The fourth-most active trade deadline in NFL history concluded with 18 in-season moves completed by 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday, as teams positioned themselves for postseason runs and rebuilds, according to CBS Sports Headlines. The biggest blockbusters sent star defensive tackles to Super Bowl contenders and quarterback help to sputtering offenses, which are projected to prove the most impactful deals of the year over time.
Assessing the Impact of In-Season Moves
Some transactions completed well in advance of the deadline have already paid dividends, such as Jeffery Simmons becoming a difference-maker for the Chicago Bears during their four-game winning streak. Other deals delivered mixed results due to early injuries, like Quenton Nelson and Joey Porter Jr. with the Seattle Seahawks and Dallas Cowboys, respectively. Evaluating the impact of a transaction depends on specific team needs, the capital sent in return, and how the move addresses short-term contention and long-term roster outlooks.
Ranking the Top NFL Trades
The Minnesota Vikings acquired quarterback Kirk Cousins to provide the offensive lift needed to capitalize on their league-best defense and help him threaten for his first 40-touchdown season at age 38. The Chicago Bears landed defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons, who instantly transformed their defense and proved his impact during a Week 9 win and a five-turnover game. The Jacksonville Jaguars traded a first-round pick and a 2029 second-rounder for defensive tackle Jordan Davis, securing a franchise-building block under team control for three years beyond this season to upgrade following DaVon Hamilton’s season-ending torn quad.
The Jaguars also added safety Jessie Bates III in the final year of his contract to elevate their starting lineup and offset the loss of Eric Murray. The Buffalo Bills traded a second- and a fifth-round pick for Titans captain and co-league interception leader Amani Hooker to fill a safety need after releasing C.J. Gardner-Johnson. The San Francisco 49ers brought back defensive tackle DeForest Buckner to address defensive line injuries after losing Alfred Collins, CJ West, and Gracen Halton.
The New York Giants acquired quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who went 2-0 as a starter to keep the team in first place in the NFC East while Jaxson Dart recovers from a season-ending injury. The Baltimore Ravens added veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett in a desperation trade to keep them in playoff contention while Lamar Jackson recovers from thumb surgery. The Seattle Seahawks acquired guard Quenton Nelson, who is dealing with a minor knee procedure and will miss time, while the Dallas Cowboys traded for cornerback Joey Porter Jr., who has battled illness and an ankle injury.
The Kansas City Chiefs added wide receiver Josh Downs to help ease pressure on tight ends and running back Kenneth Walker III. The Baltimore Ravens acquired center Cam Jurgens from the Eagles, though his early returns included 16 allowed pressures and multiple penalties. The San Francisco 49ers landed wide receiver Keenan Allen as an ideal third option for Brock Purdy once healthy, while the Houston Texans took a chance on wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., reuniting him with college teammate C.J. Stroud.
The Denver Broncos acquired inside linebacker Daiyan Henley from a division rival to serve as a rotational backup behind Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad. The Detroit Lions added safety Andre Cisco to bolster their pass defense while awaiting Kerby Joseph’s return. The Jacksonville Jaguars made a depth addition by trading for defensive tackle Davon Godchaux before acquiring Jordan Davis hours later. Finally, the Baltimore Ravens made a surprise late move for center Ryan Neuzil from the Falcons, who has experience at guard and could shift to the left side or serve as an interior reserve.
