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The 2026 NFL trade deadline has concluded, leaving a significantly altered league landscape halfway through the season. Following months of speculation, a total of 18 trades were completed between the start of the regular season and the deadline, with six occurring on the final day alone.
Key Deadline Moves
The most notable transaction involved a quarterback reunion, as the Minnesota Vikings reacquired Kirk Cousins from the Las Vegas Raiders in exchange for a third-round pick. This move follows Minnesota’s earlier decision to trade J.J. McCarthy to the New York Giants. Defensive tackle acquisitions also dominated the day, with the Chicago Bears securing Jeffery Simmons from the Tennessee Titans and the Jacksonville Jaguars adding Jordan Davis from the Philadelphia Eagles.
AFC Team Grades
Buffalo Bills (B+): Buffalo acquired safety Amani Hooker from the Titans for a 2027 second-round pick. Despite the high cost, Hooker’s strong performance this season makes him a valuable addition to the secondary.
Miami Dolphins (C-): It was a difficult deadline for Miami, marked by Malik Willis landing on injured reserve and defensive tackle Zach Sieler suffering a season-ending injury.
New England Patriots (D+): Despite significant injuries to key players like Rhamondre Stevenson and struggles along the offensive line, the Patriots made no moves to bolster their roster.
New York Jets (B+): The Jets traded Andre Cisco to the Detroit Lions for a sixth-round pick. The team opted to hold steady, maintaining flexibility with three first-round picks scheduled for next year.
Baltimore Ravens (C): The Ravens acquired quarterback Jacoby Brissett to provide stability while Lamar Jackson recovers. They also added center Ryan Neuzil, though the move was viewed as a potential overpay.
Cincinnati Bengals (F): The Bengals failed to execute a planned trade for Eagles edge rusher Arnold Ebiketie after realizing the acquisition would cost them a 2027 third-round compensation pick.
Cleveland Browns (B-): The Browns chose to stand pat, keeping wide receiver Jerry Jeudy despite trade rumors. The team is focusing on long-term development.
Pittsburgh Steelers (C-): The AFC North leaders were reportedly seeking wide receiver help but failed to finalize any deals before the deadline.
Houston Texans (C-): The Texans traded a second-round pick for Marvin Harrison Jr., a move criticized as an overpay given the receiver’s limited production thus far.
Indianapolis Colts (D+): As active sellers, the Colts traded Quenton Nelson, DeForest Buckner, Keenan Allen, and Josh Downs. However, failing to trade running back Jonathan Taylor was cited as a major missed opportunity.
Jacksonville Jaguars (C+): While acquiring safety Jessie Bates III was a positive move, the team was criticized for overpaying with a first- and second-round pick for defensive tackle Jordan Davis.
Tennessee Titans (A-): The Titans received high marks for securing significant draft capital, including extra first-round picks, by parting with veteran talent.
Denver Broncos (A-): The Broncos added linebacker Daiyan Henley, an athletic player who could thrive with a change of scenery.
Kansas City Chiefs (B+): The addition of wide receiver Josh Downs provides the Chiefs with a reliable option for beating man coverage.
Las Vegas Raiders (A): The Raiders successfully offloaded Kirk Cousins for a top-100 pick, clearing the way for Fernando Mendoza to start.
Los Angeles Chargers (D-): The winless Chargers made only one minor move, trading away linebacker Daiyan Henley.
NFC Team Grades
Dallas Cowboys (B-): The Cowboys opted to keep their roster intact, hoping that returning injured players will spark a second-half turnaround.
New York Giants (B): The Giants maintained their current roster, relying on the momentum established by their earlier acquisition of J.J. McCarthy.
Philadelphia Eagles (A): The Eagles earned high praise for securing a first- and second-round pick from the Jaguars for Jordan Davis, significantly boosting their future draft capital.
Washington Commanders (D+): The Commanders missed an opportunity to gain assets by failing to trade veteran players who are set to become free agents.
Chicago Bears (A): The acquisition of Jeffery Simmons has already paid dividends, with the defensive tackle making a major impact in his first two games.
Detroit Lions (B-): The Lions added depth to their secondary by acquiring Andre Cisco.
Green Bay Packers (C+): The Packers stood pat, anticipating the return of Micah Parsons from injury to bolster their defense.
Minnesota Vikings (B-): The return of Kirk Cousins is viewed as a calculated gamble to improve the team’s offensive production for a potential playoff run.
Atlanta Falcons (A-): The Falcons received strong value for safety Jessie Bates III, a move that helps them manage their salary cap and future roster needs.
Carolina Panthers (C-): The Panthers remained inactive, missing a chance to improve their roster in a competitive division.
New Orleans Saints (B+): The Saints successfully traded veteran defensive tackle Davon Godchaux for draft compensation.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (C+): The Buccaneers opted not to address their wide receiver needs, despite visible struggles in recent games.
Arizona Cardinals (B-): While the Cardinals gained assets, they were criticized for failing to trade veteran players like Budda Baker and Josh Sweat.
Los Angeles Rams (D): The Rams were criticized for failing to add reliable wide receiver depth despite their stated goal of competing for a playoff spot.
San Francisco 49ers (A): The 49ers bolstered their roster by acquiring veterans DeForest Buckner and Keenan Allen at reasonable prices.
Seattle Seahawks (B+): The Seahawks addressed their interior offensive line struggles by acquiring guard Quenton Nelson.
