NFL trade deadline 2026: Grades reveal four A-team performers, Rams and Chargers lag

The NFL trade deadline saw 18 transactions between the season’s start and the cut-off, including six deals on deadline day. The most notable move was quarterback Kirk Cousins returning to Minnesota in exchange for a third-round pick that went to the Las Vegas Raiders. Minnesota also sent rookie J.J. McCarthy to New York, setting up a potential wild-card matchup if the Giants and Vikings meet in the postseason.

Defensive tackles were active as well, with Chicago acquiring Jeffery Simmons from Tennessee and Jacksonville adding Jordan Davis from Philadelphia. Other defensive moves involved DeForest Buckner and Davon Godchaux changing teams.

Team grades varied across the league. In the AFC East, the Buffalo Bills earned a B+ after trading for safety Amani Hooker and a 2027 fifth-round pick, while the Miami Dolphins received a C- following injuries to quarterback Malik Willis and defensive tackle Zach Sieler. The New England Patriots were graded D+ after making no moves despite several roster injuries, and the New York Jets earned a B+ for trading Andre Cisco for a sixth-round pick.

In the AFC North, the Baltimore Ravens received a C for acquiring quarterback Jacoby Brissett and center Ryan Neuzil, whereas the Cincinnati Bengals earned an F after a failed attempt to trade for edge rusher Arnold Ebiketie. The Cleveland Browns were given a B- for remaining inactive, and the Pittsburgh Steelers received a C- after not securing a wide receiver.

The AFC South saw the Houston Texans graded C- for trading a second-round pick for wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., and the Indianapolis Colts earned a D+ after selling several assets but retaining running back Jonathan Taylor. Jacksonville earned a C+ for acquiring safety Jessie Bates III and defensive tackle Davon Godchaux, though the cost of defensive tackle Jordan Davis was deemed high. The Tennessee Titans received an A- for extracting multiple first-round picks and a second-round pick in exchange for Jeffery Simmons and Amani Hooker.

In the AFC West, the Denver Broncos earned an A- for adding linebacker Daiyan Henley, while the Kansas City Chiefs were graded B+ after acquiring wide receiver Josh Downs. The Las Vegas Raiders received an A for the Cousins trade, and the Los Angeles Chargers were given a D- after making only one minor transaction.

NFC East grades ranged from the Dallas Cowboys B- for staying inactive after earlier acquisitions, to the New York Giants B for maintaining their roster, and the Philadelphia Eagles A for trading for defensive tackle Jordan Davis and accumulating future draft capital. The Washington Commanders earned a D+ after limited activity.

In the NFC North, the Chicago Bears earned an A for the Jeffery Simmons trade, the Detroit Lions received a B- for adding cornerback Andre Cisco, and the Green Bay Packers were given a C+ for overall performance. The Minnesota Vikings earned a B- for the Cousins acquisition.

The NFC South saw the Atlanta Falcons earn an A- for trading safety Jessie Bates, the Carolina Panthers a C- for inactivity, the New Orleans Saints B+ for moving defensive tackle Davon Godchaux, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers a C+ for not adding a wide receiver.

Finally, in the NFC West, the Arizona Cardinals earned a B- for leveraging the Harrison and Brissett trades, the Los Angeles Rams received a D for giving up a mid-round pick, the San Francisco 49ers earned an A for acquiring veteran Buckner and Allen, and the Seattle Seahawks were graded B+ for their overall activity.