After the latest Myles Garrett blockbuster this offseason, a shocking Brock Bowers trade is possible during the 2026 season and could shake up the roster. According to Daire Carragher of PFF, he said, while Maxx Crosby is the obvious trade candidate this year, the tight end could very well leave with him. At the same time, it’s hard to envision the young superstar pass-catcher going anywhere anytime, but it’s still something to bring up. In his past two years as a Raider, he has established himself as one of the better tight ends, recording a 90.0 PFF receiving grade.
He ranks second among tight ends in yards, first downs and contested catches over the last two seasons despite missing a month of action in 2025. After he missed time, it could be why the Raiders would hold onto him. The team hasn’t had him for a full four seasons in his rookie campaign. Bowers won the starting job over Michael Mayer when he joined the league in 2024, hauling in 112 catches for 1,194 receiving yards and five receiving touchdowns.
However, since joining the Raiders, the team has only won seven games in the past two campaigns. With experience, nobody should be surprised if the tight end desires to be more in a competitive environment.
Brock Bowers Trade: Raiders May Face Roster Pivot in 2026
Here’s what is true: Crosby and Bowers are pretty much the heart and soul of Las Vegas. It’d be hard to see these two players head elsewhere, but after the team hired head coach Klint Kubiak after he won the Super Bowl as the offensive coordinator with the Seahawks, he wants to install his regime. If it comes to moving on from their edge rusher and elite pass-catcher, he will do that.
Would a trade for the former first-round pick happen during the 2026 season? probably not. However, there would be no shortage of teams waiting for him to become available. Despite the Raiders drafting Fernando Mendoza and signing Kirk Cousins to overhaul their QB room, they still have a lot of work to do. Similar to the Cleveland Browns situation between Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson, you can argue that the Raiders aren’t punching their ticket to an AFC Championship Game, and these three teams could instead be giving Bowers his first ring in the league.
Possible Fits
Carolina Panthers
It’s easy to see why the Panthers could be a great fit for the tight end. Despite drafting WR Chris Brazell to boost the pass-catching unit, there are still some issues in their tight end room. Between Tommy Tremble and Ja’Tavion Sanders, no one has been too exciting, and it’s time for the team to add a playmaker to address their concerns. QB Bryce Young is entering a pivotal 2026 season, and if the Panthers want him to have a spectacular year, they should add Bowers.
This could probably change the trajectory from being a wild-card threat to a potential championship-caliber roster, especially with the team still having RB Chuba Hubbard and WR Tetairoa McMillan as their younger star pieces.
Kansas City Chiefs
Meanwhile, the Chiefs are bringing back veteran Travis Kelce, but he’s most likely playing his season this upcoming campaign. The team must do something about their passing attack with Patrick Mahomes returning from a season-ending injury. He’s no longer the same mobile QB he once was, so the goal is to make his life easier on the field. Bowers has the same size and unique abilities to make plays down the field similar to Kelce, and can turn into a true All-Pro.
Since Rashee Rice’s future is in doubt due to off-field issues, the team really has an inexperienced group amongst Xavier Worthy, Tyquan Thornton and Jalen Royals, so adding the Raiders TE could sprinkle some excitement.
Dallas Cowboys
Last but not least, the Dallas Cowboys. While they still have Jake Ferguson, he’s coming off a shaky 2024 season and turned things around the following year. Brevyn Spann-Ford is expected to take over more reps as a possible backup, which leaves Luke Schoonmaker as a cut candidate. The Cowboys could elevate Bowers as their new starter and push Ferguson as a backup to see if he can excel in that role instead.
