NFL GM Hints at Busy Trade Market in First Round of 2026 Draft

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The 2026 NFL Draft is one week away and the anticipation is growing. With Fernando Mendoza widely expected to be the first pick to the Las Vegas Raiders, the intrigue begins behind him. According to one NFL general manager, the first round of the 2026 Draft could be filled with several trades.

Kansas City Chiefs general manager Brett Veach held a press conference one week before the 2026 NFL Draft. Veach teased that fans are going to love the trade activity on Thursday, April 23.

“I think the fans will be in for a treat next Thursday,” Veach said. “I think it should be an entertaining night, there will probably be a lot of trades…I think from a fans perspective, they should have a lot of fun next Thursday.”

Several NFL teams have already been linked to possible trades during the first round, such as the Dallas Cowboys and Arizona Cardinals. There is a possibility that Dallas could trade the 12th pick to Arizona for the third overall pick. This is just one of several trades that have been discussed.

It doesn’t even include the trades for established NFL players, such as Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver receiver A.J. Brown. While it seems more likely after June 1, it shows that NFL teams can move established stars during the 2026 NFL Draft. After all, this wouldn’t be the first time it has happened.