The 2026 NFL trade deadline concluded with 23 teams completing 18 trades that moved 19 players and 34 draft picks. The Indianapolis Colts were the most active, making four trades for six draft selections, though star running back Jonathan Taylor stayed put. The biggest move saw the Minnesota Vikings acquire quarterback Kirk Cousins from the Las Vegas Raiders for a third-round pick, reuniting Cousins with Justin Jefferson and a top-ranked defense. The Raiders gained a valuable pick for a rental quarterback, while rookie Fernando Mendoza steps in as Vegas' new starter.
Bengals' Compensatory Pick Blunder
The Cincinnati Bengals nearly traded a sixth-round pick to the Philadelphia Eagles for pass rusher Arnold Ebiketie, but backed out after realizing the deal would cost them a 2027 compensatory third-round pick. Ebiketie was signed as a compensatory free agent, and adding him would have altered the Bengals' compensatory formula. The oversight was flagged by salary-cap analyst Nick Korte, who has previously helped Cincinnati secure extra draft capital.
Jaguars Go All-In
Jacksonville made three major acquisitions in one week: safety Jessie Bates III (second- and fifth-round picks), defensive tackle Davon Godchaux (conditional sixth-round pick), and defensive tackle Jordan Davis (first- and second-round picks). Davis, who signed a three-year, $78 million extension eight months ago, has 31 tackles and 1.5 sacks in nine games this season. The Jaguars' aggressive push aims for the AFC's top seed, though the high draft cost raises questions if they fall short of a Super Bowl.
Running Backs Stay Put
Despite heavy speculation, no running backs were traded. Jonathan Taylor, Derrick Henry, Tony Pollard, and Breece Hall remained with their current teams. Pollard, averaging a career-high 74.4 rushing yards per game and ranking in the top 12 in rushing yards and touchdowns, drew interest from playoff contenders like the Vikings, Broncos, Packers, and Giants, but no deals materialized.
Chiefs Add Slot Weapon
Kansas City sent a fourth- and fifth-round pick to the Colts for wide receiver Josh Downs and a seventh-rounder. Downs has recorded the second-most slot receiving yards (1,995) since 2023. The Chiefs' passing attack had struggled, with Patrick Mahomes averaging under 5.0 air yards per attempt in his last four games.
Eagles Stockpile Draft Capital
Philadelphia traded away Jordan Davis, offensive lineman Cam Jurgens, and wide receiver A.J. Brown (dealt in June), netting two first-round picks, two second-round picks, and two fifth-round picks — a haul comparable to the famous Ricky Williams trade of 1999.
Rams Stand Pat Despite Injuries
Los Angeles, missing Davante Adams (hamstring), Puka Nacua (knee), and Jordan Whittington (back), did not make a move at the deadline, leaving Matthew Stafford with limited receiving options.
Bills Bolster Secondary
Buffalo sent a second-round pick to the Titans for safety Amani Hooker and a fifth-round pick. Hooker has 40 tackles and five interceptions through seven games, becoming only the third player in 40 years to start a season with those numbers. The addition follows the release of C.J. Gardner-Johnson.
Brian Thomas Jr. Remains in Jacksonville
Despite being viewed as a trade candidate, Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. stayed with the team. The 2024 rookie standout has played just 43.1% of offensive snaps this season and caught zero passes in three of the last four games.
Defensive Tackles Command Premium
Two high-profile defensive tackles moved for first-round picks: Jeffery Simmons to the Bears (two first-rounders and a Day 3 pick swap) and Jordan Davis to the Jaguars (first- and second-round picks). In the past two seasons, five first-round picks have been traded for veteran defensive tackles, compared to just six for all other veteran positions combined.
