikes51

[Alphadawg7]

1 hour ago, Warriorspikes51 said:

@HappyDays has been discussing DJ Moore a lot and I’d gladly sign up for that right now.  He’s still 28. 
 

I agree he’s capable of top 10-15 WR production in this offense.
 

As Happy Days posted elsewhere, his contract can be extended to bring his cap hit down to less than 10 million this year. 
 

I’d say a 3 this year and 5 next year should be plenty to get the deal done.

 

The best part is he still leaves us top assets and plenty of $ for another WR via trade or UFA

 

 

He has been atop my list all season as the most realistic in both availability (Bears have a lot of toys for Caleb and DJ is the most expensive and under used in relation to the cost) and cost to us both in trade comp and cap hit.  

 

He is a top 10 WR in the NFL with Josh Allen this year IMHO.  Bears don't have to do it, but they are set to lose more on D again and they already needed more help on D, so they could add some assets and cap space to help address the defense.  Still not sure they do it, they do have an offensive HC and a young QB, may want hold him longer, but of all the true WR1's I feel like this makes a lot of sense.

[GunnerBill]

8 hours ago, Alphadawg7 said:

 

He has been atop my list all season as the most realistic in both availability (Bears have a lot of toys for Caleb and DJ is the most expensive and under used in relation to the cost) and cost to us both in trade comp and cap hit.  

 

He is a top 10 WR in the NFL with Josh Allen this year IMHO.  Bears don't have to do it, but they are set to lose more on D again and they already needed more help on D, so they could add some assets and cap space to help address the defense.  Still not sure they do it, they do have an offensive HC and a young QB, may want hold him longer, but of all the true WR1's I feel like this makes a lot of sense.

 

I don't think DJ is a true WR1. I think he is sort of that 1B / high end #2 - but as a guy who has had success in Brady's offense and could be had for less than a 1st round pick, he does make some sense. Normally I'd be against trading even a day 2 pick for a guy who turns 29 the day after the draft but as long as it is a pick in THIS draft then I'm on board. I've said it elsewhere but if the Bills didn't make a single pick until day 3 of this draft I would not hate it. If ever there was a year to trade away assets for proven vets and or try and load up on picks for next year - this. is. it. 

[EssexBill]

Big fan of DJ Moore, I wanted Beane to trade for him during the season when it was obvious we had no decent receivers (I’m not going to say “except for Shakir” as most people usually do as I include him in that, he’s not developed as I expected he would the year or so) 

[Bill from NYC]

On 2/26/2026 at 6:11 AM, Kirby Jackson said:

 

It got me thinking, “would they take a 3rd for Brian Branch or pick 60 for Branch & 118?” The Lions don’t currently have a 3rd. Either of these offers would give them a chance to draft a starting S. Branch is coming off an Achilles and will probably miss the first half of the year. I think he’s an outstanding player but you’d have the injury and contract to deal with. I doubt Detroit would trade one of their best players for that, but they have some decisions to make and have another elite S (who also happens to be injured). Are they willing to extend him now as he’s recovering or will he have to play out the last year of his deal? The tag would be an option next year I suppose but they already have a big contract with Kerby Joseph. 
 

For me, Brian Branch is a name, way off the radar, that I would make a call on. He’s not likely to move but for the reasons listed above you could at least connect the dots as to why he COULD be available. We’ve seen young star safeties traded before in Minkah and Jamal Adams (terrible trade). 
 

 

 

 

I watched Branch in every game he played in at Alabama and some games with the Lions. He is a very good player. He is smart, fast, and very physical. That said, his health is an obvious issue. Also, with VERY few exceptions, safety might be the lowest ranked non special teams position on the totem pole. 

 

If the Lions are concerned about his health they will probably cut him. If not, I don't see him being worth a 3rd round pick. Coming off a great college career, he was taken in round two with the 45th selection. My guess is that the Lions could easily find another safety later than this in the upcoming draft.

 

If the Lions would take perhaps a 6th or 7th then yes, Branch (coming off of a very serious injury) is probably worth a shot. I mean, why not? I just think that a 3rd is far too much to risk on an injured safety.

 

I could easily be wrong. The above is strictly jmo.

[GunnerBill]

9 minutes ago, Bill from NYC said:

I watched Branch in every game he played in at Alabama and some games with the Lions. He is a very good player. He is smart, fast, and very physical. That said, his health is an obvious issue. Also, with VERY few exceptions, safety might be the lowest ranked non special teams position on the totem pole. 

 

If the Lions are concerned about his health they will probably cut him. If not, I don't see him being worth a 3rd round pick. Coming off a great college career, he was taken in round two with the 45th selection. My guess is that the Lions could easily find another safety later than this in the upcoming draft.

 

If the Lions would take perhaps a 6th or 7th then yes, Branch (coming off of a very serious injury) is probably worth a shot. I mean, why not? I just think that a 3rd is far too much to risk on an injured safety.

 

I could easily be wrong. The above is strictly jmo.

 

Him going in round 2 was absolute madness. He was a top 15 player in that class. If I could get him for a 3rd in THIS draft class.... yea I'd do it, injury risk and all. If this was last year's class, nope. I wouldn't give up a day two pick. But he is a shot at an elite player still young, for the cost of a 3rd round pick in a terrible draft.