Look, I get it. You probably woke up this morning, grabbed your coffee, and started refreshing the wire to see which superstar just got shipped off for a haul of draft picks. You want to see "All NFL trades today" splashed across the front page of every sports site.
But here is the cold, hard truth that most "insider" sites won't tell you: there are literally zero NFL trades happening today, January 17, 2026.
✨ Don't miss: Where Does Chipper Jones Live: The Truth About the Braves Legend’s Georgia Portfolio
I know. It’s a bummer.
If you're looking for a blockbuster deal involving Mac Jones or Kyler Murray right this second, you’re about two months too early. We are currently stuck in that weird, frozen-over period of the NFL calendar where the trade window is effectively slammed shut.
Why? Because the playoffs are screaming toward the Divisional Round.
Teams like the Buffalo Bills and Denver Broncos—who actually play tomorrow—are busy elevating guys like Mecole Hardman and Elijah Moore from their practice squads, not haggling over trade value. In the NFL, once the trade deadline passes in early November, you cannot trade players again until the new league year begins. In 2026, that magic date is March 11.
The Transaction Log: What's Actually Happening Today
While the trade market is dead, the "transactions" wire is actually buzzing. If you see a headline claiming a "trade" happened today, they’re probably confusing it with a Reserve/Future contract or a waiver claim.
Take a look at what the teams are actually doing right now:
- Pittsburgh Steelers: They’ve been the busiest team in the league over the last 48 hours, but it’s all about the future. They just signed Jack Henderson (DB) and Daequan Hardy (DB) to futures contracts for the 2026 season. They also watched legendary wideout Adam Thielen officially hang up the cleats and retire.
- Denver Broncos: They made a savvy move by elevating veteran WR Elijah Moore to the active roster for their playoff matchup. He’s basically a "rental" for the postseason, but he didn't cost them a single draft pick.
- San Francisco 49ers: Their news is much grimmer. Star tight end George Kittle was just placed on Injured Reserve with a torn Achilles. That is a massive blow to their Super Bowl hopes, and unfortunately for them, they can't "trade" for a replacement right now. They have to rely on guys like Hayden Rucci, who they just signed to the practice squad.
Why You Can't Trade Right Now
Basically, the NFL wants to protect the integrity of the playoffs. Imagine if the Chiefs could just "trade" for a star receiver from a bottom-tier team right before the Super Bowl. It would be chaos.
The NFL trade deadline for the 2025-2026 season passed months ago. From that moment until 4:00 p.m. ET on March 11, 2026, no player can be traded. Period.
You’ve probably seen rumors about Mac Jones leaving the 49ers or Kyler Murray being shipped to Miami. Those talks are definitely happening behind closed doors at the "administrative" level, but nothing can be made official. Insiders like Albert Breer are already speculating that Jones could fetch a Day 2 pick, but that’s all "future-talk" for the spring.
The "Futures" Contract Loophole
If you're seeing news about players "joining" new teams today, you're likely seeing Reserve/Future contracts.
These are fascinating little deals. They allow teams to sign players who were not on an active roster at the end of the regular season. These players don't count against the current 53-man roster or the salary cap until the new league year starts in March.
Current 2026 Futures Signings of Note:
- Ihmir Smith-Marsette (WR): Signed by the Arizona Cardinals.
- Ben Cleveland (G): Signed by the LA Chargers.
- Tyron Herring (CB): Signed by the Green Bay Packers.
These aren't "all NFL trades today," but they are the closest thing we have to player movement in the dead of winter. It’s how teams build out the bottom of their 90-man rosters for training camp.
What to Watch for Instead
Since you won't find any trades today, keep your eyes on the coaching carousel. That is where the real "trades" of power are happening.
The New York Giants are reportedly in the final stages of hammering out a contract with John Harbaugh. According to Adam Schefter, the delay isn't even about money—it's about the "language" of the contract. Meanwhile, the Atlanta Falcons are interviewing Antonio Pierce today.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
If you're itching for roster moves, don't waste your time refreshing the trade wire today. Instead, do this:
- Check the Practice Squad Elevations: If your team is in the playoffs, look at who they moved to the active roster this afternoon. Those "minor" moves often decide who wins the third-down battles on Sunday.
- Mark March 11 on your calendar: That is the official start of the 2026 League Year. That is the day the floodgates open and all those "rumored" trades finally become reality.
- Follow the Coaching Hires: A new coach usually means a fire sale of the old roster. If the Giants land Harbaugh, expect their trade activity to skyrocket the second the window opens in March.
The NFL never really sleeps, it just changes its clothes. Today isn't about trades; it's about the grind of the postseason and the quiet scouting of the future.