As the pads come on and training camps open across the league, the visual of superstar players sporting fresh colors always brings a unique wave of intrigue. The 2026 offseason delivered one of the most chaotic, blockbuster-heavy player movement cycles in recent memory.
From seismic draft-night swings to high-profile veteran relocations, here is a look at the most impactful “old faces in new places” capturing all the attention as teams kick off their preparations for the 2026 season.
1. Myles Garrett — Edge (Cleveland Browns to Los Angeles Rams)
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The Move: In one of the most stunning blockbuster deals in modern NFL history, the Rams sent a massive package of picks (including a 2027 first-rounder) and edge rusher Jared Verse to Cleveland to land the two-time Defensive Player of the Year.
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Camp Outlook: Fresh off setting the single-season sack record with 23, Garrett walks into a Los Angeles defense that went completely all-in to remodel its unit. Paired alongside another marquee arrival in star cornerback Trent McDuffie, Garrett instantly elevates the Rams into terrifying defensive territory. Watching him anchor Chris Shula’s scheme will be the premier attraction of camp.
2. A.J. Brown — WR (Philadelphia Eagles to New England Patriots)
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The Move: After months of speculation, the Patriots finally secured their elite, alpha wide receiver, trading a future first-rounder to Philadelphia to bring Brown to Foxborough.
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Camp Outlook: New England is looking to arm reigning MVP runner-up Drake Maye with the tools necessary to defend their AFC crown. Brown provides an instant vertical threat and a physical presence who can win contested catches on the perimeter. Combined with free-agent addition Romeo Doubs, New England’s receiver room has undergone a complete philosophical makeover.
3. Kenneth Walker III — RB (Seattle Seahawks to Kansas City Chiefs)
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The Move: After taking home Super Bowl MVP honors with Seattle, Walker made a shocking divisional jump, signing a lucrative three-year deal with the Chiefs.
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Camp Outlook: Kansas City has spent years cycling through running backs without finding a true 1,000-yard workhorse. Bringing in an explosive, tackle-breaking threat like Walker gives the Chiefs a dynamic insurance policy and ground game foundation as Patrick Mahomes works his way back to full health.
4. Jaylen Waddle — WR (Miami Dolphins to Denver Broncos)
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The Move: The defending AFC West champion Broncos made a major splash to upgrade their explosive play potential, sending a first-round-heavy package to Miami for Waddle.
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Camp Outlook: Sean Payton’s offense relied heavily on disciplined execution during their 14-win campaign last year, but they lacked a true game-breaking vertical separator. Pairing Waddle with young quarterback Bo Nix gives Denver an elite deep threat capable of unlocking the next tier of their passing game.
5. Kyler Murray — QB (Arizona Cardinals to Minnesota Vikings)
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The Move: Following his release from Arizona, Murray capitalized on offset language in his contract to sign a team-friendly veteran’s minimum deal with Minnesota.
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Camp Outlook: It’s a classic high-upside, low-risk gamble. Murray enters camp competing with J.J. McCarthy for the starting gig, but Kevin O’Connell’s structured play-action system offers an ideal framework to help reset his career. If Murray captures his old rhythm while scheming looks to Justin Jefferson, it could go down as the steal of free agency.
6. Dexter Lawrence II — DT (New York Giants to Cincinnati Bengals)
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The Move: In a rare top-10 pick draft-night trade, the Bengals sent their No. 10 overall selection to the Giants in exchange for “Dexy,” immediately locking him down with a massive extension.
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Camp Outlook: Cincinnati recognized the need to insulate Joe Burrow with a suffocating defense, pairing Lawrence with interior disruptor Jonathan Allen and edge rusher Boye Mafe. Lawrence’s rare ability to swallow double-teams and collapse the pocket from the inside completely changes the complexion of the Bengals’ front seven.
