Grading Every Trade from 2026 NFL Trade Deadline

The 2026 NFL trade deadline approaches on November 10 at 4 p.m. ET, and it could spur action among teams in the playoff hunt and clubs seeking more draft capital. Some of the hot-topic rumors could come to fruition.

League insiders have speculated about the trade markets for Jonathan Taylor, Josh Downs, and Brian Thomas Jr., but surprise moves often come down the pipeline.

Stay tuned here with Moe Moton , Gary Davenport , Brent Sobleski and Kris Knox for analysis and grades on all the trade deadline deals.

Lions Acquire S Andre Cisco from the Jets

New York Jets Received: 2028 sixth-round pick

Since Pro Bowl safety Brian Branch's return from a torn Achilles, the Detroit Lions defense has allowed 20 points or fewer to the Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings and Miami Dolphins. Yet they're still tying up loose ends on defense.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter , the Lions are adding Andre Cisco.

Cisco will reinforce the Lions secondary while All-Pro safety Kerby Joseph continues to work his way back from a serious knee injury.

In the first three weeks of the season, Cisco played at least 80 percent of the defensive snaps with the New York Jets. Then, he saw the field for fewer than 10 snaps in the next six outings, logging zero in Weeks 5 and 9.

Cisco had clearly fallen out of the Jets' safety rotation. That said, in nine games with Gang Green, he allowed a 63.5 passer rating when targeted in the passing game. Even though his coverage has been inconsistent as a center field safety, he may be best suited for a limited role in Detroit.

Jaguars Continue to Bolster Defense, Trade for Davon Godchaux

Jacksonville Jaguars Received: DT Davon Godchaux

New Orleans Saints Received: Conditional 2028 sixth-round pick

After a move for safety Jessie Bates III, the Jacksonville Jaguars continue to focus on the defense, adding Davon Godchaux.

According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz , the 2028 sixth-round pick to the New Orleans Saints would be upgraded to a 2027 sixth-rounder if the Jaguars acquire one as a compensation pick or through another trade.

Jacksonville needed a run-stopper after losing defensive tackle DaVon Hamilton for the season. Godchaux can fill that void. He's a 6'6", 330-pounder who's logged at least 40 tackles in eight of his first nine seasons.

With two transactions, the Jaguars have addressed their biggest defensive needs with solid to above-average additions. They've been proactive and logical with their pre-deadline moves so far.

After Week 4, Godchaux's snap count dropped below 30 percent in New Orleans, so it's no surprise the Saints dealt him for a late-round pick.

Jaguars Acquire S Jessie Bates III from the Falcons

Atlanta Falcons Received: 2027 second-round pick, 2028 fifth-round pick

Jacksonville Jaguars Received: S Jessie Bates III

The Jacksonville Jaguars made a strong move to strengthen their 22nd-ranked pass defense. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported the deal, which should boost the Jaguars' pass coverage.

Bates has been one of the league's top ball hawks, logging 74 pass breakups and 28 interceptions in nine seasons. He's registered at least three interceptions in all but one year and goes to Jacksonville with one for the season.

In Jacksonville, Bates should make an immediate impact in the secondary and provide reliable coverage to a unit that needs a big-play eraser on the back end. The Jaguars paid a hefty price for him, but in his age-29 season, he's still in his prime.

Bates has an expiring contract . So, the Atlanta Falcons managed to get premium draft capital for a player whom they probably weren't going to re-sign next offseason, given his age. While the move hurts the Falcons' pass defense in the short term, the new regime gets a pick it could use to find Bates' long-term replacement.