NFL trade analyst grades recent deals ahead of the 2026 deadline
Analyst Kevin Patra evaluated several NFL trades made since the season began, assigning grades and assessing the impact on the Dallas Cowboys, Pittsburgh Steelers, New York Giants and Minnesota Vikings.
Analyst Kevin Patra graded a number of NFL trades completed before the November 10 deadline, focusing on how each move affects the teams involved. He gave the Dallas Cowboys’ acquisition of cornerback JPJ Porter a B+, noting that the team added a physical defender who fits the scheme and only gave up a future 2028 second-round pick, a relatively low cost if Porter remains productive.
Patra criticized the Pittsburgh Steelers’ decision to trade Porter for a second-round pick, assigning a C- grade. He argued that the Steelers lost a top-level corner without adequate compensation and that the timing of the deal reduced its value.
The trade that sent quarterback J.J. McCarthy to the New York Giants for a 2027 fifth-round pick received a C grade. Patra said the Giants gained a backup option after injuries to their starter, while the Vikings, who received the pick, turned a former first-round quarterback into a modest return and did not receive sufficient value for the draft assets they gave up.
Overall, Patra’s grades reflect his view that the Cowboys’ move was the most successful, while the Steelers and Vikings made less advantageous trades.