In the NFL Draft, there are usually several trades in the first round, with teams moving up or down in the order. This will also be the case in 2026.

“Oh oh … we got a trade!”

A phrase that not only die-hard NFL fans have often heard from their US colleagues on TV. When the 2026 NFL Draft comes around, it will be that time again.

After all, nothing is as certain as a trade in the first round of the draft. But it’s hard to predict who, when, where, how and with whom will be traded.

The various picks mean that events are shifting. While the Raiders recently commented on their number one pick and let it slip that a trade is out of the question for them, there are other franchises where a trade up or down would make more sense.

Tennessee Titans: Down trade from position four

The Tennessee Titans are in a rebuild and have more unfinished business than Munich’s city center. A pick at position four in a draft that lacks the big names anyway is not ideal for Tennessee.

More draft capital in this or future drafts would help the franchise more in the long run than half-heartedly closing one of many construction sites.

NFL insider Albert Breer also sees the Titans as one of the franchises that could give up their pick for more capital – but are there enough teams that want to trade up in this draft?

New York Giants: down trade from position five

The New York Giants have plenty of options at the number five position – depending on who else is available. Running back Jeremiyah Love, wide receiver Carnell Tate, offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa, linebacker Sonny Styles or safety Caleb Downs are all viable options for New York – as well as a few other players.

And many good options also mean that with a later pick, the potential desired player is still available. So why not take your dream player AND additional draft capital? At least if a down trade with another franchise can be arranged …

Kansas City Chiefs: Up-trade from position nine

The Kansas City Chiefs need to get better! The offensive stars around Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce are likely still reeling from missing the playoffs. Now, for the first time since 2017, the franchise finally has a top-10 pick again.

By the way, the franchise gave up two first-round picks to jump from 27th to tenth and select quarterback Mahomes. The rest is history.

This time around, it could go even higher from number nine if the Chiefs want to secure one of the draft’s two elite pass rushers for their ranks to bolster their weak defense.

Quarterback Fernando Mendoza should go to the Raiders at one. Edges Arvell Reese and David Bailey are expected to go within the next two to four picks. Depending on who Kansas City is eyeing, a trade with the Cardinals (at three), Titans (at four) or Giants (at five) would be a possibility.

New York Jets: Up trade from position 16

The New York Jets select at the second position of the 2026 NFL Draft. But this pick is not the issue. The franchise also has the 16th pick in round one up its sleeve.

With the 33rd pick – the first of the second round – the Jets also have further strong trade capital in their hands. And the lack of real top picks this year could mean another discount for an up-trade.

The Raiders are unlikely to give up their number one pick. If the Jets decide to go for one of the two elite pass rushers at No. 2, they could select a receiver or defensive back with their second pick.

A pick at No. 16, however, could be too late. In order to get the player they want, they would have to move up a position or two.

Seattle Seahawks down-trade from position 32

Since the Seahawks became a contender in 2012 by drafting Russell Wilson and winning the Super Bowl in the 2013 season, the franchise’s first-round pick has been a trade commodity year after year!

General manager John Schneider traded a total of ten (!) first-round picks from 2012 to 2019. At least one every year. After 2019, the Seahawks missed the playoffs several times or were eliminated early – and Schneider kept his first-round picks.

Now the franchise is Super Bowl champion again! And the first-round pick might be shaky. Which way will it go? Out of round one, of course.

Because none of the previous ten first-round picks that GM Schneider used for trades saw the franchise trade up!