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The 2026 NFL trade deadline concluded on Tuesday afternoon with significant activity across the league as 23 teams engineered 18 separate deals before the 4 p.m. ET cutoff. In total, 19 players and 34 draft picks were exchanged, including three first-round selections, matching the heightened pace of midseason transactions seen in recent years.
Contenders Bolster Rosters for Playoff Push
The Jacksonville Jaguars aggressively upgraded their roster by executing trades for Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jordan Davis, Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III, and New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Davon Godchaux. In exchange, Jacksonville relinquished five future draft choices, including a 2027 first-round pick and two second-round selections. Supported by the league’s second-ranked scoring defense allowing 15.1 points per game and a scoring offense averaging 28.6 points per game, Jacksonville sought immediate defensive reinforcements to maintain its postseason push.
The Minnesota Vikings responded to offensive struggles by securing veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins from the Las Vegas Raiders for a 2027 third-round pick. Minnesota sought help following a 23-6 loss where backup Carson Wentz threw for just 81 yards with two interceptions and recorded an 8.9 passer rating. Cousins, who has thrown 20 touchdown passes this season, reunites with wide receiver Justin Jefferson to revitalize a Vikings offense that had scored only 12 touchdowns through eight games despite holding a 6-2 record.
The NFC-leading San Francisco 49ers addressed key positional needs without sacrificing top draft assets. San Francisco acquired defensive tackle DeForest Buckner from the Indianapolis Colts for a 2027 fourth-round selection and added wide receiver Keenan Allen for a 2027 sixth-round pick. Meanwhile, the Buffalo Bills fortified their secondary by acquiring safety Amani Hooker and a 2027 fifth-round choice from the Tennessee Titans for a 2027 second-round pick. Hooker leads the NFL with five interceptions this season.
The Kansas City Chiefs focused on expanding their passing attack by acquiring wide receiver Josh Downs and a 2027 seventh-round pick from Indianapolis in exchange for fourth- and fifth-round picks in 2027. Kansas City’s wide receivers have averaged a league-low 117.5 yards per game this season, prompting the addition of Downs, who ranks among the NFL leaders in slot receiving yards since entering the league in 2023.
Rebuilding Franchises Stockpile Draft Capital
The Philadelphia Eagles continued restructuring their roster under general manager Howie Roseman. By trading receiver A.J. Brown, defensive tackle Jordan Davis, and offensive lineman Cam Jurgens, Philadelphia accumulated 10 total selections in the first two rounds across the next three drafts. The moves come as quarterback Jalen Hurts remains sidelined for the season with blood clots during a seven-game losing streak.
The Tennessee Titans also embraced a roster reset after a 1-7 start to the season. Tennessee traded All-Pro defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons alongside a 2028 fifth-round pick to the Chicago Bears for a 2027 first-round pick, a 2027 fourth-round pick, and a 2028 first-round pick. Following the additional move of Hooker to Buffalo, the Titans now hold four first-round selections and three second-round picks over the next two draft cycles.
Following the dismissal of general manager Chris Ballard after Week 6, the Indianapolis Colts completed four separate trades—the highest volume by any NFL team in a single season over the past 25 years. Indianapolis collected six draft picks by trading away Buckner, Downs, Allen, and guard Quenton Nelson, building a total of 11 selections for the 2027 draft while retaining star running back Jonathan Taylor.
Teams Standing Pat Despite Roster Needs
Several struggling franchises opted against major moves at the deadline, as noted in the analysis by CBS Sports Headlines. The winless Los Angeles Chargers (0-8) retained high-profile veterans on expiring contracts, including 36-year-old edge rusher Khalil Mack, cornerback Donte Jackson, and defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson. The Chargers’ only deadline deal was shipping linebacker Daiyan Henley to the Denver Broncos for fourth- and fifth-round draft picks.
The Green Bay Packers (6-3) chose not to add offensive depth despite ranking last in the NFL in rushing offense with 68.2 yards per game and recording a league-high 23 dropped passes. Quarterback Jordan Love has been hit 57 times this season while throwing for a league-leading 2,618 yards, but received no backfield or offensive line additions.
The Arizona Cardinals also kept their core veterans intact despite a 3-6 record, opting not to trade 30-year-old safety Budda Baker or 29-year-old edge rusher Josh Sweat as the franchise continues its rebuilding phase.
