The NFL trade season has officially begun, with teams now able to apply franchise tags as free agency approaches next month. As organizations explore their options, the cost of acquiring star players like A.J. Brown becomes a crucial factor in negotiations and roster decisions.
Last March, several high-profile trades took place, including DK Metcalf moving from the Seattle Seahawks to the Pittsburgh Steelers, quarterback Geno Smith heading to the Las Vegas Raiders, and left tackle Laremy Tunsil joining the Washington Commanders with wide receiver Deebo Samuel following from the San Francisco 49ers. These deals set a precedent as teams balance immediate competitiveness with long-term planning going forward this trade period.
Understanding the Financial Impact of Major Veteran Trades
Several established veterans may be available for trade, but the price tag each carries complicates potential deals. The salary cap implications for both selling and buying teams will heavily influence whether trades happen and who emerges as the likely contenders for acquiring top talent.
A.J. Brown’s Contract and Trade Challenges for the Eagles
A.J. Brown, the Philadelphia Eagles‘ wide receiver, is 29 years old going into the new season and carries a significant contract burden. With $110 million left on his deal spanning four years, Brown carries a 2026 cap hit of $23.4 million for Philadelphia. If traded, his new team would face a 2026 cap hit of just $7 million, while the Eagles would have to absorb a $43.5 million dead cap charge.
Brown’s situation is complicated by a reported strained relationship with quarterback Jalen Hurts, casting doubt on whether the Eagles want to retain him. This tension raises the question of whether Eagles general manager Howie Roseman will prioritize team harmony over the financial loss of trading away Brown. Brown’s path could resemble that of cornerback Jalen Ramsey, who was traded multiple times despite high value.
Potential Moves for Raiders’ Defensive End Maxx Crosby
Maxx Crosby, the defensive end for the Las Vegas Raiders, also 29 at the season’s start, has a 2026 cap hit of approximately $35.88 million. Should he be traded, his cap hit reduces to roughly $30.79 million. The Raiders would incur a modest dead cap charge near $5 million in 2026.
With player-owner Tom Brady reportedly involved in the decision-making, the Raiders might consider a trade if they receive valuable assets such as multiple first-round draft picks or a quality offensive tackle—an area of need for the team led by GM John Spytek. However, if the asking price proves too steep, the Raiders could opt to wait until the trade deadline in October when Crosby’s value remains high but urgency might increase for suitors.
Kyler Murray’s Trade Potential with the Arizona Cardinals
Quarterback Kyler Murray enters the new season at age 29 with an enormous $52.7 million cap hit on Arizona’s books for 2026. A trade would cut that amount nearly in half for the acquiring team, raising it to $24.9 million. However, Murray has only appeared in 30 games over the last three seasons, and injuries along with inconsistent performances have made the Cardinals eager to move on.
The hefty base salary and bonuses totaling $158.5 million between 2023 and 2025 highlight the costly gamble the Cardinals took on Murray. Despite these issues, the deal’s structure means other teams could still be interested, though the injury history is a significant red flag.
Miami Dolphins Face Tough Decision on Tua Tagovailoa
Tua Tagovailoa, the Dolphins’ quarterback, is 28 years old this season and carries a steep $56.3 million cap hit heading into 2026. If traded, his cap hit for the acquiring team drops to $42.9 million, but the Dolphins would absorb a heavy dead cap charge of $45.2 million. Miami’s willingness to take this financial hit may rely on confidence in rookie Quinn Ewers or a potential draft pick to succeed at a far lower salary.
The Dolphins currently pay Tagovailoa more than the 2025 NFL MVP Matthew Stafford’s $48.3 million cap figure, and substantially more than other top quarterbacks like Joe Burrow, Justin Herbert, Jalen Hurts, and Trevor Lawrence. Miami’s new decision-makers have a precedent for trusting an untested quarterback from the Green Bay Packers’ experience when trading Aaron Rodgers for Jordan Love.
Trading Tagovailoa is unlikely to generate significant compensation; instead, it resembles the Denver Broncos’ recent decision to cut Russell Wilson despite a major cap hit. Denver’s subsequent acquisition of Bo Nix and strong 2025 AFC playoff performance illustrate how swallowing such costs can ultimately benefit a franchise’s future.
Implications and Outlook for NFL Teams Navigating Costly Trades
The looming trade decisions surrounding A.J. Brown, Maxx Crosby, Kyler Murray, and Tua Tagovailoa highlight the financial and emotional complexities facing NFL front offices during this pivotal period. Teams must weigh the heavy cap penalties against their strategic goals, player dynamics, and roster flexibility.
For the Eagles, shedding Brown could relieve significant tension but at a high financial price, while the Raiders and Cardinals must decide if resetting key positions is worth the expensive gamble. Miami’s approach to moving on from Tagovailoa might define their long-term trajectory, echoing recent precedent-setting trades across the league.
As trade deadlines approach, the NFL landscape could shift dramatically depending on how franchises navigate the difficult balance between immediate performance needs and financial realities.
