Offseason business is largely complete as teams around the NFL report to training camp, but there's always room for more.
Whether it's bringing in one of the top remaining free agents, pursuing a trade, or even handling some in-house deals, roster tinkering will continue throughout the summer.
Here's one last move each team should make before Week 1.
🔄 Trade a running back
Position value was the only legitimate argument against drafting Jeremiyah Love with the No. 3 overall pick this year. Though the Cardinals already had a collection of running backs on the roster, that group was never going to factor into the team's decision-making process when considering an elite talent like this. Love will immediately step in as the featured back in Arizona, making James Conner, Trey Benson, and Tyler Allgeier expendable for future draft picks. You can expect to hear their names come up in trade talks if another club loses a running back in camp.
✍️ Sign Deebo Samuel
The Falcons need to add another receiver this summer. Drake London has proven he can carry the load for this position group all on his own, but why continue to operate that way? As we saw last year in Washington, Samuel can still make an impact in a complementary role. The former 49ers star would provide an important upgrade over starters Jahan Dotson and Olamide Zaccheaus. Third-round rookie Zachariah Branch, who figures to be a weapon on gadget plays, could also learn a thing or two from Samuel.
✍️ Sign Darren Waller
The Ravens losing Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar to free agency is one of the few things giving me pause about this team heading into 2026. Reuniting with Waller, who started his career in Baltimore before making a name for himself with the Raiders, would be an important addition to take pressure off Mark Andrews. Lamar Jackson has always loved to feature his tight ends, and a short stint in Miami last year showed that Waller can still make an impact as a receiving specialist.
🔄 Trade for Frankie Luvu
The linebacker spot is shaping up to be the biggest question mark on the Bills' roster. While Buffalo could address that need by re-signing Matt Milano, new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard's aggressive, pressure-heavy system could require a more creative move. Luvu's do-it-all skill set, headlined by an ability to get after the quarterback from various alignments, would be a valuable addition to that end.
✍️ Sign Germaine Pratt
The Panthers prioritized the linebacker position early this offseason, signing Devin Lloyd as part of their free-agent spending spree. But why stop there? If Carolina made another upgrade at the other starting spot, pushing Trevin Wallace into a depth role, it would round out a suddenly strong front seven. Pratt, a proven veteran, offers the experience and reliability needed at an affordable price tag.
🔄 Trade for Kayvon Thibodeaux
I'm a little stunned the Bears haven't been more aggressive in upgrading the defensive line. Thibodeaux, the Giants' third edge rusher behind Brian Burns and Abdul Carter, is an obvious trade candidate heading into the last year of his rookie contract. The former first-rounder would be the most dynamic player on Chicago's front four, and it may not take anything more than a third-round pick to pry him out of New York.
✍️ Sign Bobby Wagner
The Bengals have done excellent work reshaping the defense this offseason. Dexter Lawrence and Boye Mafe headline a new-look defensive line, while Bryan Cook represents a potential impact addition in the secondary. However, up to this point, the overhaul has curiously left the linebacker room untouched. Wagner, still contributing at a high level heading into Year 15, could be a perfect short-term solution, preventing Cincinnati from relying too heavily on sophomores Demetrius Knight Jr. and Barrett Carter.
✍️ Sign Kenny Moore
Although the Browns' defense doesn't have nearly the same upside after trading Myles Garrett to the Rams, Jared Verse is still an excellent young player to carry the load up front. And if Cleveland can use the cap savings to fill a glaring need at slot corner, this unit could remain a strength for the club. Moore has long been one of the NFL's premier players in that spot, and he might still have something left in the tank after getting released by the Colts.
🔄 Trade for Deonte Banks
The Cowboys, like the Bengals, have made several notable defensive additions in hopes of putting last year's horrifying results behind them. But I'd like to see them add more competition at corner. Ideally, they'd make a big splash for a star cover man, but money might be tight. Dallas is known for taking low-cost swings on former first-rounders, and Banks is worth a shot after a disappointing start to his career with the Giants.
✍️ Sign Von Miller
Miller wants to finish his career where it started, though there's no indication whether the interest is mutual. Still, you can never have enough pass-rushers. With Jonathon Cooper's status uncertain following his arrest on domestic violence charges in June, the Broncos may be wise to have another option to line up opposite two-time Pro Bowler Nik Bonitto. Miller put up nine sacks in rotational duties last season in Washington.
✍️ Sign Marshon Lattimore
Detroit faces major questions at cornerback after releasing first-rounder Terrion Arnold in the wake of felony kidnapping and robbery charges. I've got my eye on 2024 second-round pick Ennis Rakestraw Jr. running with the opportunity, but his pair of injury-plagued seasons probably makes it risky for the Lions to count on him having a breakout year. An ideal fit in Detroit's man-heavy defense could help Lattimore, a four-time Pro Bowler, bounce back after his rough season in Washington.
🔄 Trade for Josh Sweat
Micah Parsons revealed earlier this offseason that his ACL rehab might keep him on the sidelines until late October. There's no sense in rushing that process, but the Packers also can't afford to drop too many games before getting their best player back. Swinging a deal for Sweat, who reportedly wants out of Arizona, is by far the best option to fill the void opposite Lukas Van Ness. And when Parsons returns, Green Bay would have one of the league's best three-man edge rotations.
✍️ Sign Jadeveon Clowney
How's this for a reunion? Defensive end isn't the most obvious need for the Texans since Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter are the game's best pass-rush duo, but depth is important here - both for rotational purposes and injury insurance. Clowney has long been a plus defender in the run game, and his 23.5 sacks over the last three seasons prove he can still get after the quarterback.
✍️ Sign Keenan Allen
Indy trading Michael Pittman Jr., along with Alec Pierce's uncertain status following offseason ankle surgery, creates a glaring need at receiver. Allen, who has a history with head coach Shane Steichen, could be a great short-term fix to help this offense keep rolling. The 34-year-old continued to make plays after rejoining the Chargers last year, posting a team-high 81 receptions for 777 yards and four touchdowns.
🔄 Trade for Will Levis
The backup quarterback spot tends to be an afterthought until, at a moment's notice, he becomes the most important person in the organization. The ascendant Jaguars need a better option than Nick Mullens in case Trevor Lawrence ever misses time. Is Levis that guy? Maybe not. But the physical tools are certainly there. Considering Liam Coen is the one who oversaw his development at Kentucky, the head coach probably has a better chance than anyone at getting the most out of that raw ability.
🔄 Trade for Cedric Tillman
Tyreek Hill will be connected to a Kansas City reunion for as long as he's a free agent, but it remains to be seen whether he'll be cleared to play at all this season. The Chiefs should probably be looking elsewhere to bolster their receiver room. Tillman is a big-bodied X receiver who seemed to be flirting with a breakout midway through his sophomore campaign before injury issues hit. And personally, I'm not going to read too much into his numbers last year - Cleveland's entire offense was a mess. Still only 26 years old and an obvious fit for what the Chiefs need on the outside, Tillman would be worth a swing if the Browns are willing to move on for cheap after adding KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston in April's draft.
🔄 Trade for Kayshon Boutte
The Raiders' need at receiver is probably a bit overstated. Brock Bowers is the clear No. 1 target in this passing game, Jalen Nailor could prove to be a decent complement, and there's still hope for 2025 second-rounder Jack Bech after a quiet rookie year. That said, Klint Kubiak's offense could use a true X to play on the line of scrimmage and stretch the field on the boundary. Boutte, who should be available after the Patriots brought in A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs, can provide exactly that at a reasonable cost.
✍️ Sign Taylor Decker
Extended absences for Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt left Los Angeles' front five in a dire situation last season. If the Chargers are going to make the most of their likely short time with Mike McDaniel as offensive coordinator, they'll need some insurance for their star tackle tandem. Though Decker has no reason to accept a depth role after starting for 10 years at left tackle in Detroit, there just aren't many such jobs out there at this point in the calendar. The Chargers, flush with $40 million in cap space, could make it worth his while.
👀 Bring Aaron Donald out of retirement
I think I speak for all football fans (aside from those with a rooting interest in the NFC's non-juggernauts) when I say we need to see this. In most other cases, I'd be cautioning against getting too excited about the idea of a 35-year-old coming off the couch after two seasons away. But it's Aaron Donald we're talking about. Put him next to Myles Garrett, even if only in third-down packages, and I'm confident that opposing offensive lines will be in shambles.
🔄 Trade Zach Sieler
Miami's new leadership regime started its tenure by tearing down the roster - Tua Tagovailoa, Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, Bradley Chubb, and Minkah Fitzpatrick are just a few of the many to depart this offseason. Sieler survived the purge for the time being, but the soon-to-be 31-year-old won't fit the club's new timeline. His 25.5 sacks over the last three years should make him the most valuable remaining trade chip for the rebuilding Dolphins. Moving on from Sieler would also clear the way for rising sophomores Kenneth Grant and Jordan Phillips to step into more prominent roles on the interior defensive line.
✍️ Sign Haason Reddick
Dallas Turner is primed to take over the starting spot on the edge opposite Andrew Van Ginkel following Jonathan Greenard's trade to Philly. However, Minnesota should still look to add depth behind its projected starters. A rotational role might help Reddick rediscover some of his old form after seeing his production fall off over the last two years.
✍️ Sign Jimmy Garoppolo
This probably seems like a bizarre idea, but the Patriots need a reliable backup for Drake Maye. I just don't see how a team set on competing for a Super Bowl would be comfortable turning things over to Tommy DeVito if its superstar quarterback were sidelined for any period. Garoppolo knows Josh McDaniels' system, and his veteran presence could be a plus for Maye as he continues his rise toward the NFL's elite.
✍️ Extend Chris Olave
The Saints' roster is in a good spot after a productive offseason, and this team is well-positioned to build on a strong second half of 2025. Locking up one of its most important players should be the top priority from here. After missing time with concussion issues in 2024, Olave reaffirmed his value by posting career highs in catches (100), receiving yards (1,163), and touchdowns (nine) last season.
✍️ Sign Kyle Van Noy
I suggested above that the Bears pursue a trade with the Giants for Thibodeaux. For the record, New York should absolutely be open to flipping its No. 3 edge rusher for a Day 2 pick ahead of a contract year, and replacing him with a player like Van Noy feels like an obvious pivot move. The veteran pass-rusher played under John Harbaugh for the last three seasons in Baltimore, and he can provide depth and leadership alongside Abdul Carter and Brian Burns.
🔄 Trade for Jackson Powers-Johnson
The Jets' offensive line is set at tackle, with Olu Fashanu and Armand Membou representing one of the more promising young duos in the league. Powers-Johnson would be the ideal target to round out the interior. The former second-round pick offers versatility, as he can play either center or guard. While his first two years with the Raiders had some ups and downs, New York should absolutely take a swing on a 23-year-old with a unique combination of athleticism and physicality.
✍️ Extend Jalen Carter
Howie Roseman has typically gotten out in front of these contract situations, often completing deals a year early to save money in the long run. But Carter strangely doesn't have an extension in place heading into his Year 4 training camp. Although there's still time to get a contract done, the price will only get higher if he has the kind of All-Pro-caliber season many expect after he battled injuries in 2025.
🔄 Trade Alex Highsmith
The Steelers have a surplus of talent on the edge. They should be inclined to trade T.J. Watt if they're focused on stockpiling premium assets for the future, but that's just not how Pittsburgh does business. While his game is trending in the wrong direction after an incredible run of All-Pro production, Watt's legacy status makes him difficult to move. Shipping out Highsmith is probably the more palatable trade for accumulating draft capital and clearing the way for Nick Herbig and Jack Sawyer to take on expanded roles.
✌️ Cut Brandon Aiyuk
How is Aiyuk still on this roster? Frustrated by how things have deteriorated since a big-money extension in 2024, the 49ers are seemingly in no hurry to give him what he wants. Meanwhile, his semi-regular social media posts continue to add to the drama, making it abundantly clear that no team is stepping up to trade for Aiyuk. Delaying the inevitable serves no purpose whatsoever for San Francisco. Do away with the distraction, pick up the $6.3 million in extra cap space, and make a few small moves to bolster depth elsewhere.
✍️ Sign Trevon Diggs
Diggs is unlikely to recreate the magic of his 11-interception 2021 campaign. But if any coach can maximize his unique playmaking abilities, it's probably Mike Macdonald. Seattle can afford to take this low-risk swing in search of some added cornerback competition after losing Riq Woolen to free agency.
🔄 Trade for Anthony Richardson
The smart money is on the Bucs eventually working out an extension with Baker Mayfield. Still, it's easy to see why the two sides might be miles apart on value, given that the veteran quarterback stumbled to a poor finish in 2025. Planning for the possibility that Mayfield hits free agency next year, Tampa Bay should be willing to take a swing on Richardson. Just 24 years old, the former No. 4 pick is worth a shot as a reclamation project. Alternatively, if Mayfield signs a long-term contract, Tampa Bay could do a lot worse than having one of the best athletes in football as its backup QB.
✍️ Re-sign Kevin Zeitler
It's hard to believe this still hasn't happened. The Titans have to do everything they possibly can to put Cam Ward in a position to succeed, and Zeitler's return would go a long way toward ensuring he's got the protection he needs up front. The 14-year veteran continued to play at a high level in 2025, giving up just 16 pressures in 590 pass-block snaps - tied for the seventh-lowest total among all qualified guards, according to PFF.
✍️ Sign Stefon Diggs
Much of the football world, myself included, had been operating under the assumption that it was only a matter of time before the Commanders ended up adding Aiyuk to fill a need at receiver. However, recent developments have made that scenario seem unlikely, particularly after Aiyuk took shots at Jayden Daniels. Fortunately for Washington, another impact player remains available on the open market. Diggs, who racked up 1,013 yards last season while coming off a torn ACL, would be an excellent No. 2 opposite Terry McLaurin.
