With the Super Bowl a mere few weeks away, most teams are already planning on their offseason moves. Those moves could be key re-signings, draft boards and rankings or perhaps some blockbuster trades. The trade deadline provided a lot of excitement for the league. First round picks were thrown around and trajectory changing moves took place. Heading into the offseason, that excitement may be reignited. There’s quite a few surprises that may take place. With that being said, let’s take a look at those surprise trade candidates!
AJ Brown
Jan 11, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (11) reacts after failing to make a catch against the San Francisco 49ers during the fourth quarter in an NFC Wild Card Round game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
It feels as if AJ Brown’s time in Philadelphia has run out. His never-ending disappointment with his usage paired with a decline in production make him a very likely candidate to be moved. Even if the hostility between Brown and the Eagles wasn’t prevalent, Philly would still have good reason to trade him. For the last few years, Philadelphia’s dedicated their cap spending on offense. Meanwhile, the defense flourished with rookie deals and cheap signings. Now, with those rookie deals coming to an end, perhaps a switch of priorities is due. That switch could start with moving Brown.
DJ Moore
Jan 10, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore (2) makes the eventual game winning touchdown catch against the Green Bay Packers during the second half of an NFC Wild Card Round game at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
The selection of Luther Burden in the second round already put Moore’s future with Chicago into question. Following a year where, despite some heroics, Moore disappointed, the team is likely to go forward with Odunze and Burden as their two options at wideout. The nail in the coffin for Moore’s tenure as a Bear came in the Divisonal round. Effort has been an issue all year for Moore. That issue reared its ugly head when he slowed down on a route that led to the game losing/season ending interception.
Trent McDuffie
Aug 9, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie (22) against the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason NFL game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
It’s true that McDuffie’s been among the best slot corners in the game. Nevertheless, he lost a lot of money this season. Due to his size, it was clear that bigger receivers had an advantage against him, leading to some reps he’d like to forget. Coupled with the fact that Kansas City has shown they’re willing to trade star CBs, a move similar to that of the L’Jarrius Sneed trade could easily go down.
Brian Thomas Jr.
Dec 14, 2025; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (7) reacts after scoring a touchdown in the first quarter against the New York Jets at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Travis Register-Imagn Images
Giving up on Brian Thomas Jr considering his ceiling may be an unwise move. However, the Jaguars got very little from Thomas Jr. In his sophomore season, and there’s uncertainty surrounding his fit within Liam Coen’s offense. His speed is his biggest draw. Because of the fear of that speed, Jacksonville was able to operate better in the less defended middle area of the field. However, when a team like the Bills challenged the Jags to beat them deep, Thomas wasn’t able to leave his mark. While his value is still high, it may be smart to trade him, and instead try to find that speed guy through the draft.
Maxx Crosby
Dec 14, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) in the tunnel against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
Other than the fact that Crosby was displeased with Las Vegas’ decision to keep him on the bench for the final two matches of the year, the state of the franchise may necessitate a potential move. Crosby is still in his prime, and would fetch a hefty haul for his services. He’s a true premier pass-rusher, and his presence could elevate a team into Super Bowl conversations. The Raiders are entering a long rebuild, and the extra assets they’d gain from dealing Crosby could make that process a lot more manageable.
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