NFL trade deadline sees 18 in-season moves as Vikings, Bears and Jaguars make top acquisitions
The NFL trade deadline resulted in 18 deals, with the Vikings adding quarterback Kirk Cousins and the Bears acquiring defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons among the most impactful moves.
Teams completed 18 in-season trades by the 4 p.m. ET deadline on Tuesday, reshaping the Super Bowl race and addressing roster needs for both contenders and rebuilders. The Minnesota Vikings secured quarterback Kirk Cousins, a move expected to boost an offense that has relied on a league-best defense, while the Chicago Bears added three-time All-Pro defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons, who has already helped the Bears string together a four-game winning streak. Jacksonville also made two high-profile acquisitions, trading for defensive tackle Jordan Davis with a first-round pick and a 2029 second-rounder, and signing safety Jessie Bates III, a three-time All-Pro, for the remainder of the season.
Other notable deals include the Buffalo Bills’ purchase of safety Amani Hooker, the San Francisco 49ers’ reunion with defensive tackle DeForest Buckner, and the New York Giants’ acquisition of quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who has led the team to a 2-0 start as a starter. The Baltimore Ravens added quarterback Jacoby Brissett and center Cam Jurgens, while the Seattle Seahawks and Dallas Cowboys each took on players dealing with early injuries, guard Quenton Nelson and cornerback Joey Porter Jr. respectively. The remaining trades, such as the Kansas City Chiefs’ addition of wide receiver Josh Downs and the Denver Broncos’ pickup of linebacker Daiyan Henley, are viewed as depth moves that could influence playoff positioning.
Analysts note that the impact of each transaction will be judged by how well it addresses immediate contention goals and long-term roster building, with the Vikings, Bears and Jaguars positioned to benefit most from their aggressive deadline activity.