With the 2026 NFL Draft fast approaching, teams are already making moves to secure their top picks. In a recent high-profile trade, the Kansas City Chiefs sent Trent McDuffie to the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for the 29th pick and three additional draft picks. As the draft approaches, several teams should consider trading back to acquire more picks and strengthen their roster. Let’s take a look at five teams that should trade back in the 2026 NFL Draft – the Cowboys, Seahawks, Eagles, Panthers, and Jets.
First on the list is the Dallas Cowboys. After finishing with a disappointing record last season, the Cowboys have the 10th overall pick in the draft. While they have some talented players on their roster, they could benefit from adding more depth through the draft. Trading back and acquiring additional picks would give them more options to address their needs. They could potentially trade back with a team looking to move up for a specific player, and still have a chance to select a top prospect later in the first round.
Next up, the Seattle Seahawks have the 16th overall pick in the draft. With a strong core of players, the Seahawks are in a good position to compete, but they could use some help on their offensive line. By trading back in the first round, they could potentially pick up a quality lineman and address other areas of need in later rounds. The Seahawks have a history of making savvy draft trades, and this could be another opportunity for them to do so.
The Philadelphia Eagles are another team that should consider trading back in the draft. After a disappointing season, they hold the 19th overall pick. With several areas of need, including wide receiver and offensive line, the Eagles could benefit from trading back and acquiring more picks to address these needs. They could also use the additional picks to build for the future, as they look to rebuild their roster.
The Carolina Panthers are in a similar position to the Eagles, with the 20th overall pick in the draft. While they have some talented players on their roster, they are in a rebuilding phase and could use more depth. By trading back, the Panthers could potentially add a few more young players to their roster and continue to build for the future. They could also use the additional picks to address their need for a franchise quarterback, as they have yet to find a long-term solution at the position.
Last but not least, the New York Jets should also consider trading back in the draft. With the second overall pick, the Jets have the opportunity to select a top prospect, but they also have several other areas of need. By trading back, they could potentially acquire more picks to address these needs and build a stronger roster. With a new head coach in place, the Jets could use the extra picks to build a team that fits their vision and style of play.
In conclusion, as the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, these five teams should consider trading back to acquire more picks and strengthen their rosters. By doing so, they could potentially address their needs at multiple positions and build for the future. With smart and strategic trades, these teams could set themselves up for success in the upcoming season and beyond. The draft is always full of surprises, and we can’t wait to see which teams make bold moves and come out on top.
