The 2026 NFL trade deadline passed without the blockbuster moves seen a year ago, but several teams may regret not pursuing deals that could have bolstered their playoff hopes. Here are three trades that should have happened, according to analysis from CBS Sports.
Jonathan Taylor to New York Giants
The Indianapolis Colts, after firing general manager Chris Ballard, held a high asking price for running back Jonathan Taylor, reportedly seeking a first-round pick or a package similar to what the Carolina Panthers received for Christian McCaffrey in 2022. The Giants were willing to offer a second-round pick, a fifth-round pick, and a player, but ultimately pulled the offer. Taylor, 27, has two years and $34 million remaining on his contract after 2026. His remaining 2026 salary is $3.97 million, with a $4.60 million cap savings for the Colts. The Giants had $6.18 million in cap room. Taylor's 1,712 career carries are nearly double McCaffrey's at the time of his trade, and he turns 28 in January.
Brian Thomas Jr. to Los Angeles Rams
The Jacksonville Jaguars, despite a 6-2 record and win-now mode, rebuffed interest in wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr., the 2024 first-round pick who has seen his role diminish under new head coach Liam Coen. Thomas has 10 receptions for 117 yards and two touchdowns in eight games, and was not targeted in Week 9. The Rams, dealing with injuries to Davante Adams (hamstring) and Puka Nacua (knee), could have used a short-term upgrade. Thomas' remaining 2026 salary is $537,500, and he is under contract for 2027 at $2.79 million fully guaranteed. The Rams had only $248,672 in cap room, requiring a restructuring, possibly of Matthew Stafford's contract. The Jaguars could have recouped a 2027 second-round pick, similar to the Arizona Cardinals' trade of Marvin Harrison Jr. to the Houston Texans.
Tony Pollard to Green Bay Packers
The Green Bay Packers rank last in rushing yards per game (68.2) and lost Josh Jacobs to a broken finger requiring surgery. Running back Tony Pollard, coming off back-to-back 100-yard games and averaging 3.53 yards after contact per carry, would have provided a boost. The Tennessee Titans, at 1-7, are rebuilding and traded away defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons and safety Amani Hooker for draft capital. Pollard is in the final year of a three-year, $21.75 million contract, with a $3.61 million remaining 2026 salary. The Packers had $5.67 million in cap room and 11 draft picks in 2027, including four compensatory picks. A conditional 2027 fourth-round pick (becoming a third if the Packers reach Super Bowl LXI and Pollard leads the team in rushing) could have been sent to Tennessee. The Titans would have saved $3.64 million in cap space with no dead money in 2027.
Trades cannot be executed again until the 2027 league year begins on March 11, but the Colts could revisit a Taylor deal in the offseason, while the Jaguars and Titans may have missed opportunities to add draft capital.
