The 2026 NFL Draft is just around the corner, and the excitement is building as teams prepare to make their picks and shape their rosters for the upcoming season. But before the draft even begins, we have already seen some major trades involving first round draft picks. The latest being the Kansas City Chiefs trading Trent McDuffie to the Los Angeles Rams for the 29th pick, plus three additional draft picks. This move has sparked discussions about which teams should consider trading back in the draft.
While trading up in the draft can be a popular strategy for teams looking to secure a top prospect, trading back can also prove to be a smart move for teams with multiple needs or a lack of high draft picks. With that in mind, let’s take a look at five teams that should consider trading back in the 2026 NFL Draft.
1. Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys have the 10th overall pick in the draft, but with a roster that is already stacked with talent, they could benefit from trading back and acquiring more picks. The team has a solid core of young players, including quarterback Dak Prescott and running back Ezekiel Elliott, and could use the extra picks to address some of their depth issues on defense.
Trading back could also allow the Cowboys to address their offensive line, which has been a key component of their success in recent years. With a deep draft class, the Cowboys could potentially find a quality lineman in the later rounds and still have enough picks to address other areas of need.
2. Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks have been known for their aggressive approach to the draft, often trading up to secure top prospects. But with only three picks in the first three rounds, the team could benefit from trading back and acquiring more draft capital.
The Seahawks have several holes to fill on their roster, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. Trading back would give them the opportunity to add more talent and depth to their defense, while also potentially finding a successor for quarterback Russell Wilson, who will be 37 years old by the time the 2026 season begins.
3. Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins have the 6th overall pick in the draft, but with a young and talented roster, they could benefit from trading back and adding more picks. The team has already made some moves in the offseason, acquiring quarterback Deshaun Watson and wide receiver DeVonta Smith, but they still have several needs to address.
Trading back would give the Dolphins the opportunity to add more talent to their already promising roster, while also potentially finding a replacement for aging quarterback Deshaun Watson in the later rounds.
4. New York Giants
The Giants have the 7th overall pick in the draft, but with a roster that is still in need of significant upgrades, they could benefit from trading back and acquiring more picks. The team has struggled in recent years, and trading back would give them the opportunity to add more young talent and build for the future.
The Giants could also use the extra picks to address their offensive line, which has been a major weakness for the team in recent years. With a deep draft class, the Giants could potentially find a quality lineman in the later rounds and still have enough picks to address other areas of need.
5. Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers have the 9th overall pick in the draft, but with a young and talented roster, they could benefit from trading back and adding more picks. The team has already made some big moves in the offseason, acquiring quarterback Justin Herbert and wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, but they still have some holes to fill on their roster.
Trading back would give the Chargers the opportunity to add more depth to their already promising roster, while also potentially finding a successor for aging quarterback Justin Herbert in the later rounds.
In conclusion, while trading up in the draft can be a popular strategy, trading back can also prove to be a smart move for teams with multiple needs or a lack of high draft picks. These five teams should consider trading back in the 2026 NFL Draft to add more talent and build for the future. With a deep draft class, they could potentially find quality players in the later rounds and set themselves up for success in the upcoming season.
