Topps Announces All NFL Rookies Will Wear 'Debut' Patches During 2026 Season for 2027 Trading Cards

Topps is bringing debut patches to the NFL.

The trading card and collectibles company announced Wednesday rookies will be wearing patches while making their on-field debuts in 2026.

The patches will then be removed and made into 1-of-1 trading cards set to be released in 2027, according to Topps.

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Fanatics and Topps introduced rookie debut patches to MLB in 2023. The rookie debut patch card for Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes made history when it sold for $1.11 million at auction in March 2025.

Topps introduced rookie debut patches to the NBA last season. These patches were used in cards released as part of the 2025-26 Topps Chrome Updates Basketball collection .

According to ESPN , there is "speculation" Dallas Mavericks star Cooper Flagg's signed rookie debut patch card could match or exceed the price paid for Skenes' card should it go up for auction.

The most highly-anticipated NFL rookie card this season could belong to the Las Vegas Raiders' Fernando Mendoza. Tom Brady reportedly set the current record for a Mendoza trading card by purchasing the quarterback's first NFL autograph card, per the California Post 's Edward Lewis .

Rookies including Seattle Seahawks running back Jadarian Price and New England Patriots offensive tackle Caleb Lomu will be making their NFL debuts when the 2026 regular season kicks off Wednesday, Sept. 9 at Lumen Field.