9 blockbuster 2026 NFL trade deadline deals that would be massive mistakes

Travis Register-Imagn Images9 blockbuster 2026 NFL trade deadline deals that would be massive mistakes appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.A couple of NFL teams might be on the trade prowl for different reasons, like the Ravens looking for a quarterback. However, the Jets might not be interested in adding more to their 2027 draft haul. Whatever course teams decide to take, here are five blockbuster NFL trade deadline deals that would be massive mistakes.The big problem with NFL teams at the trade deadline is the refusal to give up on Super Bowl dreams. Most teams can’t fix what has them on a broken road with just one trade — no matter how big the deal is.But let’s take a look at moves teams should avoid.Watch sports LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)Colts RB Jonathan Taylor to the GiantsMaybe if the Giants had a full boat of players, this deal could make some sense. But they don’t have quarterback Jaxson Dart. They don’t have edge rusher Brian Burns.Yes, they are in first place in the NFC East. And they have a legitimate chance to win the division with the Cowboys spinning their wheels. However, this is a 9-7-1 team, at best. Getting to the playoffs, sure. But giving up important draft capital for 2027 to get Taylor is a mistake.Taylor is pushing close to 28 years old. He has 1,699 rushing attempts on his body. He’s still an elite player, but the gradual decline is coming soon. The Giants would be better off keeping the second-round pick it would probably take to get Taylor, and using it on fresh legs in next year’s draft.There’s almost no chance the Giants can even win one playoff game with JJ McCarthy likely running the show for the rest of the season. However, the Giants have a real chance to be in the Super Bowl mix next season. They get Dart back along with Burns.And John Harbaugh is giving them a real chance to win football games. He’s co-existing with GM Joe Schoen, according to Daniel Jeremiah’s Move the Sticks podcast via GiantsWire.com.“When you’re dealing with people you enjoy being around which I love being around Coach Harbaugh — it’s just been a lot of fun to see how the offseason and the draft and the decision, you know, to cut down to the 53 and then to see how all that came to fruition in season,” Schoen said. “And sitting here at 4-2-1 in the bye week and then first place in the NFC East. So, it’s been a lot of hard work, but it’s been a lot of fun as well.“Obviously, it’s working at a high level right now. I’d be curious, you know, it’s almost like speed dating when you’re going through the interview process, and you get to know someone before they’re hired, but then they get in the chair, and you’re working with them on a daily basis. It can be different in a multitude of ways.”Plus, the Giants still have Cam Skattebo. The only thing he needs to do is quit fumbling.Raiders edge rusher Maxx Crosby to the CowboysThe Raiders are fading, and Crosby would give them a big draft haul for their ongoing rebuild. They would love to add first-round talent at the wide receiver position for quarterback Fernando Mendoza moving forward.But the price is too high for the Cowboys. They have only four picks in the 2027 draft. And if Crosby commands two first-round picks, as some have speculated, the Cowboys would be gutted for the next two years. They would only have three picks in the 2027 draft if they trade a first-rounder for Crosby.And here’s the thing: Does Crosby automatically fix the Cowboys’ defense? He could bolster both their run defense and pass defense. He ranks No. 7 among edge rushers in the NFL, according to Pro Football Focus. And he is No. 10 with his pass-rush grade.However, it’s hard to see one player transforming the Cowboys’ defense. They already tried that with Quinnen Williams and it hasn’t worked. The Cowboys have the worst run defense in the NFL. And Williams has been mediocre against the run, ranking No. 52 in the league, according to PFF.https://www.pff.com/nfl/players/quinnen-williams/44216#gradesWidgetPlus, getting Crosby might secure a playoff berth for the Cowboys. But that’s mainly because the NFC East is so bad. And it wouldn’t mean Crosby would help the team win playoff games.Another problem is whether the Raiders would trade him, according to a post on X by Tom Pelissero.“Maxx Crosby wants to be a Raider, he has no desire to leave, and he is definitely not forcing his way out. But GM John Spytek is sure to get calls over the next 10 days, leaving open the possibility of another blockbuster.”Jaguars WR Brian Thomas Jr. to the ChiefsLet’s look at this from a production standpoint. In seven games, Thomas has 10 catches for 117 yards and a pair of scores. Yes, he’s buried in the Jaguars receiver rotation. And maybe Trevor Lawrence doesn’t trust him anymore because of drops.But why would that change with a move to the Chiefs? Patrick Mahomes can’t make Thomas get open or catch the football. Yes, Thomas looked great as a rookie. But whatever Thomas had that season, he hasn’t had it since then.Of course, the Jaguars are going to price-gouge on Thomas, according to NBC Sports via Sports Illustrated.“So like we don’t want to use Brian Thomas Jr., but he had 1,282 yards as a rookie. We want you to offer us something commensurate with what he did in 2024,” Mike Florio said. “But we’re not using him that way. We’re not getting the value out of him. But we want you, if you want him, we want you to offer something that would reflect what he did in 2024, and the farther we get removed from that, the more unreasonable that looks“But because they’re the Jaguars, no one’s going to call them out for basically holding this guy hostage. I mean, that’s kind of what they’re doing until someone offers them. You know, I don’t know what they want. Do they want a two? I don’t know. But why would you, like if you’re waiting for Brian Thomas Jr. to be available? Time is on your side because they’re not using him, and the whole thing is just strange.”It’s just hard to see Thomas suddenly looking different with a new team. Yes, better than he was with the Jaguars. But don’t look for him to transform the Chiefs’ receiver room.Chargers edge rusher Khalil Mack to the BillsIt’s hard to see the 35-year-old Mack providing the dominance he once brought to the table, according to ESPN. And teams like the Bills will be expecting more than he can deliver at this stage of his career.“Mack doesn’t display the same level of explosive speed on tape, but he can still disrupt the pocket due to his play strength and advanced counter moves,” Matt Bowen wrote. “Mack has 14.5 sacks and 83 pressures over his past three seasons, and he can play as both a pass-rushing linebacker or defensive end with third-down upside.”But the Bills’ defense has more issues than Mack can solve.At least Mack is open to the idea of playing somewhere else, according to a post on X by Eric Williams. So his attitude should be solid.“Khalil Mack on trade rumors: ‘You’ve got to be where your feet are, man, ultimately. That can be the most difficult thing when you’re dealing with a lot of outside noise and stuff. Just trying to be where your feet are at all time. That’s kind of been my thing in years past.’ ”This simply isn’t the tipping-point trade for the Bills.Eagles CB Riq Woolen to SteelersOK, the Steelers sent Joey Porter Jr. to the Cowboys. And now they’re going to deal for Woolen? It makes no sense. Did they suddenly wake up and think they have a chance to be in the top-seed conversation in the AFC?They don’t. Aaron Rodgers won’t hold up his end of the bargain late into the season. And the Steelers aren’t Super Bowl bound. If they really believed they were, they wouldn’t have — or at least shouldn’t have — traded Porter.Woolen doesn’t bring the punch to the cornerback position that his eight games with the Eagles suggest. He had 12 career interceptions with the Seahawks, but none this year. He does have six passes defended, which isn’t bad for half a season.However, Woolen has never been a Pro Bowl player. And the Steelers aren’t going to get the bang for the buck in trading for Woolen.Woolen said he’s not concerned about the trade noise, according to NBC Sports.“But to me that doesn’t matter because I’m here every day working with these guys,” Woolen said. “Even when I was in Seattle last year, and my name came up in trade reports, I still had to come here and work every day because my brothers need me. They don’t need my mind to be anywhere else.“That’s my job here. Me being in Philly, I work my butt off with these guys all offseason. And so I’m going to ride with these guys throughout the season. No matter if we’re undefeated or we don’t win a game. I’ve worked my butt off with them. They worked hard as hell too. So I’m just going to be where my feet at and let the chips fall where they may be. But I’m right here in Philly. And that’s a place I want to be.”Eagles G Landon Dickerson to the ChargersThere’s still a lot to like about the 28-year-old Dickerson. But the Chargers are in no position to trade for him.Yes, it could be considered a build for next year. Dickerson is a three-time Pro Bowl talent with a little something-something left in the NFL tank. However, the Chargers would be wiser to hold on to draft picks. The Eagles are likely to want too much for Dickerson at the trade deadline.At least Dickerson owns blame when it comes his way, according to NBC Sports.“It’s frustrating,” the left guard said. “I let my guys down. I didn’t play good enough. These guys work their a— off to come in here and compete every day. I just wasn’t good enough.”So, it’s not the attitude that would make this a dangerous deal. It’s his inconsistent play of late.Colts WR Josh Downs to the SteelersPittsburgh needs a player that can win against man coverage. That seems to make him a good fit. But Downs isn’t the difference-maker the Steelers need on the outside if they’re going to make postseason noise.He can make plays, according to ESPN.“Downs has the sudden footwork and coverage recognition to uncover between the numbers,” Bowen wrote. “In four pro seasons with the Colts, he has 224 receptions and 11 touchdowns. He fits a team looking for a high-percentage target to win underneath and move the chains.”But the Steelers already have Germie Bernard taking care of the short stuff. Downs would be redundant. The Steelers need somebody better than DK Metcalf on the outside.Plus, Downs just wants out of Indy because of the dysfunction in that organization. He apparently wants to join Quenton Nelson and DeForest Buckner on the plane out of town. He said it was tough to see those players leave, according to The Athletic.“It wasn’t like super unexpected, I guess,” Downs said of the departures of Buckner and Nelson. “It’s sad to see those guys that are like All-Pro guys (leave). I hope they do well. I know they deserve to have a great shot at winning something big this year. (And) I feel very excited for their future.”Before Sunday’s complete no-show by the Colts, Downs said he’s taking trade rumors in stride.“I’m here right now. I’m where my feet are,” Downs said. “We got the Jags this weekend. I’m in the game plan, so I got to be ready to play.”Also, the Steelers would have to give up a third-round pick to get Downs. Now, let’s look at this. They traded George Pickens for a third-round pick. Now they’re going to give up a third-round pick for Downs? What NFL general manager would trade Pickens for Downs?There’s just disaster written all over this one.Browns WR Jerry Jeudy to CommandersSure, the Commanders are desperate for receiver help. And yes, Jeudy is only two years removed from having 90 catches for 1,229 yards and four touchdowns. But Jeudy has fallen off the Browns’ target radar. He has only 24 targets in eight games.But there’s a reason for it. He can’t beat out Denzel Boston and KC Concepcion. They’re rookies, and they are better. Plus, there’s not much evidence that Jeudy can be a WR1. And that’s really what the Commanders need for quarterback Jayden Daniels.Jeudy can get open, but the problem is his hands. He has 33 career drops. And since Daniels throws a sizzle biscuit most of the time, how is Jeudy going to catch the slants and digs? Plus, Jeudy isn’t beating anybody for a 50-50 ball.The Commanders need a much different type of help than Jeudy can provide. And the Browns would probably want too much since they are in the playoff chase. Which may lead to them keeping Jeudy, according to The Athletic.“While Jerry Jeudy was a potential trade target last month, I don’t get the sense the Cleveland Browns would part with him now. If the AFC North-leading Browns had been getting more out of Isaiah Bond, maybe Jeudy would be on the move regardless of Cleveland’s standing. But now the playoffs are a real possibility,” Jonathan Jones wrote.Vikings WR Jauan Jennings to FalconsYes, the Falcons play in a crummy division. The NFC South is there for the taking. But they aren’t going to get over the top because they deal for a guy like Jennings.It’s very possible Jennings’ best days are behind him. He caught 77 passes for 975 yards and six touchdowns in 2024 with the 49ers. Then he added a nine-touchdown season in 2025. However, he has disappeared with the Vikings.In six games, he has 10 targets and six catches. That’s not too far removed from invisible. Sure, part of it is the Vikings’ weak offense. But part of it is Jennings. He could be better as a No. 2 target on a team, but he’s just not going to move the needle in a season-long way.This isn’t a trade that would greatly benefit the Falcons. Plus, Jennings doesn’t seem like he wants to go anywhere, according to a post on X by Fox Sports via NBC Sports.“Here’s a little scoopage that no one knew,” Glazer said. “The 49ers, who already traded for DeForest Buckner, also had trade terms worked out for Jauan Jennings, their former receiver, with the Vikings. But it was contingent upon him hopping on a FaceTime with Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch and saying, ‘OK, yeah, I want to come back.’ But he didn’t. He said ‘Actually, no, I want to stay here in Minnesota.’ ”Why would the Falcons give up any draft capital for a guy who is content with 10 targets in six games? This is a major no-go.Related: NFL rumors: Ravens want to make Bears QB trade for Declan Doyle reunion with Lamar Jackson injuredRelated: ClutchPoints’ NFL Power Rankings, Week 9: Minnesota is last undefeated to fall