Introduction

The excitement surrounding the 2026 NFL Draft is palpable as teams gear up for a three-day event that promises to reshape the landscape of the league. With a plethora of promising prospects on the horizon, wheeling and dealing is expected, especially involving under-the-radar players whose contributions can impact franchises significantly. Here, we outline five underrated players who could be prime candidates for trades during the draft.

Renardo Green, CB, San Francisco 49ers

Cornerback Renardo Green has found himself on a precarious ledge as the NFL Draft approaches. Selected in the second round of the 2024 draft, Green showed flashes of brilliance last season, serving as a full-time starter. However, inconsistency has plagued his play, and his performance leaves much to be desired. In 2025, he started 14 games but only registered 60 tackles and failed to intercept a pass, despite being aggressive in coverage.

His defensive coordinator change to Raheem Morris adds another layer of uncertainty to Green's future with the 49ers. This transition could bolster his game or spell trouble given his previous struggles. While General Manager John Lynch has stated the team isn’t actively shopping him, teams seeking reliable cornerback talent may still inquire during the draft. Given his modest $3 million salary over the next two seasons, Green could yield a solid return for the 49ers.

Tanner McKee, QB, Philadelphia Eagles

Tanner McKee, the Eagles' promising backup quarterback, is another name on the trading block as the draft nears. Entering the final year of his rookie contract, the organization finds itself in a dilemma. With Jalen Hurts firmly established as the starter, McKee’s chances to showcase his talent are highly limited. The Eagles value McKee but are also aware of his potential as a making-move candidate.

While extended negotiations may prove tricky due to McKee’s aspirations for starting opportunities, the Eagles are also not keen on letting him go for a pittance. Reports suggest they are looking for a Day 2 pick for the sixth-rounder—an ambitious request for a player who hasn't thrown many passes. Nevertheless, after an impressive showing in limited appearances with five touchdowns and a completion rate of 61.4%, a desperate team during draft day could indeed meet the Eagles' asking price.

Patrick Queen, LB, Pittsburgh Steelers

Linebacker Patrick Queen was one of the significant free-agent signings for the Steelers two years ago. However, after his 2025 season performance raised eyebrows, he now finds himself under trade scrutiny. Despite starting all 17 games, Queen struggled in several aspects—most notably in coverage—contributing to a disappointing Pro Football Focus grade of 44.0.

His two consecutive Pro Bowl appearances seem distant memories as he allowed numerous completions and registered a concerning number of missed tackles last season. His hefty $13.3 million salary might limit interest, but it’s expected that he’ll draw some attention as teams may see potential in a player who has previously performed at a high level. If the Texas native makes it through the draft, he could be a desirable target for teams looking to strengthen their linebacker corps.

Spencer Rattler, QB, New Orleans Saints

Quarterback Spencer Rattler’s future with the New Orleans Saints looks grim as the team appears to have settled on newcomers Tyler Shough and Zach Wilson to lead their quarterback unit. After a rocky start since being drafted as a fifth-round pick in 2024, Rattler’s tenure has experienced ups and downs, leading him to lose his job as the starter to Shough.

Even with reasonable numbers, including a 67.7% completion rate and eight touchdowns, the retention of both competitors leaves little room for Rattler. The Saints’ front office may prefer to trade him while they can, especially with the potential for his experience appealing to a quarterback-needy team. Like the aforementioned players, Rattler could turn a moderate return for the franchise, given the right circumstances.

Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, New York Giants

Lastly, Kayvon Thibodeaux’s name comes up as a possible trade candidate, adding to the list of disappointing high picks for the New York Giants. Selected fifth overall in 2022, he had early success but has struggled significantly due to injuries and on-field performance, registering only 2.5 sacks last season.

The Giants’ decision to activate Thibodeaux’s fifth-year option indicates some commitment, but with dwindling output, they may seek to trade him. As the draft looms, their aim will likely be to free up cap space to address other defensive weaknesses. Despite a poor 2025 season, teams may still see upside in Thibodeaux, leading to potential returns of late-Day 2 or early-Day 3 picks during the draft.

Conclusion

As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, the dynamic landscape promises player movements that will significantly affect franchise fortunes. With under-the-radar candidates like Green, McKee, Queen, Rattler, and Thibodeaux potentially on the move, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely for trades that could reshape teams and their seasons ahead.