NFL trade deadline sees Vikings reacquire Kirk Cousins, Jaguars make aggressive moves
The 2026 NFL trade deadline featured the Vikings bringing back quarterback Kirk Cousins, the Jaguars trading multiple high picks for defensive talent, and the Bengals backing out of a deal that would have cost them a compensatory third-round pick.
The 2026 NFL trade deadline concluded with 23 teams completing 18 trades involving 19 players and 34 draft selections. The Minnesota Vikings acquired quarterback Kirk Cousins from the Las Vegas Raiders in exchange for a third-round pick, addressing concerns after Kyler Murray’s struggles and Carson Wentz’s poor performance. The move gives the Vikings a quarterback who has thrown 20 touchdowns this season and returns a familiar target for receivers Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison and T.J. Hockenson.
Jacksonville pursued an aggressive strategy, trading a second- and fifth-round pick for safety Jessie Bates III, a conditional sixth-round pick for defensive tackle Davon Godchaux, and a first- and second-round pick for defensive tackle Jordan Davis. The Jaguars aim to bolster their defense after injuries to Eric Murray and DaVon Hamilton, positioning themselves as a Super Bowl contender.
The Cincinnati Bengals attempted to acquire pass rusher Arnold Ebiketie from the Philadelphia Eagles for a sixth-round pick, but the deal would have also required surrendering a compensatory third-round pick for 2027. After realizing the error, the Bengals withdrew from the trade.
Other notable moves include the Kansas City Chiefs adding wide receiver Josh Downs from the Indianapolis Colts for fourth- and fifth-round picks, and the Buffalo Bills trading a second-round pick to the Tennessee Titans for safety Amani Hooker, strengthening their secondary.
Teams that made no significant acquisitions include the New York Giants, who remained quiet despite a need for additional talent, and the Los Angeles Rams, who did not engage in any trades despite injuries to key receivers.