Crazy trade ideas for the first overall pick
By: Jake Rajala
The 2026 NFL Draft is around the corner. It seems the Las Vegas Raiders (who carry the first overall pick) will keep it and draft Fernando Mendoza. Well, let’s have some fun. Perhaps the Raiders would deal their pick for the right amount of draft stock and players. So, I’m going to lay out 10 crazy trade ideas for the first overall pick.
Steelers trade: T.J. Watt, first round pick
Raiders trade: first overall pick
T.J. Watt is a sure-fire first ballot Hall of Famer. So, anybody should want him. Watt and Maxx Crosby could be the best pass rushing tandem in the league in 2026. Given Watt’s age, the Raiders may be a tad hesitant. So, I believe it would make more sense if the Raiders want an early draft pick, too. This trade also makes sense for the Steelers that Aaron Rodgers may not return. Even if he does come back, he will surely retire after the upcoming season. To put it simply, they really need a young, gifted QB like Fernando.
Vikings trade: Justin Jefferson, first round pick
Raiders trade: first overall pick
The Vikings have a modest QB in Kyler Murray. However, he has struggled to win, be consistent, and stay healthy over the past few seasons. I’d love to see an upgrade take place at QB. The Raiders would be really pleased to have Justin Jefferson. They would have the best WR-TE-RB tandem in the league with Jefferson.
Browns trade: Myles Garrett, first round pick
Raiders trade: first overall pick
Myles Garrett will certainly wreak havoc for at least a few more seasons. After all, Garrett just broke the sack record at 30 years old. We’re seeing edge rushers like Cameron Jordan and Von Miller dominate off the edge late in their career. The Raiders play three Pro Bowl-caliber QBs in their division. Hence, they could use more help at rushing the passer.
Cardinals trade: Marvin Harrison Jr, first round pick, second round pick, third round pick,
Raiders: first overall pick
The Raiders offense could be set up nicely with a stud wideout in Marvin Harrison Jr. They could also use their draft picks to draft a QB late in the first or second round. Harrison Jr. can be a regular Pro Bowl WR in the right system. We’ve seen Harrison Jr. do well without Kyler Murray.
Atlanta Falcons trade: Michael Penix Jr, Drake London, first round pick, third round pick
Raiders trade: first overall pick
The Raiders could really benefit from a WR, if that wasn’t already obvious. Drake London would be a sure-fire WR1 in Vegas. Michael Penix still has a lot of potential. I feel more comfortable with him than J.J. McCarthy. Plus, the Raiders should get another first round, which could go toward a QB or a young skill player.
Clearly, it would be somewhat crazy for the Raiders to let go of the first overall pick, regardless of the offer on the table. Mendoza can be the next Andrew Luck or Cam Newton. The Raiders may not get another chance to land a potential All-Pro QB if they decide to trade their first overall pick.
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