Major League Baseball is not the only American sports league contemplating expansion; the NFL is also making headlines with thoughts of adding another franchise. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell expressed earlier this year that international expansion remains a consideration, showing a commitment to grow the league.
The NBA is currently eyeing opportunities in Las Vegas and Seattle for new teams, demonstrating that major leagues are consistently evaluating their landscapes. As the NFL approaches the 2026 season, the prospect of a 33rd franchise becoming a reality seems more plausible than ever. With the last expansion resulting in the Houston Texans' 2002 inclusion, an analysis of potential players who might be left unprotected by their current teams provides intriguing possibilities for a new squad.
Structure of the Expansion Draft
When the Texans entered the league, each team was required to expose five players who would be left unprotected. The new team then had the chance to select these players while existing teams could pull one of their remaining players back if chosen. This unique drafting system sets the stage for potential player movement and reshaping of rosters, placing numerous marginally effective athletes into the draft pool. The objective of this mock-up is to envision how an expansion draft for a hypothetical new franchise could unfold in 2026.
For this exercise, certain restrictions are applied: teams cannot leave kickers or punters unprotected, and only one player with over 10 years of experience may be left available for selection. Furthermore, any players who ended the 2025 season on practice squads were ruled out.
Potential Unprotected Players
This mock-up draft focuses on clubs from the American Football Conference (AFC) and National Football Conference (NFC), evaluating which players might be at risk:
AFC Teams
Buffalo Bills: Defensive lineman Ed Oliver is poised to become a candidate due to an expensive contract and injury concerns. At $28 million for 2027, his high cap hit makes him a potential risk for retention.
Miami Dolphins: Defensive lineman Zach Sieler and running back Ollie Gordon II could be among those left exposed due to their performance trajectories and age-related considerations.
New England Patriots: Notably, the Patriots seem unlikely to make significant changes to their roster, consisting mainly of lesser-impact players.
New York Jets: Cornerback Brandon Stephens could be appealing for a new team. He comes with a cap hit of nearly $28 million and has struggled in past seasons.
Baltimore Ravens: The Ravens could see linebacker Roquan Smith, a once-heralded player who is now expensive and nearing the decline phase of his career, left unprotected.
NFC Teams
Chicago Bears: The team could reconsider the value of tight end Cole Kmet, particularly given a cumbersome contract that they are hesitant to shed.
Dallas Cowboys: Although Dak Prescott's name has been floated due to his hefty contract, it is unlikely an expansion team would claim him. Cornerback DaRon Bland appears a more likely target.
New York Giants: DL Dexter Lawrence may attract interest due to contractual squabbles, particularly given the potential savings from parting ways.
Philadelphia Eagles: Star WR A.J. Brown's name often appears in trade speculation. An expansion team may capitalize on his contract challenges.
Seattle Seahawks: Veteran wide receiver Cooper Kupp could be exposed due to recent performance, with a high cap number likely leading the Seahwaks to reconsider his value.
Draft Strategy for the New Franchise
With a projected salary cap for the NFL set at $301 million, the expansion team is required to claim either 30 players or 38 percent of the prior year's cap, focusing on creating a balanced team at a manageable financial commitment. Experience is paramount, especially as the franchise seeks to cultivate a competitive spirit.
The early picks for this mock expansion draft would focus on proven players with upside. For example:
- Baltimore Ravens' LB Roquan Smith would be a compelling first pick, providing not just skill but also leadership.
- Buffalo Bills' DL Ed Oliver adds strength to the trenches at a reasonable near-future cost.
- Carolina Panthers’ G Robert Hunt contributes experience as an established player coming off an injury.
- Pittsburgh Steelers' Edge Alex Highsmith's ability to pace the defense after posting notable sack numbers makes him a value addition.
Furthermore, capturing younger talents who may have been marginalized on their existing teams, such as Los Angeles Chargers RB Kimani Vidal and New England Patriots LB Chad Muma, represents an opportunity to build for the future while remaining competitive in the present.
The Future of Expansion in the NFL
The NFL stands at the cusp of potentially embracing its next big chapter. With conversations of expansion ongoing across various leagues, the addition of a new franchise is becoming ever more feasible. The unique nature of an expansion draft provides an outlet for reshaping not just one new roster but also influencing the broader dynamics across the league.
The future remains bright as franchises look toward greater heights, with innovation in expanding their reach while delivering top-tier football to fans worldwide. Everyone involved can look forward to this thrilling evolution in professional sports.
