A steady stream of blockbuster moves ahead of the 2026 NFL trade deadline on Nov. 10 has redistributed top talent across the league. The Chicago Bears emerged as the biggest winners by acquiring perennial All-Pro defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons, while the Indianapolis Colts became the most aggressive sellers by dealing Quenton Nelson and DeForest Buckner. Trade watch continues for stars on struggling teams such as Jonathan Taylor, Khalil Mack, and George Pickens.
Oct. 29: Bears acquire Jeffery Simmons
The Bears sent a 2027 first-round pick, a 2028 first-round pick, and a 2027 fourth-round pick to the Tennessee Titans for Simmons and a 2028 fifth-round pick. Simmons made an immediate impact with a sack and a team-high six tackles in his debut, a 34-17 road win over the Seattle Seahawks. The trade grades: Bears A-, Titans C+.
Oct. 27: DeForest Buckner returns to 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers acquired Buckner from the Colts for a 2027 fourth-round pick. Buckner, a first-round pick of the 49ers in 2016, returns after six-plus years in Indianapolis to bolster a defensive line hit by injuries. Trade grades: 49ers A, Colts B+.
Oct. 27: Seahawks add Quenton Nelson
Seattle sent a 2027 third-round pick and a 2028 fifth-round pick to Indianapolis for the six-time All-Pro guard Nelson. The Seahawks have made impactful midseason additions in each of the past four years. Trade grades: Seahawks A, Colts C+.
Oct. 11: Texans trade for Marvin Harrison Jr.
Houston acquired Harrison and a 2027 seventh-round pick from the Arizona Cardinals for a 2027 second-round pick and a 2027 sixth-round pick. Harrison reunites with college quarterback C.J. Stroud. Trade grades: Texans C-, Cardinals B+.
Oct. 7: Ravens land Cam Jurgens
Baltimore received Jurgens and a 2027 seventh-round pick from the Philadelphia Eagles for a 2028 second-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick. The move addresses the Ravens' interior offensive line and allows Olaivavega Ioane to shift back to right guard. Trade grades: Ravens B+, Eagles B-.
Oct. 1: Cowboys acquire Joey Porter Jr.
Dallas sent a 2028 second-round pick and a conditional 2027 sixth-round pick (which vested after Porter was active for two games) to the Pittsburgh Steelers for the star cornerback. Porter allowed a 39.6 passer rating and just three completions on 11 targets in his first four games. Trade grades: Cowboys C, Steelers B-.
Sept. 28: Giants get J.J. McCarthy
New York acquired McCarthy from the Minnesota Vikings for a 2027 fifth-round pick after starter Jaxson Dart suffered torn knee ligaments. McCarthy threw for 243 yards and a touchdown in his first start, leading the Giants to a road win over the Texans. Trade grades: Giants C, Vikings B+.
