Which team is willing to wheel and deal?
That’s always a crucial NFL draft question, but it’s especially important as New York Jets head coach Aaron Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey commence the organization’s newest regime.
With many fans intrigued by the idea of trading down to acquire more draft capital, the Jets could look to strike a deal with a team eager to move up. After all, if Glenn is who we think he is—a true Bill Parcells disciple—trade-down potential can never be eliminated.
Which teams make the most sense as trade partners? It’s one thing to want to trade down; it’s an entirely different story to actually make it happen—since it’s never easy to accomplish.
In fact, with the No. 7 pick in this offseason’s draft, it feels even tougher to accomplish this time around. Nonetheless, there are three organizations the Jets should call about the possibility of trading down.
At the very least, exploring the Jets’ NFL draft trade-down possibilities is a worthy task.
San Francisco 49ers
In this year’s draft, the San Francisco 49ers hold 11 total draft picks—which includes two third-rounders, two fourth-rounders, two fifth-rounders, and three seventh-rounders. Given the overall state of their roster, they likely won’t need to use all 11 selections.
With the 11th overall pick, they wouldn’t have to give up significant assets to trade up with the Jets at No. 7. That move could allow them to reinforce the trenches or add a wide receiver after trading Deebo Samuel to the Washington Commanders.
If Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham slips past the Jacksonville Jaguars and remains available at No. 7, the 49ers could be a prime candidate to move up, potentially using one of their third-round picks to strike a deal with the Jets.
Jets fans are familiar with 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, who, during his time in New York, heavily relied on Quinnen Williams. San Francisco lacks a dominant defensive tackle who can clog the middle, disrupt the run game, and provide pass-rush value. Graham could fill that void.
Graham’s Pro Football Focus grades in pass sets, run defense, pass-rush win rate, and solo run-stop rate all rank above the 95th percentile over the past two seasons. At 6-foot-3 and 320 pounds, he has the ideal size for a three-technique role in the NFL but has also demonstrated the versatility to play across the defensive front.
The 49ers could also target Arizona wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan in a trade-up scenario.
While they have Brandon Aiyuk, he thrives as a speedster and route technician. McMillan, at 6-foot-5, 212 pounds, would be an ideal complement with his elite body control and contested catch ability. In 2024, he hauled in 19 of 31 contested catch opportunities.
If Mougey is open to trading down, he should certainly give John Lynch a call.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Although the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have only five draft picks this year, they are all-in and willing to do whatever it takes to significantly boost their chances of hoisting the Lombardi Trophy.
Adding a legitimate starting cornerback in the first round would be a major step in the right direction. Holding the No. 19 overall pick, Tampa Bay is unlikely to have a shot at Colorado’s Travis Hunter, while Texas’ Jahdae Barron and Michigan’s Will Johnson will likely be off the board as well.
The Buccaneers could be a team to watch for a potential trade into the top 10, particularly at No. 7 with the Jets, to secure a long-term answer at cornerback.
Barron, 23, is among the most versatile defensive backs in recent years. The Texas product has experience at nickel corner, boundary corner, and safety, sometimes playing all three positions in a single game. At 5-foot-11 and 200 pounds, he is also a ball hawk, recording five interceptions during the 2024 season.
Johnson, 21, is versatile enough to play on either side of the field and slide inside to nickel corner. He has also shown the ability to shadow top wide receivers at the collegiate level.
After suffering a lower-leg injury, the Michigan standout played in just six games but made an impact, tallying 14 tackles and two interceptions, both of which returned for touchdowns.
If the Buccaneers move up from No. 19, the Jets would trade back 12 spots, gaining valuable draft capital. If Jason Licht and Mougey strike a deal, expect New York to receive Tampa Bay’s second-round pick (No. 53 overall) as part of the package.
Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears have seven picks in this year’s draft, featuring a couple of second-rounders.
With Chicago’s first-round pick just three spots behind the Jets, the Bears wouldn’t have to give up much to move up in the order, perhaps just a Day 3 pick or two.
Among the three teams listed, Chicago seems the least likely to strike a deal with Jets general manager Darren Mougey; but never say never, especially when it comes to draft-day trades.
One player the Bears could target at No. 10—but may want to trade up to secure—is Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty.
First-year head coach Ben Johnson emphasized a diverse rushing attack in his offensive scheme with the Detroit Lions. Aside from D’Andre Swift, who is a slightly above-average running back at best, the Bears lack a lethal rushing attack.
Jeanty, 21, had a remarkable 2024 season, rushing for 2,601 yards and 29 touchdowns. The Heisman finalist thrives on contact, racking up 1,970 rushing yards after contact, by far the most among FBS running backs. He also excels at breaking tackles, forcing an astonishing 152 missed tackles in 2024, the most in the nation.
Jeanty is a special talent who would fit well in Johnson’s offensive system. Also, to move up to No. 7 and secure him, Bears general manager Ryan Poles wouldn’t have to give up many picks.
